I get asked this question ALL THE TIME! How do I get started? What do I need to get started? There is a very simple list that if you follow, will get you in the game. What you do after that is up to you, but if you follow this list - you are on track to begin!
Ensure you have a website.
A place where you can tell your brand story, ensure visitors will be hooked on your brand as soon as they visit and a place to get their undivided attention.
A website acts as a digital storefront and is often the first point of contact potential customers have with a business. In today’s digital age, a well-designed website is crucial as it provides credibility and legitimacy. It offers a platform to showcase products or services, share the brand story, and provide essential information like contact details and customer reviews. A user-friendly, responsive website enhances the customer experience, making it easy for visitors to navigate, find information, and make purchases. Moreover, a website is a valuable tool for implementing digital marketing strategies, such as SEO, content marketing, and email campaigns, which are vital for reaching a broader audience and driving business growth. In essence, strong branding combined with a robust website forms the cornerstone of a successful business strategy.
Many website platforms allow a DIY approach but you can save time and money by asking someone knowledgeable which website platform is best for your specific needs. Especially for the future growth of your business. I am happy to chat with you and that costs you nothing. Contact me here.
To learn how to get traffic to your website, get my free guide HERE.
Branding is Critical
Without it you look like a lazy hobby.
Branding and a website are critical for the success of a business because they serve as the foundation for creating a strong and recognizable identity. Branding goes beyond just a logo or color scheme; it encompasses the overall perception and emotional connection customers have with the company. A well-defined brand helps differentiate a business from its competitors, builds trust, and fosters customer loyalty. It communicates the business’s values, mission, and vision, making it easier for customers to understand what the company stands for and why they should choose it over others. Consistent branding across all touchpoints, from packaging to social media, reinforces this identity and helps create a memorable impression.
Product Photography
Ensure your product photography is top notch.
Having high-quality product photography is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it serves as the first impression of your product to potential customers, influencing their perception of its quality and value. Consistent and professional product images convey credibility and trustworthiness, instilling confidence in your brand. Moreover, top-notch photography showcases your products in the best possible light, highlighting their features and benefits effectively. By ensuring all products are photographed uniformly in terms of size, tone, and lighting, you create a cohesive and polished look that reinforces your brand identity and builds customer trust. Remember, investing in excellent product photography is an investment in the success and reputation of your business.
I recommend a light box and one simple item to holster your product. KEEP IT SIMPLE. Do not clutter. LESS IS MORE. Here is the one I started with: https://amzn.to/3Vb8yFT
If you need something to hold products or have in the background, use just one simple plant or a piece of driftwood. Simple easy, non cluttered. Keep the focus on your product! https://amzn.to/45aLzPS
Marketing Plan
This is 100% true... if you have no written plan, no strategic goals, no measurement of your progress than you do not have a business, YOU HAVE A HOBBY.
If you are SERIOUS about actually making money - which is the entire reason you went into business for yourself, I suggest getting a plan together!
Start with something as easy as a social media plan. Random posting here and there (with no branding) is NOT a plan.
Make a plan. Start now. Otherwise you will wonder in 3 months why you are still waiting to start. If you don't have the money to hire someone and don't know how to create a simple easy social media content plan, do yourself a favor and take this course - I will explain it on video!
Social Media
Yes you should have a presence on as many social media platforms as you can manage but please remember that posting on social media is not all there is to running a business. There is a difference between an 'influencer' and a 'business'.
Please read this blog post that I wrote - it's short and sweet but will help you understand what social media is and is not! https://www.shellystraub.com/post/the-skinny-on-using-social-media-to-promote-your-business
Income Plan
Each month, it's crucial to strategize how to drive income. While manifesting intentions to the universe is valuable, it's the concrete action steps that truly propel us towards our goals. By approaching these steps with confidence, determination, commitment, and good intentions, success becomes inevitable.
Keeping your plan simple is key. For instance, if you need to make $100 this month to cover your business expenses, break it down into actionable tasks. For instance, selling at least 2 items per week would generate $25 each week, fulfilling your financial target. Consider exploring avenues such as hosting a sale or promoting your products to increase sales and meet your monthly income goal. With a clear plan and proactive approach, achieving financial milestones becomes not just possible, but within reach.
There's always more to starting and running a business, but this list is a great start for you!
If you need help creating a business budget, a website, a brand story or just need someone to bounce an idea off of, contact me! My passion lies in helping others get that start to propel forward!
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