Hi Everyone.  I am very new to the cake making world, I started making custom cakes in August of last year.  I discovered that I loved it and have decided that I would like to start a side business.  I put up a page on facebook but can't seem to penetrate the local market.  Can anyone make some suggestions on things that they did when they were trying to start their business?  Thanks so much :)

1. Do a thorough search of old threads that have information concerning what you're looking for. Google is awesome for that. I entered simple search criteria and came up with LOADS of threads which may not be specific to you but probably address some of your concerns and others you may not even know you have including legality, insurance, marketing for your target market etc. These should answer lots of questions:  or not :)

2. Head over to the business forum, and browse the threads, loads of info on pricing, health regulations, taxes, etc

3. Who is your target customer? What's your current marketing strategy besides facebook? What's your pricing structure? Are you legal? Are you looking to sell from home or from a store front? Have you created a business plan? These are some of the questions that can help guide you.

A

Have to know this before anything else! Different techniques/strategies work for different audiences.

AI started a couple of years ago as a registered business (still have my bread and butter job too!!!) I started on facebook and made sure that I posted regularly at different times of the day with pics of my cakes, this created orders and I still get alot of orders from work too. I would look at wedding shows and crafty conventions too. When vakentines/easter/mothers day comes start advertising cuppys/biscuits cakes etc and prices in facebook also doing school fetes etc is good ad it creates custom. If you wanna be producing alot it may be worth contacting local call centres etc in your area and asking if they will allow you to visit mud morning with cuppys indivudually packaged to sell to workers? Goid luckxx

You can advertise for free in the Yahoo classifieds.  Your business will come up when people in your area search for cakes.

That's a great idea...  Thanks :)