Let’s be honest—marketing can feel like a buzzword jungle. You’ve probably heard it all: email marketing, content strategy, SEO, influencer campaigns… but what does it actually mean?
So today, we’re breaking it all down in the most delicious way possible. No jargon. No fluff. Just real-life cupcake magic to explain exactly how marketing works. Grab a treat and let’s dive in.
Advertising
You put up a giant sign that says: “Freshest Cupcakes in Town – Come Taste!”
Boom. That’s advertising. It’s the megaphone you use to grab attention and invite people in. It gets the word out. Loud and clear.
Promotion
You launch a sweet deal: “Buy 6 cupcakes, get 2 free – Today Only!”
That right there is promotion. It drives urgency, boosts sales, and gets people talking. Everyone loves a good deal (especially when sugar is involved).
Sales
Someone walks by, sees your gorgeously frosted cupcakes, and steps inside to buy a box.
You didn’t even say a word—your product sold itself. That’s sales: when all your effort turns into cash in the register.
Public Relations (PR)
A customer complains their cupcake is dry. You apologise with a smile and offer them a fresh one—on the house.
That’s PR. It’s how you build trust, manage your reputation, and turn not-so-sweet moments into loyal customers.
Publicity
Your brand-new Milk Tart flavour goes viral on TikTok.
You didn’t pay for it. You didn’t plan it. But now everyone’s showing up at your door. That’s publicity.
Social Media Marketing
You post a Reel of yourself swirling icing onto a cupcake. It’s mesmerising. It’s relatable. It’s you.
That’s social media marketing. It’s about showing up where your audience is and giving them a slice of the behind-the-scenes.
Content Marketing
You write a blog called “5 Reasons Cupcakes Are Good for the Soul.”
That’s content marketing. It’s not selling—it’s storytelling. You’re sharing value, building connection, and keeping your brand top of mind.
Influencer Marketing
A foodie influencer posts a pic of your red velvet cupcake to their 50k followers.
That’s influencer marketing. It’s getting the right people to spread the word for you—and trust us, it works.
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)
Someone Googles “best bakery near me,” and guess who shows up first? Yep, you!
That’s SEO. It helps people find you when they need you most.
Email Marketing
You send out a weekly email with your weekend specials and newest flavour drops.
That’s email marketing. Direct, personal, and powerful. It keeps your customers in the loop and coming back for more.
Experiential Marketing
You host a Saturday cupcake-decorating workshop for kids. It’s fun. It’s sticky. It’s memorable.
That’s experiential marketing. It’s about giving your audience an experience that sticks—literally and emotionally.
So, which marketing are you using right now?
If all of this sounds fun but also a little overwhelming, we’ve got your back. Head over to our shop and check out our no-fluff guides, eBooks, and courses to make your marketing as simple and sweet as a cupcake.