January 20, 2025 • 17 mins
Social Media Marketing for Cottage Food BusinessesAre you a cottage food entrepreneur looking to grow your home-based bakery, artisanal jam shop, or specialty candy brand through effective social media marketing? Welcome to Social Media Marketing for Cottage Food Businesses, the ultimate podcast designed to help you harness the power of digital platforms and transform your passion into a thriving venture. Each episode is packed with expert tips, real-life success stories, and practical strategies that will boost your online presence and turn casual browsers into loyal customers.In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, having a strong social media marketing plan is essential for every cottage food business. Whether you specialize in delectable baked goods, flavorful sauces, or custom sweet treats, our podcast offers insights into building a brand identity that resonates with your target audience. We dive into choosing the right platforms—like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest—so you can strategically showcase your products and stand out in crowded feeds.Discover how to craft compelling content that highlights not just your delicious offerings but also your unique story. From behind-the-scenes videos of your kitchen to mouthwatering product photos, we’ll guide you in creating a consistent style that reflects your brand’s values. Our episodes also explore advanced techniques for running social media ads, fostering online communities, and using hashtags effectively to reach a broader audience.But social media success isn’t just about posting pictures of cookies and cakes. It requires genuine engagement. Learn how to respond to comments, collaborate with influencers, and encourage customer reviews. By focusing on relationship-building, you can establish trust with your followers and convert them into repeat buyers. We’ll also cover key performance indicators (KPIs) to track—such as reach, impressions, and engagement rate—so you can evaluate what’s working and pivot when necessary.Beyond social media, we dive into essential digital marketing elements like email list building, search engine optimization (SEO), and website optimization to support your overall business growth. Each episode features actionable advice, interviews with successful cottage food entrepreneurs, and inspiring success stories that illustrate how a well-executed online marketing strategy can increase sales, extend brand awareness, and foster meaningful connections with customers.Tune in and start implementing proven techniques to elevate your cottage food business in the digital space. With Social Media Marketing for Cottage Food Businesses, you’ll gain the confidence to flourish online, turn your products into must-have treats, and serve your ever-growing audience with a recipe for lasting success. Join us today and watch your home-based food venture thrive!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
All right, so today we're going to be taking a
(00:02):
deep dive into how to make social media work for
your cottage food business. You sent over a ton of
articles and resources, so it's obvious that you're ready to
tackle this challenge. And you know what, you're really smart
to be because get this. Do you know that the
cottage food industry is bringing in over five billion dollars
a year. Wow, that's a lot of people buying cookies
(00:25):
and cakes and all kinds of amazing homemade food.
Speaker 2 (00:28):
Yeah, that's amazing. What's really interesting about that is, you know,
the growth is happening at the same time that we're
seeing a huge shift in how people buy food. Yeah,
it seems like everyone is really craving that personal touch,
you know, that homemade feel, and you know where they
go to find it.
Speaker 1 (00:44):
Where social media makes sense to me? Okay, but beyond
just being trendy, what advantages does social media offer cottage
food businesses? I mean, we're not talking about big national
brands here, right.
Speaker 2 (00:54):
And that's a really great point when it comes to
cottage food. Social media can really help you level the
playing field because you're not competing with these massive marketing budgets.
You're connecting with your community directly, and since most cottage
food laws restrict you to local sales, that hyper local
targeting you could do on social media. It's a game changer.
Speaker 1 (01:16):
Okay, So it's cost effective and it helps you tap
into that local market. But one article mentions something about
building a brand with personality. What does that even mean
for a small business like let's say a baker.
Speaker 2 (01:28):
Okay, well, think of it this way. Anyone can go
buy a cookie at the supermarket, right, but on social media,
you're not just selling cookies, you're selling an experience, you know.
So yeah, you want to show off those gorgeous, gooey
chocolate chip cookies, for sure, but also you can share
that secret ingredient that's been passed down from your grandma,
or maybe post a quick video of you whipping up
(01:48):
a batch in your kitchen. Let people into your world
a little bit, let them see the story behind your food.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
That's a great idea. Okay. So it's all about being
genuine and letting your passion shine through. But there's there's
all many different platforms out there. You know, you got
Instagram and Facebook and TikTok and even Pinterest and next door.
I mean how do you even choose where to start?
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Yeah, you do not need to be on all of them.
Don't feel like you have to be everywhere at once.
In fact, that's probably just a recipe for burnout. The
best thing to do is think about who your ideal
customer is and where they're already spending their time online.
Are they the kind of person that's scrolling through beautifully
styled food photos on Instagram? Do they love getting recipe
(02:31):
inspiration on Pinterest? Or maybe they're catching all the latest
food trends on TikTok. Pick one or two platforms that
feel right for you and your product, and then really
nail those before you even think about expanding.
Speaker 1 (02:42):
That's great advice. It's easy to get overwhelmed trying to
do everything at once. Okay, so let's say I've chosen
my platforms. How do I make my profile stand out?
What are the must haves?
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Well, your profile is like your digital storefront. It's that
first impression. It needs to be inviting and informative. So
first things first, make sure your branding is consistent across
all your platforms. Same logo, same color, same vibe, and
that profile picture should be a show stopper. It could
be your logo or an amazing shot of your best
selling products, something that's really going to make people stop scrolling.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
Okay, so branding check, got a profile picture check, But
what about the content of my profile? What do I
tell people?
Speaker 2 (03:20):
Keep it clear and concise? What do you sell where
you located? How can people order from you? Make it
super easy for them to become customers? And here's a
little tip that a lot of people miss. Be upfront
about your cottage food status. Not only is it off
at a legal requirement, but it could also be a
real selling point. People love knowing that their treats are
coming from a real person, made with love in a
(03:41):
home kitchen.
Speaker 1 (03:42):
I like that transparency with a touch of personality. So
we've got these great profiles set up, but what do
we actually post? That's where content strategy comes in, right exactly,
And this is where it starts to get fun.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
But first we need a little bit of a mindset shift.
We're not just posting pretty pictures. We're telling a story,
your story, and each piece of content is like a chapter.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
Okay, I'm intrigued. Tell me more about this story. What
kind of chapters are we talking about?
Speaker 2 (04:09):
Well, for starters. Let's talk about mouthwatering product photos. Those
are non negotiable close ups, beautiful lighting, you know, really
highlighting the textures make people practically taste those cookies through
the screen.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
But you said it's more than just pretty pictures. What
else can we be doing.
Speaker 2 (04:25):
Okay, so let's say you're known for your incredible pumpkin
spice cookies. Don't just show the finished product. Take people
behind the scenes. Show them systing the flour, mixing the spices,
maybe even that old handwritten recipe card you got from
your grandma, you know, give them a little sneak peek
into your world.
Speaker 1 (04:41):
Oh I love that. It's like those cooking shows where
they show all the different steps. Makes you feel more
connected to the food.
Speaker 2 (04:46):
Somehow you got it. And don't forget about the power
of customer testimonials. If you have someone raving about your
latest creation, share it. People trust other people more than
they trust marketing. Right, It's like having your best friend
recommend something to you. Just carries more weight.
Speaker 1 (05:04):
That's a really great point. I'm always more likely to
try something if I see real people enjoying it. So
we've got photos, we've got behind the scenes, we've got testimonials.
What other chapters can we add to this story?
Speaker 2 (05:15):
Well, think about what makes your cottage food business special.
Maybe you use all organic, locally sourced ingredients. Share that.
Maybe you have a special technique for decorating your cakes,
show it off. You can even use your content to
teach people something new. Share a quick tip for baking
the perfect pie crust, or maybe a fun fact about
the history of chocolate chip cookies. It all adds value
(05:36):
and positions you as an expert.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
I am so ready to start posting right now, but
before I get too carried away, there's one thing we
need to cover.
Speaker 2 (05:44):
Compliance absolutely. You know, social media is an incredibly powerful tool,
but you have to use it responsibly. You need to
understand the cottage food laws in your state, especially when
it comes to online sales and advertising. What are you
allowed to say about your products? Can you accept payments?
Can you ship your products all over the country or
are you restricted to local delivery? Be upfront about any limitations,
(06:07):
and definitely include allergen information. Not only does it protect
you legally, but it also builds trust with your customers.
Speaker 1 (06:15):
Right compliance isn't just about avoiding trouble, It's about building
a sustainable business based on honesty and transparency. Okay, I
think we've covered a lot of ground here. We've talked
about why social media is so important, how to choose
the right platforms, how to make your profile stand out,
and even how to create really engaging content. What's coming
up next in.
Speaker 2 (06:34):
Part two, We're going to be exploring the exciting world
of community engagement, and I'll teach you how to turn
those followers you have into loyal customers. We'll also dive
into the data side of things, and we'll learn how
to track your success and make sure that all of
your online efforts are translating into real world results. See
you then, welcome back.
Speaker 1 (06:55):
In Part one, we talked about, you know, setting up
your cottage food business on social media, picking the right platforms,
making your profile shine, creating content, you know, telling your
story right.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
And now we're going to talk about how to actually
bring that online presence to life and turn it into
a community, a community of loyal customers. Because a beautiful
Instagram feed, well it's great and all, but it doesn't
mean much if it's not actually bringing in orders for
your delicious creations.
Speaker 1 (07:22):
That's so true. It's not just about vanity metrics or anything.
So how do we turn those followers, those likes into
paying customers, you know, people who are excited to buy
our homemade goodies.
Speaker 2 (07:34):
It all comes down to engagement, building relationships. Think about it.
Would you rather buy from some faceless brand, you know,
the kind that just posts product photos all day long?
Or would you rather buy from someone that you feel
like you actually know, someone who takes the time to
answer your questions, respond to your comments, someone who seems
(07:54):
like day care.
Speaker 1 (07:55):
Yeah, I would definitely go with the second option. But
to be honest, I'm a little intimidated by the whole
engagement thing. It just seems like a lot to keep
up with, especially when you're already busy baking and running
a business.
Speaker 2 (08:07):
I totally get it. It can definitely feel overwhelming, but
it really doesn't have to be. You know, even just
setting aside a few minutes every day to check your notifications,
respond to some comments, maybe strike up a conversation or two.
It's all about quality over quantity, you know. Yeah, a
few genuine interactions can go a long way in building
those relationships.
Speaker 1 (08:26):
Okay, so that feels a little bit more manageable, But
what about when you're just swamped with orders and you
don't have a lot of time for social media. How
do you stay engaged without getting totally sucked in?
Speaker 2 (08:37):
Well, the good things is that a lot of platforms
have these scheduling tools now, so you can actually plan
your posts in advance. You know, maybe spend an hour
or two each week batch creating some content, schedule it
to go out at specific times, and then you can
relax knowing that your social media is taken care of
even when you're busy.
Speaker 1 (08:54):
Oh that's amazing. I love the idea of batching tasks
and just getting ahead of things. But let's talk specif
what kind of engagement are we talking about here? Is
it enough to just like comments and respond to questions?
Speaker 2 (09:05):
That's definitely a good starting point, but you can totally
take it even further. You know, ask questions in your
captions to spark conversations, run some polls to get people
talking about their favorite flavors or what kind of seasonal
treats they're looking for. You can even do a Q
and A session where you share your expertise and answer questions.
Speaker 1 (09:23):
Ooh, those are really good ideas. It's almost like you're
inviting people into your kitchen and just having a casual
conversation over a cup of coffee. You're creating that personal
touch that you don't really get with traditional advertising exactly.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
And one thing a lot of people forget about is
user generated content. Resharing photos or videos of customers enjoying
your products. That's super powerful. It's authentic, it shows social proof,
and it also makes your customers feel valued.
Speaker 1 (09:51):
That's a great point. I mean, Okay, so we're engaging
with our followers, building relationships, creating a sense of community.
But how do we know if it's actually working? How
do we measure success beyond just looking at the number
of likes?
Speaker 2 (10:04):
That's where data comes in. There are a few metrics
that you want to track. So first, are your follower
numbers going up? And I'm not just talking about any followers.
Are you attracting the right kind of followers, the ones
who are actually interested in your products and are going
to become customers?
Speaker 1 (10:17):
Right, Like, a thousand followers across the globe doesn't really
help you if you can only sell locally because of
cottage food laws. So how do you make sure that
you're attracting that local audience?
Speaker 2 (10:26):
Well, it comes back to that hyper local targeting we
were talking about. Use location tags in your posts. Engage
with other businesses and community groups in your area, you know,
participate in conversations that are happening locally. The more you
integrate yourself into that local online scene, the more likely
you are to attract the right people.
Speaker 1 (10:46):
That makes a lot of sense. It's like you're planting
seeds in fertile ground, right instead of just throwing them
out there randomly. But beyond followers, what are some other
metrics we should be looking at?
Speaker 2 (10:57):
Engagement rate? So what percentage of people who see your
content actually interact with it? Are they liking? Are they commenting?
Are they sharing your posts? Are they clicking the link
in your bio to visit your website or place in order?
These are all signs that your content is working and
people are taking action.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
Okay, so it's not about vanity metrics. It's about making
sure that those likes are turning into real engagement and action.
Speaker 2 (11:19):
Yes, exactly. And one thing that's often overlooked is just
direct feedback. Ask your customers how they found you, Did
they find you through social media? And if so, which platform?
This is really valuable information that tells you which platforms
are performing best for you, and where you should be
focusing your efforts.
Speaker 1 (11:39):
I like that it's almost like you've got a built
in focus group. You're getting insights from your customers. But
what happens when you've been tracking your data and you
realize that, you know, maybe things aren't quite where you
want them to be, maybe your engagement is kind of low,
or you're not seeing a lot of traffic to your website.
What do you do?
Speaker 2 (11:54):
First of all, don't panic. It's all about experimenting and
making adjustments. If something's not working, try something new, Switch
up your content formats, experiment with different posting times. You know,
even analyze what your competitors are doing and see if
you can learn something from them. The great thing about
social media is that it's constantly changing, so you have
(12:14):
all these opportunities to learn and grow.
Speaker 1 (12:17):
I love that it's like a fun challenge. But before
we get too carried away with experimenting, I want to
circle back to compliance.
Speaker 2 (12:22):
Yes, so important. As you're building your community and engaging
with your audience, always always keep those cottage food regulations
in mind. Be transparent about your limitations, your ingredients, allergen
information that kind of thing. It's not just about protecting
yourself legally, it's also about maintaining that trust and transparency
with your customers. That's so important.
Speaker 1 (12:43):
Such an important reminder. Compliance isn't just a box to check.
It's a vital part of having a successful business. Okay,
so I think we've covered a lot when it comes
to community engagement, data, compliance, anything else you want to
add before we move on to our final takeaways.
Speaker 2 (13:00):
I guess the main thing is this Building a community
takes time, it takes effort, but it also takes a
genuine desire to connect with your audience, and when you
get it right, it's so rewarding. You're creating this loyal
following of people who not only love your products, but
also feel a connection to you and your brand, and
that's pretty special.
Speaker 1 (13:19):
All Right, we're back for the final part of our
deep dive into cottage food and social media. We've covered
a lot of ground choosing the right platforms, making a
great profile, creating content that's engaging, even getting into the
art of community engagement.
Speaker 2 (13:34):
And let's not forget the data and the importance of
following those cottage food laws. Phew, it's been quite the journey.
Speaker 1 (13:41):
It really has. But sometimes I think when you cover
so much ground, it's easy to lose sight of the
big picture. So let's train to distill everything we've talked
about into some key takeaways for our listeners as they're
getting started with social media. What are the must remembers?
Speaker 2 (13:56):
Well, I think we should start with the foundation. Why
are we even doing this? Why do we even care
about social media? It's not just to be trendy. It's
because it's such a powerful tool for connecting with customers
in a way that we really haven't been able to before.
Speaker 1 (14:09):
So we're not posting just for the sake of posting.
We have a real purpose.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
Exactly, And that leads into the next point. Social media
is a marathon, not a sprint. Don't get discouraged if
you don't see those results right away.
Speaker 1 (14:21):
Consistency and patience words to live by. What else?
Speaker 2 (14:26):
Choice? Remember all those platforms we talked about, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok.
You don't have to be on all of them. Pick
one or two where your target audience hangs out, and
the ones that feel right for you.
Speaker 1 (14:36):
Yeah, I remember you said it's better to be amazing
on one platform than to be mediocre on five.
Speaker 2 (14:41):
Exactly, quality over quantity always, and once you've chosen your platforms,
make those profiles really shine. Remember consistent branding, a clear bio,
delicious photos, let your personality show.
Speaker 1 (14:55):
It's like you're opening up a shop in a prime location.
You want to make sure your storefront is beautiful and invit. Okay,
so our shop is all set up, but now we
need to, you know, stock the shelves. What kind of
content should we be putting out there.
Speaker 2 (15:06):
Think of it like you're putting together a menu. Beautiful
product photos. Those are your main course, but don't forget
to spice things up with behind the scenes content, customer testimonials,
maybe some educational stuff, show off your expertise, a little variety.
Speaker 1 (15:19):
It's like having a menu that makes everyone want to
come back for more. But even with the best menu,
you have to get people in the door. How do
we make sure our content is reaching the right people.
Speaker 2 (15:29):
That's where community engagement comes in. It's not enough to
just like post and disappear. You know, you have to
respond to comments, answer questions, participate in conversations, make people
feel heard.
Speaker 1 (15:42):
Right, It's about building those relationships, not just broadcasting a message.
Speaker 2 (15:46):
Exactly and don't forget how powerful reviews and testimonials are.
Happy customers can be your best advocates. Those real voices,
they mean a lot more than any marketing campaign.
Speaker 1 (15:57):
It's word of mouth but amplified. Okay, so we've got
great engagement, but we have to make sure it's actually
translating into orders. How do we measure success beyond just likes?
Speaker 2 (16:06):
I mean data, data, data. Keep an eye on your followers.
Are they growing? Are they the right kind of followers?
And what about engagement? Are people liking commenting? Sharing? Go
to your website. Don't be afraid to ask your customers
how did you find me?
Speaker 1 (16:19):
It's like having a map, a roadmap to success, but
sometimes you got to adjust your course along the way,
right exactly.
Speaker 2 (16:24):
Social media changes all the time, so you have to
experiment and adapt. Don't be afraid to try new things.
See what's working. If something isn't working, change it.
Speaker 1 (16:33):
So it's a journey, a journey of learning. But before
we go, I want to bring up compliance one last time.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
You're right, we can't emphasize this enough. Cottage food laws
are so important. Be transparent about everything, limitations, ingredients, allergens.
It's not just about staying out of trouble. It's about
having a sustainable business that people trust.
Speaker 1 (16:55):
It's doing business the right way. Okay, so we've talked
about so much. What's the one big take away, the
thing our listeners should really remember.
Speaker 2 (17:03):
That's a tough one. I guess it would be this.
Social media is really about connection, connecting with people, sharing
your passion, your story, what makes your food special. Focus
on those relationships, provide value to your audience, build a
community around what you do, and I think you'll be
really surprised by what you can achieve.
Speaker 1 (17:21):
That's a great point. And don't forget you can always
head over to the Marketing Food Online YouTube channel. They
have a ton of great tips and resources just for
cottage food businesses.
Speaker 2 (17:31):
Yeah, they're a great resource. And as you're getting started
on this journey, think about what makes you different, what's
your story. That's how you'll stand out, That's how you
build a brand that people really connect with.
Speaker 1 (17:41):
And that's a wrap. I hope you enjoyed our deep
dive into social media for cottage food businesses. Happy baking
and happy posting. Everyone
All right, so today we're going to be taking a
(00:02):
deep dive into how to make social media work for
your cottage food business. You sent over a ton of
articles and resources, so it's obvious that you're ready to
tackle this challenge. And you know what, you're really smart
to be because get this. Do you know that the
cottage food industry is bringing in over five billion dollars
a year. Wow, that's a lot of people buying cookies
(00:25):
and cakes and all kinds of amazing homemade food.
Speaker 2 (00:28):
Yeah, that's amazing. What's really interesting about that is, you know,
the growth is happening at the same time that we're
seeing a huge shift in how people buy food. Yeah,
it seems like everyone is really craving that personal touch,
you know, that homemade feel, and you know where they
go to find it.
Speaker 1 (00:44):
Where social media makes sense to me? Okay, but beyond
just being trendy, what advantages does social media offer cottage
food businesses? I mean, we're not talking about big national
brands here, right.
Speaker 2 (00:54):
And that's a really great point when it comes to
cottage food. Social media can really help you level the
playing field because you're not competing with these massive marketing budgets.
You're connecting with your community directly, and since most cottage
food laws restrict you to local sales, that hyper local
targeting you could do on social media. It's a game changer.
Speaker 1 (01:16):
Okay, So it's cost effective and it helps you tap
into that local market. But one article mentions something about
building a brand with personality. What does that even mean
for a small business like let's say a baker.
Speaker 2 (01:28):
Okay, well, think of it this way. Anyone can go
buy a cookie at the supermarket, right, but on social media,
you're not just selling cookies, you're selling an experience, you know.
So yeah, you want to show off those gorgeous, gooey
chocolate chip cookies, for sure, but also you can share
that secret ingredient that's been passed down from your grandma,
or maybe post a quick video of you whipping up
(01:48):
a batch in your kitchen. Let people into your world
a little bit, let them see the story behind your food.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
That's a great idea. Okay. So it's all about being
genuine and letting your passion shine through. But there's there's
all many different platforms out there. You know, you got
Instagram and Facebook and TikTok and even Pinterest and next door.
I mean how do you even choose where to start?
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Yeah, you do not need to be on all of them.
Don't feel like you have to be everywhere at once.
In fact, that's probably just a recipe for burnout. The
best thing to do is think about who your ideal
customer is and where they're already spending their time online.
Are they the kind of person that's scrolling through beautifully
styled food photos on Instagram? Do they love getting recipe
(02:31):
inspiration on Pinterest? Or maybe they're catching all the latest
food trends on TikTok. Pick one or two platforms that
feel right for you and your product, and then really
nail those before you even think about expanding.
Speaker 1 (02:42):
That's great advice. It's easy to get overwhelmed trying to
do everything at once. Okay, so let's say I've chosen
my platforms. How do I make my profile stand out?
What are the must haves?
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Well, your profile is like your digital storefront. It's that
first impression. It needs to be inviting and informative. So
first things first, make sure your branding is consistent across
all your platforms. Same logo, same color, same vibe, and
that profile picture should be a show stopper. It could
be your logo or an amazing shot of your best
selling products, something that's really going to make people stop scrolling.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
Okay, so branding check, got a profile picture check, But
what about the content of my profile? What do I
tell people?
Speaker 2 (03:20):
Keep it clear and concise? What do you sell where
you located? How can people order from you? Make it
super easy for them to become customers? And here's a
little tip that a lot of people miss. Be upfront
about your cottage food status. Not only is it off
at a legal requirement, but it could also be a
real selling point. People love knowing that their treats are
coming from a real person, made with love in a
(03:41):
home kitchen.
Speaker 1 (03:42):
I like that transparency with a touch of personality. So
we've got these great profiles set up, but what do
we actually post? That's where content strategy comes in, right exactly,
And this is where it starts to get fun.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
But first we need a little bit of a mindset shift.
We're not just posting pretty pictures. We're telling a story,
your story, and each piece of content is like a chapter.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
Okay, I'm intrigued. Tell me more about this story. What
kind of chapters are we talking about?
Speaker 2 (04:09):
Well, for starters. Let's talk about mouthwatering product photos. Those
are non negotiable close ups, beautiful lighting, you know, really
highlighting the textures make people practically taste those cookies through
the screen.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
But you said it's more than just pretty pictures. What
else can we be doing.
Speaker 2 (04:25):
Okay, so let's say you're known for your incredible pumpkin
spice cookies. Don't just show the finished product. Take people
behind the scenes. Show them systing the flour, mixing the spices,
maybe even that old handwritten recipe card you got from
your grandma, you know, give them a little sneak peek
into your world.
Speaker 1 (04:41):
Oh I love that. It's like those cooking shows where
they show all the different steps. Makes you feel more
connected to the food.
Speaker 2 (04:46):
Somehow you got it. And don't forget about the power
of customer testimonials. If you have someone raving about your
latest creation, share it. People trust other people more than
they trust marketing. Right, It's like having your best friend
recommend something to you. Just carries more weight.
Speaker 1 (05:04):
That's a really great point. I'm always more likely to
try something if I see real people enjoying it. So
we've got photos, we've got behind the scenes, we've got testimonials.
What other chapters can we add to this story?
Speaker 2 (05:15):
Well, think about what makes your cottage food business special.
Maybe you use all organic, locally sourced ingredients. Share that.
Maybe you have a special technique for decorating your cakes,
show it off. You can even use your content to
teach people something new. Share a quick tip for baking
the perfect pie crust, or maybe a fun fact about
the history of chocolate chip cookies. It all adds value
(05:36):
and positions you as an expert.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
I am so ready to start posting right now, but
before I get too carried away, there's one thing we
need to cover.
Speaker 2 (05:44):
Compliance absolutely. You know, social media is an incredibly powerful tool,
but you have to use it responsibly. You need to
understand the cottage food laws in your state, especially when
it comes to online sales and advertising. What are you
allowed to say about your products? Can you accept payments?
Can you ship your products all over the country or
are you restricted to local delivery? Be upfront about any limitations,
(06:07):
and definitely include allergen information. Not only does it protect
you legally, but it also builds trust with your customers.
Speaker 1 (06:15):
Right compliance isn't just about avoiding trouble, It's about building
a sustainable business based on honesty and transparency. Okay, I
think we've covered a lot of ground here. We've talked
about why social media is so important, how to choose
the right platforms, how to make your profile stand out,
and even how to create really engaging content. What's coming
up next in.
Speaker 2 (06:34):
Part two, We're going to be exploring the exciting world
of community engagement, and I'll teach you how to turn
those followers you have into loyal customers. We'll also dive
into the data side of things, and we'll learn how
to track your success and make sure that all of
your online efforts are translating into real world results. See
you then, welcome back.
Speaker 1 (06:55):
In Part one, we talked about, you know, setting up
your cottage food business on social media, picking the right platforms,
making your profile shine, creating content, you know, telling your
story right.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
And now we're going to talk about how to actually
bring that online presence to life and turn it into
a community, a community of loyal customers. Because a beautiful
Instagram feed, well it's great and all, but it doesn't
mean much if it's not actually bringing in orders for
your delicious creations.
Speaker 1 (07:22):
That's so true. It's not just about vanity metrics or anything.
So how do we turn those followers, those likes into
paying customers, you know, people who are excited to buy
our homemade goodies.
Speaker 2 (07:34):
It all comes down to engagement, building relationships. Think about it.
Would you rather buy from some faceless brand, you know,
the kind that just posts product photos all day long?
Or would you rather buy from someone that you feel
like you actually know, someone who takes the time to
answer your questions, respond to your comments, someone who seems
(07:54):
like day care.
Speaker 1 (07:55):
Yeah, I would definitely go with the second option. But
to be honest, I'm a little intimidated by the whole
engagement thing. It just seems like a lot to keep
up with, especially when you're already busy baking and running
a business.
Speaker 2 (08:07):
I totally get it. It can definitely feel overwhelming, but
it really doesn't have to be. You know, even just
setting aside a few minutes every day to check your notifications,
respond to some comments, maybe strike up a conversation or two.
It's all about quality over quantity, you know. Yeah, a
few genuine interactions can go a long way in building
those relationships.
Speaker 1 (08:26):
Okay, so that feels a little bit more manageable, But
what about when you're just swamped with orders and you
don't have a lot of time for social media. How
do you stay engaged without getting totally sucked in?
Speaker 2 (08:37):
Well, the good things is that a lot of platforms
have these scheduling tools now, so you can actually plan
your posts in advance. You know, maybe spend an hour
or two each week batch creating some content, schedule it
to go out at specific times, and then you can
relax knowing that your social media is taken care of
even when you're busy.
Speaker 1 (08:54):
Oh that's amazing. I love the idea of batching tasks
and just getting ahead of things. But let's talk specif
what kind of engagement are we talking about here? Is
it enough to just like comments and respond to questions?
Speaker 2 (09:05):
That's definitely a good starting point, but you can totally
take it even further. You know, ask questions in your
captions to spark conversations, run some polls to get people
talking about their favorite flavors or what kind of seasonal
treats they're looking for. You can even do a Q
and A session where you share your expertise and answer questions.
Speaker 1 (09:23):
Ooh, those are really good ideas. It's almost like you're
inviting people into your kitchen and just having a casual
conversation over a cup of coffee. You're creating that personal
touch that you don't really get with traditional advertising exactly.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
And one thing a lot of people forget about is
user generated content. Resharing photos or videos of customers enjoying
your products. That's super powerful. It's authentic, it shows social proof,
and it also makes your customers feel valued.
Speaker 1 (09:51):
That's a great point. I mean, Okay, so we're engaging
with our followers, building relationships, creating a sense of community.
But how do we know if it's actually working? How
do we measure success beyond just looking at the number
of likes?
Speaker 2 (10:04):
That's where data comes in. There are a few metrics
that you want to track. So first, are your follower
numbers going up? And I'm not just talking about any followers.
Are you attracting the right kind of followers, the ones
who are actually interested in your products and are going
to become customers?
Speaker 1 (10:17):
Right, Like, a thousand followers across the globe doesn't really
help you if you can only sell locally because of
cottage food laws. So how do you make sure that
you're attracting that local audience?
Speaker 2 (10:26):
Well, it comes back to that hyper local targeting we
were talking about. Use location tags in your posts. Engage
with other businesses and community groups in your area, you know,
participate in conversations that are happening locally. The more you
integrate yourself into that local online scene, the more likely
you are to attract the right people.
Speaker 1 (10:46):
That makes a lot of sense. It's like you're planting
seeds in fertile ground, right instead of just throwing them
out there randomly. But beyond followers, what are some other
metrics we should be looking at?
Speaker 2 (10:57):
Engagement rate? So what percentage of people who see your
content actually interact with it? Are they liking? Are they commenting?
Are they sharing your posts? Are they clicking the link
in your bio to visit your website or place in order?
These are all signs that your content is working and
people are taking action.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
Okay, so it's not about vanity metrics. It's about making
sure that those likes are turning into real engagement and action.
Speaker 2 (11:19):
Yes, exactly. And one thing that's often overlooked is just
direct feedback. Ask your customers how they found you, Did
they find you through social media? And if so, which platform?
This is really valuable information that tells you which platforms
are performing best for you, and where you should be
focusing your efforts.
Speaker 1 (11:39):
I like that it's almost like you've got a built
in focus group. You're getting insights from your customers. But
what happens when you've been tracking your data and you
realize that, you know, maybe things aren't quite where you
want them to be, maybe your engagement is kind of low,
or you're not seeing a lot of traffic to your website.
What do you do?
Speaker 2 (11:54):
First of all, don't panic. It's all about experimenting and
making adjustments. If something's not working, try something new, Switch
up your content formats, experiment with different posting times. You know,
even analyze what your competitors are doing and see if
you can learn something from them. The great thing about
social media is that it's constantly changing, so you have
(12:14):
all these opportunities to learn and grow.
Speaker 1 (12:17):
I love that it's like a fun challenge. But before
we get too carried away with experimenting, I want to
circle back to compliance.
Speaker 2 (12:22):
Yes, so important. As you're building your community and engaging
with your audience, always always keep those cottage food regulations
in mind. Be transparent about your limitations, your ingredients, allergen
information that kind of thing. It's not just about protecting
yourself legally, it's also about maintaining that trust and transparency
with your customers. That's so important.
Speaker 1 (12:43):
Such an important reminder. Compliance isn't just a box to check.
It's a vital part of having a successful business. Okay,
so I think we've covered a lot when it comes
to community engagement, data, compliance, anything else you want to
add before we move on to our final takeaways.
Speaker 2 (13:00):
I guess the main thing is this Building a community
takes time, it takes effort, but it also takes a
genuine desire to connect with your audience, and when you
get it right, it's so rewarding. You're creating this loyal
following of people who not only love your products, but
also feel a connection to you and your brand, and
that's pretty special.
Speaker 1 (13:19):
All Right, we're back for the final part of our
deep dive into cottage food and social media. We've covered
a lot of ground choosing the right platforms, making a
great profile, creating content that's engaging, even getting into the
art of community engagement.
Speaker 2 (13:34):
And let's not forget the data and the importance of
following those cottage food laws. Phew, it's been quite the journey.
Speaker 1 (13:41):
It really has. But sometimes I think when you cover
so much ground, it's easy to lose sight of the
big picture. So let's train to distill everything we've talked
about into some key takeaways for our listeners as they're
getting started with social media. What are the must remembers?
Speaker 2 (13:56):
Well, I think we should start with the foundation. Why
are we even doing this? Why do we even care
about social media? It's not just to be trendy. It's
because it's such a powerful tool for connecting with customers
in a way that we really haven't been able to before.
Speaker 1 (14:09):
So we're not posting just for the sake of posting.
We have a real purpose.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
Exactly, And that leads into the next point. Social media
is a marathon, not a sprint. Don't get discouraged if
you don't see those results right away.
Speaker 1 (14:21):
Consistency and patience words to live by. What else?
Speaker 2 (14:26):
Choice? Remember all those platforms we talked about, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok.
You don't have to be on all of them. Pick
one or two where your target audience hangs out, and
the ones that feel right for you.
Speaker 1 (14:36):
Yeah, I remember you said it's better to be amazing
on one platform than to be mediocre on five.
Speaker 2 (14:41):
Exactly, quality over quantity always, and once you've chosen your platforms,
make those profiles really shine. Remember consistent branding, a clear bio,
delicious photos, let your personality show.
Speaker 1 (14:55):
It's like you're opening up a shop in a prime location.
You want to make sure your storefront is beautiful and invit. Okay,
so our shop is all set up, but now we
need to, you know, stock the shelves. What kind of
content should we be putting out there.
Speaker 2 (15:06):
Think of it like you're putting together a menu. Beautiful
product photos. Those are your main course, but don't forget
to spice things up with behind the scenes content, customer testimonials,
maybe some educational stuff, show off your expertise, a little variety.
Speaker 1 (15:19):
It's like having a menu that makes everyone want to
come back for more. But even with the best menu,
you have to get people in the door. How do
we make sure our content is reaching the right people.
Speaker 2 (15:29):
That's where community engagement comes in. It's not enough to
just like post and disappear. You know, you have to
respond to comments, answer questions, participate in conversations, make people
feel heard.
Speaker 1 (15:42):
Right, It's about building those relationships, not just broadcasting a message.
Speaker 2 (15:46):
Exactly and don't forget how powerful reviews and testimonials are.
Happy customers can be your best advocates. Those real voices,
they mean a lot more than any marketing campaign.
Speaker 1 (15:57):
It's word of mouth but amplified. Okay, so we've got
great engagement, but we have to make sure it's actually
translating into orders. How do we measure success beyond just likes?
Speaker 2 (16:06):
I mean data, data, data. Keep an eye on your followers.
Are they growing? Are they the right kind of followers?
And what about engagement? Are people liking commenting? Sharing? Go
to your website. Don't be afraid to ask your customers
how did you find me?
Speaker 1 (16:19):
It's like having a map, a roadmap to success, but
sometimes you got to adjust your course along the way,
right exactly.
Speaker 2 (16:24):
Social media changes all the time, so you have to
experiment and adapt. Don't be afraid to try new things.
See what's working. If something isn't working, change it.
Speaker 1 (16:33):
So it's a journey, a journey of learning. But before
we go, I want to bring up compliance one last time.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
You're right, we can't emphasize this enough. Cottage food laws
are so important. Be transparent about everything, limitations, ingredients, allergens.
It's not just about staying out of trouble. It's about
having a sustainable business that people trust.
Speaker 1 (16:55):
It's doing business the right way. Okay, so we've talked
about so much. What's the one big take away, the
thing our listeners should really remember.
Speaker 2 (17:03):
That's a tough one. I guess it would be this.
Social media is really about connection, connecting with people, sharing
your passion, your story, what makes your food special. Focus
on those relationships, provide value to your audience, build a
community around what you do, and I think you'll be
really surprised by what you can achieve.
Speaker 1 (17:21):
That's a great point. And don't forget you can always
head over to the Marketing Food Online YouTube channel. They
have a ton of great tips and resources just for
cottage food businesses.
Speaker 2 (17:31):
Yeah, they're a great resource. And as you're getting started
on this journey, think about what makes you different, what's
your story. That's how you'll stand out, That's how you
build a brand that people really connect with.
Speaker 1 (17:41):
And that's a wrap. I hope you enjoyed our deep
dive into social media for cottage food businesses. Happy baking
and happy posting. Everyone
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