Modern approaches towards visual communications in promoting HoReCa sphere

Abstract

The growing role of social networks in the processes of interaction with the audience, as well as changes in people’s perception of information towards the prevalence of visual data, offer new promotion opportunities. Emphasis is placed on the visual communication in the Internet environment through website or other digital media with image content. The authors describe the relevant results of implementation of creative ideas for the well-known coffee shop chain in the resort city of Sochi. The subject of this research is the use of visual communications in promoting a coffee shop. The study employs the methods of observation, SWOT analysis, sociological survey of target audience, communication audit, and brand visualization. The goal of this article lies in examination and development of visual communications in HoReCa sales (hotel and restaurant business) on the example of the coffee shop “SURF Coffee”. The authors aim to explore the concept of visual communications in marketing and the potential of visual merchandizing in brand promotion, as well as to formulate and implement the ideas on the development of visual communications in digital environment, calculate the effect of implementation of the proposed measures. Attractive visual content is currently the foundation of online promotion, namely in SMM. This includes the design, arrangement, overall color scheme, and style of posts. Therefore, it is very important to optimize the appearance of corporate accounts of HoReCa enterprises in social networks. It is indicated that the current design should be dynamic and correspond to the global trends and events. However, the presence of “live” and unique photo and video content that brings the brand closer to its target audience is crucial. It creates the "presence effect", enticing the potential guests to visit the coffee shop.