Starting a business sounds like a daunting task, but it’s an activity that happens about 66 million times each year in the United States. According to the statistics kept by the Small Business Administration, about half of all startup businesses ultimately fail, and the majority fail before reaching the six-month point of operations. So what can you do for your new business to ensure that it succeeds?
Tips to help your new business survive
New business marketing. Establishing an identity for your new business is important. Giving the business a name, providing a way for prospective customers to find you, and letting them know what products or services you can provide are all essential. You can do this in any number of ways, but minimally, you’ll want to help your customers and potential customers as much as possible. Depending upon the nature of your business, you may need to register your operation, or obtain licenses or permits. Don’t let this basic stuff slip! In the process of filing these papers, you may find that the name you’ve chosen in already taken, or it may be very similar to that of a competitor, or even a completely unrelated business!
Give your business a website. New business marketing also includes creating a website. Believe it or not, most consumers are on the web, but only about a quarter of businesses are. Being on the web will give your new business a significant advantage.
Give your new business its own “look.” Logos help consumers identify and remember your business. Having a logo isn’t something that’s just reserved for big businesses, either. Your new business should have its own logo and color scheme to help your customers identify you and remember you distinctly. Giving your customers a visually distinct identity will also help you separate yourself from your competitors.
Develop a new business marketing plan. There’s a lot to do in the first six months of operation, but creating and implementing a marketing plan is one of the essentials. Will the roof fall in if you don’t have one? Maybe not, but a new business marketing plan will help you find and connect with the customers who will be supporting your business as it grows. Finding a steady stream of customers is essential to your success, so new business marketing should be near the top of your to-do list!
If you would like more information about new business marketing, or developing a marketing plan for your new business, please contact our Creative Director, Dave Ramsell or give Dave a call at (330) 243-0651 to set up a consultation.
Photo Credit: dlnny, via FreeImages.com
