How to Start a Web Based Cookie Business
It's one thing to start a cookie business and yet another to start a web-based cookie business. The common ingredient is a delicious cookie. With a web-based cookie business, you'll need to create a virtual presence that will attract cookie lovers from around the globe and get them to take a bite. Here's how to do just that.
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Instructions
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Take hundreds of photos. Pictures of your cookies are what will sell your product. Your photos need to make your cookies look irresistible: moist, chewy and scrumptious. Take photos of the cookies from various angles and experiment with different kinds of lighting. Some ideas for styling the cookies: Split them apart and take photos of the inside and outside; display them side by side or in stacks; put some on dishes, in baskets or in decorative boxes; show them next to a tall glass of milk; or show the cookies baking in the oven and on a baking tray after they're done. You can also shoot some photos of the cookie ingredients, the dough being mixed in a bowl, and the dough being cut or shaped. Your goal is to share the whole cookie experience from start to finish.
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Write detailed descriptions of your cookies. In addition to appetizing photos, it is important for your web-based cookie business to have well-written descriptions of the cookies you're selling. Use strong, descriptive words that appeal to all senses, especially the taste buds. Write creatively, using strong imagery and appeal.
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Create a shopping-cart website with a reputable company such as Site Sell (see Resources section). Site Sell provides a comprehensive approach to starting a successful online business and gives you the tools to attract repeated traffic and create a powerful online presence. Be sure to post lots of your best cookie photos on your website.
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Promote your web-based cookie business. Join forums; start a cookie blog; write and post press releases; send emails to friends, family members, business associates, and target market lists; and join Twitter and other social networks to post free links to your site. If possible, give out free samples in your local community, and if you have the budget for it, offer samples online. But be careful: You might get far too many requests!
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Make community and business appearances. Besides attracting the online market, it is a good idea to reach out to your local business community by providing samples that include a business-card invitation to your website. Leave samples at various businesses. Many companies give out holiday baskets containing a variety of goodies. If you play your cards right, your cookies could be among them. Package your samples attractively, and if you specialize in a variety of flavors and recipes, provide a few different cookies. Attend local craft fairs and set up a cookie booth. Visit local grocery stores, specialty/gourmet stores, and coffee shops and see if they will sell your products and or order from you online.
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