Home bakers sell through Instagram almost entirely, often while baking, delivering and running a home. The questions repeat endlessly: price, flavours, eggless, delivery area, order by when. Automation answers them so you can keep baking.
Automations
Menu catch-all
- Keywords:
menu, price, rate, flavours, kitna - DM:
Hi {name}! This week's menu and prices are here 🎂 All cakes are eggless. Delivery in Satellite, Bopal and Prahlad Nagar. Order 24 hours ahead.
[See menu & order]
Custom cakes
- Keyword:
custom - DM: WhatsApp link with "I want a custom cake for (date)"
Festive hampers
- Keyword:
hamperordiwali
Order cut-offs
Put the cut-off in every DM: "Orders for Sunday close Friday 8 pm." It answers the most common follow-up and protects your weekend.
Compliance basics
Food businesses in India generally need FSSAI registration or a licence depending on turnover. Mention your FSSAI number on your menu.
Reels that sell
- The cut, the pour, the reveal
- "Under ₹500" options
- Weekly menu drop with
MENU - Customer celebrations (with permission)
A sample week for a home baker
| Day | Post | Keyword | DM sends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | This week's menu | MENU | Menu + order form |
| Wednesday | Cake cut reel | PRICE | That cake's price + order form |
| Friday | Last orders reminder | ORDER | Order form + cut-off |
| Sunday | Customer celebration | - | - |
Plus a catch-all on every post: price, rate, menu, kitna → this week's menu.
Writing the menu DM
Answer the questions that always follow:
- Eggless or not
- Delivery areas and charges
- Order cut-off
- How to pay (advance by UPI?)
Hi {name}! This week's menu is here 🎂 All eggless. Delivery in Vastrapur, Bodakdev and Thaltej (₹60). Order by Friday 6 pm for weekend delivery. 50% advance by UPI confirms the order.
See menu & order
Handling capacity
Home kitchens have limits. When you are full:
- Change the DM to "Fully booked this weekend. Next week's menu opens Monday 🙏"
- Close the order form
- Keep the automation on so people still get a clear answer
Mistakes to avoid
- Not mentioning eggless or Jain options, the most common follow-up
- Accepting orders beyond your capacity because you could not keep up with DMs
- Old menu links still being sent from past posts. Use one menu link you update weekly.
Frequently asked questions
PDF or Google Form for orders?
A form or WhatsApp link with the menu is easiest to manage.
How do I avoid too many orders?
Close the form when full and update the DM to "Sold out this week, next menu on Monday".
Should I take advance payment?
Many home bakers take full or partial advance by UPI for custom orders.
Can I use Hindi or Gujarati in the DM?
Yes.