Ice cream practically sells itself. That’s because it’s everyone’s favorite and almost all would stand in line for a pint or a cone. However, advertising your business is encouraged to help raise sales and distinguish yourself from the competition.
You can advertise your ice cream business on social media, in ice cream contests, at local grocery stores and restaurants, at food and music festivals in your area, and at parties and events.
In this article, I’ll go through the various areas where you can market your ice cream business. I’ll also provide some advertising tips. So, keep reading.
On Social Media
In this day and age, social media is where consumers congregate. So, it is the best place to advertise any business.
According to 2022 statistics, there are 4.59 billion social media users globally. That’s about half of the world’s population and is expected to increase in the future. In other words, the majority of your consumers can be found on social media.
You need to have a strong social media presence to effectively advertise your ice cream shop. You can share photos of your Instagrammable ice cream products to help you attract consumers.
Some popular social media trends for 2023:
1. TikTok
According to an article, Tiktok presently has 1.023 billion active users and it is projected to increase in the future as the platform strives to be a super app. So, it is ideal to use this medium for marketing your ice cream business.
Here are some pointers for marketing your business on TikTok:
- Share your stories and add value
- Use trending hashtags
- Use popular songs
- Be the first to leave a comment
- Post regularly
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2. Instagram Reels
Instagram Reels took inspiration from TikTok. Its users grew by 220 million in 2022. Additionally, 62% of Instagram users claim they use Reels for product and brand research. That’s why it’s also an effective platform where to advertise your ice cream business.
You may use some of these tips on utilizing IG Reels:
- Use appropriate music or sounds
- Display your branding
- Hire a content producer
- Make teasers and product reveal videos
- Stick to the Reel structure guide
Ice Cream Contests
You can also promote your ice cream business in ice cream competitions. You can either participate in or host a contest. This is an effective way to increase brand awareness and establish a strong connection with customers.
In your ice cream shop, you can hold ice cream eating and making contests. For example, for your store’s anniversary, you could organize an ice cream eating contest. This way, customers will remember how your ice cream products taste and feel linked to your brand.
You can also compete in ice cream events. For example, you can attempt to set a new ice cream-related Guinness World Record. It will help in spreading the word about your brand over the world.
For your reference, here are some ice cream-related Guinness World Records:
- Largest Ice Cream Shop – The Ice Cream Farm
- Largest Scoop of Ice Cream – Kemps LLC
- Largest Ice Cream Sundae – Palm Dairies
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Local Grocery Stores and Restaurants
Grocery stores and restaurants are good venues where you can advertise your frozen delights. Collaboration with them can help you efficiently increase your sales and establish connections with your local community.
To give you an idea, here are some ways how you can partner with your local grocery stores and restaurants to advertise your products:
- Create a Taste Bar – You can put up a sample booth for your ice cream brand in collaboration with your local grocery shops. This way, you’ll be able to reach more people and tell them how delicious your ice cream is.
- Make a Sundae Bar – In partnership with local restaurants, you can set up a sundae bar. This will help you sell more ice cream and raise brand awareness.
Food and Music Festivals in Your Area
Your ice cream brand can also be promoted at food and music festivals. Because of the large number of participants, it is most certainly the best location for advertising. To give you an idea, the average number of people that attend a music festival is 100,000.
If you own an ice cream truck, you will find it simpler to promote yourself at festivals and earn more money. According to an article, food trucks can earn $50,000 or more at a multi-day festival such as Coachella or Bonnaroo.
You can use these tools for finding festivals in your area:
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Parties and Events
You can also promote your ice cream brand efficiently at parties. It can be a child’s birthday celebration, a wedding reception, or a corporate event. This will help you in raising brand recognition, connect with potential investors, and establish strong bonds with your consumers.
To give you an idea, you could provide ice cream party catering services. You are free to bring your best flavors and toppings, as well as party necessities such as party hats. A sundae bar is also ideal. This will help you build a positive brand image and attract more young and adult customers.
Conclusion
All in all, you can advertise your ice cream business:
- On Social Media – Nowadays, social media is the best place to advertise any business. You can utilize platforms like Instagram and Tiktok.
- In Ice Cream Contests – You can market your ice cream shop through ice cream competitions. You can either join as a contestant or host the contest.
- At Local Grocery Stores and Restaurants – Collaboration with nearby grocery stores and restaurants can also help promote your ice cream brand. You can, for example, set up tasting booths and sundae bars.
- At Food and Music Festivals in Your Area – You can also promote your ice cream brand in these community events where food and music are celebrated..
- At Parties and Events – You can promote your ice cream brand at a birthday party for a kid, a wedding reception, or a corporate event.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some ideas to make your ice cream business stand out: 1) Consider alternatives to ice cream, 2) Try a traditional soda fountain, 3) Load up on soft serve, 4) Make artisanal ice cream, 5) Serve local and seasonal flavors, 6) Use distinctive ingredients, and 7) Make on-the-go snacks.
Here are some timeless ice cream slogans: 1) We do ice cream better, 2) The Coolest Since the 80s, 3) Eat it before it melts, 4) An unforgettable dessert experience, and 5) Make your day with our scoop.
To learn more on how to start your own ice cream/gelato business check out my startup documents here
This blog post is provided for informational purposes only. The information contained is not intended to constitute legal advice or to substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified attorney.
Hi! I am Shawn and I am a happy individual who happens to be an entrepreneur. I have owned several types of businesses in my life from a coffee shop to an import and export business to an online review business plus a few more and now I create online ice cream/gelato business resources for those interested in starting new ventures. It’s demanding work but I love it. I do it for those passionate about their business and their goals. That’s why when I meet a ice cream/gelato business owner, I see myself. I know how hard the struggle is to retain clients, find good employees and keep the business growing all while trying to stay competitive.
That’s why I created Ice Cream Business Boss: I want to help ice cream and gelato business owners like you build a thriving business that brings you endless joy and supports your ideal lifestyle.