As a Sahuarita resident, I am happy to see all those posts on social community groups from individuals selling snacks, menudo, chocolate, and many other goodies. However, the food industry is very competitive in nature, and for this reason, it is harder for cottage food businesses to be found by their customers because of the lack of a brick-and-mortar facility.
I oftentimes wonder if these businesses are getting enough exposure so potential clients can learn about their business. This is why it is important to know the market environment for your business before you launch your product. Is it the right product to sell? Are the demographics right for your product? Is someone else selling the same thing? The questions can be endless.
As a food vendor, it is wise to remember some things you may encounter when selling your product in the community. The following is a list of obstacles my coaching clients oftentimes face as they launch their cottage food business. Though these are not hard to overcome, it is wise to keep them in mind as you devise a strategy to promote your delicious food items.
1. We are creatures of habit.
Because we live in such a fast-paced world, most of us visit the same monthly or weekly eateries. Our brains are wired to choose the easiest, most convenient, and time-saving options. A bit of disruptive marketing strategies come in handy when introducing a new product to your audience. Hosting pop-up tastings or samplings at local events, farmer’s markets or community gatherings allows you to directly engage with residents and showcase the unique flavors of your products. Consider collaborating with other local businesses or community organizations to maximize visibility.
2. New foods take a bit longer to break into the market.
Unless you have a Sonoran hot dog or hamburger stand, it is often hard to break into the market if your food item is unfamiliar or new. Of course, I am overgeneralizing and kidding, but if you introduce a new flavor or food item, rest assured that your potential customers may need additional education in your market strategy. A good strategy is to do a soft launch to have your friends and family try out your food and give you the thumbs up (or down). This is also a time to answer any questions they may have about the ingredients, flavors, or even the item's history. This way, you can anticipate what some potential customers may ask or comment once you open it up to the public.
3. Continue to use social media to your advantage.
Building a strong online presence is crucial for the success of your cottage food business. In today’s digital age, social media platforms play a significant role in shaping consumer behavior. Many cottage food businesses in Sahuarita may face challenges in reaching a wider audience due to the lack of a storefront. Therefore, it becomes essential to leverage the power of social media and other online marketing channels to increase visibility and attract potential customers.
There you go, folks; these are three points to remember as you grow your cottage food business. However, I have great news: you don’t have to figure this out alone. Our Grow In Sahuarita business coaches (including myself) are ready to help create a strategy for your business. Though this newsletter is directed to cottage food businesses, we are ready to help any business of any size, new or established; we are here to help.
Does this sound good to you? Click the button below to schedule a 15-minute phone call to speak to one of our business coaches. The best part is that this is a free service to our community.
Alex Magallanes