Starbucks' Brand Recognition with its E-Commerce Initiatives continuation:
With the advancement of technology, big companies are shifting online. When Starbucks launch their online store or web store, both existing and future customers can order Starbucks’ products at the comfort of their homes, while at work, or on vacation.
Through their store, SB can sell their offerings like coffees, teas, or even merchandise that gives a more convenient and better way of shopping for their customers. Because of the online stores, online customers also have the privilege to get exclusive promos from the company.
This way, it increases awareness to the online shoppers about Starbucks. When customers have a good experience ordering through their online store, when they think of coffee, they will immediately think of Starbucks.
Starbucks on Marriage Equality Bill
Howard Schultz, the CEO of Starbucks said the company endorsed Marriage Equality Bill not to make money, but to embrace diversity. The company supported same-sex marriage. The company employs over 200,000 people and it wants to have inclusivity in all forms. Starbucks also has teamed up with a foundation to make a kinder and more compassionate place for the LGBTQ community. Their vocal support for the LGBTQ community has been evident for over three decades now.
Base on my point of view, Starbucks’ initiating discussions about nonbusiness topics like the Marriage Equality Bill has its hidden agenda. It is not new for companies to support the LGBTQ community because their population is large and it is growing every day. The LGBTQ population has one of the biggest spending power. This means that they get to buy whatever they want, whenever they want it, wherever they may be. They are the most attractive and powerful market for companies that offers products and services that gives them great experiences. Furthermore, this LGBTQ community supports the companies that are vocal in supporting their rights and in whatever they are fighting for. They are willing to spend so much money on these companies.
However, discussing topics that are out of business is also good for Starbucks to know what their customers think of certain social or political events. It is best for both the company and the customer to interact regarding their stands on what is happening outside of the business. This way, Starbucks get to know their customers better by looking into their thoughts. Initiating discussions on Facebook can also serve as free advertising as people who don’t buy Starbucks’ products and their loyal customers will be able to interact with each other. Thus, Facebook is a great venue to engage with potential and existing customers.
Starbucks' Customers on its various EC initiatives
Customers are the life of a company. For a company to survive, they have to keep engaging with their customers and the customers’ involvement should be on top of their priority on whatever programs or projects they launch. The EC initiatives of Starbucks never failed to keep their customers involved and engaged.
The Online Store of Starbucks was made particularly for its customers. The web store gives its customers convenience because they want their customers to have stress-free shopping. When the company redesigned its online store, it was for their customers to have a better experience. To keep them engaged, Starbucks gives exclusive promotions to its solid customers. With mobile payments, paying for the products the customers ordered are made simpler and easier. This is another initiative from the company to deliver what the customers want from them- faster transactions. The customers demand what they want, and the company delivers what is demanded.
Every company wants loyal customers. Through their loyalty program, the involvement of customers is high. With this program, the customers are kept engaged whenever they buy coffee or tea from the company. Because it is managed electronically, the comfort of their customers is also taken care of. Additionally, with the customization of gift cards or the e-gift card program of Starbucks, the company is always thinking of innovative ways are on how they are keeping themselves close to their customers’ hearts. With a convenient way of paying for the cards, it gives the customers nothing to worry about.
Social media is very important to keep the customers involved and engaged with the company. By regularly updating their Facebook pages with contents that are engaging and relevant, they are keeping their customers involved. Their presence on LinkedIn and Google+ means that they want their customers to be updated with their business data and their new hires. By updating their Twitter and Instagram accounts, they keep their customers informed with their newest marketing campaigns.
These small acts of keeping their customers engaged and involved are what puts Starbucks at the top of their industry.
Amazing