Facebook Advertising And Paying For Your Adverts - Do You Use It?

Business By cakecoachonline Updated 3 Jan 2014 , 6:38pm by kmanning

cakecoachonline Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
cakecoachonline Posted 7 Jul 2013 , 8:26am
post #1 of 54

I am really curious - as to how many cake decorators use paid for advertising on facebook?   There are a whole range of choices - from boosting your post by paying for it, or paying for people to see your advert and paying for people to click on your advert.   Do you use this as a marketing strategy - or have you avoided it, even though you are quite active on Facebook, because it is too confusing?  Just wondering how everyone advertises their businesses.   ..:) Kx 

53 replies
mightydragon663 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
mightydragon663 Posted 7 Jul 2013 , 1:23pm
post #2 of 54

I don't use the paid advertising on Facebook.  My bakery is in a small mountain community, and I don't know how well, Facebook is going to reach my target demographic.  It also seems a bit expensive to me compared to the cost of putting an add in one of our locally published papers that is sent to everyone in my area.

liz at sugar Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
liz at sugar Posted 7 Jul 2013 , 2:10pm
post #3 of 54

I've used it the past couple of weeks for our restaurant.  First I tried boosting to friends and their friends, and now I am trying by location (targeted to my city).  I will have to let you know in a couple of weeks what I thought of it.

 

It has gotten our page more likes, which will expand our reach on unpaid posts as well.  I think it is pretty cheap compared to local newspaper advertising.  The last one I scheduled was $15.00 to reach an average of 4000 people.

 

Liz
 

brenda549 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
brenda549 Posted 7 Jul 2013 , 4:03pm
post #4 of 54

I do not use facebook for advertising.  I find my money is better spent with google adwords.  

KellyMorgin Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
KellyMorgin Posted 7 Jul 2013 , 4:07pm
post #5 of 54

I've used it, in a matter of 1 hour i got three new likes. Have not used it sense though.

kaylawaylalayla Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
kaylawaylalayla Posted 7 Jul 2013 , 4:12pm
post #6 of 54

AOk I didn't do this on purpose or for cake, but I sell (use to sell) coconut postcards on facebook. I started to make an ad just to see what it would be like but then I quit because I didn't have any money to buy and ad. A couple days later, I got an email from Facebook that asked me why I stopped making my ad and gave me a 50 $ gift of ads

LoveMeSomeCake615 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
LoveMeSomeCake615 Posted 7 Jul 2013 , 4:20pm
post #7 of 54

We use it, on and off. The nice thing about it is that once you've created an ad, you can turn it on for a while, then pause it for a while if you need to, then turn it back on. When we first used it a couple of years ago, it didn't really seem to do much, but in the past year we have really noticed an increase in our leads and actual jobs from FB, where we used to have hardly any actual business from it.

 

We definitely get more likes and more interaction on our page when we have the ad running, which does lead to more exposure. For us, it's a really cheap advertising option that, if nothing else, gets our name out there and gets us noticed. I do know that with the changes they have made to news feeds, it seems you almost have to pay for your ads in order for your posts to show up in even your fan's feeds. 

 

We are a storefront bakery/custom cake business, I'm not sure if it would work as well for a business who does custom cakes only. 

jason_kraft Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
jason_kraft Posted 7 Jul 2013 , 4:42pm
post #8 of 54

A

Original message sent by brenda549

I do not use facebook for advertising.  I find my money is better spent with google adwords.  

This. The ROI for Google AdWords tends to be far superior to Facebook advertising if you are looking for paid orders and not just "likes".

LoveMeSomeCake615 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
LoveMeSomeCake615 Posted 7 Jul 2013 , 4:46pm
post #9 of 54

We use Google AdWords too. The more the merrier. :)

writersblock15 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
writersblock15 Posted 13 Jul 2013 , 2:08am
post #10 of 54

I have done the Facebook ads off and on for the past few months.  I did get a lot of new likes but no new business. Someone liking your page doesn't always equate to new business.  

costumeczar Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
costumeczar Posted 13 Jul 2013 , 3:03pm
post #11 of 54

AI just ran two ads with a gap in beween for my Etsy shop, and it increased my Etsy business, likes and traffic on facebook. Paying for a targeted ad would be the way to go, paying to promote a post just reaches the people who already know about you. If you target an ad to reach only people who don't like your page yet, but who have the interests that you want to reach, it can be effective. It's cheap to try out, too, so set a low limit and see what happens.

TheSugarLab Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
TheSugarLab Posted 14 Jul 2013 , 2:03am
post #12 of 54

We do it every now and then to promote our retail days (every Saturday; by appointment any other day). It has helped more people find out about us. I just finished today's retail hours and we probably had 5 new customers from Facebook. I'm always asking people how they found out about us. I think it's an inexpensive way to get people to know about you. I think it would be best for cupcake places or bakeries with retail space; most of my customers from facebook are buying cupcakes. Most of my wedding clients found us online (if they didn't have a friend who knew about us). So in that case (wedding cakes, party cakes, larger orders) I would probably go with good adwords. 

ColinLeger Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
ColinLeger Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 7:02pm
post #13 of 54
Quote:
Originally Posted by brenda549 

I do not use facebook for advertising.  I find my money is better spent with google adwords.  

Brenda, are your google adwords well targeted for your area? I wouldn't want to invest in a add that is seen across the continent...

 

I think FB advertising is ok. We only did it a couple of times and got better numbers but how does one measure the ROI.

jason_kraft Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
jason_kraft Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 7:13pm
post #14 of 54

A

Original message sent by ColinLeger

Brenda, are your google adwords well targeted for your area? I wouldn't want to invest in a add that is seen across the continent...

Google's toolset for targeting ads is far superior to Facebook's. You can target based on specific keywords in search queries as well as geographic area, including a specific city or even within an X-mile radius of your business.

http://www.google.com/adwords/how-it-works/target-your-ads.html

I think FB advertising is ok. We only did it a couple of times and got better numbers but how does one measure the ROI.

In very basic terms, ROI = the amount of new business brought in by an advertising campaign / the cost of that campaign. You can easily identify clickthroughs from each AdWords ad by using Google Analytics, and when a customer places an order you should ask how they found your business.

ColinLeger Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
ColinLeger Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 7:59pm
post #15 of 54

 Thanks jason_kraft 

 

Without getting technical, ROI couldn't possibly be 100% accurate, the click trough of an AdWord would mean that someone was interested enough to actually Click the ad, where FB post 'seen by XX' doesn't mean they actually liked your page or click through your FB page or site. 

 

Still I prefer these to traditional Paper ads.

 

(assuming everyone here is in the cake business, other markets might be differents)

BatterUpCake Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
BatterUpCake Posted 26 Jul 2013 , 11:59pm
post #16 of 54

After reading this I decided to do a little experiment. I ran a promotion with a budget of a whopping $10. It did reach a lot of people. But being in Va I do not deliver to Oregon so not exactly my target audience. Back to the drawing board. Today I figured out how to target only local people. Again I have reached a lot of people. Now here is the part that is irritating. I posted a promotion with simple instructions 1) become a fan of my page 2) click the link to my website and fill out the contact form RIGHT there...no navigating or surfing required. Someone will be randomly selected next week to get a dozen sampler pack of cupcakes or an 8" cake delivered to work to share with their co-workers. Either people lack reading comprehension skills or really don't pay much attention to these things. I had quite a bit of interest. But most people liked the post (not the page) or liked the page and not went to the website. Of the 2 days only 15 people followed directions (so far). It is a little frustrating but I can't determine the effectiveness yet until I see if I get any orders. One woman did contact me 7 times. She runs anew up and coming restaurant that currently has no dessert menu. SO being the big dreamer that I am I now see myself as the sole dessert provider for the place...lol. I will let you know if I get any orders from my new fans of either the website, the FB page or from business cards I drop off to the winner of the promotion

smittyditty Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
smittyditty Posted 27 Jul 2013 , 12:29am
post #17 of 54

So far I'd say google Ad words WAY superior.

I had two etsy shops and ran those before they charged way better.

I got $50 to use on Facebook and after a week only 2 likes one of which I had to ban forever..Yucky yucky person (nasty pics)

Anyhow I wonder if it has to do with location.

I am in a rural area where even running the ad I only have 500 people that the ad will go to.

BatterUpCake Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
BatterUpCake Posted 27 Jul 2013 , 12:37am
post #18 of 54

AEnlighten me of this google ads u speak of... Lol. Sorry... Tired and goofy

smittyditty Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
smittyditty Posted 27 Jul 2013 , 12:40am
post #19 of 54

Its set up through your gmail account.

You can google it and follow the instructions for it. Its very similar to FB only I think the charts and graphs are better and it actually works..lol
 

Psyched baker Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
Psyched baker Posted 14 Nov 2013 , 2:48am
post #20 of 54

AI just used the Facebook option to boost posts last week. I did a general one not tailored to my location and then one that was just targeted in my state. I got a few new likes but none from anyone close by which doesn't help much. I didn't know about google ads. I am going to check that out. I will probably try the Facebook boosting option for a wedding cake I will be making and only promote it in my state. Will try to remember to post about my results from both sources.

MimiFix Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
MimiFix Posted 14 Nov 2013 , 1:17pm
post #21 of 54

Boosting Facebook Likes is great if all you want is more Facebook Likes. However, it doesn't appear to help sales.

Psyched baker Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
Psyched baker Posted 14 Nov 2013 , 1:30pm
post #22 of 54

AAgreed Mimifix. I am trying to figure out ways to get my name and product out there. I put an ad in a local paper that has a distribution of 35,000 but nothing. I would need to continuously run the ad which just isn't feasible at 100/wk plus I think lots of people don't even read the paper. I am getting ready to make some cakes with cake dummies to increase my portfolio and was planning to contact local reception halls, florists and wedding coordinators with a polished brochure/portfolio. I really want to go us specifically on a ten mile radius from my town. Any other ideas for getting myself out there?

Psyched baker Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
Psyched baker Posted 14 Nov 2013 , 1:31pm
post #23 of 54

AMeant focus on 'go us'

MimiFix Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
MimiFix Posted 14 Nov 2013 , 1:56pm
post #24 of 54

If you only do cakes, it's going to be a long haul. There are already too many cake businesses, since anyone with a kitchen and a Facebook page is your competition. I suggest adding a couple other products to increase your customer base and slowly build from there. 

jason_kraft Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
jason_kraft Posted 14 Nov 2013 , 2:02pm
post #25 of 54

A

Original message sent by Psyched baker

Agreed Mimifix. I am trying to figure out ways to get my name and product out there. I put an ad in a local paper that has a distribution of 35,000 but nothing. I would need to continuously run the ad which just isn't feasible at 100/wk plus I think lots of people don't even read the paper. I am getting ready to make some cakes with cake dummies to increase my portfolio and was planning to contact local reception halls, florists and wedding coordinators with a polished brochure/portfolio. I really want to go us specifically on a ten mile radius from my town. Any other ideas for getting myself out there?

What are your competitive advantages? Who is your target market and where do they look when they need a cake for their event?

MimiFix Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
MimiFix Posted 14 Nov 2013 , 4:36pm
post #26 of 54
Quote:
Originally Posted by jason_kraft 

What are your competitive advantages? Who is your target market and where do they look when they need a cake for their event?

 

Jason, these have been great questions to help new businesses. Some of the newbies might even reach their goal. But I wonder, with the current trend toward an over-saturated market, we can have a new dialogue. The pragmatist in me always wants to shout first, "This is a tough, tough market to survive in."     

Psyched baker Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
Psyched baker Posted 14 Nov 2013 , 5:21pm
post #27 of 54

AI definitely think it is going to be tough getting my product/name out there. I think I have a nice advantage in that I do gluten free, vegan and allergen free cakes. I do offer cupcakes, scones and truffles too. I thought it would be good to market myself where weddings are concerned as a gluten free and or vegan baker because that can be hard to find. I appreciate your advice. My roots are similar to yours as my mother taught me all I know about the baking end and I am self taught on the decorating end.

jason_kraft Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
jason_kraft Posted 14 Nov 2013 , 5:36pm
post #28 of 54

A

Original message sent by Psyched baker

I definitely think it is going to be tough getting my product/name out there. I think I have a nice advantage in that I do gluten free, vegan and allergen free cakes. I do offer cupcakes, scones and truffles too. I thought it would be good to market myself where weddings are concerned as a gluten free and or vegan baker because that can be hard to find. I appreciate your advice. My roots are similar to yours as my mother taught me all I know about the baking end and I am self taught on the decorating end.

You're right, that's a great niche to be in. If you're not averse to birthday cakes there is a huge under-served market of parents who want a professional cake for their kid with food allergies, this can help supplement your wedding cake business.

I was in the same niche and I found the best marketing strategy was Google AdWords with focused keywords (gluten-free, nut-free, vegan, etc.) combined with in-person networking at Celiac/food allergy support groups and with other vendors that serve the same market (e.g. wedding planners who focus on vegan events).

Psyched baker Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
Psyched baker Posted 14 Nov 2013 , 5:46pm
post #29 of 54

A

Original message sent by jason_kraft

What are your competitive advantages? Who is your target market and where do they look when they need a cake for their event?

My competitive advantage is that I make gluten free and vegan cakes in addition to traditional cakes and all of my cakes (even the GF ones) are really delicious. I do everything from scratch including my fondant. My target audience would be upper middle class. I am working on my skills with wedding cakes as I think that is my best potential money maker. My cakes are priced competitively with other high end providers. As an example, the cake below is an 8" three layer chocolate cake w/cookies and cream filling with a 6" three layer yellow cake with strawberries and cream filling both covered in fondant. The truck is RKT with fondant covering. The cost for this cake which took me five hours to make (baking time not included) is 249.00.[ATTACHMENT=1371]image.jpg (459k. jpg file)[/ATTACHMENT]

Psyched baker Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
Psyched baker Posted 14 Nov 2013 , 5:53pm
post #30 of 54

A

Original message sent by jason_kraft

You're right, that's a great niche to be in. If you're not averse to birthday cakes there is a huge under-served market of parents who want a professional cake for their kid with food allergies, this can help supplement your wedding cake business.

I was in the same niche and I found the best marketing strategy was Google AdWords with focused keywords (gluten-free, nut-free, vegan, etc.) combined with in-person networking at Celiac/food allergy support groups and with other vendors that serve the same market (e.g. wedding planners who focus on vegan events).

Thanks for the ideas of places to market myself. I actually really love making children's birthday cakes, so that is good. I am marketing myself to do birthdays, special occasion, anniversary, baby shower and soon will market myself to do wedding cakes. Thanks again for the advice. I am still working on my website but it is below if you want to take a look. There is something going on with the preview panel on the home page that is compressing the pictures so they look squashed. Any feedback you have is appreciated!

Quote by @%username% on %date%

%body%