August 10, 2021 -- Connecticut-based entrepreneurial business Bare Life’s signature coconut hot cocoa mix continues to earn praise from customers, propelling the company to reach new milestones and launch new initiatives.
The company’s ever-expanding digital and social media presence is proving to be immensely popular, reflecting a large and loyal following on social media. And Bare Life has recently added two instantly popular features – a “Bare Ambassador” program and “Shelfies”.
Since the company began sales in 2018, Bare Life has consistently exceeded growth goals. In the company’s first year of business, Bare Life achieved double digit growth. By 2020, the company’s sales saw over 200% growth, and that upward trend is continuing in 2021.
The distinctive and delicious hot cocoa mix is organic, paleo, vegan, plant-based and free from gluten, dairy, soy, refined sugar and corn. Bare Life is made with five naturally simple, organic, kosher and allergen friendly ingredients, sourced from sustainable socially-conscious farms and produced in local facilities in New England.
The allergen friendly hot cocoa, accompanied by founder Ali Lazowski’s deliciously creative recipes using their signature hot cocoa mix, has earned Bare Life a growing following of enthusiastic customers. Recipes range from a French Toast Bake to Mug Cake, Brownie Bites to Protein Muffins, and Pancakes to Fudgesicles.
“I wanted to create something that was allergen sensitive, without having to sacrifice the taste. Now customers can enjoy Bare Life hot cocoa mix knowing it is sustainably sourced, allergen friendly, and most importantly, delicious!” says Lazowski. “Engaging with our customers, our Bare Lifers, on social media is wonderful – it’s great to speak with them directly, particularly to share ideas and learn about ways in which Bare Life has made a difference for them.”
Strong Social Media Growth
Bare Life has an engaging presence on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest and Twitter, and the company’s presence on digital and social platforms is receiving widespread attention. Social media is a critical component in converting interested consumers into satisfied buyers. Bare Life’s Facebook is currently their highest converting platform, with an engagement rate more than 250% above the industry average. Their Instagram following is highly engaged as well, with an organic engagement rate that is nearly double the average of other Instagram pages with a comparable-sized following. Bare Life’s overall conversion rate on social media is roughly 17%, compared with the average social media conversion rate of 1.5%.
“Shelfies” on Instagram and Facebook
Launched earlier this year to encourage customers to share their purchasing experience, Lazowski and Bare Life created “Shelfies” – with a great response from customers.
Shelfies are photos taken of Bare Life’s hot cocoa mix on display on grocery store shelves, which are then shared on social media by tagging @eatbarelife on Instagram or Facebook. Shelfies are a unique, fun way for customers to connect with their favorite vegan and gluten free hot cocoa brand on social media and to inspire someone else to try Bare Life products. “Shelfies,” highlight the in-store display by local stores and markets across the country, making it easier for future customers to find Bare Life’s hot cocoa mix on the shelves.
“Bare Ambassador” Program
Bare Life has also successfully cultivated a nationwide following of passionate Bare Life brand ambassadors, who have a combined audience of 317,378 clean food lovers – and counting!
Bare Ambassadors post pictures to their social media accounts of them enjoying Bare Life hot cocoa and creating various Bare Life recipes. They also earn commissions and share their unique discount codes to encourage their followers to purchase Bare Life products by providing savings along the way. Posts from current Bare Ambassadors can be found on Bare Life’s Instagram using the story highlight feature. Learn more about Bare Life’s Brand Ambassador program here.
Award Winning Cocoa Mix
Lazowski started Bare Life after being diagnosed her junior year of college with cancer and Lyme disease that caused her to re-evaluate her diet. She needed foods that were gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free - and that actually tasted good. Developing the original recipe began in her kitchen. Statistics show that many Americans live with chronic illnesses, allergies and sensitivities: 133 million Americans (40% of the population) live with chronic illness, and even more are affected by them, and 15 million Americans have food allergies.
Bare Life was selected for two consecutive years as Lux Life Magazine’s Favorite Hot Cocoa Award Winner, and Bare Life appeared last year in a Hallmark movie. Bare Life can be purchased online at Amazon, The Vegan Local, Faire, Etsy and, for a limited time, on Zulily. On Amazon, Bare Life hot cocoa mix is a 4.7 Star Rated Product and was named Top New Hot Cocoa on Amazon at its launch on the site in January 2020. Additional information about Bare Life can be found at www.eatbarelife.com – and on social media!