So you have decided to start and run your own business. Hopefully you are already to go with the products and services you want to offer but how do you go about setting up the business. We have put together a simple guide to explain the next steps in setting up and running a business correctly to ensure growth and a healthy business.

1 - Research: Industry and competitor research is vital for you to understand the current landscape, where the gaps might be in the industry. Pay particular attention to how these businesses appear to be marketing and winning clients

2 - Logo and Brand Identity: If you have the budget employing a branding expert is a solid way to go to creating your logo and brand identity. A well designed brand can go a huge way to establishing your business in the industry and giving customers confidence in your products or services. If your budget is light, consider using Canva logo templates and then customising them with colours, fonts and icons that work for you. Always ask your friends and family what they think of your branding, feedback is important.

3 - Create a basic business plan: This can feel like a daunting task but by following a simple template and going step by step you can get down on paper all the info currently circulating in your mind. The business plan will help give you confidence and know you are on the right path.

4 - Create a Digital Presence: Establishing a digital presence is vital now for any business. Depending on what industry your business is in you may want to focus on different digital platforms. For service businesses Facebook and Google (website) is usually the most important platforms to focus on.

5 - Build a Website: A website is an important tool to showcase your business and drive growth. Websites don’t need to cost the world anymore and if you are computer savvy try out a WIX or Squarespace website, both are great options.

6 - Sort out Finances: A professional bookkeeper can provide valuable insights into your business's financial health. This information helps you make informed decisions and plan for the future.

7 - Create a Marketing Strategy: Having a kick ass website and business is nothing without a good marketing strategy to get you in front of the right customers. Spend time exploring an array of options including social, google, outbound, word of mouth and emailing.

8 - Slow and Steady: Remember the saying ‘Slow and steady wins the race’ this is true for running a small business. It will take time to get established and find your customers but it will happen, hang in there and keep exploring new angles and marketing to find customers.

9 - Customer Acquisition and Retention: It is important that you keep a good CRM of your customers and keep them informed with monthly emails, special offers and even referral programmes.

10 - Give, Give, Take: When you are first starting a new business be generous with your time and knowledge. Often giving people some free advice etc can go a long way to them becoming clients. Blogs, newsletters and courses are all great ways to offer free content to build an audience of potential clients.

If you would like any help with this process or for a free chat give us a call.