Websites for marketing strategies for success small businesses? Specifically, in the pastry industry?

Answer 1

A website is just like any other advertising medium. It wouldn't hurt to check out some of your competitors websites to see what their layout is like. You may not need one, but it's inexpensive to build and host a website, compared to other types of advertising. Are you looking to build a website for a pastry shop? an online consumer shop for pastry/baking supplies? Do you plan to sell pastries online?

You could check out PastryNet which an online community for pastry professionals.
http://www.pastrynet.com/

There's also the Association of Pastry Chefs
http://www.associationofpastrychefs.org/

You could also look at any website designed for the hospitality industry in general.

Answer 2

A few free resources – check out the sources box for links:

1) Create a blog pertaining to your field

2) Use Yahoo! Local & Yahoo! Groups – Be sure to read the TOS for each one!

3) Write articles pertaining to your field and/or expertise.

4) Advertise on Craiglist

Also, consider signing up for an affiliate program. These programs enable you to advertise on other's sites (your affiliates) and once a sale is made to you, your affiliates & the program are paid a commission.

Associations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

I listed a few handy sites & articles relating to marketing, promotion & advertising. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* 301 Do-It-Yourself Marketing Ideas: From America's Most Innovative Small Companies by Sam Decker
* Off The Wall Marketing Ideas: Jumpstart Your Sales without Busting Your Budget by Nancy Michaels, Debbi J. Karpowicz
* Guerrilla Marketing for Free: Dozens of No-Cost Tactics to Promote Your Business and Energize Your Profits by Jay Conrad Levinson
* Entrepreneur Magazine's Ultimate Small Business Marketing Guide: Over 1500 Great Marketing Tricks That Will Drive Your Business Through the Roof by James Stephenson

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 3

Try to reach your state culinary associoation
www.northcarolinaculinaryassociation.com. for example or try the National Bakery,Tobacco, & Culinary Workers Union

Answer 4

SBA.ORG