Alison Head of Projects
Test your food business idea in ten easy steps
If you want to try new food business ideas to add flavour to your business, but are not sure what to do next, take a look at our easy to follow steps for inspiration. We’ll give you all the ingredients you need in our guide so that you can test your ideas and see if they are right for your business.
Get set and…
1. Go…local – if you have a farm shop or deli close to your business, pop in and speak to them. Ask them what produce they want to see on their shelves – and what new products their customers want to see.
2. Go…social – Are you up on your social media opportunities? Networking sites are a great way to communicate with potential new customers so take advantage of sites such as Twitter, Facebook and You Tube as a way of getting your business – and your name – known to a variety of people. You can also upload photos, videos, talk about new products, promotions and ideas and even ask for feedback.
3. Go…media – Get into the habit of using a variety of media sources as research for your business – and staying ahead of the competition. Look for new food trends by watching TV/food programmes, reading a variety of magazines, as well as food magazines and newspapers, listening to The Food Programme on BBC Radio Q, and following great food bloggers for all the latest must have food news and even food service design ideas.
4. Go…improve and appeal – It makes good business sense to evolve and improve what you sell. Look at your products and re-evaluate – could you improve them? Think about flavour and even nutrition and make any necessary changes that could make your products even more appealing to your customers.
5. Go…network – Do you attend food-networking events? They are a fantastic way to get to know more people in the business, find inspiration for start up business ideas or simply additional ideas for an established business. Look at food shows, food festivals, farmers’ markets, etc.
6. Go…discover – Keep discovering new ingredients and flavours by visiting speciality shops and delis – they are a tantalising source of inspiration for new ideas!
7. Go…write – Taking the time to write your ideas down and making lists could make a real difference to how you think about your business. For example, if you are looking for new food business ideas, writing a simple list of everyday foods can help inspire you to think about how you can improve or change some of those foods on your list into exciting new food ideas for your business.
8. Go…explore – Learn more about food by looking at the science of nutrition. Ask at your local college or look online for courses.
9. Go…advanced – Keep learning and improving in your area of the food business by signing up for advanced-level cookery lessons. Find the right one for you by asking at your local further education college or even look at the variety of residential cookery courses available both here and abroad that are so popular right now.
10. Go…ask! Do you need some honest, down to earth opinions on your food business ideas? Ask your family and friends! Tell them you want to know what they really think and get them to try your products. You could even write your own questionnaire for them to fill in!
Are you inspired?
Once you have tested your food business ideas and want to take them to the next level, think EAT Marketing. We have a vast amount of experience in food business marketing and what works. We can add creative design and clever all in one marketing ideas to your plan. So get in touch today for a no obligation consultation via our contact page or ring us on 0845 8354661 to discover food business advice that makes a difference.
