Marketing a Start-Up: Keyword, Start Small!

So, you want to open that business you’ve been dreaming about for ages, you’ve done your homework and are ready to take the plunge into the entrepreneurship abyss. Great! We at EMB commend you for taking such a rewarding risk! Like they say, “No guts, no glory!”

Now after all the adrenaline and excitement has worn off you may have realized that you’re at a mental stand-still and have not the slightest clue as to how to begin marketing your start-up. No worries! It’s a problem all businesses must face at genesis - with so many digital tools these days it can be done effectively and cost-efficiently! Here are a few tips you may find useful.

Tip #1: Start Small

We get it, you’re ambitious. We were too! However, starting small is the most important strategy we will give you today. It will be the overarching rule that you must apply to every following initiative we recommend! Just think of the snowball effect, it’s the perfect analogy. Again, we want to stress this, baby steps! 

Tip #2: Marketing 101

Define your target audience, don’t be too broad, find your niche and be precise. Second, identify your brand voice and the way you will position yourself within the industry – it’s important to know who you are, and where you stand, as this will help build a solid foundation and personality for your company. Lastly, examine all the marketing channels that apply to your business and rank them. 

Tip #3: Build Online Presence Before You Launch

Build a website, nothing fancy – an economical website builder like, Weebly or Squarespace will do! Optimize your SEO within the settings and utilize keywords in your industry as this will help consumers and search engines find your website. Lastly begin blogging, don’t be intimidated if you’re no Shakespeare, blog about your start-up journey, things happening within the industry, or anything currently happening in your company! Blogs also help with SEO and may even attract an audience if you’re interesting enough!

Tip #4: Email Marketing and Newsletters

So, your fancy website is live, great! Your website will allow you to dip your toe into a bit of email marketing. Within your website settings set up a newsletter so your visitors can sign up to receive weekly or monthly news updates! If your website builder allows it make sure to utilize a subscribe pop-up that appears as soon as a person visits your site! Newsletters are awesome as they permit you to email your audience directly. This allows your business to stay relevant to this audience, as people forget things quite quickly! Building a healthy email directory also allows you to send your subscribers updates, sales promotions, events and everything that is relevant to your business – keeping a constant flow of communication is key! 

Tip #5: Engage People on Social Media Before You Launch

Just like your website, start building an audience on social media prior to launch! This is crucial as you’ll have a potential customer base when you’re ready to open! Create interesting and engaging content (photos and videos) and utilize hashtags and social tagging to help spread your content across channels you ranked highly. Lastly, identify social influencers in your industry and connect with them. If you’re selling something tangible you should send them free swag, or sponsor content for them as they can help promote your company to their large and trusted audiences. 

Tip #6: Market Your Neighborhood 

Become a real team player in your neighborhood - engage your locals, and utilize your friends and family to help spread the word of your business. This is where starting small really shines - become the most popular kid on your block before you venture out to tackle the country. This strategy works wonders when you apply it to social media, utilize geo-tagging on Instagram and Facebook as people in your vicinity will stumble upon your content. Becoming the superstar of your town is the best way to spread your business to neighboring locales!

Lastly, we wish you a bit of luck, we all need it! But really, follow these steps and with a bit of elbow grease you’ll be marketing your business in no time!