5 Ways to Grow Your Microbakery Without Social Media | Episode 89

mikalonte
Jun 26, 2025
4 min read

If you’ve ever felt the weight of social media—the pressure to post, the algorithm confusion, the burnout from endless scrolling—you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. That’s why I’m sharing five practical, powerful strategies to grow your sourdough microbakery without depending on Instagram, Facebook, or any other platform.

You can build a thriving, sustainable microbakery business without showing up online every day. These strategies have helped me nourish my customer base, protect my time, and build a business I love waking up to.

1. Build a Text or Email List You Own

Your email or text list is one of the most valuable tools you have. It’s direct, personal, and reliable. Unlike social media, you own it. You’re not at the mercy of changing algorithms or app crashes.

Here’s how to get started:

Use a tool like Project Broadcast for text or Flodesk, Mailchimp, or ConvertKit for email.
Create a simple opt-in form or keyword trigger (mine is a QR code that pre-fills “bread” in a text message).
Use market days, pop-ups, or pick-ups to invite people to join your list.
Keep it simple: “Want a reminder each week when my menu opens? Just scan and hit send.”

Once they’re on your list, you can send updates, reminders, and stories straight to their inbox—no posting required.

Why I love Project Broadcast: It gives me a local area code, lets me customize weekly texts, and keeps customer conversations separate from my personal phone. Plus, it’s easy to track and organize, and it gives me peace of mind knowing I have a direct line to my customers.

2. Use Word of Mouth and Referrals

Real-life word of mouth is more powerful than any hashtag. A trusted friend’s recommendation beats a boosted post every time.

Try this:

Include a small referral card in each bag: “Love our bread? Tell a friend!”
Offer a simple referral bonus—like $2 off their next order or a free cookie.
Ask how new customers found you and thank the person who sent them.
Encourage regulars to leave a quick Google review (this helps with local SEO too).

A kind review or enthusiastic recommendation builds trust fast. And most people are happy to help—you just have to ask.

3. Partner with Local Businesses

You don’t need a storefront to show up in your community.

Think about:

Popping up at a local coffee shop or boutique.
Offering housewarming baskets through local real estate agents.
Pairing with a florist for a bread and bouquet bundle.
Selling shelf-stable items like granola or crackers in local shops (if you're permitted to wholesale).

These partnerships introduce you to new customers and make your bakery feel like part of the community fabric. Even if they don’t have social media, they’ll see your bread, taste it, and tell their neighbors.

4. Use Print Marketing That Sticks

Yes—paper still works. Really well.

Ideas to try:

Flyers or postcards on community bulletin boards.
Menu cards printed monthly to tuck in each order.
Door hangers or magnets with a QR code and your contact info.
Branded stickers with your bakery name and ordering link.

Sometimes a simple flyer on the fridge does more than a whole month of posts. The key is to keep it beautiful and clear, and make it easy for someone to take the next step.

5. Offer Standing Orders for Predictable Sales

Recurring orders are the secret to steady income without constant hustle.

You could:

Offer a prepaid monthly package—two loaves per week, ordered once.
Start a “bread club” where regulars pick up the same order each week.
Offer a discount for prepaying for a quarter.

There’s no fancy subscription tool built into Hot Plate or the Simply Bread App currently, but you can still make it work with a little creativity. And standing orders mean less energy spent promoting and more time doing what you love—baking.

You Don’t Have to Be Everywhere to Be Successful

You don’t need to go viral. You don’t need to post every day. You just need to be consistent, intentional, and true to the business you’re building.

Start with one of these strategies. The one that feels easiest, or most exciting. Let it grow roots. Then try another.

You are allowed to build a microbakery business that supports your life—not one that runs it. And if letting go of social media stress helps you get there? I am cheering you on.

Want to see how I build my customer list with ease? Check out my favorite text marketing tool, Project Broadcast, and use the code “breadwinner” to get 50% off your first month.

I’ll be back next week with more tips to help you build a business you love—but until then, happy baking.

Resources & Links

Join my email list here: https://carolinebower.myflodesk.com/newsletter
Join the Bread Winner Network: www.carolinebower.com/bwnetwork
Find links to all of my sourdough microbakery favorites including packaging, pans, and more here!
Follow me on Instagram for more microbakery tips: @carolinebower_sourdough
Download the FREE Guide and Checklist, Your First Steps to a Successful In-Home Bakery at https://www.carolinebower.com/checklist to begin building YOUR thriving microbakery!