On Sweeten, your photo is often the first thing customers see. A clear, high-quality image communicates freshness, care, and trust - especially when buying from a new baker. In fact, marketplace data shows that listings with professional-style photos see up to 2x more orders . In this article: 1. Use Natural Light 2. Make Sure the Photo Matches the Actual Item 3. Fill the Frame 4. Keep It Clean & Simple 5. Show Texture and Details 6. Take Multiple Angles 7. Keep It Consistent 8. Keep It Honest but Beautiful But it’s not just about looking pretty. It’s about being accurate  and engaging , so customers know exactly what to expect when they arrive for pickup. Here are our tips to help you show the best version of yourself: 1. Use Natural Light Light makes or breaks your food photo. Shoot near a window during daylight hours. Late morning or early afternoon is best. Avoid direct sun, harsh overhead lights, or flash (they flatten texture and add glare). 💡 Pro tip: Use a white board or wall to reflect light and brighten shadows naturally. 2. Make Sure the Photo Matches the Actual Item This is a big one: your photo should look like what the customer will pick up . Avoid staging something you can’t replicate at scale or over-editing colors and textures. Misleading photos lead to disappointed customers and poor reviews even if the taste is great. Think of your photos as a promise. Show your best work, but make it real. 3. Fill the Frame On mobile search pages, photos that don’t fill the frame often look small or get cropped awkwardly. Make sure your baked good fills the entire shot, edge to edge, so it shows up cleanly in the Sweeten app or web search. 4. Keep It Clean & Simple Busy backgrounds compete with your product. Use neutral surfaces like: Parchment paper Wood boards White plates or trays Light linens Props can also help convey context and charm like: Your own baking tools (whisks, trays, cooling racks) Linens, coffee mugs, or produce Eco-friendly packaging you actually use The goal: your baked good should be the undisputed star of the image. 5. Show Texture and Details A melty chocolate chip. A glossy ganache drip. A flakey crust. These are the visual cues that activate cravings. Use close-up shots or cross-sections to show what makes your product special. Examples: Break a cookie in half Spoon into a layered cake Slice a loaf to reveal color and crumb 6. Take Multiple Angles Different baked goods shine from different angles: Top-down : Great for boxes, cookies, or flatbreads 45° angle : Good for cakes, tarts, or pastries Eye level : Perfect for stacked brownies, muffins, or gooey centers Shoot a few angles and pick the one that shows off your good best. 7. Keep It Consistent Brand consistency helps your microbakery feel cohesive and polished. Use the same lighting, background style, and editing approach for each photo. Customers will begin to recognize your style and return to your listings with trust. 8. Keep It Honest but Beautiful A little editing is fine! Use free tools like Lightroom Mobile , Snapseed , or VSCO  to adjust: Brightness Contrast Sharpness But skip heavy filters or unrealistic edits. If it looks better than real life, it’s probably too far. Why It Matters on Sweeten Sweeten is all about celebrating and supporting local microbakeries . When your listing photo is authentic, enticing, and fills the frame, customers are more likely to click, order, and come back. 📸 Need inspiration? Scroll Sweeten for top-rated bakers and study what their photos look like. 🛒 Already baking? Upload your fresh photos and update your menu today. 📲 New to Sweeten? Download the app  and turn your oven into a business one beautiful photo at a time. Key Takeaways Use natural light  and neutral backgrounds Make sure your photo is honest and accurate  to the product Ensure your item fills the full frame  to look strong in search results Show texture, freshness, and detail Be consistent , on-brand, and real

As a home baker or microbakery owner, your delicious creations deserve packaging that’s just as thoughtful as your ingredients. Whether you’re selling cookies, cakes, or sourdough via your Sweeten store, how you package your baked goods for pickup or delivery  matters for presentation, freshness, and the planet. In this guide, we’ll show you how to wow customers  with eco-friendly, professional packaging  that’s ideal for small-scale, local operations. In this article: Best Eco-Friendly Packaging Options for Baked Goods Compostable Bakery Boxes Tips for Sustainable Packaging Success Pickup Considerations Encourage Reuse Why Eco-Friendly Packaging Matters for Microbakeries More than ever, customers are choosing brands that align with their values. According to a 2024 NielsenIQ study , 73% of Gen Z and Millennials prefer to buy from eco-conscious brands and your packaging is often their first impression. As a microbakery, your local, handcrafted goods already stand out. Using compostable, recyclable, or biodegradable packaging  reinforces your commitment to sustainability and helps you stand out in a crowded market. Customers appreciate the reduced waste and the natural, hand-wrapped look that screams microbakery charm Best Eco-Friendly Packaging Options for Baked Goods Here are some of our top choices that balance sustainability, durability, and affordability: 1. Compostable Bakery Boxes Made from recycled kraft paper or sugarcane fibers. Great for cookies, brownies, or small loaves. Search term tip: Use “compostable bakery box” or “biodegradable food container” when sourcing. 2. Clear PLA Containers (Plant-Based Plastic) Perfect for cakes and pastries where visibility is key. Made from corn starch and fully compostable in industrial facilities. 3. Unbleached Parchment or Wax Paper Use to wrap muffins, croissants, or cinnamon rolls individually. Pair with twine or paper stickers for a rustic, microbakery touch. 4. Molded Fiber Carriers Ideal for multiple pastries or cupcake trays. Stackable, sturdy and great for transport. 5. Recyclable Labels and Branding Avoid plastic-coated stickers Try kraft paper labels printed with soy or water-based inks. Tips for Sustainable Packaging Success Label clearly : Include allergen info, pickup instructions, and a friendly note encouraging reuse or composting. Minimize plastic : Skip plastic wrap whenever possible. Try cellulose film (plant-based and home compostable) instead. Use right-sized containers : Avoid oversized packaging that wastes space and materials. Buy in bulk : Reduce cost and shipping emissions. Include a Compost/Recycling Note: Tuck in a quick note that tells customers how to dispose of their packaging responsibly such as “This box is 100% compostable 🌱 Just remove the label and toss it in your green bin!” Offer (or Encourage) Eco-Friendly Tote Bags: Consider including reusable fabric or paper totes  with your branding for larger or repeat orders. These not only reduce single-use packaging waste, but also give customers a way to rep your microbakery around town. You can also add your Instagram handle or a Sweeten profile QR code to encourage reorders and reviews. Pickup Considerations Since Sweeten is a pickup-first platform , your packaging just needs to travel a few blocks. That gives you the opportunity to reduce waste and elevate the customer experience with smarter, greener packaging options: Use sturdy boxes or trays with lids that stack easily. Flat-bottomed containers are ideal for organized pickup setups. Add eco-friendly tote bags or offer customers the option to bring their own. Use Sweeten to Build Sustainably Sweeten makes it easy for eco-conscious microbakeries  to connect with nearby customers. With neighborhood-based pickups and reduced delivery zones, your carbon footprint stays low while your brand grows. Whether you’re a cookie artist, cake wizard, or sourdough specialist, choosing eco-friendly packaging  isn’t just a feel-good move, it’s also good business. Thoughtful presentation and sustainable materials turn first-time buyers into loyal fans who appreciate your food and  your values. Ready to sell your sustainable sweets locally? 👉 Download the Sweeten app  and launch your microbakery today.

Join the micro‑bakery movement and launch yours on Sweeten! Forget big factories and cookie-cutter pastries. Welcome to the world of micro‑bakeries.  These small, home-based baking businesses are redefining how communities eat, connect, and support local entrepreneurs. Whether it’s sourdough baked in a Jersey City apartment or matcha donuts made in Queens, micro‑bakeries are proof that big flavor comes in small batches. What is a microbakery? A micro‑bakery  is a small-scale, home‑based bakery run by passionate bakers typically without a storefront or hefty overhead. Commonly operating from a home kitchen or community facility, micro‑bakeries capitalize on local sales and neighborhood pickup. Think artisanal bread, custom pastries, and seasonal treats all made fresh and locally. Micro‑bakeries sell directly to local customers (usually for pickup) creating a warm, personal, and hyper-local food experience that’s miles away from mass-produced baked goods. Why micro‑bakeries are booming in 2025 Local food is trending : USDA data shows 78% of farms selling directly are within a 100‑mile radius, and 41% of consumers choose “locally sourced” foods when buying meals. Why? It tastes better, supports small businesses, and feels more meaningful. Pandemic baking resurgence : What started during the pandemic hasn’t slowed down. From sourdough starters to viral baking trends, demand for fresh, homemade goods has remained high and bakers are stepping up with creativity, quality, and serious flavor. DIY meets demand : Customers are choosing handcrafted over industrial. Micro‑bakeries let them buy from real people, not faceless brands and mass production. Why now? Let's talk about the economic context Between inflation, rising ingredient costs, and global instability, people are rethinking how and where they spend their money. Tariffs + supply chain chaos = rising costs: Recent U.S.- China tariffs ( up to 145% ) are driving up ingredient costs, baking supplies and packaging. Large chains pass that cost to the consumer but micro‑bakeries can pivot, source creatively, and stay flexible. Small business resilience : Micro‑bakers can react quickly to challenges, adapt to trends, and maintain closer ties with their customers. In uncertain times, small and nimble beats big and bloated. Why Sweeten is perfect for micro‑bakeries Sweeten isn’t just a marketplace, it’s also a launchpad for home bakers who want to start and scale their micro‑bakery with confidence. Here’s how we help: Low barrier to entry : No retail lease or large upfront investment - just your home kitchen. Built-in local customer base : Connect with hungry locals in your ZIP code through Sweeten’s app. Streamlined operations : Set weekly pickup schedules , manage orders, process payments, and collect reviews all from one platform. Real-world impact Sweeten empowers micro‑bakery creators to: Generate income doing what they love Use their home kitchens efficiently Build a loyal local following Weather economic uncertainty with minimal risk Ready to start your micro‑bakery? Whether you’re known for your banana bread, decorated cookies, or dairy-free cupcakes, Sweeten is the easiest way to turn your recipes into real revenue . Join a growing community of food lovers who are baking local, earning on their terms, and sharing joy one pickup at a time. Download the Sweeten app today and get started today.

There’s nothing like a warm, homemade meal made with love! Sweeten makes it easier than ever to find delicious food made by talented homebakers and cooks right in your neighborhood. Getting Started with Sweeten Here’s how to get started in just a few taps: Enter your location Start by entering your address to discover homebakers and cooks near you. E nter the pick up date that works best for your schedule so you’ll only see meals available for pick up that day. Browse & filter Have dietary restrictions or a specific craving? Filter by type of food, allergens, dietary needs (like gluten-free or vegan), and more. Place your order Once you’ve found what you love, add it to your cart and place your order. You’ll get a confirmation once your chef accepts your order. When your chef finishes preparing your order, they’ll mark it as ready for pick-up . You can also message the chef directly if you have any questions! Need to cancel? You can do so directly in the app for full refund before your order is accepted by the chef. Pick up & enjoy! Head to the chef’s location during the scheduled pick-up window. Don't forget to mark your order as “Picked Up” in the app. It helps us keep everything running smoothly. Loved your order? Show some love and leave a review! Your feedback helps other customers and supports the chefs in your community. Enjoying Your Meal Once you pick up your order, it’s time to enjoy your meal! Homemade food is a treat. Each dish is crafted with care. You can taste the love in every bite. Why Choose Local? Ordering from local chefs and microbakeries supports your community. It helps small businesses thrive. Plus, you get fresh, unique meals that you won’t find in chain restaurants. Discover New Flavors With Sweeten, you can explore a variety of cuisines. Whether you crave Italian, Mexican, or Asian dishes, there’s something for everyone. You might even discover a new favorite dish! Connect with Chefs Don’t hesitate to reach out to your chef. They love to hear from customers. If you have questions about ingredients or preparation, just ask! Share Your Experience After enjoying your meal, consider leaving a review. Your feedback is valuable. It helps other customers make informed choices. Plus, it supports the chefs in your community. Have questions about your order? Reach out to us anytime at support@eatsweeten.com

Running a microbakery or home baking business in 2025? Staying ahead of baking trends can help you attract more orders, grow your customer base, and keep your offerings exciting. Whether you're on Sweeten or selling locally, here's your guide to the top 20 trending baked goods and recipes to sell in 2025. 1. Ube Everything From ube crinkle cookies to ube cheesecakes, this vibrant purple yam continues to dominate home baker menus. It’s eye-catching, nostalgic for many, and totally delicious. 📖 Recipe here: MochiMommy’s Ube Crinkle Cookies 2. Mochi Bakes Think mochi brownies, donuts, and muffins. The chewy texture is satisfying and unique, perfect for gluten-sensitive customers. 📖 Recipe here: Kirbie’s Mochi Brownies   3. Croissant Hybrids Cruffins, croissant cubes, and crookies (croissant + cookie) are still viral-worthy and customer favorites. 4. Burnt Basque Cheesecake This rustic, rich cheesecake with a caramelized top has become a cult favorite and a must-offer for cheesecake fans. 5. Flavored Butter Croissants Pistachio cream, matcha, black sesame, or cardamom-infused croissants are buttery upgrades with flair. 6. Brown Butter Cookies Classic cookies get an upgrade with brown butter for a rich, nutty flavor. Simple, but elevated. 📖 Recipe here: Southern Living’s Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies   7. Canelés These French custard pastries with crispy caramelized exteriors are trending in foodie circles for their sophisticated flair. 📖 Recipe here: Canelés de Bordeaux  via Baking‑Sense 8. Chiffon & Cloud Cakes Light, airy cakes that feel luxurious and not too sweet. Often paired with whipped cream or fruit. 9. Mini Loaves Perfectly portioned banana bread, matcha loaf, or lemon-poppy seed loaves are ideal for gifting or snacking. 10. Stuffed Cookies From Nutella to peanut butter to marshmallow fillings, these indulgent cookies are consistently crave-worthy. 11. Savory Scones Popular at breakfast and brunch markets—think cheddar-chive, bacon-scallion, or feta-spinach. 12. Gluten-Free Favorites Offer quality gluten-free brownies, blondies, and cookies to stand out in a growing dietary market. 📖 Recipe here: Gluten‑Free Brown Butter Brownies  from Sweets & Thank You 13. Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Soft, gooey, and plant-based. Add extra frosting and you’ll win over any sweet tooth. 📖 Recipe here: Minimalist Baker’s Easy Vegan Cinnamon Rolls 14. Cereal Milk Treats Inspired by nostalgic flavors, these desserts bring fun to your menu with a modern twist. 15. Layered Cookie Bars Seven-layer bars, brookies (brownie + cookie), or creative layered combos are always in demand. 16. Butter Mochi Cakes Popular in Hawaiian and Filipino communities, these chewy, buttery treats are growing in demand. 📖 Recipe here: Izzy’s Easy Butter Mochi   17. Decorative Sugar Cookies Custom cookies for holidays, birthdays, and events let you show off your artistry and attract repeat buyers. 18. Puff Pastry Tarts Great for brunch boxes: sweet or savory options made with puff pastry are easy to prep and plate. 19. Miso Caramel Bakes The umami-sweet combo of miso and caramel adds depth and trend appeal to cookies or cakes. 📖 Recipe here: Okonomi Kitchen’s Miso Caramel Cookies 20. Seasonal Specials Always include a rotating lineup based on holidays and local seasons. It adds urgency and freshness to your menu. Final Thoughts Offering one or two of these trending baked goods can help keep your microbakery exciting and Instagram-worthy. Test new flavors, take great photos, and update your Sweeten profile regularly to stay top of mind for customers. Want to grow your microbakery in 2025? How search works on Sweeten Your Step-by-Step Guide to Selling Homemade Food & Starting a Micro-Bakery on Sweeten Sweeten connects you with local customers who crave your magic. Let’s make 2025 your best baking year yet!

Looking for a better way to enjoy homemade food while supporting your local community? Sweeten isn’t your average food delivery app, and that’s the point. While platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub connect customers to restaurants, Sweeten is designed specifically to help home bakers and microbakery chefs  grow their businesses and connect with neighbors. In this article: Sweeten vs. Traditional Food Delivery Apps: A Quick Comparison Support Small Businesses in Your Neighborhood Why Pickup Only? Want to Try Sweeten? Why Sweeten Exists Share the Love Let’s break down what sets Sweeten apart. Sweeten vs. Traditional Food Delivery Apps: A Quick Comparison Feature Sweeten Traditional Delivery Apps (DoorDash, UberEats) Who you support Local home bakers & microbusinesses Large chains & restaurants Food experience Homemade, small-batch, often unique Standardized restaurant fare Pickup or delivery Scheduled pickup only On-demand delivery Service fees Low platform fee, no monthly costs High commission fees for businesses Neighborhood connection Strong local ties, community-based Transactional and anonymous Chef visibility Personal profiles & chef stories Limited visibility for small vendors Why Sweeten Exists Sweeten was built to empower home bakers and microbakery chefs: people who love making food with care and want to share it with their communities. Unlike traditional delivery apps that prioritize speed and scale, Sweeten prioritizes relationships, quality, and local impact . When you buy from Sweeten: You support a real neighbor, not a restaurant chain. You enjoy unique, handcrafted baked goods you can’t find elsewhere. You contribute to a food ecosystem rooted in trust, transparency, and shared stories. Support Small Businesses in Your Neighborhood Every purchase on Sweeten helps a local food maker grow. Many Sweeten chefs operate under cottage food laws, selling directly from their own kitchens. This means your dollars go further into the pockets of people who live nearby, not corporate headquarters. Buying local builds stronger communities. It keeps money in your local economy, promotes sustainability, and nurtures real connections between neighbors. Why Pickup Only? We get this question a lot. Unlike delivery apps, Sweeten is a pickup-only platform . That’s intentional. Scheduled pickups help reduce food waste, cut down on delivery emissions, and give you a chance to connect directly with the person who made your food . It also allows chefs to plan and bake fresh without the pressure of instant fulfillment. Want to learn more about how pickup works? Read our Pickup 101 guide → Want to Try Sweeten? Browse baked goods made in your zip code and support the talented microbakery chefs near you. Whether it’s a batch of gooey brownies, a vegan ube cake, or artisan sourdough, there’s something special waiting in your neighborhood . Share the Love Already using Sweeten as a chef? Share your profile link on social media to promote your offerings. Tip: Here’s how to market your Sweeten store Final Thoughts Sweeten isn’t just another food app. It’s a movement to make food more personal, local, and community-driven. When you order through Sweeten, you’re doing more than grabbing a treat—you’re building a better local food future. "A bakery is where dreams rise and delicious memories are made."

How to set up your weekly pickup schedule in the Sweeten app Running a successful micro-bakery  or home-based food business is all about great taste and  good timing. That’s why your Weekly Pick-Up Schedule  is one of the most important tools on your Sweeten profile, as it tells customers when and where to come pick up your delicious creations. Setting a clear, consistent pickup schedule helps you: Avoid missed pickups or confusion  with customers Manage prep time and inventory  more efficiently Build trust  by showing customers you’re reliable Stay flexible  while running your micro-bakery on your own terms A clear, up-to-date schedule means fewer messages, smoother pickups, and happier customers! In this article: How to Set (and Update) Your Weekly Pick-Up Schedule Pro Tips for a Smooth Schedule How to Set (and Update) Your Weekly Pick-Up Schedule You can set your availability, pickup address, and instructions right from your Profile page . Here’s how: Go to your Profile Tap your profile icon in the app Tap “Edit Weekly Pick Up Schedule” Set Your Pick Up Address This is where customers will go to pick up their orders Make sure it’s easy to find by using address search results Add Pick Up Instructions E.g.: “Text when you arrive,” “Use the side entrance,” or “Ring the doorbell!” Choose Your Available Days Toggle off any day you’re not accepting pickups You can change this anytime based on your baking schedule Set Start & End Times Want pickups only in the evenings? Early morning? It’s your call. Customers will see that you are only available for pick up during these times Pro Tips for a Smooth Schedule Update ahead of time: If your availability changes, make sure to adjust your schedule ahead of time. Block off vacations: Going offline for a bit? Toggle all days off or update your menu to “unavailable.” Keep it consistent : Customers love predictable routines (think: “Fridays 4-7 PM” or “Sundays only”).

Your step-by-step guide to selling your homemade food locally Why Sell on Sweeten? Sweeten is your neighborhood food marketplace, designed to make it easy for home cooks, bakers, and food creators to earn money doing what they love. Whether you’re dreaming of starting a micro-bakery, growing a weekend food hustle, or simply selling your famous cinnamon rolls, Sweeten gives you the tools to : Reach local food lovers who value homemade goods Set your own schedule and pick-up times Start selling without a storefront or large overhead Build a loyal customer base right in your community "I never thought I could start a food business from my kitchen. Sweeten helped me turn my side hobby into real income." — Antoine D. Create Your Chef Profile & Set Up Payment Details Let your personality shine! Add: Chef name Short bio and food story Profile photo Payment details must be set up before customers can place orders with you. From your Profile  page, tap “Set up payment details”  and follow the secure steps to connect your account. Sweeten partners with Stripe , a trusted global payments platform, to ensure your information is processed safely. Once you’re set up, you’ll be able to start receiving orders and payouts directly to your account. It only takes a few minutes to complete! Tip: A warm, friendly photo and a fun backstory go a long way in connecting with customers. Set Pick-Up Location & Hours From your  Profile page , tap  Edit Weekly Pick-Up Schedule   to: Add your pick-up address Turn pick-up days  on or off Set available time windows for each day Add optional instructions (e.g., "Ring the bell on the side gate") Add Menu Items Showcase your creations with: Clear photos Dish name, description & ingredients Pricing and prep time Allergy tags (e.g., gluten-free, nut-free) Tip: Use natural light and simple plating for beautiful menu photos.  📸 Manage Orders in the App When an order request comes in: Tap to confirm or decline Tap  Ready for Pick-Up  when the food is prepped Customer picks up and marks it as collected Get Paid Payments are transferred after pick-up confirmation Sweeten charges a small  5.5% platform fee  + any required taxes Track payouts in your app dashboard See here for a guide on Sweeten fees Start & Grow Your Micro-Bakery Selling on Sweeten is a low-risk way to test and grow your food business: No need for a physical store Get feedback through reviews Build a local following Stay flexible and set your own schedule Ready to Get Started? Head to your  Profile  in the Sweeten app to complete your setup and start adding menu items. Whether you’re a seasoned homebaker or just starting your micro-bakery , we’re here to support you every step of the way .

As a microbakery owner, you put love, time, and ingredients into every bake. So what happens when a customer cancels last-minute or doesn’t show up for pick-up? At Sweeten, we understand how frustrating and wasteful this can feel. This guide explains what to expect and how to handle no-shows and cancellations while protecting your microbakery. In this article: Sweeten’s Cancellation Policy Do I Still Get Paid If the Customer Doesn’t Show Up? Reduce Food Waste with Smart Practices Communication is Key Need Help? Reach Out to Sweeten Support Best Practices for Your Microbakery Keep Growing with Confidence Sweeten’s Cancellation Policy Customers can cancel an order any time before it is confirmed by the chef . If a customer cancels before confirmation , the order is canceled and no payment is processed. Once you confirm an order, it’s considered a commitment. At that point, the customer cannot cancel through the app , and you are still eligible to be paid if they don’t pick it up. Do I Still Get Paid If the Customer Doesn’t Show Up? Yes. If you confirmed the order and prepared the food, and the customer does not show up within the pickup window, you are still eligible to receive full payment . Make sure to mark the order as “Ready for Pickup”  and keep a record (photo or timestamp) in case there’s ever a dispute. Our support team may request this to verify the no-show. 👉 Related: Pickup 101 – What to Expect as a Customer Reduce Food Waste with Smart Practices We know food waste hurts. Here are a few ways to minimize risk: Confirm orders strategically : Wait until you’re ready to bake or close to the prep window before confirming. Message customers a reminder : A quick nudge in-app can go a long way. Offer same-day promos : If a customer cancels, consider posting a quick story or text blast for a flash sale. 👉 Pro tip: Learn how to get more orders on Sweeten Communication is Key If a customer is running late, we encourage chefs to reach out via Sweeten’s in-app messaging feature. Often, delays are simple misunderstandings. A quick message can save a perfectly good batch of cookies or sourdough loaf! Need Help? Reach Out to Sweeten Support If you experience a frequent no-show or unclear cancellation, our Sweeten Support team is here for you . We can help review the order history, issue reminders to customers, and support you with best practices for your microbakery. Contact us anytime at support@eatsweeten.com Best Practices for Your Microbakery Confirm only when you’re ready to prep Mark orders as “Ready for Pickup” in the app Send friendly reminders near pickup windows Let us know if a customer habitually cancels or ghosts Keep Growing with Confidence We built Sweeten to support local chefs and bakers like you. Our policies are designed to protect your time, talent, and kitchen. With clear communication and smart confirmations, you can keep growing your microbakery with peace of mind. 👉 Explore more chef tips in our Sweeten Chef Resource Center "The only thing better than a good friend is a friend with chocolate." - Linda Grayson

Want to boost your orders and grow a loyal following?  Promoting your Sweeten store on social media is one of the best ways to connect with new customers, build your microbakery brand, and get discovered beyond your neighborhood. Here’s how to get started and how Sweeten can help you shine. ✨ In this article: 1. Share Your Sweeten Store Link 2. Post Great Photos of Your Bakes 3. Talk About Your Pick-Up Dates 4. Ask for Engagement & Reviews 5. Collaborate With Sweeten 6. Engage With Your Community First, let's break down a few reasons why social media matters for your microbakery: Free marketing  for your baked goods. Creates a personal connection with local customers. Helps you build a recognizable brand. Drives organic app growth and visibility for your Sweeten store. Encourages customer reviews, reorders, and word-of-mouth. Using social media to promote your Sweeten microbakery can help you get more orders, build a brand, and become a local favorite. See a few tips below to start growing your business. 1. Share Your Sweeten Store Link Every Sweeten chef has a custom profile URL, and even people without the app can view it in a browser! Find your link in the Profile tab of the Sweeten app  and add it to: Your Instagram bio Facebook posts Linktree or Beacons page Recipe blogs or newsletters Pro Tip: Add a call-to-action like “Order My Fresh Bakes 🍪” or “See What’s Fresh Today.” 2. Post Great Photos of Your Bakes Photos are everything when it comes to food. Use natural light  and a clean background. Post reels or stories showing how you make, package, or decorate. Include behind-the-scenes prep to build authenticity. Always tag @eatsweeten so we can share your work! 3. Talk About Your Pick-Up Dates Post: When you’ll next be baking How far in advance people should place orders Countdown reminders: “Last day to order for Sunday pickup!” 4. Ask for Engagement & Reviews Encourage your customers to: Leave a review in the Sweeten app Tag you in their post-pickup pics Re-share your posts Social proof builds trust and encourages new buyers to try your treats. 5. Collaborate With Sweeten We’re always looking to feature chefs and microbakeries! DM us on Instagram @eatsweeten or email us at hello@eatsweeten.com Tell us what’s coming up (holiday specials, new menus, behind-the-scenes videos) Tag us in your content as we repost favorites regularly Sweeten shares chef stories across Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and email , driving even more attention to your store. 6. Engage With Your Community Reply to comments and DMs promptly Follow and support other Sweeten chefs in your area Comment on neighborhood posts or foodie accounts The more active you are, the more visible you become. Related: How Sweeten Search Works to Help Customers Find You → "Cupcakes are muffins that believed in miracles."

Want to boost your micro-bakery sales on Sweeten? Whether you’re baking cookies, cakes, or sourdough, standing out in your neighborhood can lead to more orders and more happy customers. Here are proven ways to help your Sweeten profile shine and get your delicious baked goods into more hands. In this article: 1. Take Great Photos of Your Baked Goods 2. Optimize Your Profile 3. Open More Pickup Availability 4. Share Your Sweeten Profile Link 5. Promote on Social Media 6. Communicate with Your Customers 7. Ask for Reviews Bonus: Understand How Sweeten Search Works 1. Take Great Photos of Your Baked Goods Photos are the first thing a customer sees so make it count! High-quality, well-lit photos sell. Think of your menu like a bakery window display, it needs to tempt! Photo tips: Use natural lighting when possible. Capture close-ups of texture (cookies breaking apart, flaky crusts, glossy icing). Show portions clearly so customers know what they’ll get. 2. Optimize Your Profile A complete, inviting profile builds trust. Tips: Add a warm, friendly bio that tells your story. Include your baking specialties or signature items. Upload a clear, smiling profile photo: it helps customers connect with you as a person, not just a kitchen. 3. Open More Pickup Availability If your calendar is too limited, potential buyers might miss their chance. Make it easy to order by setting consistent pickup windows. Tips: Open multiple days a week, even with limited slots. Use Sweeten’s Weekly Pickup Schedule  tool in your profile settings to manage your time. 👉 Learn more about this in Managing Your Weekly Pickup Schedule . 4. Share Your Sweeten Profile Link Did you know you can promote your Sweeten profile and menu even to people who don’t have the app? Go to your Profile tab  in the app. Tap “Copy Profile URL”  and share it on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, texts, or flyers. Link it in your bio and posts with a clear CTA like “Order my baked goods here!” The easier it is to find your menu, the more orders you’ll get. 5. Promote on Social Media Your local network is powerful! Post regularly about your baking schedule, new items, or behind-the-scenes content. Don’t forget: Include your Sweeten profile link  in your bio. Use neighborhood hashtags (like #JerseyCityEats or #BrooklynBakes). Tag @eatsweeten for a chance to get reposted! 6. Communicate with Your Customers Quick, kind replies go a long way. Respond to questions about allergens, pickup timing, or portions with care as it helps customers feel confident and valued. Use the app’s messaging tool to stay in touch and answer questions promptly. 7. Ask for Reviews When someone loves your bake, ask them to leave a quick review in the app! Positive feedback builds your reputation and encourages more orders. A simple message like, “Thanks so much! If you loved your order, I’d really appreciate a review 😊” can make all the difference. Bonus: Understand How Sweeten Search Works Want to show up more often when customers browse the app? Sweeten’s search considers location, availability, and your keywords. 👉 Learn how the algorithm works in How Sweeten Search Works . Final Thoughts Getting more orders on Sweeten is about being visible, helpful, and delicious. When you optimize your profile, promote your link, and offer consistent pickup times, your micro-bakery becomes a go-to in your neighborhood. You’re not just selling baked goods - you’re building community, one cookie or cupcake at a time. “Baking is about creating something delicious for someone else. It’s the way we show we care.” – Anna Olson

Ordering fresh, homemade food from a local microbakery or home chef on Sweeten is simple and satisfying, but what happens after you place an order? Here’s your quick guide to a smooth, stress-free Sweeten food pickup experience. Check Your Pickup Info Once your Sweeten chef confirms the order, you’ll see the pickup date, time window, and location  in your app. When your order is ready for pickup, tap the delivery bag icon to review pickup instruction - some chefs may include helpful notes like “ring the doorbell” or “use the side entrance.” Arrive on Time Please arrive during the pickup window  provided. Chefs plan their cooking around your scheduled time, and prompt pickups help keep things running smoothly. Bring Your Own Bag Sweeten supports low-waste practices and we encourage users to bring your own clean tote or container  to carry your goodies home safely. Communicate if Needed Running late or have a question? You can message the Chef directly through the Sweeten app. Whether you need to clarify directions or confirm an allergy note, Sweeten makes it easy to stay connected. Confirm Pickup in the App After you collect your food, don’t forget to tap “Confirm Pickup”  in your app. This helps chefs get paid promptly and keeps the Sweeten community running smoothly. Leave a Review Loved your order? Let the chef (and other customers!) know by leaving a quick review in the app. Your feedback helps home cooks and microbakeries grow their local food business. Enjoy the Taste of Home Whether you picked up gooey brownies, homemade dumplings, or grandma-style cookies, know that your order supported a local food creator and hopefully brings you a little more homemade joy to your day! Ready to order again? Browse new chefs and dishes anytime in the Sweeten app.  Your next favorite treat is just around the corner. Bread puns happen when you yeast expect them.