Get Your Bakery Graduation Season-Ready

Many bakers say spring graduation and wedding season are bigger sales drivers for them than the holidays. Make sure you are taking advantage of these simple strategies to capitalize on graduation season opportunities.

1. Do the prep work: Spend the extra time now to gather information from area schools (middle schools, high schools and colleges)—school colors, graduation dates and permission to use logos and mascots. Use this School Information spreadsheet to help you get organized early.

2. Host an open house: Get ahead of the rush and invite parents and soon-to-be graduates to taste your cakes, cake pops, bars and other graduation specialties. Offering an early-bird special for orders placed at the open house will help you decrease last-minute orders and guarantee business for your bakery. Download our customizable flyer and use it to get the word out about your event and special offers!

3. Stock plates, napkins and forks: Make yourself a one-stop shop by stocking plates, napkins and forks in the colors of local schools. Offer these on the side or as part of a graduation package. You’ll delight the busy parents scrambling on cake pick-up day.

4. One cake, many ways: Traditional sheet cakes still, well, “take the cake” when it comes to popularity. However, other ways to serve cake, like cake pops, are climbing in popularity and are a great way to use up cake scraps. Display them as a centerpiece so your patrons can see this dual purpose as well.

   When it comes to cake mix, Pillsbury™ is a top choice for many bakers because of its rich flavor, consistency and operational tolerance. Check out the Pillsbury cake mix portfolio.

5. Marketing and promotions: Be sure to get the word out about your bakery and your graduation promotions.

   • Work with area high schools to see if you can run an ad in their newsletter or on their website.
   • Post a sponsored Facebook ad, targeting high school or college seniors in your area.
   • Run a referral promotion
   • Download, print and display our graduation season banner in your window. Simple promotions and marketing work, so don’t underestimate them.

Not only is graduation season an opportunity to boost your sales, but the increased traffic gives you the chance to wow patrons and convert graduation cake sales into returning business.

Get grad season ready! Download our free marketing materials below to get the word out about your bakery.