Creating a website for your home baking business is so much easier than you think. Everything we do is online now, whether you like it or not it's the truth. Having an online presence is crucial for the success of any business, including your home baking business. If you're not convinced why you need a website for your home baking business make sure to read this article first.
Now you know that having a website is important but you're just not sure how in the world to get started. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create your website for your home bakery.
Now keep in mind if you're a visual learner I do have a video lesson on how exactly to do this.
Choose a platform:
I love using WIX. This is a WIX website. WIX makes it so easy to create a beautiful customized website without any experience.
I love all of the integrations that it allows:
Email lists & funnels
Calendar connections
Storefront
And so much more!
What plan to choose?
When starting your website start with the free plan and do as much as you can until you need to upgrade.
For example: Creating your storefront and as well as connecting your domain requires a paid subscription so save those for the end.
Buy your domain:
I always use Godaddy for domains. I just always have and always will. But you can purchase your domain directly from Wix as well if you would like. I just prefer to buy my domain now while I work on getting my website set up with the free Wix plan first. If you buy your domain with Wix you will be forced to go to a paid plan.
I would rather have my domain paid for before I make any graphics for my website. It would be so sad to find out that the domain I wanted isn't available.
The look and feel of your website:
You want to keep your brand character in mind. If you have no idea what I am talking about you want to go ahead and read this article. Making sure that your website is designed with your character in mind will ensure that your brand image is strong and carried throughout your entire website.
With your brand character in mind, I love doing a little Pinterest search to see a few examples of website designs that fit my brand image. That way you can mix and match the styles and aspects that you like the most. Find the Wix template that best works fits the style you are going for and customize from there. Using a template will help give you a little reference point instead of a blank canvas.
What to include on your home page:
About me: A small paragraph about who you are and your business
A quick intro to what you offer: This could be photos of your most popular products
Link your Instagram: Link to where they can follow you and see some of your more recent work
Contact me: Make contact easy and provide multiple forms of contact
Footer:
In your footer you want to include your contact info, hours of operation ( so people know when they expect you to respond), email subscribe opt- in.
Menu Page:
The way you set up your menu will depend on the type of items you sell.
If you sell items with minimal customization you are going to want to add your storefront on this page.
You do this by clicking the plus sign on the left-hand side and then scrolling down to the store option. This way customers can order and pay directly through your website.
If you sell all customizable desserts then you will want to show case the flavors you work with.
Make sure that your flavors are displayed clearly so that it is easy to follow.
I don’t recommend adding prices. They change often and with customizations prices vary. Id rather give someone a quote than explain why the cake they want is going to be more expensive than the price they saw online. It is better for both of us that way.
Make sure to add a contact box under your menu so that they can send the request.
I love to add as many many details for them to fill out as possible to limit the amount of back and forth.
For example you will want to add:
Serving count
Flavors
Date
Delivery
Location
Option to upload a photo
Text box to leave a description
Creating a website for your home baking business is so much easier than you think. Wix makes it so easy to customize your website to fit your needs. If you need a visual walk through make sure to take my How to Build a Website Class! Once you have your websites up make sure to let me know I would love to see them!
