We all know that social media is most engaging when content is full of authenticity and a personal touch.
Bakeries are not just places where baked goods are crafted; they are the heart of celebrations, healers of broken hearts, and creators of moments that turn around a bad day. The epitome of a authentic and personal business.
In today’s digital age, having a strong social media presence is crucial for any business, including bakeries. With the right strategy, bakeries can effectively connect with customers, showcase their products, and ultimately boost sales—all without the need for additional staff. In this guide, we’ll explore how bakeries can harness the talents of their young employees to create and execute an effective social media strategy.
Harnessing the Power of Youth
One of the biggest assets of any bakery is its young employees who are well-versed in technology and social media platforms. While it may seem counterintuitive to encourage phone use during work hours, leveraging the knowledge and skills of your young team members can have a significant positive impact on your bottom line.
Studies show that a large number of consumers discover bakeries through social media, making it the second most influential factor after word-of-mouth recommendations. By investing in consistent, interesting, and trendy social media content, bakeries can attract new customers and keep existing ones engaged.
Creating a Comprehensive Strategy
When building your social media strategy, it’s essential to involve the younger generation from the outset. Designate a mature and creative young employee to lead the program, and establish clear guidelines for participation. These guidelines should be written in a friendly and encouraging tone, outlining when, where, and who can participate in the social media program.
To ensure that your content stays relevant and aligned with your bakery’s goals, create a monthly list of ideas for relevant content. This will help keep your posts on seasonal trends and promote specific products or promotions.
Streamlining the Process
To streamline the process of collecting and posting content, establish an internal system such as a shared Google Drive or Slack account dedicated to social media. Designate one person in management to approve and post all creations. Tools like later.com can also be utilized to schedule posts in advance, saving time and effort.
Sample Social Media Policy
Here’s an example of a policy to manage your bakery’s social media program:
Sweet Socials Guidelines:
If you are interested in becoming a member of Sweet Socials, please discuss with your shift lead or manager. Once approved, here are the rules for participation!
• Customer-focused work first: 90% of your shift is dedicated to baking, not phone use. Customers always come first!
• Quality over quantity: Aim for one high-quality post over multiple low-quality ones.
• Refer to the Monthly Sweet Socials Content list for focus areas each month.
• Keep it clean: Avoid drama and negativity; focus on spreading bakery love.
• Respect the recipe: Keep our secret ingredients secret.
• Keep it short and sweet: Limit social media submissions to a maximum of 30 minutes per shift after approval from your shift lead.
• Remember, any phone use outside of Sweet Socials work during your shift is not permitted. Being a part of the Sweet Socials team is a privilege and rules should always be followed and respected.
By following these guidelines and involving your young employees in the process, you can create a successful social media strategy that helps your bakery thrive in the digital age.
