Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. Social Media Marketing Case Study Presented by Adam Singer Blog: TheFutureBuzz.com Twitter: @AdamSinger

<intro about Adam>

I work here…

http://www.TopRankMarketing.com

As a digital marketing account manager

blog here…

http://www.TheFutureBuzz.com

and Tweet here…

@AdamSinger

</intro>

A little about Joffrey’s…

Fair Trade Importer of premium coffees and teas from exotic locations

Roasted fresh in Tampa, Fla.

Sold at retail locations across the southeast

Also provides product to many high quality businesses such as:

And of course product also is available at Joffreys.com

How to build their brand in social media?

Target a niche audience…

What do the following have in common?

A: they’re all in beta

Web 2.0: perpetual beta

and…

Java is code…

… and coffee

Did you figure it out yet?

Joffrey’s Java Beta Test

We created a page where bloggers could sign up to “beta test” java (the coffee variety)

Once a blogger clicked “sign up now” they were taken to this page:

On the backend, we approved bloggers

Bloggers then received an email saying they had been approved, just like in a real software beta

Bloggers clicked the email link to complete participation and were taken to this page:

Bloggers filled out their shipping address to get java to test and a quick survey about their coffee preferences

We then shipped them a sample pouch of “ Jamaican Me Crazy ” blend of Joffrey’s java to test.

And added a link to their blog to the beta site so other testers would have something to read while they enjoy Joffrey’s Coffee

Also a quick thanks to Damien Huze @ Wake Interactive for developing the web app

http://www.WakeInteractive.com

But, how to get beta testers?

I simply sent out some quick emails and Tweets to a few friends, posted a press release to the wires, drafted a blog post and it spread from there

And around 50 more links/postings, prior to even sending out samples

It resonated because: We offered a tangible freebie (coffee) We gave bloggers linkage We wrapped the promotion with messaging that was “sticky” It was never a requirement you had to link to Joffrey’s or write about the test to participate It targeted the right people with the right idea

Once the testers started sampling, the real magic began… Here are just a few reviews

Comments such as the following were common in both public blog posts and private emails sent to our team: “ Joffrey’s is now my new official coffee” “ This is so much better than my usual blend” “ Send more please!”

Results of the test?

1,500+ blogs participating

Thousands of mentions for the campaign throughout the Web

Hundreds of comments, responses and feedback from bloggers and the Web community

Editorial coverage on sites like: Mashable, CNET, KillerStartups, MarketingFM, MattsCuppa, MoBuzz TV and over 300 more high quality digital and traditional publications

Organic links generated at scale to the beta site and Joffreys.com

Strong referral traffic to Joffreys.com in 5 months surrounding test, trend up in sales from social destinations.

The test also received coverage in traditional media

“ The buzz wasn’t just about the coffee: Bloggers applauded Joffrey’s marketing savvy as well. The Java Beta Test is a great idea. – Chris Alden, CEO of Six Apart ( article link )

And won 2 awards

The Association of Women In Communication 2009 National Clarion Award Best Online Marketing Campaign Joffrey’s Java Beta Test http://www.womcom.org/awards/Clarion2009.asp Gold Coast PR Council 2009 South Florida Bernays Awards Best Branding Campaign Joffrey’s Java Beta Test http://www.goldcoastprcouncil.com/bernaysaward.html

<Phase 2>

During the beta test, participants were asked to fill out a survey.

An open ended question asked bloggers…

If you could create a coffee flavor, what would it be?

Most common answers were some incantation of a bold, extra caffeinated blend.

Also, more than half of bloggers have 2 cups of coffee a day or more.

We shared all the data with Joffrey’s Roastmaster who came up with a blend of coffee to spec.

It was crowdsourced java, created by bloggers, for bloggers. But, what to name it?

One clever blogger submitted the following response.

Coffee 2.0 Eric Friedman, blogger at Marketing.FM

So, Joffrey’s made it.

The promotional materials should look like a software upgrade, since this is version 2.0

We shipped 1,000 US beta testers a sample pouch along with the “installation flier” on the previous slide

It was only fair the people who inspired the blend would get to try it before the rest of the world.

Plus, it was an opportunity for a new round of publicity and exposure, continuing the beta test narrative.

Just a small sampling of the buzz generated:

Links with detailed case study info: Java Beta Test Case Study Coffee 2.0 Case Study

Thank you for clicking through. One last thing – Do you want to learn how to build similar buzz for your brand, blog or website? I share how to create effective online marketing strategies at The Future Buzz. And, it’s free. (But our industry moves fast – subscribe and stay ahead of the curve) Click to get updates via RSS Click to get updates via email www.TheFutureBuzz.com