I'm just starting out with a home based shop in Texas. Everything is being done on a shoestring and a prayer. My current marketing strategy is strictly by word of mouth and Facebook. I have just launched a website, have business cards and have just put a magnetic sign on my vehicle. I'm generating 2 - 3 orders per week. I realize I have to spend money to make money but need to figure out how to wisely spend marketing dollars to generate interest. I plan to purchase an ad in the local elementary school directory. Any other ideas out there? I thought about taking samples to local businesses. Does that generate leads or am I just feeding the locals? Any suggestions are appreciated! Thanks.

I think you are on the right track. I don't think samples to local businesses is a bad idea. Also, finf out when there will be a bridal expo in your area and do some networking there. Good luck.

Join a local networking group. BNI, Rainmakers, anything. THAT works!

If you are in a small to mid size community--and certain larger cities, you might consider joining your local Chamber of Commerce. They are in existence to promote local businesses and many offer a new member ribbon cutting event where you could have samples to give out as well as flyers and business cards. Chamber members like to use other chamber members...particularly if you offer a special discount to other members...but that's up to you. At any rate it's good word of mouth too.

It depends on who you want to sell to. Are you doing mainly party cakes? Wedding cakes? Kids' birthday cakes? Each of those is going to have a totally different target group that you want to aim at. Do you have a specific style that you want to concentrate on?

If you are making cupcakes for kids parties, leaflets for cars by schools (if you are allowed) If you are making wedding cakes you could align yourself with some other wedding suppliers, like cars, dresses, flowers and marquee hire. If you are specialising in making cakes for adult special birthdays, finding the venue where these happen and ensuring that the caterers know about your services is also a good strategy. There are multitudes of ways to get people to notice your services, without expending a huge amount of money. Good luck!

Thanks so much!

you would be surprised to find out how many people actually look on Craigslist for specialty cakes..also church is a great way to market your product..bring to Sunday school, bake sales or even give a cake to your pastor and I am sure he will spread the word.

Seems to me like your getting a lot more business than I am! I have business cards at a few local restaurants/delicatessans which are frequented often as well as a facebook page. I am now making a Craigslist ad based on the PP's recommendation and definitely do not get nearly that amount of orders. I also am known at my church for my cakes/cupcakes. I guess I need to put a bit more work into my advertising!

Network with people around your community.

Visit local bridal boutiques...get to know the girls who work in there so it becomes second nature for them to refer your name. Bring some samples to them? Maybe offer one time to do cupcakes or a birthday cake for one of them for free or a reduced price?

Find local bridal magazines or any magazines that would fit your target clientele. Get featured by creating something FRESH and DIFFERENT than everyone else in your community and sharing it with them. Keep in contact by email or phone and keep submitting your work so they start to learn your name.

Do (for free) grand openings for local businesses and people with influence. Who doesn't want desserts at their grand opening / event?!

Facebook works wonders. Encourage clients to add you (or take the initiative and add them) and take QUALITY photos of every cake you do. Be sure to tag your client on Facebook when you upload the photo of their cake!

I have found the more you give, the more you will receive in return. All it takes is doing things a little different than everyone else in your area and the word of mouth will spread.