So, you have decided that starting a personal business is the next move in your life path. Congratulations. Not only is it difficult to come up with a great idea for a business, but it takes an ample amount of bravery to even step forward into the light. Maybe you’ve quit your day job. Maybe you’re jumping into a dark pool, not sure if sinking or swimming is on the menu. Regardless, best of luck to you.
We could wax professional about all of the major things you need to start a business (like insurance, great workers, and a business license), but those are common knowledge. Furthermore, no one really wants to read about fine lines and signed documents. If you do, I’m sure there are tons of resources.
Ultimately, Bus Web Design has not only started multiple businesses but has worked with tons. That’s our field, after all. We work to build websites and digital marketing for new businesses. So, we’ve learned a few secret ingredients for the success sauce.
In 2021, the number of small businesses in the US jumped up to 32.5 million (99.9% of all businesses). Despite starting a business seeming like a scary and arduous journey, it’s entirely possible. In fact, it’s the norm. You’ve got this!
Here are our five expert tips on starting a business in 2022.
1. What Is Your Purpose?
Our first tip may seem a little… arbitrary. But, there’s a valid reason behind it. Overall, you must decide and establish a strong purpose before starting any business venture.
While everyone starts a business to make a profit (duh), there has to be more to it than that. Ultimately, your chances of success and determination are much higher when there is reasoning behind what you do. What is your reasoning?
Are you opening a pet store to provide no-nonsense food for an industry stuffed with fake ingredients? Are you starting an art-related store because you strongly believe in the benefits of artistic expression in human culture?
Regardless of how poetic or abstract your intentions are, you must have a reason for starting a business. At the end of the day, having a goal unrelated to profit will help you get through the tough times (which are surely going to occur). Even if profit is low, you still have a mission to hang on to.
What’s your purpose?
2. Google My Business Account and Website
We live and die by the Google. Don’t make the mistake of not being visible on the web.
Okay, let’s be fair. This seems like advertising for ourselves as a web design and digital marketing company. In all honesty, it is. Consequently, there is a reason that companies like Bus Web Design exist, though. Having internet listings and a stellar website is crucial for company success in the modern age.
If potential customers cannot find your business when they search for local companies in your field, you might as well not exist. Therefore, it is crucial (and we mean crucial) to have your business listed on all location-based apps. Google Maps, Apple Maps, whatever. You need to be on there.
Furthermore, having a website can only boost attention, even if your business is an in-person store. You don’t have to sell items online to need a website. Having a website works as both establishing a brand and advertising. It’s critical to long-term success, even if it isn’t important to the business plan itself.
If you are running your business completely online, then this is all extremely obvious.
3. SEO Plan
Let’s continue with the internet stuff.
While creating a great website and getting listed on all applications is one of the top priorities in starting a business, it can be all for not if it’s not handled correctly. Henceforth, the best, though not easiest, way to garner attention as a business is to work on your Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
If you are a new business owner or don’t dabble much into the realm of the big internet, this may seem like gibberish. As an SEO professional, I can admit that it kind of is. Regardless, digital marketing is critical in becoming a large and successful company.
Think of it this way: if you are a pet store, you want to be the first company that comes up when someone Googles ‘pet store near me’. Unfortunately, that’s not as simple as just being the pet store near them. It takes a plethora of knowledge and expertise to improve digital marketing and SEO planning. Fortunately, it’s possible for anyone. With some research, studying, and effort, you could get your website high on Google ranking by yourself.
If that all seems like too much, we are here to help (self-promotion again).
4. Recruitment Process
Your employees are the figureheads of your business. They are the representation to the customers and pivotal in your long-term success. How do you plan to go about finding the best workers in the market?
Ultimately, it depends on your business and employee needs. If you need store runners and cashiers, you could get by posting job listings on job boards. If you need experts in your field, you need a solid recruitment process. Why would people want to work for your company?
It all stems back to your business purpose. If you establish strong reasoning and motive behind your business, you are more likely to bring upon professional employees. If you have a strong set of ideals in place, you are able to hire workers that fit in with your company easier. It’s a win-win for both employer and employee. Strong workplace culture is brutally important. Without it, you may end up with a plethora of employees that don’t fit, or even worse, toxic employees.
As Tier2Tek Staffing noted “Not only do strong working values help current employees, but it also sells potential employees. Showing a candidate that your workplace is positive, can be a second home, and respects their values will give you a competitive edge over other companies.”
5. Talk to Your Audience
Having an open mind is a cornerstone of bettering yourself as a person. Consequently, having an open mind is a cornerstone in bettering your business.
All successful businesses listen to their customers and adapt to fit the needs of their mission. Once you have a strong culture and business purpose, it’s important to make sure it’s carried throughout to your clients.
Be present, especially within the first few years of starting a small business. Speak to your customers and see what you can improve. See if your purpose is getting through. Be willing to adapt and change based upon constructive criticism.
Furthermore, clients are more likely to work with small and local businesses if they are willing to adapt to a customer’s needs. For example, if you are a pet store, be willing to carry an item that a customer asks for. It will quickly establish you as their go-to store and will spread via word of mouth.
If you are starting an online business, speak to your customers via social media and other chatting agents. Being entirely online is not an excuse to be absent from your customer base. Run online polls or reach out via email. It’s all at your fingertips.