Simple business promotional tools

Some of the best business promotional tools are the simplest, ensure you are making the best use of these key items. 

So, you want to start a business... 

Oh, wait. You started a business...

Ok. Assuming you chose the right business structure, have secured the appropriate licenses and are operating in a field you feel you can have some success in, what do you do in order to get your business off the ground? We have written previously on breaking into a new market and the first steps in getting the word out about your new business. 

A few key recommendations for getting your business out there:

1. Create simple business cards – these are inexpensive means to advertise your business and bring some legitimacy.  
   1. Make it a goal to hand out 10 business cards every day to new people
   2. Let us know if you need assistance with designing and printing business cards and/or any other promotional materials
2. Create a website for your business – this is a way to have your business card always working for you 24/7 to get the word out about your business, also creates legitimacy for your business
   1. Let us know if you need assistance with creating a base level website and/or creating content
      1. You can pay to have articles written to help drive users to your website
      2. You can make simple videos of yourself and/or your team at work to help people engage with your business
3. Create a Facebook business page – this is a great tool, that is also free, to invite your friends to like your business and help spread the word. You can post adds on Facebook as well for minimal cost.
   1.  Let us know if you need assistance with setting up a Facebook page and/or creating content
4. Create a Google business page – this is a great tool, that is also free, you can invite your customers to rate your service to help boost your online presence. You can also buy ads on Google.
   1. Let us know if you need assistance with setting up a Google page and/or creating content
5. Review estimating and bookkeeping programs such as Quickbooks that will help you to compose professional looking estimates and keep track of your costs.
   1. It will cost you some money but will be a big help monthly, quarterly and annually, especially with your taxes, to have a bookkeeper assist you with your financial tracking. Many of them are familiar with Quickbooks (or comparable programs) and you can correspond with them electronically.
   2. Let us know if you need program or bookkeeper recommendations.
6. Create a business plan to include what your goals are, how much you want to make, who your target clients are, how you will acquire your clients, growth plan, expenses, etc.
   1. Let us know if you need assistance with setting up a business plan 

---