Startups succeed; startups fail. Your startup may sprout from your dinner table or out at a bar, but it doesn’t matter. What does matter is being recognized and remembered. So whether you are planning to open a bakery, an online business, or an office in the basement of your home, you must invest in tactics that work right from pre-launch to outlast the competition. Here are five tips to help you get started:
1. Brand, brand, brand
Most startup entrepreneurs get sidetracked by the overwhelming stress of writing a business plan in order to get funding for startup expenses, like purchasing assets and recruiting a competent team. There’s no doubt that these elements are crucial for starting a business, but what you also need to focus on is branding. Branding goes a long way, as it enables you to communicate effectively, create credibility, connect with customers at an emotional level, motivate the customer, and retain their loyalty. Put a lot of thought into how you want to appear to your audience.
2. Name matters
Even before pitching for the much-needed financing, coming up with a name that will leave a lasting impression on the financier, and on the customer, matters. No matter how perfect your product or service is, you will not be able to sell if you don’t resonate. Choose a name that represents your product, that stays in the customer’s mind, and that tells creates brand loyalty.
3. A logo design that speaks
What identifies your startup at first glance? Not your office décor, not your suit, and definitely not your car. What speaks for you in your absence is your company logo. Your name and logo talk. They beckon and pull in customers. Make the most of it by investing in a well thought-out and designed logo. Elements like color trend, font, and style are crucial. Carefully think about the placement of your logo on your business plan, cards, letterhead, and marketing collateral.
4. It’s all about relationships
You must realize that hardcore marketing does not work as effectively today as it has in the past. The digital world is highly sensitive to social media. The networking concepts of yester years work on the digital platforms today. Take your brand online, connect via social media, and network vigorously. Make it personal by blogging, tweeting, commenting, liking and getting fans from various social media networks for your business. The idea is to create hype even before your business is launched.
5. Trust your instincts
In the end, most successful startup entrepreneurs recommend following your heart. If you are passionate about your startup, then go for it. If you think your service is the ultimate solution for customers, develop it. If your product has a niche market, sell it. Don’t hesitate, or your competitors may steal your audience before you even launch.
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