What you bake
Cake Business Brochure: 6 Sections to Print and Hand Out
Build a one-page brochure that gets you more cake orders.
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What to remember
- Your brochure needs six sections to answer all customer questions.
- Print it at home or use an online service for under $20.
- A good brochure works for you even when you are not there.
Your cake business brochure is your first salesperson. It shows your work and makes it easy for people to order. You can use it at school events, leave it at coffee shops, or hand it to friends. A well-made brochure answers questions before they are asked. This guide covers the six sections you need to include. It also shows you how to print it without spending too much. For more on building your brand, see our guide on cake business branding.
What goes in your cake brochure
Your brochure should fit on one page, front and back. This makes it easy to print and hand out. You do not need to be a designer. Use a simple template from a word processor or a free design site. Focus on clear photos and easy-to-read text. The goal is to look professional and trustworthy.
Your name and tagline
Put your business name at the top. Add a short tagline like ‘Custom Cakes for Every Celebration.’ Use a clean font that is easy to read.
Your best cake photos
Show three to five of your best cakes. Use clear, bright photos. Each photo should show a different style, like a birthday cake, a wedding cake, and cupcakes.
What you offer
List your main cake types and flavors. For example: ‘Two-Layer Birthday Cakes,’ ‘Wedding Cakes,’ ‘Cupcake Dozens.’ Keep this list simple.
How to order
Explain your ordering process. Say ‘Message me to start your order’ and list your phone number, email, or a link to your shop. Make this step very clear.
Your prices
Give a starting price range. You could say ‘Birthday cakes start at $35’ or ‘Cupcakes from $24 per dozen.’ This manages customer expectations.
Your story
Add one or two sentences about why you bake. For example: ‘I bake custom cakes from my home kitchen, using quality ingredients for your special day.’
How to write compelling copy for each section
The words on your brochure must connect with customers. Your tagline should state your unique value. For your offerings, use descriptive terms like ‘moist vanilla sponge’ or ‘rich chocolate buttercream.’ Your story should be authentic and brief. It builds a personal connection that a generic bakery cannot match.
For the ordering section, use action-oriented language. Phrases like ‘Order Today’ or ‘Book Your Celebration Cake’ prompt a response. Always include your location or service area. This helps customers know if you deliver to them. The Small Business Administration guide notes that clear calls to action are vital for marketing materials.
How to print your brochure for less
You do not need to order 500 brochures from a big print shop. Start small. Print a batch of 50 at home on good cardstock. This costs about $10 for paper and ink. If you want a more polished look, use an online print service. Many offer 100 glossy flyers for under $20. You can reprint as you run out.
Where to hand out your brochure
Think about where your customers are. Leave a stack at local coffee shops, libraries, or community centers with permission. Give them to friends and family to share. Bring them to school events or farmers markets. Always ask first before leaving materials at a business. For more ideas on getting your first orders, read cake business woman.
How to track which locations work best
To know if your brochure is effective, you need to track results. Use a unique phone number or email address on the brochure. You can also add a small promo code for orders that come from it. Note which locations you leave brochures and watch for orders from those areas. This data tells you where to focus your future distribution efforts.
Another method is to ask new customers how they heard about you. Keep a simple log of these responses. If several mention a specific coffee shop, that is a high-value location. The same guide from the University of Minnesota Extension stresses tracking marketing efforts.
What to check before you print
Before you spend money on printing, check your local cottage food laws. Some states require your home kitchen registration number on all promotional materials. Make sure your contact information is correct. Have a friend read it to catch any typos. Finally, test your order process. Make sure the link or phone number you listed works and leads to a clear way to order.
Example: A brochure for a 6-inch cake
Here is how the numbers might work for a cake you feature. A 6-inch two-layer cake uses about $8 worth of ingredients. Packaging adds $2. Labor for baking, decorating, and cleanup is 1.5 hours. At a rate of $15 per hour, labor costs $22.50. Overhead costs like utilities, website fees, and brochure printing add another $3 for this cake. Your total cost is $35.50. If you sell the cake for $45, your margin after ingredients, packaging, labor, and overhead is $9.50. This example shows why you must account for all costs before you set your brochure prices. For a deeper dive into costing, use our cake business spreadsheet.
How to update your brochure over time
Your first brochure is not your last. Update it when your prices change or you add new popular items. Swap in fresh, seasonal photos to keep it looking current. If you expand your service area, add that information. A current brochure shows your business is active and professional. Plan to review and revise it at least twice a year.
Your brochure is a tool that works for you. It helps people remember your name and shows you are serious about your cake business. Keep it updated with new photos and prices. For more practical guides on running your business, visit our craft hub.
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Common questions
Should I list exact prices or a price range?
A price range is often better. It gives customers an idea without locking you in. For example, 'Birthday cakes start at $35.' This allows you to quote a final price based on the specific design and flavors a customer wants.
How many brochures should I print at first?
Start with 50 to 100. This is enough to test where they work best without a big upfront cost. You can see which locations get the most interest and reprint from there. Printing a small batch at home is the most cost-effective way to begin.
Do I need a professional designer?
No. Use a simple template from a site like Canva or your word processor. Choose a clean layout with one or two fonts. The most important parts are your clear photos, what you offer, and how to order. A simple, professional look is better than a cluttered design.
What is the biggest mistake in a cake brochure?
The biggest mistake is not telling people how to order. Your brochure must have a clear call to action. List your phone number, a link to your shop, or instructions to message you. If customers do not know how to take the next step, they will not order.
Can I use the same brochure for online sharing?
Yes. Save your brochure as a PDF or high-quality image. You can share it in local Facebook groups or post it on your social media pages. This digital version reaches people who may not get a physical copy.
What paper weight is best for a brochure?
For a professional feel, use cardstock. A weight of 80 to 100 lb text weight is sturdy without being too thick. If printing at home, choose a bright white cardstock designed for your printer. An online print service will offer standard options like gloss or matte finish.