I want to advertise my business which just started to pick up with friends and family but I dont know where to start. Any suggestions?

Do you have license, inspection or whatever is required in your state? You can't advertise without it.

Oh really I guess that's not good at all. How do I get a license, I live in NY. I read the post on how to start a business in your state but it didnt give me much information.

Maybe you could call your local Small Business Association or Department of Agriculture or County License Administrator.

Also, once you are licensed, classified ads are not usually very productive. they are very expensive and will not really help your business in the long run.

Okay, well I was thinking about running an online ad. I search through this website and find alot of wedding vendors for my own wedding but I never see any party cakes or wedding cake ads in there so I thought I would give it a try. Also do you think its a bad idea to make the wedding cake for free? For example I found a free photographer for my wedding because he is just starting his business and he wants to use us in his portfolio. do you think that is a bad idea when it comes to cakes?

Mayra,

If you can affort the investment, doing free cakes is a great idea when you're just starting out. Just make sure that the weddings you supply cakes to are big enough to make it worthwhile - more guests mean more potential clients. Also - make sure you get the ok from the bride to put out some business cards or small, tasteful fliers.

Make sure you tap into all the vendors you used for your wedding - caterers, photographers, DJ's, etc. - and let them know you're trying to get your business going and would appreciate their word of mouth.

Good Luck!

When I was first getting started and still out of my home I got together with my local flower/ gift shop. (She knew the right people in town) And I struck a deal for her. I would make all the goodies for her Christmas open house in November if I could be there and hand out business cards. It worked AWESOME! My phone never stopped ringing and in less than a year I was opening my storefront!! I always say once people try my food I know they will come back to me. Free samples were my cheapest advertising!! and most effective. To this day when I am launching a new product I give samples especially to people who talk to a lot of people. Hairdressers; bank tellers; dr. offices ect. Hope that helps!!

That sounds great. I am going to be looking around. And of course going for my license. Thank you so much for all of your suggestions and comments. Please keep more coming. I will take anything I can get...LOL