Marketing is incredibly important for any company, but particularly so for newly-founded ones. Even with little experience, you still need to get your marketing right from day one or risk missing out on much-needed custom.
Marketing and brand-building are incredibly important for all businesses, but particularly for start-ups. More established companies have had time to find out what works and have learned from their mistakes of what doesn't. As a newcomer, you have none of those advantages. Getting it spot-on is tough, so here's what we've learned while working with start-ups.
The first thing to consider is your story. Potential customers love making personal brand connections, and telling them where your big idea came from forges that bond. Being small and new to the market cab actually works in your favour here. Customers these days are much more likely to shun big chains in preference of small independents offering something unique.
You also need to speak to people and get their feedback on your branding and marketing. Focus groups are a fantastic way to find out what people like and don't like about your brand. They're the quickest way to correct things before you reach a wider audience, so react to what people have to say.
Next up, think about your online presence. 97% of people find out about a company online, so you need your digital content to look slick and be user-friendly. Even if the budget is limited, working with professionals to get the right site and the best SEO content is worth every penny.
Finally, stay local until you've built up enough of a customer base. Selling online means you can spread your net wider, but don't expect a global fanbase overnight. Target your home crowd first and then broaden your horizons, once you've won people's trust and support.
Sell your story
Listen to focus groups
Smarten up your online content
Stay local in the early days
