It looks friendlier with the pretty stripes and colours, I like your teddy and 2nd birthday cakes but I'm not a big fan of glitter or sparkle on food, not least because it highlights little bumps on fondant. The best investment you could make would be professional sharp photo's with your work as the star of the photoshoot.
I don't sell cakes so others may have better advice but I am a discerning customer who prefers a bespoke cake to Asda or M&S, therefore the finish has to at least equal what I would get from those fine establishments.
Thanks, I think it's more cheerful now :) you caught me, I do love sparkly bits lol I hadn't thought of that, so I'll ease up on it in future! Any other ideas cakers? I've split the christening cakes off on their own page, as they tend to be bigger cakes and I've got two orders coming soon, which will add to the page. It doesn't quite seem right to put them in with the rest of the (mostly) birthday cakes.
Bump! Please take a look at the improved version ladies and let me know what you like/don't like x
I love the new banner. The pink and white stripes is happy and friendly yet not over the top. I don't see the Christening cakes you said you put on their own page.
AHi Nikki,
I know your post is a few days old, but I'm a few steps behind you (maybe quite a few). But I'm also a newbie so I'll tell you my first thoughts when I looked at the site. You may have already gotten these comments, but I'm too ADHD to patiently read through all the replies.
First off, kudos to you! Please don't take any if this offensively, but honestly the pics along would not land my sale. Your pics need to pop, get your backgrounds going (not too much as you don't want to take away from your artwork). Also, some of the cakes weren't very smooth looking.
Consider who you're marketing to, if everyone, then you have to appeal to everyone. Girly girls, like girly stuff. Do more cupcakes with bows, glitter, colors that pop! And for guys, guy stuff. If you don't know how to or don't have the supplies to, invest in your business because that's investing in yourself.
I know in the future you will update your site and I can't wait to see it. I usually look at others websites to get ideas only, I don't think there's anything wrong with that. I'm new to the forum so this post may not post right away. I think you have to show a certain amount of activity before posts will show.
Good luck with everything!
Thanks sha1col, I'm working on replacing the worst pics with new cake or dummy ones. I'm not sure who I appeal to most, I started on FB and it's been mostly mums who order for their kids or partners. You have a point, I haven't been asked for many guy cakes and maybe that needs to change! I appreciate your honesty, I'm too close to this to step back any more! Any more feedback welcome :) for instance, did you see all the information you would need to know? Or did it leave you with questions? TIA
I'm back :) been a busy bee making lots of changes so please do take a look, any feedback appreciated, first impression good or amateur? x
AI love the changes that you made. I can definitely see your versatility now! Good job and good luck! I can't wait to get my website setup.
I'm so glad you said that Ruffle, it was a pain in the neck to edit it but more people are using mobile internet so hopefully it'll be worth it :) I'm replacing the oldest pics as I make new ones, so gradually all the pics will have the same plain background too. AzCouture, I have read many of your posts and respect your opinion, so YAY!! :D
Hi
Not had time to read through all the replies, so forgive me if I'm repeating anything.
1. You can't access the Testimonials and Prices & Contact page from your home page.
2. In the UK, standard portions are 1" x 2". Allowing for human error in cutting, you're about right for a 7" round, but an 8" round will give around 20 portions, a 9" round approx 27 portions, and a 7" square around 20 portions. A 5" x 10" rectangle around 22-24-ish portions.
3. Your prices are quite low!!!
Suzanne x
Edited to make more sense, sorry - I make 3 inch high cakes usually, is that the standard height for a slice? Or should they be taller to provide the number of slices you said? Thanks :)
I'd say 3" is an average height. Supermarkets are shallower, for sure. Most of mine are around 3.5", with wedding cakes being nearer 4".
Thank you, I've adjusted the servings accordingly! I've also re-thought my prices, I don't want to undercharge, are these better now?
AThat looks more like it :-) The only thing I'd mention on your prices is the use of 'approx'. Personally I'd say prices start from £xx
If you say approx, people will assume it will be that price or near that price. If you say starts from, they know it's the minimum.
As to whether the prices are better, that's something only you can decide. When you've worked out your ingredients costs, materials and utilities, prep, clearup, delivery, labour and profit you can judge if its enough for you. There's really no point anyone other than you saying it's a good price as we don't know your costs etc.
My cakes are usually 4"+ in height - 4 layers per tier. I just prefer the look of a slightly taller cake. I have seen people offering 5" as standard in recent months. They look lovely but it would mean me cooking a extra cake each time and I don't want to add that cost or time on, so I'm sticking with 4"!
AHere's some section of your text that I've changed to have better punctuation, in my opinion. :-). Use, or not, as you like.
Below is a guide. For a specific quote, please fill in the form on the right and I will respond promptly.
Cupcakes are such versatile treats, they can fit into most occasions. Spoil yourself on a ladies' night in with shoes and handbags on top, or put them in children's party bags. They're easy to serve and available in a wide variety of styles; from vintage pastels to bold statement themes. Express yourself with colourful cases, scrummy flavoured fillings and cute characters or flowers. Boxed up neatly, they will make a thoughtful gift. Flavours include:
These designs can be customised to suit your needs, or spark an idea. Any questions, just ask!
Have your anniversary cake tell the story of your meeting or a fruit cake shaped like a Christmas present. there are endless ways to personalise your event!
Thank you, a little clearer English is no bad thing! On pricing though, is the bare minimum price usually meaning a plain iced cake with nothing on it, or does it include simple decoration? I think it's getting there, you've all been very helpful :)
AMy bare minimum is about an hours work so fondant covered with maybe a basic flower/bow etc, piped message and a ribbon :-) then I price per hours work thereafter (conservative estimate)
ADitto gray, mine's basically plain fondant with a message and a ribbon. No one goes for something like that - that really is what Tesco is for - but it gives a starting point at least.
Great, ok I've put minimum prices with a view to most cakes being about £20 higher for decorating time. If you guys can't think of anything else glaringly naff about the site, then I'll carry on changing pics over to the newest ones, and start thinking how to advertise! Thanks all :)
AIt's come on so well, very well done! and you've taken everyone's suggestions great, sometimes it's a worry giving honest advice... It can end up being taken totally ott :-)
Aw thank you Crazy-Gray! I read a LOT of old threads about websites and saw that some people gave quite blunt advice, so I tried to be ready for it in case :) it feels so much better to know that I'm going in with eyes open and others' advice to help!
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