To ask for advice on a small online business...

[Illy603]

Just wondering if anyone has set up any kind of small online business that may have helpful tips...?!

I’m only in the planning stages but I want to start an online cake business. My designs are quite different than the traditional- boxes of quirky styled cake pops, personalised cupcakes and other small treats.

I want to start primarily on Facebook, just unsure of the best ways to reach people. Obviously it will be local (ish) deliveries. I have access to several people with cars who are willing to help me out and don’t expect anything in return (lovely partner and dad) 😂

So yeah, just if you’ve done anything similar and have any tips for a newbie starting out at a hopeful adventure ☺️

I run an online business that also delivers locally. Facebook is best for local, but don't neglect Instagram as that is a great way to be found, especially if your niche is wedding cakes.

Assuming you have all your hygiene requirements in place, insurance etc and a business name, then I'd just go and create a Facebook page. Upload all your images, logo, intro posts and then start spreading the word in local Facebook groups.

If you have the funds and are willing to invest then I'd definitely recommend a brand expert. I dived straight in with a rubbish name and logo and have hated it since, but I have recently rebranded with a brand expert and I'm loving everything about my rebrand.

Instagram is increasingly more popular than facebook, so i'd definitely look to get up and running on instagram too if you aren't already. You can easily target the local market with location specific hashtags and by setting your location.

Things like weekly or monthly treat boxes with different flavours or treat combinations each time are great and encourage repeat custom. And keeping on top of things like Halloween, Valentines etc with themed designs make great "just because" purchases.

Being able to cater for common allergens or specialist diets (such as vegan) is in my opinion at least, essential. If you can do this, shout about it! Those with dietary needs or preferences tend to be loyal and repeat customers when they find somewhere they can safely be catered for.

Don't underestimate packaging and presentation- the cakes and treats may look 5*, but pretty packaging will make them appealing as gifts too. Alternatively, add gift boxing as an optional extra.

When first starting out "like and tag a friend" type posts for giveaways are a good way of getting traffic and post interaction. Or you can "Boost" a post so it's shown to more people. Just make sure you set the location and target audience correctly.

Posting your food hygiene rating gives additional peace of mind and is always appreciated (providing its a 4 or 5. A 3 or less would be discouraging)

Don't underestimate the need for good photos of your products. Especially for social media, it helps grow a following which hopefully then translates to customers. Either spend some time learning how to take a good photo or look to collaborate with a local photographer.

Good luck!

Thank you so much for your replies! They’ve been super helpful!! I hadn’t thought so much about Instagram but you’re so right!! I’m a vegan myself so there will definitely be a focus on a vegan box! Packaging is all sorted, I’ve made a few so far as gifts which were very well received so will be going with the ribbon and personalised stickers ☺️
I will get on to the self employment (I’m guessing this is an absolute necessity) as well as the hygiene rating as this would be something I would personally be looking at, especially in times like this.

Could you elaborate on the insurance?!

I’m pretty nifty with photo editing as I have an extensive Interior Design portfolio and edit all my images myself for those so think I’ll be good in that respect.

I’m going to put the feelers out among my Facebook/Insta friends and see if it’s a product they would be willing to buy, on occasion. I love the idea of a monthly special box and would definitely be making the effort to make Halloween (fave holiday) Christmas and Valentines specific boxes.

I’m so excited at the thought of starting this and think I’ve got something quite different to offer. Just want to make sure I’m doing everything by the book as I’m not 100% on the specifics for starting an online food based business.

Again, thanks so much for your replies 💛

Yay! I'm vegan too so i'm really pleased to see more vegan options coming to the market. Do share your page(s) when they're up and running and i'll be sure to follow.

In terms of insurance, you need to have professional insurances to cover you. What you need depends on what services you offer really.

As a bare minimum you need professional Indemnity insurance. This should cover you if, for example someone had a reaction to one of your cakes or if you weren't able to fulfil your contractural obligations and someone got funny about it. For example, you were in an accident on the way to deliver the order and couldn't fulfil it and they tried to claim that it ruined their day and wanted compensation. There are usually add ons you can opt for, like legal cover etc some policies include this as standard.

If you will also be doing anything like delivering wedding cakes, delivering to peoples homes, having people visit your premises to collect or if you'll be selling at markets etc you should also have public liability insurance. This'll cover you if for example you left something on the floor at a wedding venue or market and someone tripped over it, or if you accidentally caused damage to someone elses property in the course of your work.

If you will be delivering often, you may also need to add business use to your car insurance policy as that only covers fixed places of work usually.

If you have high value equipment you may also want to think about equipment cover insurance as a lot of home insurance policies wont cover items that are used for business purposes, but generally it's only worth it for things that cost more than £1k ish i've found, depending on the excess on the policy.

If you have any colleges locally to you, keep an eye out for free courses that they offer (sometimes online, sometimes in person) as my local were offering free food hygiene certificates recently for completion of the course. Which is always worthwhile and it's an qualification, free!

Lot's of "If's" there, sorry!