The Challenge
Grand Ma Lady Lue Tea Cakes, a locally beloved bakery offering handcrafted tea cakes inspired by a cherished family recipe, struggled to expand beyond its loyal customer base. Despite the exceptional quality of their baked goods, they faced low brand awareness, limited online visibility, and stagnant sales outside of holiday seasons. The owner wanted to position the business as a must-try dessert brand while attracting new wholesale opportunities and increasing direct-to-consumer sales.

The Solution
Carlfred Radio Digital implemented a tailored marketing strategy to highlight the unique, nostalgic appeal of Grand Ma Lady Lue Tea Cakes and drive sales through a mix of traditional and digital marketing:
- Storytelling Radio Campaign:
- Created heartfelt radio ads that told the story of Grand Ma Lady Lue’s legacy and the tradition behind the tea cakes, connecting emotionally with listeners.
- Focused on the idea of “bringing a taste of home to every occasion,” targeting family-oriented audiences.
- E-commerce Website Optimization:
- Redesigned their website to include user-friendly features for ordering tea cakes online, with SEO optimization for keywords like “homemade tea cakes” and “traditional Southern desserts.”
- Added a blog section to share recipes and family stories, enhancing engagement with visitors.
- Social Media Campaigns:
- Developed a nostalgic branding strategy using Facebook and Instagram to showcase the history and craftsmanship behind the tea cakes.
- Organized a “Grand Ma’s Favorite Recipe” contest, encouraging followers to share their favorite memories or recipes for a chance to win free tea cakes.
- Partnerships and Events:
- Collaborated with local coffee shops, gift shops, and event planners to offer Grand Ma Lady Lue Tea Cakes as a premium product for their customers.
- Sponsored community events and provided samples to increase brand exposure.
- Email and SMS Marketing:
- Launched a series of email newsletters to promote seasonal flavors, exclusive discounts, and wholesale opportunities for small businesses.
- Introduced an SMS alert system for last-minute deals and new product launches.

Results
- 45% Increase in Online Sales:
- The new website and targeted digital campaigns drove a 45% increase in online orders, especially from first-time customers.
- Top Choice for Local Partnerships:
- Partnering with coffee shops and gift shops boosted wholesale orders by 30%, helping the tea cakes reach new audiences.
- 60% Growth in Social Media Engagement:
- Social media followers grew by 60%, with high engagement on posts featuring the family story and behind-the-scenes baking content.
- Improved Brand Awareness:
- The storytelling radio ads created an emotional connection with listeners, driving a 20% increase in foot traffic to their physical location and pop-up events.
- Stronger Customer Loyalty:
- Email and SMS campaigns fostered repeat purchases, with 70% of online customers making additional orders within six months.
“Carlfred Radio Digital helped us share Grand Ma’s story with the world. The heartfelt radio ads and beautiful online presence brought so many new customers who appreciate the love and care we put into every tea cake. Our sales have grown tremendously, and now our tea cakes are a local favorite in coffee shops and homes alike!”
Ameenah Williams
Founder, Grand Ma Lady Lue Tea Cakes