Cake Decorating Business

How can one gain more customers/business

Hi guys! So I’m a very new baker. About 4 months now. I found myself sitting in front the T.V everyday after work, bored out my mind!!! I felt like there must be more to my life to just work and t.v! ugh! So i came across a Youtube Video of a woman making mostly novelty cakes, and said to myself “I CAN DO THAT!” Turns out some steps can be more challenging than others. But I like to push myself and see what i can accomplish and become better at it.

I love to bake and see the outcome of my hard work. Ive had about 3 paid jobs so far. Nothing big. Two for family one from a lady I know through a friend. Basically I’m now at a point where I’m conflicted. I feel i should be making more cakes, and show casing them on various social media sites, but that cost money.. Buying products with no profit from the items being purchases feels like a waste. But if i don’t do these things how will people know me?

Please help. Anything you have to say will be helpful trust me! Like i said I’m very new and open to thoughts and ideas.
Also do you think I should hone into one speciality thing and market that? Right now I’m making cupcakes, Cupcake Bouquets and regular celebratory cakes.

Thanks!
Tridasia

TheCakeVenue

6 Replies

It doesn’t cost anything to set up a business page on Facebook, twitter, Instagram etc. Facebook can be great for business.

You can create your own website on sites like Wix and Wordpress for little or no money too. It doesn’t have to cost the earth.

Word of mouth is the best way, keep plodding and you’ll build a good reputation. It’s not going to happen overnight, you need to have some patience!

www.facebook.com/amandaslittlecakeboutique

Thank you I will look into the websites. I think that’s part of my struggle (happening over night thoughts) lol I guess a little more patience is due thank you!

TheCakeVenue

Agree totally with The clever little cupcake company, I started out in much the same way as you. Once I had made the decision to take caking more seriously, I had some business cards made, told absolutely everyone that was around me that I was making cakes and eventually the orders came.
I invested in more equipment and tools along the way as I became more confident in new techniques. I now have a website and fb page. There is lots of inspiration here on cakesdecor and help if you need it. Best wishes x

Essentially Cakes - Christine Jones

Yea i did create and buy business cards. Im starting to see that patience and more practice and word of mouth seems to be the best routes. thank you! i think i need more confidence too ;-/

TheCakeVenue

Most of us here on Cakesdecor started out in a very similar way to you so please do not be afraid to ask questions that is what we are here for. I agree with the clever little cupcake company fb, instagram , twitter and a very low cost or free website will definitely get you started and headed in the right direction. Word of mouth for sure works best locally and you can also invest in some very in- expensive car signage for less than $100 which will also help.

I think you need to trust your own instincts on what you wish to pursue. Going in too many different directions at first can just be to much so I think for now til your confidence grows and also your skills maybe just focus on one or two things. I know many areas are doing great business in cookies and cupcakes these days so I think you just need to find out what sells well in your area, that may take some time.

Be patient most of us did not grow overnight it took years to establish clientele especially with out a store front as it takes time for people to know you are even there and in many areas now there are many at home cake decorators all after the same business and many under charging.

Make sure you are pricing your cakes properly for your area and skill level but always make sure you are making a profit and I don’t mean just on top of the price of your ingredients. Your time is money and should be added into the cost of your cake. If you are not making a profit on your cakes then you are wasting your time if you are wanting to make this a business, it should then just be considered a hobby and just enjoy having fun with it. Buy only the tools you need right then and there. take that from someone who went and bought all the gadgets and uses next to none of them,lol. As you grow as an artists and find your niche you will then learn what you really need to buy but I can guarantee as long as you have a few basic tools you can just about make any cake you desire.

Good luck in your en devour I hope it to be very successful and all you hope it to be. Remember we are always here to help!

Tampa, Florida facebook.com/pages/curiaussiety-custom-cakes

Thank you so much! I am leaning towards what I think my “niche” is and I’m excited. Stay tuned!

TheCakeVenue