As more businesses move online, those that adopt digital tools tend to perform better and reach a wider audience. For Bakes and More, shifting to eCommerce wasn’t just about adding another sales option—it gave them the chance to grow and streamline their business. Here’s how the bakery expanded beyond its physical location by embracing online sales.
The Struggle: A Local Bakery with Big Potential, But Limited Reach
Bakes and More had become a beloved staple in their town, with a loyal customer base enjoying their delicious cakes, cookies, and pastries. But despite their success, the bakery was stuck in the traditional business model. They relied entirely on foot traffic and word-of-mouth, and their sales growth plateaued. Social media buzz was great, but turning followers into paying customers? That was a challenge.
The bakery had big dreams of reaching more customers and growing its business, but without an online presence, it struggled to tap into new opportunities.
The Solution: A Seamless Online Store That Changed Everything
Realizing the need for change, the decision was made: Bakes and More needed a robust eCommerce website that would allow them to showcase their products and sell online.
Here’s how their journey unfolded:
Designing a Website That Feels Like Home: The bakery’s website needed to reflect the warmth and charm that customers loved about their physical store. The new website was visually stunning and user-friendly, showcasing the bakery’s wide range of products with high-quality images and easy-to-read descriptions.
Mobile-Friendly Shopping: Recognizing that many customers would be browsing on mobile devices, the website was optimized for a smooth, mobile-friendly experience. Whether it was ordering cupcakes for a celebration or grabbing a quick snack, the website made it easy to shop from anywhere.
Streamlined Shopping and Payment: The bakery’s new eCommerce platform featured a secure, simple checkout process. Customers could select their products, add them to their cart, and pay through a variety of secure methods, including credit/debit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services. The smooth process made it easier than ever to turn browsers into buyers.
Local Delivery Options and Convenience: Since the bakery’s primary customer base was local, the website integrated flexible delivery options, including same-day delivery and in-store pickup. This allowed customers to receive fresh baked goods right at their doorstep or pick them up at their convenience.
AI-Based Customer Service Chat for 24/7 Support: To ensure that customers always had access to help, the website incorporated an AI-powered chat feature. This chat bot provided instant support, answered common questions, and guided customers through the ordering process—even outside of business hours. This not only improved customer satisfaction but also made the business more accessible, even at night or during weekends.
SEO to Drive Local Traffic: By focusing on local SEO, the website ensured that Bakes and More was easy to find when customers searched for bakery products nearby. With terms like "fresh cakes in Camden" and "best cookies near me," the bakery started appearing in more local searches.
Engaging Content and Connection: Beyond just selling products, the website featured a blog that shared baking tips, recipes, and seasonal specials. This content not only helped with SEO but also kept customers engaged, encouraging them to return regularly to see what was new.
The Results: A Flourishing Business with Endless Possibilities
After launching their eCommerce website, Bakes and More saw immediate and measurable results:
Increased Revenue: Within the first month, online sales increased by 35%, driven by the ease of online ordering and the bakery’s enhanced visibility.
Expanded Customer Base: No longer limited to local foot traffic, the bakery received orders from surrounding towns and even from people planning special events far beyond their usual reach.
Stronger Customer Engagement: The blog and regular updates allowed the bakery to connect with customers on a deeper level, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, offering discounts, and keeping customers coming back for more.
Operational Efficiency: The integration of delivery tracking, inventory management, online order processing and AI based online customer service saved time, allowing Sarah to focus on growing the business rather than managing manual tasks.
Why eCommerce Is Better Than Relying on Third-Party Delivery Platforms
While partnering with food delivery platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub may seem like an easy way to get your products into the hands of customers, these platforms come with their own set of challenges.
Here’s why having your own eCommerce website can be a more beneficial option:
Better Profit Margins: Third-party delivery platforms take a hefty commission, often ranging from 15% to 30% per order. With your own website, you can keep the full profit from each sale, which can significantly improve your bottom line.
Control Over Customer Experience: When you rely on delivery platforms, you're at the mercy of their interface, their fees, and their rules. With an eCommerce website, you control the entire customer experience—from the look and feel of the site to how you interact with your customers. You can also offer personalized discounts, loyalty programs, and promotions that align with your brand.
Customer Data and Insights: One of the biggest disadvantages of third-party delivery platforms is that they own the customer data. This means you’re missing out on valuable insights about your customers, such as order history, preferences, and contact details. With your own website, you can collect and use this data to improve marketing, refine your offerings, and build customer loyalty.
Branding and Recognition: Using third-party platforms can sometimes dilute your brand. Your products are displayed alongside countless competitors, and your business doesn’t have the chance to shine. By owning your eCommerce website, you ensure that your branding stands out, and customers remember Bakes and More as the go-to place for high-quality baked goods.
Loyalty and Repeat Business: Delivery platforms are great for attracting new customers, but they often struggle to retain them. With your own website, you can implement loyalty programs, send personalized emails, and offer exclusive deals, encouraging customers to return directly to you instead of going through a third-party platform.
The Bottom Line: Don't Wait to Make the Digital Leap
The transformation of Bakes and More is proof that eCommerce isn’t just for big brands—it’s for small businesses that want to grow and stay competitive in today’s market. By investing in a custom-built website, the bakery increased its sales, reached new customers, and made running the business easier than ever.
For any small business owner still relying on traditional methods or third-party platforms, now is the time to step into the world of eCommerce. With the right tools, your business can reach new heights, build lasting relationships with customers, and unlock new revenue streams—without sacrificing control or profit.
If you're looking to set up an eCommerce website to sell your products online and make it easier for customers to place orders, all while building and marketing your brand effectively, feel free to reach out at mail@roycegeorge.com. Let’s discuss how we can help grow your business online.