I posted a while back about going back to college. Well, I did just that and I will be starting my last class for my undergrad work next week. YAY!!
In order to go back to school I had to take a major step back from the cake business and now I need to get back into the game.

After giving it some thought I decided the best way to start is with people who have ordered from me before. I was thinking of sending out an email but I don't really know what to say.

I am utilizing facebook now and starting a newsletter and blog so I would like to inform them of that. Maybe offer 10-15% off new orders from previous clients through the end of July???

Any thoughts on any of this? How would you handle getting back on the radar? As of now I have nothing on the books and I need to start earning some money

I know people are all touchy about spam and such, I guess I feel a little awkward to... Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated! Thanks

Funny you should ask this.I too will be going back to school in a year and I was wondering how I would get back into the swing of things once school is over.
I think that if people approached you about a cake and you had to decline and told them why, then it would be ok to let them know that you are back now and refer them to you facebook page and such..
hope this helps
Dina

You're right that people don't like spam, but they do like discounts! We're all used to spam too so I doubt people would hold it against you if you sent out a mass email saying that you're back in the cake game, and offering some kind of loyalty discount to those who have ordered from you in the past. Its really only annoying (I think) when you regularly get pointless emails. Also, reach out to your friends to spread the word, do a couple of free or cheap cakes for parties where there will be a lot of guests and leave business cards, post on facebook offereing special promotions (refer a friend- get X amount off of your own cake, etc) I also sent out an email once to past customers offering them a dozen free cupcakes if they left a review online on yahoo, weddingwire.com, yelp, etc. Its cheap and easy for me and nothing motivates like free stuff! If you can do it, bridal shows and other events like that can be a huge help, and most people will find you online, so don't overlook your website. Google adwords was really helpful to me too. HTH.

Have them sign up for a newsletter. I love to get newsletters and discounts from the businesses where I already shop.

I don't really consider it spam when I hear from a company with which I've already done business. I like the idea of sending out some kind of discount offer... Include information about your specialty, a list of your yummy cake/icing/filling flavors, and a picture of your recent work. Don't forget a link to your website/blog/facebook page, and make sure everything has been updated and looks professional. Cake is a happy product, so don't feel bad about contacting your previous customers.

Best of luck to you!

Can you do a direct mail piece or are there too many? A personal letter would get my attention faster than an e-mail. You could still do the "I'm Back!!!" theme, promote your blog and offer a coupon. I always anxiously open anything that is hand addressed.

Just wanted to thank you all for taking the time to reply! Hoping to send out the email in the next day or so.

Just wanted to thank you all for taking the time to reply! Hoping to send out the email in the next day or so.