How to Start Marketing Your Business in 3 Simple Steps

Once you’ve decided to go all in and start your business, you might be staring at your to-do list thinking, “Where do I even begin?” 

And that’s just on the operations side of things. What about invoicing, inventory, onboarding, or — gasp! — marketing.

For the new business owners and entrepreneurs out there, the word “marketing” might feel clouded in mystery. Or maybe you hear “marketing” and think “I can’t afford that right now.” 

But marketing is basically just the actions you take to promote your products or services to your ideal client. And no, it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg.

Doesn’t sound too bad, right? 

There’s one more thing I wish more business owners understood about marketing: it doesn’t have to be complicated! At least, not when you’re first starting out.

If you’re totally new to the marketing game, let’s talk about what you really need to be focused on right now, so you can lay down the foundation for long-term success. 

Ready?

 

1. YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE

I’m just going to say it: you need a website of some sort, period. 

With all of the tools and platforms out there, it’s easier than ever to make a website — even a free one! I’m even seeing single page websites lately, which means you could whip up a website in an afternoon if you wanted. No experience required!

You don’t need a fancy website from an expensive web designer to start your business! You can use WordPress, SquareSpace, Wix, or other free website builder tools. They provide templates, so all you’ll need to do is choose a domain (website name) that matches your business, update some of the copy, and add some pictures if you can.

From there, you can include your website link in your email footer, in your social media accounts. The next step should be a no-brainer: Let people know your website exists, so it can attract all those wonderful potential clients or customers for you! (That’s what we call #marketing!)

 

2. YOUR SOCIAL PRESENCE

Social media is becoming more and more important, especially for online entrepreneurs who want to market their business.

Once you’ve got your website nailed down, you’ll want to focus on creating social profiles. Make sure to use your business name or whatever name you chose for your website, so your audience or potential clients/customers don’t get confused. 

TheBundtCakeBaker has a much better ring to it then BakerLady_12895, not to mention it is more professional and easier to communicate when you tell others how to follow you.

You’ll want to create accounts on the major platforms that are relevant to your specific business or industry. I’d recommend always creating accounts on Instagram and Facebook, but you might also consider a Twitter account and Pinterest.

Each platform has its own “preferred” type of content, whether images (Instagram), links (Facebook and Twitter), or video (YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram!). 

Based on your resources and your audience, which platforms do you think are right for you? Where are your target customers spending their time on social media? You want to be where they are. Choose 2-3 and it’s time to rock and roll!

Right now, focus on sharing content on your chosen social platforms that connects with people, shows them what you offer, and creates a positive experience with your brand. Posting 1-2 times a week on each of your chosen platforms is a great starting place, as well. 

Already have your social media accounts going? Hear some of my tried-and-true social media strategies to really help you get traction.

I also want you to make sure your social media feeds are “on brand,” which leads us to….

 

3. YOUR BRAND

A brand is what people associate with your business, from the logo to the pretty graphics to the colors you use. But it’s also more than that: it’s about how you engage with clients or customers, and how you show up. 

To build a strong brand without sinking too much time or money into it, just be consistent. You’ll want imagery and graphics that look similar in tone and feel, and you’ll want to use the same fonts. You can choose 2-3 main colors to use in your social media and on your website.

Most of all, just make sure you’re showing up in the same ways on your website and on social. It’s confusing for your audience is everything looks and sounds different!

Branding is where I see most business owners sinking the most time and resources before they start marketing, and I don’t want that for you. I want you to make it pretty — of course, it’s me talking! But I want you to focus on profits, too.

 

MAKE IT PRETTY BUT MOST OF ALL, MAKE IT PROFITABLE

Girl, I know how much time (and money) you can sink into creating a website, building a brand, and setting up all of the bells and whistles you think you need to grow your business and kickstart marketing.

But the truth is, you just need these three things: a website, social media accounts, and a brand (aka consistency). 

Hopefully, these tips have made marketing your business feel a little less intimidating. 

Remember: when you’re first starting out, consistently showing up is the best thing you can do. 

Once you’ve got the basics down, you can start to level up your marketing strategies. For now, though... 

 

Keep it simple, sister!

Wondering what else you should focus on when it comes to your marketing your business and brand? I’ve got an easy, step-by-step resource to quickly tell you what you need to know about creating a pretty & profitable online presence — download it here!