Top tips for any entrepreneur launching a new business - part 2

In part two of this blog we discuss some further tactics on launching your new business.

1.      Invest in a professional looking website

Building a website is likely to be the biggest initial spend for your new business but it’s essential to portray authority in what could potentially be a crowded marketplace. Once you have your website don’t just let it sit in the background. Regular blogs will attract visitors and help establish you as a thought leader in your space.

2.      Put aces in places

Not just for marketing but running a successful business you need to understand the importance of bringing in skills that you may not necessarily have. Whether that’s finding a bookkeeper or marketing specialist when you run your own business you aren’t expected to be an expert in every field. Decide on the help you require and budget for it accordingly.

3.      Work on your social presence

You don’t need to be on every platform but finding the correct social media for your target audience is a must. We’ve talked before about the different platforms and demographics relating to this. Understanding the correct one for your audience is a must but also ensuring you are posting regular content to engage with your potential customer.

4.      Invest in paid ads

Whether this is on social or through google investing in ads will provide you with the all important quick win. If budgets aren’t massive that doesn’t mean that PPC is a right off. Think outside of the box with your bidding tactics looking at things such as time of day or specific keywords.

5.      Capture data

There are ways to retarget visitors to your website but a much simpler technique is to collate data from visitors to your website. A simple sign-up form offering a discount if your potential customer makes a purchase is a far simpler way of building your database and exposure to interested parties.

6.      Word of mouth

If you’re running a business your existing customers are your best marketing tool. Encourage them to share your product or service. If they’ve had a positive experience, they’ll be happy to share it with friends and family.

7.      Don’t forget your PR

Whether you’re looking at celebrity endorsements, linking up with a local charity or putting your own spin on a national news story. Having a solid PR strategy will give your new business a much needed boost and will save money on expensive advertising campaigns.

We hope you’ve found some useful nuggets in our latest blog and are excited about the journey of your new business. If you’d like to talk to Icon about your promoting your new venture or anything else, feel free to get in touch kiesha@iconmarketingcomunications.co.uk 07979940526.

Top tips for any entrepreneur launching a new business - Part 1

What a rollercoaster two years we’ve had with the dreaded C word! The coronavirus pandemic has made many changes to the way we work. From hybrid working to the proliferation of video calls, one thing is for sure life will not be the same again for many of us post covid. Perhaps this pandemic has given you chance to reflect on your career aspirations and you’ve decided to launch a new business. If so, this blog is just for you Icon’s top tips for launching a new business.

1.      Who is your target market?

If you’re launching a new business understanding who you want to market to is key. You need to understand your target audience; what is their motivation to purchase? What will push them over the line? Gaining an understanding of this will help you secure your all important sale. If you already have customers what is their persona? Young/old, time poor, cash rich creating a persona of your ideal customer should be your first step in your marketing activity.

2.      What is your USP?

Most likely you are entering a competitive market. What is unique about your proposition which sets you apart from your competition? Give your purchaser a reason to choose you over another business. Finding this is key to distinguishing you to your purchaser.

3.      Don’t become overwhelmed

In this digital era the options to market your business are endless. Finding the marketing activity which will give you the best ROI the key to your success. So, whether that’s a strong presence on social media or first rate website. Pick your tools wisely to maximise your profits.

4.      Look for the quick win

Icon works with many new businesses and we understand that marketing spend can be tricky in your first few months of trading. So, utilising longer burn techniques such as SEO could easily swallow up your all important marketing budget without seeing an immediate return. Find the quick win and utilise this then invest in longer term strategies once the till starts ringing.

5.      Analyse your data

If you have a website, make sure you are accessing Google Analytics to understand what works and what doesn’t. If you don’t there are other areas where you can gain meaningful insights into your business. Use this data to better inform yourself of your next steps in marketing.

6.      Don’t overlook your existing customers

Once you have gained a new customer make sure you are communicating with them whether that’s a monthly newsletter or social media posts. Reaching out to existing customers is far more cost effective than trying to find new ones.

Part two of Icon’s top tip for launching a new business will be coming up soon. If what you’ve read has whet your appetite get in touch for an informal chat kiesha@iconmarketingcomunications.co.uk 07979940526.