When starting a home baking business you might be wondering, do I need a website? Some people even say there is no need for a website anymore because social media is so popular! I disagree. Having a website for your home baking business is extremely beneficial and here is why.
Why should you have a website for your home baking business?
Social Media is unreliable:
While social media can be a great place to grow an audience and get orders it is unreliable. You can get hacked, or banned, the platform could be down (as it has in the past), the algorithm can change, it could no longer be popular, or even get shut down by the government!
There are so many things that could happen when it comes to social media.
Having your business solely rely on a platform that is out of your control is not a good move.
But if you have a website that your social media takes your viewers to then you will not have to worry about any of those things happening.
People can order straight from you
Having a website for your home baking business makes it easier for people to order from you.
Now this might be the anti-social part of me or the overstimulated part but actually taking orders isn’t my favorite part.
Having a website can cut down on that back-and-forth communication.
For non-custom orders, customers can simply order and pay directly through your website without ever talking to you.
For custom orders, clients can fill out a form with common questions to limit the back and forth-in the ordering process.
By simplifying your business in these two ways you allow yourself more time to focus on the actual baking.
A landing place for all platforms
Just like I said earlier anything can happen to social media. If one platform starts to die out and you join another one your website can act as a central hub for all of your platforms. All sales platforms like Thumbtack and Yelp allow you to link to your own website. Allowing customers to see more of the work you do and order from you.
Be found on Google
Do not underestimate the power of Google. Google is still the most used search engine and I don’t see that changing any time soon. The fact is a lot of your competition is relying on social media and not on Google. This is an opportunity for you to be seen by the people searching for what you have to offer.
Keep in contact with customers
Having a website for your home baking business is great because you are able to have an email list. Having an email list will allow you to be able to announce upcoming holiday items, sales, and giveaways to your loyal customers allowing for a higher retention rate!
Showcase Your Products
A website allows you to showcase your products and have more control over what is being seen. On social media, you hope that people see what you post and they most likely won’t. On a website, you are able to put your best work out there, front and center without being drowned out by the new posts.
Build Credibility and Trust
A professional-looking website can help build credibility and trust with potential customers. It shows that you take your business seriously. Having customer reviews or testimonials on your website can also help build trust with potential customers.
To guarantee consistency in your home baking business, having a website is crucial. While social media can be a useful tool for marketing, a website provides a more professional online presence that can help take your home baking business to the next level.