You’ve launched your small business. So, now what?
First of all, take a minute to give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back. Starting your own business is no small undertaking and should be applauded!
(Kudos on taking that significant first step!)
So, now that your business is up and running, it’s time to start sharing what you do. Here’s a Must-Have Checklist for Your New Business!
Although it may seem simple enough to throw together a few social media posts or shoot off a promotional email or two, a disjointed marketing effort will not only prove tricky to maintain but could also confuse your target audience and, ultimately, hurt your growing business.
Instead of flying by the seat of your pants, you have to create a plan — a strategic roadmap for effectively communicating with potential clients so you can successfully promote your products or services.
There’s a lot to cover during this planning phase, which is why we’ve broken it down into a simple checklist.
Ready to get started? Let’s get to it- Here’s a ‘Checklist for Your New Business’
Phase 1: Ask Yourself the Big Questions
When you’re just starting a new business, you need to identify exactly what you’re trying to do and where your challenges lie before making a marketing plan.
- Identify your ideal client.
Think about who they are, where they live, what their interests are, and what problems they’re trying to solve. Creating a clear picture of this client will help you to better target them with your marketing efforts. - Research your competition.
Conduct a simple Google search of competitors in your area and check out their websites and social media pages. What are they offering? And what can you do better? - Create your mission statement + goals.
With your research in hand, put together a straightforward mission statement that identifies exactly what you’re offering, what makes you stand apart, and what you deliver to your clients.
Phase 2: Get the Essential Pieces in Place
Now that you’ve wrapped your head around your big-picture goals, it’s time to set up all the moving parts that come together to create a successful business.
- Pick a company name + lock in a web address.
Pick a company name that speaks to you and what you offer, and conduct an online search to make sure there’s an available web domain for your business. From there, go ahead and purchase it with GoDaddy, WordPress, etc. - Register with your state organizations and the IRS.
Registering your business will allow you to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN), so you can hire employees and open a business bank account. - Get an email address for your business.
Setting up an email account with your website promotes your brand and shows potential clients that you’re professional. - Create your packages and pricing.
Figure out exactly what services or products you’ll be offering and set up packages and pricing, so you’ll be off to the races once the clients start rolling in. (And remember — your pricing isn’t set in stone. It can change down the road, but potential clients will appreciate the upfront information.)
Phase 3: Get Your Marketing Plan Underway
- Set up a brand shoot for headshots + website photos.
You’re the expert — and branded photos and headshots will make you look like one! A few professional photos can go a long way toward elevating your brand and creating a cohesive, consistent look across your online platforms. - Set up your social media accounts. By creating free accounts on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, you can leverage social media to increase brand visibility and gain a loyal audience — without having to dip into your budget.
- Create your website — even if it’s simple to start.
Developing (and paying for) an expansive website can be overwhelming, so don’t be afraid to start small. A clean, professional website with an easy-to-navigate home page, About page, and services section is all you need to look professional to potential clients. - Prepare a one-pager that you can give to prospective clients.
A one-pager is a marketing piece that briefly outlines the value of your business, what you provide, and why you’re great at what you do. Taking the time to create a one-pager upfront means you’ll have one on hand should a potential client, investor, or partner take an interest in your business. - Prepare your marketing calendar.
In the simplest of terms, a marketing calendar is a strategic plan that’s laid out in advance to help you stick to a schedule of consistent, relevant content throughout the year. This calendar should include a plan for social media posting, email newsletters, blog topics, and any other marketing campaigns planned to promote your business.
With all these pieces in place, it’s time to start posting to social media, sending emails, and introducing your business to the world.
Simply taking the time to check off the steps above is an excellent way to set yourself up for success, but if you feel at all overwhelmed by the process, we can help.
From creating your brand colors and logo to setting up your social media pages, our team of marketing experts can walk you through the process and even manage your accounts long-term. So you can focus on building relationships and growing your new business.
