Perth has one of the most sophisticated coffee cultures in the world. Walk down any strip in Leederville, Mt Lawley, or Freo, and you’re shoulder-to-shoulder with excellent baristas and smashed avo options.
In such a saturated market, “good coffee” is no longer a unique selling point—it’s the bare minimum entry requirement. To thrive, you need to understand exactly where you fit in the ecosystem. This isn’t about obsessing over others; it’s about strategic positioning.
Step 1: Identify Your True Competitors
Not every place selling caffeine is your rival. Categorise them:
Direct Competitors
Establishments with a similar concept, price point, and target audience within a walking/driving radius.
- Example: You run a specialty brunch spot; the trendy cafe three doors down is a direct competitor.
Indirect Competitors
Places that solve the same problem (hunger/caffeine need) but in a different way.
- Example: The local bakery (cheaper/faster), the juice bar (healthier), or even the McDonalds McCafe (convenience/drive-thru).
Step 2: The ‘Digital Doorway’ Audit
Most customers will judge you against your competitors online before they visit. Compare your digital footprint:
Google Business Profile
Look at the top 3 competitors in your suburb.
- Review Count: Do they have 50 or 500?
- Rating: Is there a gap? A 4.8 vs a 4.2 is massive.
- Photos: Are their menu photos professional or dark user-generated shots?
- Response Rate: Do they reply to reviews?
Social Media Presence
- Consistency: Are they posting daily or monthly?
- Content: Is it just coffee art, or do they show people/lifestyle?
- Engagement: Do locals comment and tag friends?
The Opportunity: If their photos are old and they ignore reviews, you can win simply by being active, responsive, and visually appealing.
Step 3: Menu & Pricing Gap Analysis
You don’t need to be cheaper, but your pricing must make sense relative to the market.
Create a simple spreadsheet:
- Flat White (Regular) Price
- Smashed Avo (Standard) Price
- Vegan Options Count
- Kids Menu Availability
Look for the ‘White Space’:
- Scenario: Everyone in the area serves a heavy, egg-focused brunch.
- Opportunity: Launch a lighter, health-focused “Superfood” menu section.
- Scenario: No one opens before 7:00 AM.
- Opportunity: Open at 6:00 AM to capture the tradie and gym crowd.
Step 4: The ‘Mystery Shopper’ Experience
Go in as a customer (or send a friend). Pay attention to the intangibles:
- Greeting: Was it instant or did you wait?
- Speed: Time from order to table.
- Vibe: Music volume, seating comfort, temperature.
- Wifi/Power: crucial if you want to attract the ‘work from cafe’ crowd.
Step 5: Read Their Complaints
This is your secret weapon. Go to their 1-star and 2-star reviews on Google.
Common Complaints to Look For:
- “Coffee was cold.” -> Your Strategy: Implement rigorous temp checks.
- “Too noisy/crowded.” -> Your Strategy: Install acoustic panels and market a “relaxed” vibe.
- “Not kid-friendly.” -> Your Strategy: Add high chairs and a colouring station.
You are literally building your business model on their failures.
Actionable Strategy: The ‘Only’ Statement
After this analysis, complete this sentence:
“We are the only cafe in [Suburb Name] that…”
- …roasts our own beans on-site.
- …has a dedicated secure play area for toddlers.
- …offers a full keto-friendly menu.
- …delivers coffee to local offices.
If you can’t finish that sentence, you are vulnerable. Using this competitor analysis helps you find your “Only.”
Need help defining your brand or visualising your unique offering? Amplify Creative Lab helps Perth hospitality businesses stand out through strategic web design and food photography. Talk to us about auditing your digital presence today.