Local Coffee Shops in Depok Boost Sales Using Professional Photography and Instagram Marketing Strategies
DEPOK – Small business owners in the coffee industry are successfully increasing their market visibility by adopting professional digital branding techniques. A research team from Jakarta Global University, led by Muhsin, conducted an intensive community service project in January 2026 to help local coffee shop MSMEs in Depok City transition from traditional sales to modern digital marketing. By teaching entrepreneurs how to create high-quality product photography and manage Instagram business accounts, the Jakarta Global University team demonstrated that professional aesthetics directly correlate with higher consumer engagement and business sustainability in the digital age.
The Digital Challenge for Local Coffee Entrepreneurs
The coffee shop industry in Indonesia, particularly in urban areas like Depok, has become a vital pillar of the local economy. However, many Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) continue to struggle with the rapid shift toward online consumer behavior. While large coffee chains dominate social media, local shops often lack the technical skills to present their products effectively.
Researchers from Jakarta Global University identified that the primary barrier for these businesses is not a lack of quality products, but a "digital visual gap". In a marketplace where customers "eat with their eyes" first, low-quality photos and inactive social media profiles prevent local shops from attracting younger, tech-savvy demographics. This research addresses the urgent need for digital literacy to ensure these small businesses remain competitive against larger franchises.
Simplified Methodology: Hands-On Digital Training
To bridge this gap, Muhsin and the Jakarta Global University team designed a practical training program for coffee shop owners in the Depok area. The study utilized a qualitative descriptive approach, focusing on direct skills transfer rather than abstract theory.
The program, conducted on January 10, 2026, involved several key stages:
- Visual Content Workshops: Participants learned the fundamentals of product photography using accessible equipment like smartphones, focusing on lighting, angles, and composition to make beverages look appetizing.
- Instagram Business Setup: The team guided owners through the technical steps of converting personal profiles into professional business accounts, emphasizing the use of "Bio" links and contact buttons.
- Content Scheduling: Entrepreneurs were taught how to create a "content pillar" strategy to ensure consistent posting, which is a critical factor for the Instagram algorithm.
- Interactive Evaluation: The researchers monitored the participants' progress through direct observation and follow-up interviews to measure the immediate impact of the new marketing materials.
Key Findings: Professional Imagery Drives Engagement
The intervention by the Jakarta Global University researchers yielded immediate and measurable improvements for the participating coffee shops. The results highlight how small technical changes can lead to significant business shifts:
- Improved Brand Perception: After the workshop, participants successfully produced high-resolution images that gave their shops a more professional and trustworthy appearance.
- Increased Reach: Accounts that began using optimized hashtags and professional photos saw a notable rise in profile visits and follower interactions.
- Sales Conversion: Shop owners reported that customers often cited specific Instagram posts as the reason for their visit or order.
- Digital Independence: The training empowered owners to manage their own digital presence without the need for expensive marketing agencies.
Real-World Impact on Business Sustainability
The broader implications of this Jakarta Global University study suggest that digital literacy is a form of economic empowerment. When local coffee shops master Instagram marketing, they do more than just sell coffee; they build a community brand that can survive economic fluctuations.
For the city of Depok, this means a more resilient local economy. For the education sector, it highlights the importance of universities taking an active role in community development. As Muhsin and his colleagues noted, the success of an MSME in the modern era depends heavily on its ability to adapt to the visual language of the internet.
"Digital marketing based on Instagram, supported by high-quality product photography, plays a vital role in increasing the understanding and skills of coffee shop MSME actors," the Jakarta Global University research team concluded. "This presence is not just a promotion tool, but a long-term strategy for business sustainability in the digital era".
Author Profile
Muhsin is a lead researcher and academic at Jakarta Global University, specializing in Management within the Faculty of Economics and Business. His work focuses on empowering small businesses through technological adoption and digital marketing strategies. He collaborated on this project with a dedicated team from Jakarta Global University, including Aisyah Putri Dahlia, Nur Fujianti, Muhammad Sabih Ziyadatullah, Zaky Darmawan, Suci Ayu Sudari, Hadi Wijaya, Noviyanti, Dwi Rachmawati, and Alfi Maghfuriyah.
Source Information
- Article Title: Instagram-Based Digital Marketing with Product Photography for Coffee Shop SMEs in Depok City
Journal Name: Indonesian Journal of Contemporary Multidisciplinary Research (MODERN)
Publication Year: 2026
- DOI/URL:
https://doi.org/10.55927/modern.v5i1.24 URL Jurnal: https://journalmodern.my.id/index.php/MODERN/index

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