Branding is no longer what we see on TV or read in magazines; it has become interactive and personal. Small businesses, in particular, need to create a strong relationship with their existing customers, and especially their prospective customers. These relationship efforts should go beyond a simple purchase, and what’s a better way to create a bond with someone than through food?

Custom printed paper ice cream cups are one way to show your customer base that you care about them and want to give them a delicious and memorable experience. Plus, it’s a fun and easy way to market your shop!

There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re marketing your shop with branded custom ice cream cups and ways to promote them. We’ll share eight tips to help you get started with your marketing efforts.

Go Green

1. Keep Your Branding Consistent

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to make sure that your custom ice cream cups match the overall aesthetic of your shop. Your target audience should be able to immediately recognize your brand when they see your cups.

Here’s a few things that you should consistently have for your branding:

  • Feature your brand colors and logo on your cups
  • Choose a design that matches your brand aesthetic
  • Make sure the font and messaging is consistent with your brand voice
  • Consider using the same ice cream cup design on other marketing materials, such as flyers or social media advertising
  • Train employees to communicate brand messaging and values to new customers
  • Use the same cups across all locations, if applicable
  • Keep an eye on your target audience feedback to ensure your branding resonates with them

Many local businesses make the mistake of using different fonts, colors, and logos on their cups than they do on their other marketing materials, like on their social media platforms. This can be confusing for customers and make your brand look disorganized.

It’s important to have a strong branding strategy in place before you start designing your cups. Once you know what colors and fonts represent your brand, you can start thinking about how to incorporate them into your cup design.

2. Use High-Quality Images

The quality of your images will directly impact the perceived quality of your brand. That’s why it’s important to use high-resolution images on your ice cream cup design (and all of your marketing materials and social media platforms!).

When new customers see a well-designed cup, they’ll automatically associate your business with professional quality and may even create social media posts with them. On the other hand, if your cups are blurry or pixelated, customers will likely perceive your brand as being cheap or low-quality.

By utilizing high-quality images in your marketing efforts, you can effectively showcase the appeal of your custom ice cream cups and entice customers to visit your shop. Remember, compelling visuals have the power to capture attention, evoke emotions, and ultimately drive sales and customer engagement.

Go Green

3. Keep Your Design Simple For Your Potential Customers

Your customers are going to be looking at your custom ice cream cups for just a few seconds, as a business owner you need to make sure that your design is simple and easy to understand.

That means using minimal text and clear images that represent your brand. Your prospective customers should be able to understand your message without having to spend a lot of time deciphering it.

Your design should also be easy to read from a distance. Use bold colors and large font sizes so that people can see your message even if they’re not standing right in front of your cups.

Here are some tips on how to keep your custom ice cream cup design simple for potential new customers:

  • Limit the number of colors:
    Using too many colors can make the design feel cluttered and overwhelming. Stick to two or three colors that match your brand aesthetic.
  • Use bold, simple shapes:
    Using bold, simple shapes can make the design easy to read and understand at a glance. Avoid complex shapes or intricate details that can be difficult to discern.
  • Focus on one main message:
    Determine what the most important message is that you want to convey to potential customers and make that the focal point of the design.
  • Use easy-to-read fonts:
    Choose fonts that are easy to read and legible, even from a distance. Avoid overly ornate or complicated fonts that can be difficult to read.
  • Avoid too much text:
    While it’s important to include messaging on your custom ice cream cups, avoid using too much text. Stick to a few key phrases or a tagline that is easy to remember.
  • Use negative space:
    Incorporating negative space into the design can make it feel more modern and sleek while also making it easier to read and understand.
  • Consider a minimalist approach:
    A simple, minimalist design can be just as effective as a more complex one, especially when it comes to branding. Sometimes, less is more in this case for your custom ice cream cup design.

By following these tips, you can create a design that is easy to understand and effectively markets your shop to potential customers.

4. Use Attractive Colors on Your Custom Ice Cream Cups

Color is one of the most important elements of your custom ice cream cup design. The colors you use will determine how attractive your cups are to customers. Believe it or not, colors affect our moods and emotions. That’s why it’s important to choose colors that reflect the tone of your brand.

For example, if you want your local customers to feel happy and excited when they see your cups, you might use bright, primary colors. Or if you want your repeat customers to feel more relaxed, you might use cooler, pastel colors.

Think about the emotions you want your customers to feel when they see your custom ice cream bowls, and then choose colors that will evoke those emotions. By doing so, you’ll be more likely to grab customers’ attention and make a lasting impression.

5. Get Creative With Your Text

In addition to using attractive colors, you can also use text to make your cups more eye-catching.

Again, because customers will only be looking at your cups for a few seconds, it’s important to use concise and easy-to-read text. But that doesn’t mean your text has to be boring.

Get creative with your fonts and experiment with different sizes and styles. Just make sure that your text is still legible from a distance.

6. Add a Decorative Element

Another way to make your cups more eye-catching is to add a decorative element. This could be anything from a colorful pattern to a simple graphic.

A decorative element can help to break up the text on your cups and make them more visually appealing. Just make sure that your decorative element is still relevant to your brand and doesn’t overwhelm the rest of your design.

Here are some examples of what to add to your custom ice cream cups to help target your potential customers for your marketing strategy:

  • Colorful patterns
  • Custom illustrations
  • Quotes or phrases
  • Texture
  • Metallic finishes
  • Bright or neon colors
  • Edible decorations
  • Seasonal themes
  • Unique shapes
  • Interactive elements

7. Use High-Quality Materials for Your Retail Marketing Strategy

The material of your cup can also affect the perceived quality of your brand. If you use high-quality materials, your customers will automatically assume that your brand is also high-quality.

For example, you could use paper cups that feature leak-proof interior lining and offer a comfortable grip that won’t let your fingertips get too cold. On the other hand, you could even serve your scoops in 8oz or 9oz PET cold cups if you prefer using plastic.

Either option can make your ice cream servings enjoyable for your customers. Just make sure to use high-quality materials for your ice cream cups.

8. Work With a Professional to Get to Your Target Audience

If you want to ensure that your cups are eye-catching and professional, it’s important to work with a professional.

At Your Brand Cafe, we have a team of experienced designers who will work with you to create the perfect design for your brand. We also use high-quality materials and state-of-the-art printing techniques to make sure that your cups are of the highest quality.

Market Your Shop For Maximum Results for Your Retail Marketing Strategies

Custom ice cream cups can be a powerful marketing tool for ice cream shops looking to stand out from the competition. Whether you’re using them to promote new flavors, generate buzz around your shop, or reward loyal customers in your local community, custom ice cream cups offer a fun and creative way to engage with your audience.

There are a number of things you can do to make your custom ice cream cups more eye-catching. From using attractive colors to adding a decorative element for social media users to create social media posts about, there are plenty of ways to make your cups stand out. As small business owners, just make sure that you keep your brand in mind and don’t overwhelm your design.

When designing your custom ice cream cups, make sure to consider factors like the design, materials, and branding. And don’t be afraid to get creative! By using custom ice cream cups strategically, you can build brand awareness, encourage repeat business, and create a memorable experience for your customers.

Kyle Spearin

Kyle is a Boston native with a knack for SEO, writing, and editing content. Over the past three years, he's worked with venture backed startups and small businesses to expand their online presence. When he's not working on content, he enjoys hiking, football, and traveling with his wife.

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