Start Your Business
Nine Steps to Creating a Successful Marketing Plan For Your New Business
These key steps will help make your journey less stressful and give you guidance along the way. Starting a business is a big undertaking, but if on the right path, it can be an enjoyable experience. Give yourself the best chance for success by following these essential steps.
Your Business Name
You want something that is memorable, recognizable, and will make people want to do business with you. But where should you start? Follow these steps to ensure you choose the best name for your business.
- Keep it Short: The shorter the name, the easier it will be for customers to remember and find you.
- Avoid Trends: A name that is trendy now may date quickly and leave your business looking dated.
- Make Sure it’s Easy to Pronounce and Spell: You want people to be able to say and spell your name with ease. Avoid locations or inside jokes that only a select few would get.
- Think about the Future: As your business grows, you may expand into new markets or offer new services. Choose a name that won’t limit your growth potential.
Do a Thorough Search: Once you have a few potential names, make sure they are available as a domain name and check for any existing trademark issues.
Registering Your Business with the State
Registering your business with the state is an important first step in getting your business up and running. You will need to select a business structure such as an LLC, sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation. I found that ZenBusiness was very easy and helpful when it came to getting all documents completed and filed.
Once you have registered your business with the state, you will need to obtain a business license. Depending on the business you are starting, you may also need to obtain other licenses and permits. Check with your local chamber of commerce or city hall to find out what licenses and permits you will need.
ZenBusiness can also help you with this step by providing you with a list of licenses and permits based on your business type and location. Registering your business with the state and obtaining the necessary licenses and permits can be time-consuming, but it is an essential part of starting a new business.
Business Logo
Business logos are everywhere. They are on the front of your website, on your business cards, and hopefully on all your marketing materials. A logo is one of the first things that potential customers will see when they are looking for your business, so it is important to make sure that it is something that they will remember.
But how do you decide what your logo should be? There are a few things to keep in mind when you are making this decision.
- Think about what message you want your logo to send.
- What are the values of your business?
- What makes you unique?
The most important thing is that you take the time to thoughtfully consider what your logo should be. It is an important part of your business identity, so it should reflect the values and personality of your company.
Do you want to work with a graphic designer to help you develop the best logo for your business? Reach out to Jenn Newton Marketing for your logo design needs.
Business Cards
Business cards are an essential part of any business owner’s toolkit. Not only do they help you to make a good first impression, but they also provide a convenient way for potential customers to remember your contact information.
When ordering business cards, it is important to choose a design that reflects the personality of your business. For example, if you are a creative professional, you might want to choose a more unconventional design for your card. On the other hand, if you are running a more traditional business, a classic business card will suffice.
Whichever route you choose, be sure to select a business card that fits with the overall branding of your business. Thanks to modern printing technology, there are now more business card options than ever before, so take advantage of this and choose a design that truly represents who you are as a business.
If you want to make sure your business cards stand out from the rest, Jenn Newton Marketing can help.
Google My Business Account
Having a google business account is important for many reasons but especially if you want to be found by people around you who are looking for what you have to offer. By providing google with your business information, you are increasing the chances that your business will show up in search results.
If you have ever worked with Google before, you may know that they aren’t super easy to work with, and you may have some issues claiming and making sure EACH item follows their very strict rules and regulations. This process can be stressful and annoying.
Jenn Newton Marketing can help you claim your google business account and optimize it for maximum search results. This is just one of the many steps we take to help our clients succeed.
Creating a google my business account is telling google who you are and where you are. This is the first of many steps for search engine optimization (SEO). You want your business to be found, especially by people around you. When people see your business on Google, they immediately know you are trusted and more likely to become your organic lead.
Domain Name and Hosting Service
Getting your Domain and Hosting is the first step to having a website live on the internet. A Domain is like your street address; it’s how people find you on the internet. Hosting is like the land your house is built on; it’s where your website “lives.”
If you have a big budget, you can buy both outright. However, most people choose to go with a hosting company that will give them a domain for free or at a very cheap rate. This is because domains are usually very affordable. For less than $100 a year, you can have your domain and hosting service.
Hosting service is very important because they are the ones who make sure your site is running smoothly and securely. If it isn’t fast or secure, you will lose credibility regarding ranking with Google.
Jenn Newton Marketing can help make sure you’re pointed in the right direction when it comes to domain and hosting for your new website!
Website Design
WordPress is the gold standard when it comes to website design, and it will cost you less money to get it ranking for SEO than if you use one of the website builders like GoDaddy, Wix, or Weebly. With WordPress, you can get a website that looks exactly the way you want it to and that will perform well in the search engines.
Don’t settle for anything less; go with WordPress for your website design needs. Not sure where to start? Let Jenn Newton Marketing help you with your website design and optimization.
Networking to GROW!
Networking is a great way to promote your business and get to know other businesses in your area. Joining a chamber of commerce or networking group such as BNI can help you connect with potential customers and promote your business.
Social media is also a great way to connect with local businesses. Networking pages on Facebook or LinkedIn are a great way to connect with other business owners and learn about new opportunities in your area.
Networking can help you feel less alone when it comes to growing your business, and it can also help you find new customers and partners.
Social Media Presence
A business page on Facebook, for example, is a great way to connect with customers and promote your brand. But simply creating a page isn’t enough; you also need to make sure that your page is engaging and informative.
Jenn Newton Marketing can help you build a professional Facebook business page that will help you grow your customer base and expand your reach. Similarly, a well-crafted Instagram business page can be a great way to showcase your products and services. With beautiful photos and strategic hashtags, you can reach new customers and attract more attention to your business.
And finally, don’t forget about LinkedIn; it’s a great platform for networking with other professionals in your industry. By building a strong presence on social media, you can take your business to the next level.