Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best bakeries in the world use strategically to attract customers.
We know you're busy running your bakery and the thought of managing social media might feel like another burden.
But here's the deal: you don't need to be a marketing expert or spend a fortune to make it work. Just a few minutes a day can bring a couple of new customers to your bakery.
To help you out we have built a free list of content ideas - also, for a full action plan, please check our strategy pack for bakery owners.
Get the content idea list made for bakery owners
A lot of bakeries manage to post engaging content on social media. Here is a free tool to to get you started.
Content that always work well for a bakery
We have studied dozens of bakeries’ social media accounts when building our strategy pack for bakeries - here is what seems to always work.
Content Type | Why It Works to Get New Customers in Your Bakery |
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High-Quality Pastry Photos | Visually appealing images of pastries and baked goods can make potential customers crave them, encouraging them to visit the bakery. |
Behind-the-Scenes Videos | Showcasing the baking process, bakers, and preparation techniques builds trust and creates a connection with the audience. |
Customer Testimonials | Positive reviews and testimonials from real customers provide social proof and encourage others to try the bakery. |
Specials and Promotions | Announcing limited-time offers, discounts, and special deals can attract new customers looking for a sweet bargain. |
User-Generated Content | Sharing content created by customers (photos, reviews) engages the community and adds authenticity. |
Local Collaborations | Partnering with local influencers or businesses can introduce the bakery to a broader, local audience. |
Event Announcements | Promoting upcoming events, baking classes, or special theme days can attract new visitors interested in unique experiences. |
Seasonal and Holiday Posts | Highlighting seasonal treats or holiday-themed baked goods can attract customers looking for special options during those times. |
Interactive Content | Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions engage followers and create a sense of community, encouraging them to visit. |
Recipe Shares | Sharing recipes of popular baked goods can intrigue baking enthusiasts and motivate them to try the original item at the bakery. |
Daily Specials Updates | Regularly updating followers with daily specials keeps the bakery top-of-mind and encourages spontaneous visits. |
Behind-the-Scenes Staff Stories | Featuring stories about the bakers and staff members creates a personal connection and humanizes the brand. |
Baking Tips | Sharing tips and tricks from the bakery can engage followers who are baking enthusiasts and home bakers. |
Sustainability Initiatives | Highlighting sustainable practices or locally sourced ingredients appeals to environmentally conscious consumers. |
Customer Spotlights | Featuring regular customers creates a sense of community and makes others want to be part of that group. |
Contests and Giveaways | Running contests and giveaways can increase engagement and attract new followers, many of whom may convert into customers. |
Some bakeries make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best bakeries in the world. Replicate them now!
How can bakery owners make great content on social media?
What to Prioritise
You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your baked goods are essential.
People eat with their eyes first. Make sure the lighting is good, the pastries look fresh, and the presentation is inviting.
Also, post regularly to keep your audience engaged. It doesn’t have to be daily, but find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. We have prepared a free social media planner for you.
Of course, respond to comments and messages quickly. People appreciate interaction and it makes them feel valued. Don’t just be another “bland” account.
Show the real side of your bakery. Behind-the-scenes photos, staff stories, and customer shoutouts can create a personal connection with your audience.
If you want to keep your potential customers excited, highlight any special offers, events, or seasonal treats. Make sure your followers know what’s new and exciting.
Finally, share positive reviews and testimonials. Social proof is powerful and can help attract new customers.
An example of our marketing pack for bakery owners
What Doesn’t Matter as Much
Overly polished content does not really matter. Your posts don’t need to be perfect. Authenticity can be more engaging than highly produced content.
Also, don’t feel pressured to jump on every social media trend. Focus on what fits your bakery’s “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your bakery, don’t immediately go for paid Ads. Organic reach can still be effective with good content and engagement. You will find tons of tactics and strategies in our strategy pack for bakery owners.
How to Do It Fast and Efficient
First, spend a few hours once a week taking photos, recording videos, and drafting posts. This way, you’re not scrambling daily.
Use Scheduling Tools - tools like Buffer or Hootsuite can schedule posts in advance, saving you time.
Repurpose and use the same content across different platforms. A photo on Instagram can be a post on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter.
Encourage customers to share their own photos and tag your bakery. This is what we call “User-Generated Content”. Reposting these can save you time and build community.
Use apps like Canva for quick and easy graphic design, or Lightroom for photo editing. These tools can make your content look professional with minimal effort.
Low-budget content ideas for bakeries on social media
Our team has curated a list of highly specific, low-budget content ideas tailored for bakeries, complete with practical tips to keep costs down and effectively leverage social media.
You might want to incorporate some of these ideas in the marketing plan of your bakery.
Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
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Smartphone Pastry Photos | Utilize natural light by placing baked goods near windows during the day. Enhance photos with free apps like Snapseed or VSCO. |
Customer Testimonials | Invite happy customers to leave a quick video testimonial on their phone. Offer a free pastry or coffee as a thank-you. |
User-Generated Content | Encourage customers to share their bakery photos by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag your bakery on Instagram. |
DIY Baking Videos | Film short, simple recipes of your popular baked goods using a smartphone and a basic tripod. Use free editing software like iMovie or OpenShot. |
Behind-the-Scenes Stories | Use Instagram Stories or Facebook Live to give a real-time look at your daily baking process or introduce the team during slow hours. |
Daily Special Posts | Design simple, eye-catching graphics for daily specials using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description and a mouth-watering photo. |
Staff Spotlights | Feature staff members with a casual photo and fun facts about them. Use your smartphone and a natural setting in the bakery. |
Simple Polls and Questions | Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their favorite pastries or suggestions for new items. |
Local Event Promotions | Collaborate with local events by offering a small discount or coupon. Cross-promote each other's content to reach a wider audience. |
Community Involvement Posts | Post photos and short stories about your participation in local charity events or partnerships with community organizations. |
Customer Spotlights | Highlight loyal customers with their favorite pastries. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their experience at your bakery. |
Homemade Pastry Photos | Create attractive table settings using inexpensive items like tablecloths, napkins, and props from dollar stores. |
Sustainability Tips | Share eco-friendly practices such as composting or using local ingredients. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of the baking prep work, such as kneading dough or decorating cakes. Compile them into a quick video using free tools. |
Simple Contests and Giveaways | Run social media contests where participants like, share, or tag friends to win a free pastry. Use prizes that are cost-effective like a free cookie. |
Seasonal Pastry Posts | Highlight seasonal ingredients and pastries using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the pastry to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best bakeries in the world!
There are bakeries that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Exceptionally creative and innovative content ideas specifically for bakeries
Investing in top-notch social media content for your bakery might be worth it because many other places won't bother, giving you a chance to really stand out, grab people's attention, and build a loyal crowd.
Content Type | Why It Could Bring a LOT of Customers |
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Virtual Baking Classes | Hosting live or recorded virtual baking classes where your bakers teach viewers how to make your popular pastries and breads can create a sense of community and attract a global audience. |
Interactive 360° Bakery Tours | Offering virtual 360° tours of your bakery, including the kitchen and display areas, can provide a unique behind-the-scenes experience and entice people to visit in person. |
Limited Edition Baked Goods | Creating buzz with limited edition or seasonal baked goods available for a short time can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat customers. |
Baker’s Table Experience | Offering an exclusive experience where customers can sit at the baker’s table and interact with the bakers while they prepare fresh pastries can create a memorable experience and word-of-mouth. |
AR Menu Integration | Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology in your menus where customers can see a 3D representation of your baked goods can enhance the experience and attract tech-savvy customers. |
Themed Baking Events | Hosting themed baking events, such as a holiday cookie decorating party or a bread-making workshop, can provide a unique and immersive experience, attracting groups and special occasions. |
Baking Challenge Contests | Organizing baking challenge contests (e.g., decorating the most creative cupcake) can create viral moments, attracting competitive bakers and spectators. |
Collaborative Pop-Up Events | Partnering with other local bakers or cafes to host pop-up events can introduce your bakery to new audiences and create a buzz in the community. |
Story-Driven Social Media Posts | Sharing in-depth stories about the origins of your recipes, the farmers you source ingredients from, or the personal journey of your bakers can create an emotional connection with customers. |
Interactive Ingredient Selection | Allowing customers to choose ingredients for a custom pastry via social media polls can make them feel involved and eager to try the creations they helped design. |
Eco-Friendly Initiatives | Launching and promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as zero-waste baking or sustainable sourcing practices, can attract environmentally conscious consumers and media attention. |
Mobile Bakery Pop-Ups | Operating a mobile bakery in different locations or at local events can expand your reach and attract new customers who may visit your main bakery later. |
Recipe Subscription Service | Offering a subscription service where customers receive monthly recipes and ingredient kits to bake your bakery’s goods at home can create a loyal customer base. |
Immersive Baking Workshops | Hosting workshops where customers can learn advanced baking techniques from your bakers can attract baking enthusiasts and create a sense of exclusivity. |
Flash Mob Baking Experiences | Organizing flash mob baking events in unexpected locations can create viral content and attract adventurous customers looking for unique experiences. |
Content that never works well for bakeries on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these ideas. We've seen many bakery owners make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the crowd or bring in new customers for your bakery.
Content Type | Why It Never Works for Bakeries | Do This Instead |
---|---|---|
Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make the bakery appear unoriginal or untrustworthy. | Use real photos of your baked goods, staff, and bakery to create a genuine connection with your audience. |
Overly Promotional Posts | Constantly pushing promotions can feel spammy and turn off followers. | Mix in engaging content like behind-the-scenes stories, customer testimonials, and interactive posts to keep your audience interested. |
Unrelated Content | Posting content that has nothing to do with baking or the bakery confuses followers and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on your bakery, baked goods, events, and related topics to maintain relevance and interest. |
Low-Quality Videos | Poorly shot or edited videos can reflect badly on your bakery's quality and professionalism. | Invest in basic video equipment or hire a local videographer to produce high-quality videos that showcase your bakery positively. |
Political or Controversial Posts | These can alienate parts of your audience and lead to negative backlash. | Stick to neutral, positive content that focuses on baking, community, and your bakery's unique offerings. |
Too Many Hashtags | Overusing hashtags can look desperate and reduce engagement by making posts look cluttered. | Use a few relevant, targeted hashtags to increase visibility without overwhelming your audience. |
Automated Replies and Messages | They can come off as impersonal and frustrate customers looking for genuine interaction. | Respond personally to comments and messages to show that you care about your customers and value their feedback. |
Overly Staged Photos | Photos that look too perfect can seem inauthentic and less relatable. | Use natural lighting and casual settings to make your photos feel more genuine and inviting. |
Constant Self-Promotion | Only talking about your bakery can bore followers and reduce engagement. | Share user-generated content, collaborate with local businesses, and highlight community involvement to diversify your content. |
Negative or Defensive Responses | Responding poorly to criticism can damage your reputation and discourage potential customers. | Address negative feedback calmly and constructively, showing that you are willing to improve and value customer input. |
Ignoring Social Media Trends | Being out of touch with current trends can make your bakery seem outdated and unappealing. | Stay updated with social media trends and incorporate them creatively into your content strategy to keep your audience engaged and excited. |
Excessive Posting | Posting too frequently can overwhelm your followers and lead to unfollows. | Maintain a consistent but moderate posting schedule, ensuring each post adds value and keeps your audience looking forward to your updates. |
Complex or Confusing Promotions | Promotions that are hard to understand can frustrate customers and deter participation. | Offer simple, clear, and straightforward promotions that are easy for customers to grasp and engage with. |
Ignoring Comments and Messages | Not engaging with your audience can make them feel undervalued and reduce their loyalty. | Regularly respond to comments and messages to build a strong, interactive community around your bakery. |
Make your bakery more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best bakeries in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your bakery
We understand that as a bakery owner, you might feel hesitant about diving into social media marketing.
The world of social media can seem foreign and filled with confusing jargon. You might believe that it's more suited for big corporations rather than small businesses like yours.
The day-to-day demands of running a bakery are already overwhelming, leaving little time for additional tasks like social media.
It's common to think that social media marketing is an expensive endeavor, one that your tight profit margins can't support. Plus, the sheer number of social media platforms can lead to indecision and skepticism, especially if previous efforts haven't yielded the results you hoped for.
That's why we've created a "marketing pack" specifically tailored for bakery owners like you.
Our pack addresses all the issues you might face, offering simple, cost-effective strategies that don't require a marketing expert or a big budget for your bakery. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small bakeries on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your bakery's visibility online.
With our marketing pack, you can invest in your bakery's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your bakery could make more money!
Most bakery owners don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.