Southport café attracts 3,000 customers through digital strategy boost
Café 1821 in Southport has recorded more than 3,000 customer visits following a strategic shift in its digital marketing approach. The surge in footfall came after owner Sue Barker participated in a series of business support workshops designed to help local hospitality firms capitalize on Sefton’s major event season.
Digital strategy drives footfall at Café 1821
The increase in visitors highlights the tangible impact of social media optimization for small businesses. Despite the cancellation of the high-profile Crystal Palace event due to adverse weather, Café 1821 maintained high visibility. Sue Barker noted that the support provided by InvestSefton allowed the business to remain a top choice for residents and visitors navigating the town during the event season.
Councillor Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy & Skills, confirmed that the café’s success serves as a blueprint for other local firms. The ability to capture footfall even when external events face disruption demonstrates the resilience gained through improved marketing visibility.
Specialized training for Sefton business owners
The results followed two masterclasses held at Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa, attended by sixty business owners and managers from 40 local firms. These sessions were led by Lizzie Barnett of Studio Nine, an expert in digital presence. The training focused on selecting appropriate social media platforms, optimizing posting schedules, and linking digital content to large-scale regional events.
These workshops are part of a broader initiative by InvestSefton, which has already supported over 300 local businesses through its free workshop programme. Previous sessions have covered essential sectors including hospitality management, customer experience, and general marketing strategies.
Accessing local business support
InvestSefton operates as Sefton Council’s dedicated enterprise and inward investment service. The program provides free information, advice, and access to various services for businesses of any size or sector within the borough.
Business owners looking to improve their digital footprint or scale their operations can contact the InvestSefton team at 0151 934 3452 or via investsefton@sefton.gov.uk. The service remains focused on ensuring the local economy benefits from the ongoing season of events across Southport and the wider Sefton area.
Source: Sefton Council
