Cake Maker
Custom celebration cakes ordered via Instagram
Custom celebration cakes ordered via Instagram.
The 'Cake Maker' business focuses on custom celebration cakes ordered primarily via Instagram, tapping into the growing trend of bespoke, visually appealing cake designs for special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and corporate events. Each cake is personalised based on customer specifications, making use of high-quality ingredients and creative design techniques that cater to various dietary requirements, including vegan and gluten-free options. Customers can order cakes through an easy-to-navigate Instagram page where they can view a portfolio of previous work, engage with the business directly, and place orders seamlessly.
Launching this business now capitalises on the resurgence of in-person celebrations post-pandemic, as individuals are eager to celebrate milestones with friends and family once again. Social media platforms, especially Instagram, are pivotal for promoting visually impressive products like cakes, with a highly engaged audience eager to explore new trends. This business also allows for flexibility; tailored cakes can range in price from affordable to premium, ensuring it caters to a broad audience, boosting its appeal.
As part of the service, the Cake Maker will also offer consultation sessions, either virtually or in person, where customers can discuss their ideas, themes, and flavours, ensuring that each cake reflects their unique vision. Utilising Instagram's features like stories and reels for behind-the-scenes baking processes or customer testimonials can increase engagement and build a loyal customer base. Excellent customer service, timely delivery, and beautifully presented cakes will be the keys to creating a memorable experience that keeps customers returning and recommending the service to others.
With the evolving landscape of e-commerce, this cake-making business can quickly scale by incorporating additional services like cupcake towers, dessert tables, or themed cookie favour bags. Incorporating seasonal designs or collaborative projects with local businesses can also enhance market reach and visibility. Furthermore, establishing strategic partnerships with event planners and venues will create additional revenue streams through referrals.
- Baking
- Design
£40–£500 per cake
Increased demand for custom celebration items as people seek to mark occasions with personal touches. A strong social media presence drives engagement and allows for visually appealing marketing. The flexibility of offering various dietary options caters to health-conscious consumers. Post-pandemic, social gatherings are back in trend, boosting the need for cakes for celebrations. Lower barriers to entry thanks to social-commerce options like Instagram for order management.
Primary: Individuals aged 25-45 planning celebrations such as birthdays, weddings, and events.. Secondary: Event planners and companies arranging corporate events.. Demographics: Primarily urban dwellers, with an interest in custom, handmade products, likely to spend between £50-£150 on cakes.
UK's cake market is projected to grow as the trend of personalised experiences and products gains momentum. There's a steady demand for artisanal and custom cakes which reflects an overall growth in the baking sector. Health and dietary considerations are also influencing consumer preferences, with more people seeking vegan and gluten-free cake options.
Revenue & pricing
- Custom 2-tier birthday cake£120Serves 20-25, includes basic decoration.
- Gluten-free wedding cake (3 tiers)£350Personal consultation included, tailored design.
- Vegan cupcake tower (50 cupcakes)£200Mix of flavours available.
- Basic single 8-inch cake£50Simple design, serves 8-10.
Costs
- Oven£199
- Cooking equipment (molds, pans, etc.)£150
- Initial stock of ingredients£100
- Packaging materials£50
- Marketing (social media ads)£100
- Business insurance£200
- Website domain and hosting£60
First steps
- 1Build IG portfolio
- 2Get insured + registered
- 3Take deposits
Your first 90 days
- Set up Instagram account and establish branding.
- Post initial portfolio of cake designs to attract followers.
- Create a simple website with order forms and contact information.
- Initiate a small-scale social media advertising campaign.
- Secure necessary business insurance and register with HMRC.
- Engage with local community for potential collaborations or partnerships.
- Launch the business officially and start taking orders.
- Attend local food markets to showcase products.
- Collect feedback from initial customers to improve offerings.
- Begin tracking financials using accounting software like Xero.
- Implement a customer loyalty programme to encourage repeat business.
- Explore partnerships with local businesses and event planners.
How to get customers
Posting visually appealing cake photos and engaging stories.
Local Markets
Showcasing products in person to gain local exposure.
Word of Mouth
Focusing on customer service to encourage referrals.
Email Marketing
Building a mailing list for promotions and updates.
Tools you'll actually use
| Tool | Cost | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tide Business Account | Free with no monthly fees. | Managing finances and expenses. |
| Xero Accounting Software | Starting at £10/month. | Tracking income and expenses. |
| Canva | Free or £10/month for premium. | Creating branded graphics for social media. |
| Free, with optional ad spend. | Primary platform for marketing and customer interaction. | |
| Stripe | Free to set up, with transaction fees. | Payment processing for online orders. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not clearly defining target market, leading to ineffective marketing.
- Overextending product range without sufficient demand analysis.
- Neglecting financial tracking, resulting in cash flow issues.
- Inadequate pricing strategy that doesn’t cover costs.
- Underestimating the importance of customer service in retaining clients.
How to scale this
- 1Grow Instagram following and engagement through regular content.
- 2Introduce new product lines based on customer feedback and trends.
- 3Hire additional staff for baking and design as demand increases.
- 4Consider setting up a dedicated online shop through Shopify for streamlined orders.
Risks & mitigations
Sourcing quality ingredients may become more expensive.
Build relationships with multiple suppliers to ensure competitive pricing.
Potential fluctuations in demand.
Diversify offerings and launch seasonal promotions.
Logistics issues with deliveries.
Establish reliable delivery partnerships or invest in a delivery service.
Legal compliance, including food safety regulations.
Stay updated on UK food safety laws and attend relevant training.
UK legal & compliance
- Register your business with HMRC and keep accurate financial records.
- Obtain public liability insurance to protect against claims.
- Ensure compliance with food safety standards and relevant hygiene regulations.
- Maintain GDPR compliance when collecting customer data for marketing.
- If hiring, be aware of your responsibilities as an employer, including PAYE registration.
FAQ
How long does it take to get a custom cake?
Typically, a minimum of 1-2 weeks notice is required for custom orders.
Do you offer vegan or gluten-free options?
Yes, we provide tailored options to accommodate dietary needs.
How can I place an order?
Orders can be placed directly through our Instagram page via direct message.
What type of payments do you accept?
We accept all major credit/debit cards through Stripe.
Where do you deliver?
Currently, we offer delivery within 20 miles of our base location.
Written and maintained by
Business Pathfinder Editorial TeamEditorial research and publishing team
The Business Pathfinder Editorial Team researches and maintains practical guides for UK founders.
Guides are reviewed against relevant primary sources where practical. Financial, legal and tax content is general information, not personal advice.
Turn this idea into a useful next step
These practical playbooks help you validate demand, manage early commitments and make setup decisions before you spend heavily.
Build a practical path to your first 100 customers
A founder-first system for choosing a narrow audience, making an offer, creating a customer list and learning which acquisition channel earns a repeatable next step.
Sole trader or limited company: frame the decision before you register
A plain-English UK decision framework for comparing sole trader and limited company routes, the responsibilities involved and the official questions to check before registering.
Ready to start this one?
Every business idea on this site needs two things from day one: a separate business bank account and a way to float expenses. Here are the two we recommend.
Tide Business Account
A digital business account with Free, Smart, Pro and Max plans; suitability and protection depend on account type.
Get £75 after spending £100 on the Tide card within 30 days. Get a further £125 by opening an eligible Tide Instant Saver, depositing £5,000 within seven days and maintaining the qualifying balance for 30 days. Eligibility and campaign terms apply.
- Free plan available with no monthly fee
- Up to £200 partner reward: £75 for £100 card spend plus £125 for an eligible Instant Saver balance held for 30 days
- Open and manage the account in the app
- Accounting integrations including Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent and Sage
- Expense categorisation and receipt capture
Capital on Tap Business Credit Card
A UK business credit card offering 1% uncapped cashback, subject to eligibility.
Worth £75. Awarded after your first card transaction within 30 days of sign-up, subject to approval, eligibility and campaign terms.
- 7,500 bonus reward points worth £75 after your first card transaction within 30 days
- 1% uncapped cashback on eligible spending
- No joining fee or annual fee
- Free additional employee cards
- Accounting integrations and spend notifications