How to Advertise a Cookie Business

So you finally took the leap and opened your own cookie shop. Congratulations! Whether you decided to take advantage of the many cookie franchise opportunities out there or chose to forge ahead with your own cookie store, you have your own business now!

Now that your cookie company is up and running, you’re going to need to attract customers. If you’re in a high-traffic area, you might already have the “curiosity crowd,” but even so, you’re going to want your reach to extend beyond these passers-by. You’re going to need to advertise.

Some business owners freeze at the thought of advertising because they assume it’s going to cost big bucks. While it’s true that some forms of advertising are expensive, not all of them are. Here are a few ways to get the word out.

Create an online presence

This is one of the least expensive ways to let the world know that you’ve set up shop. Setting up a website is very inexpensive, and a Facebook page, a Twitter presence and a YouTube account are all free. These are all quick and easy ways to establish an online footprint.

Join networking groups

Again, the only investment here is a little bit of your time, and it can pay off handsomely. If you let other members of the business community know who you are and where you’re located, the word-of-mouth alone can help your profit margin rise. And you’ll also get to know people in your area, which is a nice bonus.

Join the chamber of commerce

This might require an upfront investment, but it’s worth it. Many chambers hold ribbon-cutting ceremonies for new members, which is a perfect opportunity to get pictures and gather a crowd. And some chambers have membership directories, which will point lots of people your way.

Sponsor an event

This can carry a hefty price tag, depending on what you decide to sponsor, but it doesn’t have to. You can start on a small scale — sponsoring a local 5K or a little league team, for example — and work your way up from there. And setting up a stand at these events is a great way to reach new customers.

Take out a newspaper ad

This may seem like an awfully old-school recommendation in the Internet age, but there are still plenty of people — the older generation, especially — who still read through the morning and evening paper. If they see that you’re running a special promotion, they might see it as a perfect opportunity to treat the kids or grandkids to a trip to the cookie shop. You’ll be bringing in multiple generations!

Of course, these advertising ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many ways to get the word out about your business, from billboards to television commercials to speaking engagements to targeted online ads, you’ll never run out of ways to reach potential new customers. And after all, getting new customers is what it’s all about!