I’m planning on doing a online cookie business out of the house … I will be the only person running this business for now because I want to start small and work my way up. I need some marketing ideas and strategies to attract people across my country to come to my site and order from me. I’m doing cookies for regular household, gifts, wedding favours, corporate and other events. I’m thinking of adding a gift basket aspect to the site with a bunch of cookies, personal house coffee, tea & hot chocolate to generate more profit. Also i thought of ribbon that tie around the box like a christmas present-look can have the corporate name and/or logo on the ribbon to create a corporate gift.

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Jay’s Answer: Before you try to sell across the whole country, focus on your city or town. They’re the ones who’ll be able to eat your cookies the day you bake ’em. They’re the ones who you’ll be able to get photos and videos of them enjoying them. Those testimonials will be one piece of your marketing.

Secondarily, it’ll be easier for you to co-market with people who regularly either give gifts are are already in the gifting business (i.e., florists, salespeople, realtors, etc.). Instead of waiting for people to come to your website, contact them. Bring them a plate of your cookies face-to-face, and then tell them about your business.