. Starting a home baking business can be nerve-wracking when it comes to finding customers. How to get more customers is one of the top 2 questions I get. One of my favorite places to start getting orders is Yelp. Yelp is a great place to kick-start the growth of your business and your client base.
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Why is Yelp perfect for your home baking business?
Allows people in your area to find you easily.
This is one reason why Instagram can be problematic. Reels can build a following of people all over the world. People who are not able to order from you but like to see desserts on their feed. If your goal is to be a dessert influencer then that's great, but if your goal is to get orders then 2k followers does not equal 2k customers.
Yelp allows you to be in the eyes of people who are ready to place an order and are in your area. People who are actually your clientele are able to view your business and order from you. Which is the goal obviously.
There's no need for you to keep posting frequently.
To stay top-of-mind on social media, it's important to consistently post content. This way, when people want what you offer, they'll remember to reach out to you.
But with Yelp it is great because you can build your profile and leave it there. That way when people are ready to buy they find you!!
Photos that you and your customers take will stay visible no need to consistently post.
Which path sounds easier to you?
Make it easier for people traveling to your area to find your business
Along with attracting local customers, your business can also be discovered and booked by visitors while they are in the area. Personally, when I travel, I often rely on Yelp to locate top-notch restaurants and activities and save them for future reference. Yelp is a convenient tool for everyone to discover local hot spots.
On the other hand with Instagram, you would need to make sure you are using the right hashtags and posting constantly so that travelers can find you. (if they even search those hashtags at all)
You don’t need to have your address advertised.
If you are worried about having your address posted online don’t worry. You don’t have to have your address visible on your profile.
Reviews to build social proof
Reviews are so helpful for your home baking business. It helps you to build social proof. By showcasing the feedback from previous customers, potential buyers can feel more confident in their decision to purchase from you. This can ultimately lead to increased sales and growth for your business.
Reviews are helpful for customers and for you as well. Whenever you need that pick me up you can take a look at your past reviews to get you back on track.
Link to your own website
You can link your own website to your Yelp account as well. This way viewers can dive deeper into your business. See what you have to offer as well as place orders directly from your website.
Chat within Yelp or get a phone call
Yelp allows potential customers to chat with you directly through Yelp. Replying quickly will boost your ranking and push you toward the top of the recommendations.
You can also add your phone number for people to call/ text you directly to place an order.
Having a consistent home baking business is so much easier when using Yelp. Its set-and-forget nature allows you to focus on your business without worrying about attracting customers. Yelp is an excellent platform for building social proof and attracting both local and visiting clientele.