4 Steps Not to Skip When Starting a Business
Starting your own business can be SO. OVERWHELMING. But my thought was always, people do it every day, right? So why can’t I? And with the internet and an immediate answer to our burning questions at our fingertips, there has never been a better time to launch your business.
When I started Carly Guion Creative in June of 2021, I wasn’t sure where to start. After days of scouring the internet for the best business-launching tips, here’s my round-up of my top four steps not to skip when launching your business online.
1. Set up a Google My Business page.
What’s the first thing you do when you’re looking for local businesses? Google it, right? You’ve got to get your business on Google so you’re searchable and discoverable. We often forget or don’t realize that your Google listing doesn’t just pop up on Google right when you register your LLC or create a website. it’s your job to register your business and keep the information up to date. The best part is it’s free to use and simple to update. Here’s a helpful article on how to get started.
2. Create a business email.
Creating a business email is a huge boost in professionalism for your small business. When you purchase a domain for your website, you have the option to use the domain in your email address for an annual fee. This increases trust with your clients, enhances professionalism, and helps keep any automated emails out of the spam filter and straight into inboxes.
When you book with me for your website design, I’ll help you set this up! Squarespace offers a free email address with your domain for the first year.
3. Branding
You knew I had to mention it! Branding is SO important to your business’s success, especially right off the bat with your launch. Having a defined color palette, typography, brand feel, a primary logo and multiple logo layouts to choose from truly sets you up for success and helps you launch your business confidently and efficiently. While it’s an initial investment in the beginning, the ROI is so worth it. Once you have your brand elements set in place, you can spend your time attracting clients, marketing your services, and networking with confidence.
(And, did you know I offer a payment plan to make it more affordable to launch your brand? Find out more here.)
4. Brand Photography
In 2022, your online presence is one of the biggest areas to invest in when you’re launching a new business. Brand photography is a must for your social media posts and your website. Like the other points mentioned, it increases trust and professionalism. People like to see who they’re working with and get a visual of your products and/or services. When potential clients see photographs that are clean, well-branded and professional (and not just a series of selfies you’ve taken over the past five years), they’re going to position you in their minds as the go-to in your industry.
Hopefully these four quick tips help you get to a starting place where you can launch your business confidently and effectively. As always, reach out if you have any questions or need any help with any of the steps above! And even if you’ve already launched your business, it’s never too late to implement any of these ideas.
You’re doing a great job!
