So I'm working on getting my own business started, as it is my ultimate dream. I've decided that I definitely want to get started on developing a solid customer base. Right now I'm baking out of my home, and I was wondering if anyone has any ideas on how to get more customers. I've had a lull in business for about a month and a half now, and its really got me down! Anyway, I do some self-promotion on Yahoo groups, but was wondering if there are any ideas I am overlooking. Are there any ways you may have advertised (for free) that led to more orders? TIA for all of your help! Now its off to read about writing a business plan! Thanks again.
~Nicole
I have added myself to every possible search engine I could. Have you done Menuism yet?
Something I did was I searched for bakeries in my area, and then looked at all the sites they had signed up with, and then I did the same.
Hospitality hour at church did it for me. Also don't forget to stick your business card to bulletin boards anywhere you see the opportunity.
Referral credit. I give 5% referral credit for any order you send to me. Let your customers be your sales reps.
http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopicp-4183413-.html#4183413
Google wedding cakes in York Pa. It will show you a little map with a few local business then on the bottom of that is says show more local results, click on that and scroll down to the bottom of the page and there is a link for businesses. you can add your business info there. Then go back to the google results page and start clicking on the links and see if they have free advertisement. Some places are partypop, onewed, decido and gathering guide....there are lots. Also yahoo local.
Val
You need to think about your potential customers. Who are they and where can they learn about you. I teach a class and make donations to the most exclusive private school in the area, so I'm the first person this affluent group of students and parents think of. We donate specialty items to our local museum. In other words, find a way to make people aware of your business where there is a large demographic with disposable income.
I agree with the putting your business card or a flyer anywhere you can.
Our grocery store has a board right as you leave the store with lots of things. The clean it off every week so it doesn't get crazy.
Also, my local supplier for cake stuff, is letting people leave business cards on the counter for people to pick up. Since I'm in there often, I make sure my stack is still there and I bring some every time I'm there.
Yahoo is good. Have you thought about posting on Craigslist? It's also a free site. Check and see if you city has a board. The town I am in has a talk forum with a section for services where you can promote your business on there. Which is nice.
~ Indydebi - The 5% referral is a brillant idea. You're my new cake hero!
Ive owned my own business for 4 years- grown up in a family thats always had their own business and when I was in college I worked as an event planner for the U.
You should find your local university or community college, and get in touch with their 'activities board' 'program board' 'student activities board' or whatever permutation of that they call themselves.
They are usually a group of students hired by the university to put on events for the entire student body. The larger the school the larger their budget. I went to a small state U and we had a budget of half a million dollars to spend.
and there is food at ALL events.
start by sending them some cupcakes or cookies- trust me theyll love them.
include a note that they remember you for their next event.
These kids usually know EVERYONE on campus and everyone goes to their events.
All it takes is that they order from you for one event, and all goes well- youll be golden.
I don't remember exactly what you have to do to sign up, but my free ad is:
http://www.yellowpages.com/more-info-1005217268/Bob-Morgan-Designs
BOB
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