practical marketing Creative Bakery Signs What brings customers off of the street and into your bakery? It can be any number of factors. Offering high quality products is a good start, of course, but there is more to it than that. You may have a great location, pleasing sights, and wonderful smells, but it may take a little extra something to get people in the door. That's where creativity sets in. Most bakeries rely on social media marketing to spread the word about their business, but that doesn't account for the people on the street. Foot traffic can be a big driver of sales for any foodservice establishment. That's why many have turned to sandwich boards for a boost. A creative bakery sign strategically placed outside of your location can take something great and transform it into something even more enticing to potential customers. Many businesses have found success by using a turn of phrase or a specific business theme-related joke on these signs. By showing your humor, you're also giving customers a window into your personality. They'll see you as more than just a place to get food or beverages. They'll also see you for the people that work there day in and day out to provide them with those things. You can find inspiration for your own creative bakery signage by using sources such as Pinterest and Instagram. Look at what other businesses have done with this marketing opportunity, and let that be the starting point for your own unique ideas. Technology has made it so easy to reach customers, but it won't always be able to reach everyone. Sandwich boards are powerful (and affordable) promotional tools that are only as limited as you make them! BR IA N A M I C K 12 < FEB 2017 | bakemag.com SUGAR BAKESHOPhttp://www.bakemag.com