Starting your own business is super exciting! But it can also be very stressful, scary and overwhelming at times. If you feel like you don't know where and how to start this guide is for YOU!
STEP 1: Find your brand identity
You already have an idea or product but that's basically it. Next steps are thinking about your logo, color palette and fonts you wanna use (it should be the same on your website as well as various social media platforms later). I recommend not picking more than 3 colours and 3 fonts. You don't know how to create a logo? Check out Canva. I use this platform all the time to create aesthetic brand content and they also have a bunch of great logo templates. After you came up with a game plan make sure to stick to your brand identity. Nothing is worse than a brand switching between a bunch of styles and aesthetic all the time and it confuses your clients and potential new customers.
STEP 2: Start with your social media presence
Ok so we have a logo and made some decisions on your brand identity. Next up is starting an Instagram account. If you have more time I highly recommend using Pinterest and Tiktok for your brand as well. Cross media marketing has SO much potential and you can receive content on other platforms. You can also reach more potential new customers and I always tell my clients: If it's for free to sign up you should use it! Video content is key in 2022 so make sure you create reels and other fun shareable content for your business. The algorithm prefers quantity >quality nowadays. This does NOT mean that you should share low quality videos and boring pictures but make sure you create enough content every month so you can post at least 3-4 times a week/ platform. (This is why a lot of people hire social media managers because it is a lot of work to keep up with good content every week.)
STEP 3: Create a website/ online shop AND a blog
Instagram offers its own shop but you should also create a website. Google is a super important tool and everyone should be able to find you on there as well. This will make you look more professional and customers can find your products easier. I recommend having a membership with Social Squares! You can pay monthly or subscribe for a year and it's only $36/ month then. You wanna know why? Social Squares offers high quality stock pictures which you can use for your social media accounts and website! (The membership also includes marketing courses, Instagram caption templates for your brand, posting ideas and new image collections every month for your small business). Also think about starting a blog. Having an active blog helps with your SEO (= Search Engine Optimization) and pushes your website to the top of the search list. You don't have to post every week but at least 1-2 a month would be great.
STEP 4: Spread the word (not just online)
Do some research and show up at network events in your area. Local markets are also a wonderful opportunity to hand out business cards and get new customers. Always tag other brands and the event in your posts in order for them to share you on their platforms. Join online groups and collaborate/ partner up with similar businesses. Talk to other marketing agencies and ask them if they can share their influencer list with you. Even if you don't have a physical product you can still send out PR packages or offer your services for a discount to big local content creators. Also think about creating a QR code that leads to your liinktree (P.S. if you don't know what that is you're missing out) and share your website, e-mail address and social media accounts fast and easy.
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P.S. please let me know in the comments if you'd like a PART II or have more questions.