Launching a new bakery is an exciting venture, no doubt about that. However, distinguishing yourself in a market saturated with similar bakeries requires a unique and innovative bakery business marketing approach.
Statista reports that in 2023, there were over 220,000 bakers in the US. IBISWorld adds to this saying that the country has 8,780 bakery cafe businesses as of 2023. This baking industry is only growing bigger, meaning you have more challenges to face as you step out into this new venture.
The first challenge, however, is related to how you’re planning on marketing this new startup of yours.
Here are a few fresh and creative strategies to boost your new bakery’s digital presence. For this article, we go beyond the typical advice and ensure your small business stands out.
Create a Virtual Baking Experience
Engage your audience by offering virtual baking classes or workshops. Use live streaming on social media platforms like Instagram Live or Facebook Live to host these sessions. At these sessions, you can share unique recipes, baking tips, and techniques.
Promote these virtual baking events through your email marketing campaigns and social media posts. Also, consider offering exclusive baking content or classes for followers who sign up on your website.
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Utilize Augmented Reality for Product Previews
Did you know that the global augmented reality (AR) advertising market is set to generate a revenue of $5.2 billion by this year? As Entrepreneur puts it, AR in marketing is revolutionizing how businesses advertise and promote their products and services.
That being said, how exactly can your bakery use AR for its bakery business marketing purposes?
Let’s say you develop an AR feature on your bakery website or app. This feature allows potential customers to visualize custom cakes or pastries in their own space before making a purchase. You might even allow them to make custom cakes and use AR to get a better and more real idea of the cake.
Partner with a tech-savvy local developer or agency to create this unique feature, setting your bakery apart from the competition. Expect to spend between $20,000 and $50,000 on an AR app. Although a pricey investment, it gives you an opportunity to set your bakery apart from the competition.
Leverage User-Generated Content on Social Media
Did you know that research shows 59 percent of consumers see user-generated content (UGC) as the most authentic form of content? In fact, consumers find UGC to be almost 10 times more impactful compared to influencer content when making a purchasing decision.
Hence, why not harness the power of UGC to enhance your bakery’s social media presence? Encourage your customers to share photos and videos of their purchases on platforms like Instagram using a branded hashtag unique to your bakery.
You can incentivize this by running monthly contests or giveaways, rewarding the best or most creative posts with free products or discounts. Feature this content on your own social media accounts to build a sense of community and authenticity.
UGC provides you with free content and acts as a powerful testimonial, showing potential customers real-life enjoyment of your products.
If you’re not sure how to go about with this idea for your bakery, seek help from a top-tier marketing agency. As per the services offered by Clark & Co., expert strategists from these agencies can help identify your target audience. They can then determine which social media channels or platforms are ideal for your business and for better UGC.
What kind of content should a bakery make for TikTok?
A bakery should create engaging and visually appealing content for TikTok, such as baking tutorials, behind-the-scenes footage, creative recipe ideas, and customer reactions. Your bakery business marketing approach should include highlighting unique products and seasonal specials that can also attract viewers and drive engagement.
Is working with influencers helpful for a bakery business?
Yes, working with influencers can be highly beneficial for a bakery business. Influencers can amplify brand visibility, attract potential customers, and build credibility through authentic endorsements. Partnering with local food bloggers or niche influencers can effectively target the bakery’s desired audience.
Develop a Sustainable and Ethical Brand Narrative
Consumers are increasingly concerned about sustainability and ethical practices. Case in point – 60 percent of respondents in a McKinsey survey said they don’t mind paying more for products coming in sustainable packaging.
Position your bakery as a leader in these areas by implementing and promoting eco-friendly and socially responsible practices. Use locally sourced, organic ingredients, and reduce packaging waste with compostable or reusable packaging.
Share your sustainability efforts through detailed blog posts, social media updates, and video content. Highlight stories of local farmers or suppliers you work with, and demonstrate how your bakery contributes to the community and the environment.
Do customers really care about ethical brand narratives?
Yes, customers increasingly value ethical brand narratives. They prefer businesses that demonstrate social responsibility, environmental consciousness, and transparency. Ethical practices build trust and loyalty, influencing purchasing decisions, especially among younger, more socially aware consumers.
Plan an SEO Strategy
As a small business owner, planning an effective SEO strategy is essential for boosting your bakery’s digital presence.
Start by conducting keyword research to find terms used frequently by your target audience . Incorporate these into your website content, meta descriptions, and blog posts to enhance your search engine optimization.
Remember, search engine algorithms favor fresh, relevant content, so regularly update your site with new information. Integrating local SEO techniques, like listing your bakery on Google Business page, can also drive traffic in your search engine marketing efforts.
An SEO-focused digital marketing plan is crucial for any small business marketing effort, ensuring your bakery is easily discoverable online.
Expand Your Marketing Channels
Expanding your marketing channels is vital for a well-rounded small business marketing strategy.
Diversify your marketing efforts by incorporating social media marketing, email campaigns, and influencer partnerships. Each platform offers unique opportunities to reach different segments of your audience.
Develop a social media strategy that highlights your bakery’s products, engages followers, and encourages user-generated content. Email marketing can keep your customers informed about new offerings and promotions.
A comprehensive marketing plan leveraging multiple channels ensures your digital marketing efforts are cohesive and effective, driving growth and engagement.
Learn As Much As You Can About Your Audience and Customers
Understanding your audience is the cornerstone of successful small business marketing. Utilize analytics tools to gain insights into your customers’ behavior and preferences.
Tailor your marketing strategies to address their needs and pain points, enhancing their customer journey. Collect feedback through surveys and social media interactions to refine your approach.
A well-informed marketing plan reflects your commitment to meeting your customers’ expectations. By prioritizing customer insights, small business owners can create personalized, effective marketing efforts that resonate with their target audience and drive sustained engagement.
As we reach the end of our discussion, one thing is clear. Boosting your new bakery’s digital presence requires more than just following traditional marketing tactics.
By sticking to these suggestions, you can get your bakery to stand out in a crowded market. These innovative bakery business marketing strategies can attract attention and also build a loyal customer base that is engaged and invested in your bakery’s success. Embrace these fresh approaches to elevate your small business marketing and ensure your bakery thrives in the competitive culinary landscape.
