Starbucks Shines Through Social Media

How Starbucks uses Social Media Channels to Promote

In 2010 Starbucks was named the most popular consumer brand on the social web; this was stated by a survey that was taken by ICT of brands. While the survey was taking place Starbucks had already reached over 705,000 followers on Twitter and well over 5 million Facebook fans.

ITC could not confirm that by having a large amount of fans generated high profits. Although they weren’t sure if it created profits, it’s safe to say that having such a large fan base through these social media channels is how Starbucks reached ultimate brand awareness.

The strategy for Starbucks has been getting great reviews due to its high consumer engagement. Its actively involved through social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter and they also have their own YouTube channel.  

Objective: Starbucks has made a great impact on social media and wants to keep that up. Its objective is to drive consumer engagement with the brand.

For example: The company has let customers connect with employees, this way they can be able to decide what kind of arts, books and music they want to see being offered in the store.

Target Audience: Anyone who is part of the social community, Starbucks wants to have the chance to connect with them. Whether they are a Facebook fan or Twitter Follower, Starbucks wants users to interact with the company so they feel they play a role in decision making processes.  

Issues and Opportunities: The opportunity Starbucks receives is on microblogging. By being on Twitter Starbucks is concentrated on answering questions and re-tweeting what people have to say about the brand.

Strategy: Starbucks strategy is to always push consumer engagement. Wanting to stay on the throne of social media it will keep showing its customers that they care about what they have to say.

Tactics: By keeping consumers in the loop, consumers feel that they are a part of Starbucks. As long as Starbucks uses the high level of consumer engagement tactic, they will be successful on and offline.

Measurement: A successful way to track measurement is the number of followers on their blogs, Twitter followers, and fans on Facebook and even the number of views and subscribers of their YouTube channel.


Starbucks has been doing a great job in Social Media! Being on top of the game brings on a lot of perks but also a great sense of responsibility. Starbucks will forever put their customers first!

-Matthew Molina
@MatthewDMolina