I came across some fabulous Marketing Tips for Bakers and other Small Business.
Consistent, quality posts on Facebook increase awareness of any business. For bakeries and similar small enterprises it is a perfect platform for reminding people that it’s time to order that special plate of cupcakes, gift or other goodies for a special occasion.
Start Posting Videos
Video is huge and the most engaging content you can post right now. And your clip need be no longer than 30 seconds. In fact make sure the first 2 – 6 seconds are attention grabbing!
Use your smart phone or digital camera to show customers the integrity of your work and inject some personality.
e.g. How To get the cake mix to the right consistency or how to ice a cup cake.
Learn to Create Video Clips and Reels to explode your Reach and Awareness!
Post Photos on a Regular Basis
“Just as bakeries put out fresh goods every day, the same rule needs to be followed for pictures on Facebook.” Daily posts are essential. But watch out, the quality of your photos reflect the quality of your business.
e.g. show your top sellers, special creations and your product range
Use photo gallery posts. Select 5 images that work well in any order. The images should be about 97 by 68 pixels for best appearance. If you have a website or blog – save and link the images from there.
Use a Content Plan to inspire and strategise your Content.
Choose a Great Profile Image
The profile image for your business should be memorable in the mind of your customers browsing on Facebook and it should reflect your business in a positive light.
Written Word
Each photo post must come with a specific call to action, such as “Don’t forget Valentine’s Day,” AND contact telephone number & email address. That way you make it easy for anyone, especially if they are on a mobile device, to make a purchase in the moment.
Also make sure your Call to Action button in your Cover pic is set up to make it convenient for customers get in touch.
Add company milestones can help tell your business story.
Use Hashtags based on keywords (especially on Twitter and Instagram) to attract customers that don’t know your Company name.
Encourage sharing
Products like cupcakes have a visual advantage on Facebook since the business lends itself to photos of delectable treats AND adorable children (OR animals). Ask ‘fans’ to share photos of themselves and their kids.
Network with Your Competition
You can set up “Pages to Watch” to keep an eye on what’s new in your line of business and what fans like.
Sharing is caring so TWEET THIS:
“Found small business tips for Bakeries on RedMatchstick”
Post Events
Events and classes at your bakery or using online “How To” video will show off your expertise and also give you opportunities to turn fans into customers.
Use Facebook’s “Events” tab to post them for everyone to see and RSVP.
Respond and Engage
Respond selectively and only if you are engaging positively. Don’t take criticism personally. Getting defensive when responding to negatives will only fuel an already smoking fire!
Don’t use caps which is like shouting online.
Don’t “feed the trolls” as that also adds fuel to the fire.
See description below
Consider waiting a while before responding or asking a friend or colleague to check your response is appropriate. “In many aggravated situations, silence is severely underrated” and make quickly allow a heated situation to die down.
Marketing Tips SPECIALLY FOR BAKERS:
“25 Bakeries Around The World You Have To See Before You Die”
DEFINITION OF A TROLL
According to wikipeadia a troll is a person who sows discord on the Internet by starting arguments or upsetting people, by posting inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community with the deliberate intent of provoking readers into an emotional response or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion, often for their own amusement.
Have you got any Tips to help small business entrepreneurs? We’d love to read about them in COMMENTS below:
Thank you to my INSPIRATION:
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/227050
https://www.swipely.com/blog/bakery-marketing-6-highly-effective-restaurant-marketing/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyclay/2013/05/14/lessons-from-amys-baking-company-six-things-you-should-never-do-on-social-media/#52bb027c7520