Donate cupcakes to a charity event.
For your bakery cafe to succeed, you need to advertise. Most media spots are expensive and sometimes don't reach your target audience. However, it is possible to effectively advertise with a small budget. You don't need a lot of cash or talent to spread the word or draw attention to your business, but you do need perseverance and drive.
Sandwich Boards
If you are fortunate enough to have sidewalk traffic in front of your bakery cafe, utilize an old, effective form of free advertising. Write your daily specials or meal-deals on both sides of a sandwich board. This is basically a two-sided stand-alone sign. Use bright colors, large letters and clear printing so it catches people's attention and is easily read.
Fundraisers
When a school or community group holds a fundraiser, volunteer your treats. Give the cause 3 dozen cupcakes, 4 free meal passes or discount coupons. Offer to cater a private party or provide the desserts to a charity fundraising meal. Give away cooking and baking classes or cake-decorating lessons. Be sure your logo and contact information are displayed and announced throughout the event.
Flyers
Create flyers with your logo, a sample list of your food items and a coupon worth 15 percent off. Get permission from your local mall's management and place your flyers on each car in the parking lot. Hang flyers up on community boards. You can often find these at grocery stores, public parks and community centers.
Get Involved
Get known within your community. Join the Chamber of Commerce and a luncheon group of small business owners, or start one up if there's not one in your community. Volunteer in community organizations and participate in events around town. Offer to provide doughnuts and baked goods for volunteer meetings you attend, school programs and community events. When introducing yourself, always mention your bakery cafe. Pass out business cards to each person you meet.
Virtual Advertising
Advertise online for free. Create a website and a blog. Ask for people's email address when they visit your site. Send them coupons to your bakery cafe, recipes and ideas for entertaining. Join online discussion groups about small business owners, bakeries and cafes.
Tags: bakery cafe, your bakery, your bakery cafe, business owners, small business