Do You Ever Feel Like,"should I Really Be Doing This&qu
Business By prettycupcake Updated 28 Sep 2012 , 2:39am by prettycupcake
I am TOTALLY in the minority on the flyers. I love getting flyers to local businesses; I love them even more if they are for a local restaurant that has just opened up. If there is a discount attached if I bring the flyer with me then I usually tuck it away in my purse and hang onto it. Unless its for one of those tax places, carpet cleaning businesses, or a new nail salon which is usually the kind of flyers I get on my car.
I sell AVON and made the mistake of putting a bag of books and samples on someones front porch. I got the nastiest call from a very unhappy woman about me trespassing on her lawn. She spouted off about how dumb I was because all my contact info was on the books and she was going to call the police etc etc. After a little back and forth with her ( was trying to diffuse the situation and figure out where she lived so Id avoid that house in the future) we discovered we were neighbors, she lived two houses down form me lol. She was super embarrassed and apologized for the call then insisted she loved AVON and would love to have more books delivered lol. Lesson learned though, people dont like having things left on their porch unless they ordered it themselves and it wouldnt fit in the mailbox.
Youve got such beautiful cakes in your galleries but your website isnt very attractive to look at. It doesnt draw me in and make we want to look around. I agree with (Jason, was it?) that you need to work on your website. Make it awesome. The cake sites I have bookmarked are not only packed with pictures of beautiful cakes but they are fun to look at, easy to maneuver and look very professional. I do almost all my shopping online and when I hear of a new restaurant I immediately check them out online. If there isnt one Im less likely to visit them and if their website looks unprofessional then Im really less likely to visit them.
My SILs sister opened her own vegan restaurant and she brought me a menu to peek at. I wasnt interested in any of the meals on the menu but I saw they had a website so I took a peek. Theyve got an awesome website, its very bright and they have lots of pictures of the place and their food. I was sold once I saw it. I took my oldest dd there for lunch and it was awesome. Had I just based my opinion on the menu I wouldnt have gone. But seeing their cool website, how fun the restaurant was decorated and how amazing the food looked I HAD to check it out. I dont get that from your website now. Do you have someone who can help you "pretty" it up? I know the cakers here who have sites can certainly help point you in the right direction. I hope my post is a little helpful to you. Certainly NOT trying to be disrespectful.
I am TOTALLY in the minority on the flyers. I love getting flyers to local businesses; I love them even more if they are for a local restaurant that has just opened up. If there is a discount attached if I bring the flyer with me then I usually tuck it away in my purse and hang onto it. Unless its for one of those tax places, carpet cleaning businesses, or a new nail salon which is usually the kind of flyers I get on my car.
I sell AVON and made the mistake of putting a bag of books and samples on someones front porch. I got the nastiest call from a very unhappy woman about me trespassing on her lawn. She spouted off about how dumb I was because all my contact info was on the books and she was going to call the police etc etc. After a little back and forth with her ( was trying to diffuse the situation and figure out where she lived so Id avoid that house in the future) we discovered we were neighbors, she lived two houses down form me lol. She was super embarrassed and apologized for the call then insisted she loved AVON and would love to have more books delivered lol. Lesson learned though, people dont like having things left on their porch unless they ordered it themselves and it wouldnt fit in the mailbox.
Youve got such beautiful cakes in your galleries but your website isnt very attractive to look at. It doesnt draw me in and make we want to look around. I agree with (Jason, was it?) that you need to work on your website. Make it awesome. The cake sites I have bookmarked are not only packed with pictures of beautiful cakes but they are fun to look at, easy to maneuver and look very professional. I do almost all my shopping online and when I hear of a new restaurant I immediately check them out online. If there isnt one Im less likely to visit them and if their website looks unprofessional then Im really less likely to visit them.
My SILs sister opened her own vegan restaurant and she brought me a menu to peek at. I wasnt interested in any of the meals on the menu but I saw they had a website so I took a peek. Theyve got an awesome website, its very bright and they have lots of pictures of the place and their food. I was sold once I saw it. I took my oldest dd there for lunch and it was awesome. Had I just based my opinion on the menu I wouldnt have gone. But seeing their cool website, how fun the restaurant was decorated and how amazing the food looked I HAD to check it out. I dont get that from your website now. Do you have someone who can help you "pretty" it up? I know the cakers here who have sites can certainly help point you in the right direction. I hope my post is a little helpful to you. Certainly NOT trying to be disrespectful.
Can I just say how your advise and comments are amazing and very inspirational and informative. Thank you so much for taking the time to write that out and offer such a great story about your experience. I am definitely looking into improving my website. Hopefully this will solve the problem! Thank you again..Really helpful and insightful.
So it seems unanimous, my website is super blahhh lol I need help!! Anyone have any recommendations?? Thank u!
So it seems unanimous, my website is super blahhh lol I need help!! Anyone have any recommendations?? Thank u!
Some things noted with a quick look:
1. I don't like the cartoon lady (you?) on the landing page. That should be a cake. Your best cake. One that makes people want to see more.
2. "Baby shower" is two words, not one.
3. I find your left margin menu cluttered, and would have a hard time figuring out how to contact you to place an order. There is both an "About Us" and "About the Baker" link - why?
4. All your photos are very small, they don't show off your work.
5. The font on the menu page is super hard to read.
6. Speaking of fonts, you are using too many of them. Comic sans is not a font used by professionals any more, I would ditch it for something more professional and easier to read, and use one consistent font for the whole site.
7. You have several copyrighted characters in your Toppers section.
8. On all the galleries, I have to do way too much scrolling down to see all the photos.
I need to put the kiddos to bed now, but that's something to get you started. My web site is not perfect, but it was dirt cheap, and I've pretty much gotten it how I want it. You are welcome to take a look for ideas. I literally get all my business from referrals and from my site. http://www.homesweethomebakery.com/Home.aspx
@ kelleym....Thank you thank you thank you...going now to make the changes!! Keep the suggestions coming!!!
For your web site, you'll probably want to start from scratch and write out a site map on paper taking into account different scenarios for different types of customers visiting your site. The goal is to maximize the efficiency of completing tasks that will lead to customers placing an order (not too many clicks, making sure the eye is drawn to the correct places, and so on).
Unless you have a background in web design you are probably better off looking for professionals in your area, sitting down with them with your site map, and hiring the designer you like the best. Make sure they also include SEO and professional copywriting.
I tend to ramble so I'm glad you found something useful in there 
I don't think your site "blah" lol, but it's not nearly as professional looking as your caking skills are, kwim? Your a very talented decorator and your cakes are amazing. You need a website that reflects that.
These are some of my favorite websites, maybe you can get some inspiration from one of them:
http://www.classiccakescarmel.com/
http://www.thejantzfamily.com/SpreadThinBakery/index.html
http://www.magpiescakes.com/index.html
This one is just plain FUN!
http://www.blackmarketbakery.com/index.php/home
Also you can search this forum for website help and check out all the threads (there are many of them) and get some tips from them. We've got a lot of English nerds on here 
who will probably be MORE than happy to nit pick your site for any mistakes in that area.
I understand that you love your name and logo, but understand that standing out at the expense of being offensive to some clients is not the best route. You can stand out without being controversial. And just because you are not the only one does not make it less risky.
I am another that hates flyers, and if you research, you will find what percentage of the population does not like them. Many, if not almost all, subdivisions have restrictions concerning solicitors, as well as many businesses.
Likewise those who duplicate on Craigslist and like places are annoying to many. I buy many of my antique pieces for my shop on Craigslist and it is so annoying to read the same listing duplicated that I actually don't read them or patronize those same people who over-post. Once a week or bi-monthly is enough.
No form of advertising should do more harm than good. I understand the use of flyers when you don't know what to do, but you have been given many good options. We (my former marketing company) had one very successful door-to door program that everyone loved... new pizza place flyers (hang tags) with coupons to the neighboring houses. So if it's not pizza...
Good marketing is costly. My best forms are my website (professionally done) and Google Adwords. As of November, my retail location will be part of my marketing plan. The rent is high, but so is the traffic. Everything has a price.
Sampling is another good marketing project, but only after you have targeted your market.
Don't get too discouraged. July and August are historically the slow retail months. September picks it up and you should see more business.
It's not fun when you need the money, but if you work fast, you may be able to cash in on the holidays. Again, previous posters have had great advice. If you do not have a business plan, do one asap, thoroughly, and adjust your business accordingly.
If you don't have the money to implement programs, I suggest getting a job to pay the bills until you can get the business going with a proper marketing plan. I know this isn't what you want to do, but it will keep your new business running while you re-group.
So it seems unanimous, my website is super blahhh lol I need help!! Anyone have any recommendations?? Thank u!
Some things noted with a quick look:
1. I don't like the cartoon lady (you?) on the landing page. That should be a cake. Your best cake. One that makes people want to see more.
2. "Baby shower" is two words, not one.
3. I find your left margin menu cluttered, and would have a hard time figuring out how to contact you to place an order. There is both an "About Us" and "About the Baker" link - why?
4. All your photos are very small, they don't show off your work.
5. The font on the menu page is super hard to read.
6. Speaking of fonts, you are using too many of them. Comic sans is not a font used by professionals any more, I would ditch it for something more professional and easier to read, and use one consistent font for the whole site.
7. You have several copyrighted characters in your Toppers section.
8. On all the galleries, I have to do way too much scrolling down to see all the photos.
I need to put the kiddos to bed now, but that's something to get you started. My web site is not perfect, but it was dirt cheap, and I've pretty much gotten it how I want it. You are welcome to take a look for ideas. I literally get all my business from referrals and from my site. http://www.homesweethomebakery.com/Home.aspx
Hi There!!Ok so I took you advice and make the changes. Check out when you have a chance and let me know what you think!
So it seems unanimous, my website is super blahhh lol I need help!! Anyone have any recommendations?? Thank u!
Some things noted with a quick look:
1. I don't like the cartoon lady (you?) on the landing page. That should be a cake. Your best cake. One that makes people want to see more.
2. "Baby shower" is two words, not one.
3. I find your left margin menu cluttered, and would have a hard time figuring out how to contact you to place an order. There is both an "About Us" and "About the Baker" link - why?
4. All your photos are very small, they don't show off your work.
5. The font on the menu page is super hard to read.
6. Speaking of fonts, you are using too many of them. Comic sans is not a font used by professionals any more, I would ditch it for something more professional and easier to read, and use one consistent font for the whole site.
7. You have several copyrighted characters in your Toppers section.
8. On all the galleries, I have to do way too much scrolling down to see all the photos.
I need to put the kiddos to bed now, but that's something to get you started. My web site is not perfect, but it was dirt cheap, and I've pretty much gotten it how I want it. You are welcome to take a look for ideas. I literally get all my business from referrals and from my site. http://www.homesweethomebakery.com/Home.aspx
Hi There!!Ok so I took you advice and make the changes. Check out when you have a chance and let me know what you think!
So it seems unanimous, my website is super blahhh lol I need help!! Anyone have any recommendations?? Thank u!
Some things noted with a quick look:
1. I don't like the cartoon lady (you?) on the landing page. That should be a cake. Your best cake. One that makes people want to see more.
2. "Baby shower" is two words, not one.
3. I find your left margin menu cluttered, and would have a hard time figuring out how to contact you to place an order. There is both an "About Us" and "About the Baker" link - why?
4. All your photos are very small, they don't show off your work.
5. The font on the menu page is super hard to read.
6. Speaking of fonts, you are using too many of them. Comic sans is not a font used by professionals any more, I would ditch it for something more professional and easier to read, and use one consistent font for the whole site.
7. You have several copyrighted characters in your Toppers section.
8. On all the galleries, I have to do way too much scrolling down to see all the photos.
I need to put the kiddos to bed now, but that's something to get you started. My web site is not perfect, but it was dirt cheap, and I've pretty much gotten it how I want it. You are welcome to take a look for ideas. I literally get all my business from referrals and from my site. http://www.homesweethomebakery.com/Home.aspx
Hi There!!Ok so I took you advice and make the changes. Check out when you have a chance and let me know what you think!
So it seems unanimous, my website is super blahhh lol I need help!! Anyone have any recommendations?? Thank u!
Some things noted with a quick look:
1. I don't like the cartoon lady (you?) on the landing page. That should be a cake. Your best cake. One that makes people want to see more.
2. "Baby shower" is two words, not one.
3. I find your left margin menu cluttered, and would have a hard time figuring out how to contact you to place an order. There is both an "About Us" and "About the Baker" link - why?
4. All your photos are very small, they don't show off your work.
5. The font on the menu page is super hard to read.
6. Speaking of fonts, you are using too many of them. Comic sans is not a font used by professionals any more, I would ditch it for something more professional and easier to read, and use one consistent font for the whole site.
7. You have several copyrighted characters in your Toppers section.
8. On all the galleries, I have to do way too much scrolling down to see all the photos.
I need to put the kiddos to bed now, but that's something to get you started. My web site is not perfect, but it was dirt cheap, and I've pretty much gotten it how I want it. You are welcome to take a look for ideas. I literally get all my business from referrals and from my site. http://www.homesweethomebakery.com/Home.aspx
Hi There!!Ok so I took you advice and make the changes. Check out when you have a chance and let me know what you think!
Thats great!! Yes I was, I am determined to make this business work lol...Again I cant thank you enough for taking out the time to help me =)
Agreed, an amazing improvement. You still need to tighten up the copy on the home page (and the main Gallery link points to About Us), but the site is much cleaner and more professional looking now.
Agreed, an amazing improvement. You still need to tighten up the copy on the home page (and the main Gallery link points to About Us), but the site is much cleaner and more professional looking now.
Thank you!!!
Well I have read all these posts and all I can say is WOW! On a good note I also looked at your site and I agree that your cartoon pic is a little risky but so was the statue of MichaelAngelo with that being said Every business has a lows and sometimes we just have to go through the storm. But advertising is your best bet. and here is a web page site to create a web page that may help as well. It is called webs.com Here you can create a website for free "free is always nice advertising" and there is a limit but you can always purchase more. After your page is done you can go to google and the rest of the web search engines and apply to have your business advertised on theose engines. I agree that FB is a good Free site to and that is where I have placed monthly avertisments of what's coming up (10% off month of Septerber, 6 free cupcakes with an order over $75.bucks) that kinda thing may help and definatley can't hurt. HTH
Well I have read all these posts and all I can say is WOW! On a good note I also looked at your site and I agree that your cartoon pic is a little risky but so was the statue of MichaelAngelo with that being said Every business has a lows and sometimes we just have to go through the storm. But advertising is your best bet. and here is a web page site to create a web page that may help as well. It is called webs.com Here you can create a website for free "free is always nice advertising" and there is a limit but you can always purchase more. After your page is done you can go to google and the rest of the web search engines and apply to have your business advertised on theose engines. I agree that FB is a good Free site to and that is where I have placed monthly avertisments of what's coming up (10% off month of Septerber, 6 free cupcakes with an order over $75.bucks) that kinda thing may help and definatley can't hurt. HTH
I really love your name, I think its different and not sexual at all. I think that illustration of you and the name makes me think of something a little more, alternative. I don't know if that works where you are, but that's a way to develop a different customer base and a niche.
This is the kinda feel I get when I read your name:
http://www.facebook.com/kissandbakeup
http://littlecherrycakecompany.com/
http://www.sugardazecupcakes.com/en/
I really love your name, I think its different and not sexual at all. I think that illustration of you and the name makes me think of something a little more, alternative. I don't know if that works where you are, but that's a way to develop a different customer base and a niche.
This is the kinda feel I get when I read your name:
http://www.facebook.com/kissandbakeup
http://littlecherrycakecompany.com/
http://www.sugardazecupcakes.com/en/
WOW...I cant tell you how happy it makes me feel to hear that you like it! I really do LOVE it and I dont plan to change it...I know some people might not like it but its mine.. lol I love those pages you posted really really do.
Well I have read all these posts and all I can say is WOW! On a good note I also looked at your site and I agree that your cartoon pic is a little risky but so was the statue of MichaelAngelo
with that being said Every business has a lows and sometimes we just have to go through the storm. But advertising is your best bet. and here is a web page site to create a web page that may help as well. It is called webs.com Here you can create a website for free "free is always nice advertising" and there is a limit but you can always purchase more. After your page is done you can go to google and the rest of the web search engines and apply to have your business advertised on theose engines. I agree that FB is a good Free site to and that is where I have placed monthly avertisments of what's coming up (10% off month of Septerber, 6 free cupcakes with an order over $75.bucks) that kinda thing may help and definatley can't hurt. HTH
Thank you so much for all your advice..I've been taking everyones advice and trying to do a little of this and a little of that. Please check out my page again...I updated it. Revamped it completely!! =)
Well I have read all these posts and all I can say is WOW! On a good note I also looked at your site and I agree that your cartoon pic is a little risky but so was the statue of MichaelAngelo
with that being said Every business has a lows and sometimes we just have to go through the storm. But advertising is your best bet. and here is a web page site to create a web page that may help as well. It is called webs.com Here you can create a website for free "free is always nice advertising" and there is a limit but you can always purchase more. After your page is done you can go to google and the rest of the web search engines and apply to have your business advertised on theose engines. I agree that FB is a good Free site to and that is where I have placed monthly avertisments of what's coming up (10% off month of Septerber, 6 free cupcakes with an order over $75.bucks) that kinda thing may help and definatley can't hurt. HTH
Thank you so much for all your advice..I've been taking everyones advice and trying to do a little of this and a little of that. Please check out my page again...I updated it. Revamped it completely!! =)
Hi, hope you don't mind me joining late to the party, but your initial post sounded like a cry for help and you sounded lovely. I've read through all the replies and have had a look at your revised website. If your looking for honesty then I would say that the colour green does not make me smile , a jolly website for cakes should engage you immediately - pink, blue, pastels etc are best - and like some of the others , I love you original cartoon work, it looks like you and you obviously chose it for a reason, the one you have now looks like a bottle of wine or a vase and doesn't tell me what you do - which is, make fab cakes. I'm currently having my website graphically updated as I thinks it's cluttered and not professional enough, we did it ourselves - the next one will be just as pretty but sleeker. Your website should reflect you and the cartoon, in my eyes, didn't have any sexual connotations and your name is quirky and should get people's attention.
Definitely join a local business group, share ideas and concerns, there are lots of local supportive groups here in the uk (cake eaters anonymous) - why not start up your own .
Take a look at mine - like I said, needs a good tweak but right now I thinks it's better to have one up linked to your FB page and Twitter etc do not try and compete with Cake Boss, after reading reviews they don't seem to be 'all that'.
Good luck
www.cheshirecatcakeco.co.uk
If your looking for honesty then I would say that the colour green does not make me smile , a jolly website for cakes should engage you immediately - pink, blue, pastels etc are best - and like some of the others , I love you original cartoon work, it looks like you and you obviously chose it for a reason, the one you have now looks like a bottle of wine or a vase and doesn't tell me what you do - which is, make fab cakes.
To be honest I didn't even notice the logo at the top, I agree reworking it so it looks more like a cake would be better, especially since your logo should go on all your products, invoices, marketing materials, etc. If anything it is too understated, you can draw more attention to it by increasing the size and using it as a base for the name of the business. The tagline also needs to be changed or removed entirely (professional copy rarely includes exclamation points).
But I think the green color scheme works great and gives the site a more upscale feel, which I assume is what OP is going for. Blue or pink would clash with the new "classy" design.
If your looking for honesty then I would say that the colour green does not make me smile , a jolly website for cakes should engage you immediately - pink, blue, pastels etc are best - and like some of the others , I love you original cartoon work, it looks like you and you obviously chose it for a reason, the one you have now looks like a bottle of wine or a vase and doesn't tell me what you do - which is, make fab cakes.
To be honest I didn't even notice the logo at the top, I agree reworking it so it looks more like a cake would be better, especially since your logo should go on all your products, invoices, marketing materials, etc. If anything it is too understated, you can draw more attention to it by increasing the size and using it as a base for the name of the business. The tagline also needs to be changed or removed entirely (professional copy rarely includes exclamation points).
But I think the green color scheme works great and gives the site a more upscale feel, which I assume is what OP is going for. Blue or pink would clash with the new "classy" design.
Your flyers: maybe you can pass them out at wedding expos?
Hi, hope you don't mind me joining late to the party, but your initial post sounded like a cry for help and you sounded lovely. I've read through all the replies and have had a look at your revised website. If your looking for honesty then I would say that the colour green does not make me smile , a jolly website for cakes should engage you immediately - pink, blue, pastels etc are best - and like some of the others , I love you original cartoon work, it looks like you and you obviously chose it for a reason, the one you have now looks like a bottle of wine or a vase and doesn't tell me what you do - which is, make fab cakes. I'm currently having my website graphically updated as I thinks it's cluttered and not professional enough, we did it ourselves - the next one will be just as pretty but sleeker. Your website should reflect you and the cartoon, in my eyes, didn't have any sexual connotations and your name is quirky and should get people's attention.
Definitely join a local business group, share ideas and concerns, there are lots of local supportive groups here in the uk (cake eaters anonymous) - why not start up your own .
Take a look at mine - like I said, needs a good tweak but right now I thinks it's better to have one up linked to your FB page and Twitter etc do not try and compete with , after reading reviews they don't seem to be 'all that'.
Good luck
www.cheshirecatcakeco.co.uk
Goodness, your super sweet, I absolutely love that idea about (cake eaters anonymous) I just turned and told my hubby about it! Definitely looking into that. I always stood out like a sore thumb anywhere I go...Im going to post a pic just to show that I really don't mix in anywhere I go around where I live lol.....So I sort of wanted my business to be the same. I love being the sore thumb, it made me different. Thank you for taking the time out to make this recommendation to me... =)
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