Over the years, the entrepreneurial itch has gotten the better of me multiple times.
From venturing into various online platforms to launching brick-and-mortar businesses, my primary aim was to generate some extra cash. This additional income was meant to bolster my retirement savings and offer a little extra for enjoyment.
But if you’re aiming to transition from a side gig to a full-blown business, it’s crucial to elevate your business and brand.
Wondering how you can polish your business’s image and gain credibility without splurging?
There’s a plethora of cost-effective methods to craft a robust brand image. Here are five essential steps to kickstart your journey:
- Naming Your Venture: One of the pivotal steps when founding a business is selecting an apt name. A mistake at this juncture—like picking a confusing, forgettable, or overly lengthy name—can be detrimental. The ideal name should either resonate with the essence of your service, evoke positive vibes, be SEO-friendly, or be distinct and catchy.
- Unique and Catchy (Brandable): Names like “Skype,” “Twitter,” or “Boing Boing” are catchy and linger in one’s memory, even if they aren’t directly related to their business nature.
- SEO-Friendly (Keyword-rich): Such names incorporate keywords that hint at your business focus. This not only helps in SEO but also makes it easier for potential clients to identify your services. Ideally, merging both these attributes can lead to a compelling brand name.
- Invest in a Professional Logo Design: In today’s digital age, getting a premium logo doesn’t have to be pricey. However, if not cautious, you might end up overpaying for subpar designs without collaborative freedom. From personal experience, I can vouch that picking the right designer is vital. For instance, Deluxe Business Services offers impeccable design services. Their packages start at a mere $245, providing you with up to 10 logo concepts, collaboration with two seasoned designers, and a couple of revision rounds. Plus, you receive your logo in multiple formats and retain all its rights. As a bonus, if you access their services through my link, you’ll avail an additional $25 discount. Commence your logo design journey with Deluxe Business Services here!
- Secure Your Domain: Before finalizing your brand name, ensure the related domain is available. Once decided, purchase the domain corresponding to your brand. If the exact one is taken, opt for something similar or abbreviated. Remember, it should be concise and easily memorable.
- Establish Your Online Presence with a Website: After sorting out your name, domain, and logo, it’s time to go digital. Setting up a website nowadays is a breeze, thanks to platforms like WordPress. Here’s a simple starter pack:
- Hosting Service: This is where your site resides. For beginners, an affordable shared hosting should suffice.
- WordPress: This tool is the backbone of your site, letting you design its pages and posts.
- WordPress Theme: Although there are free themes available, investing in a custom one allows better customization, letting you incorporate your new logo and ensuring a mobile-responsive design. Post-launch, ensure to get your site indexed by search engines and claim your business listings on platforms like Google.
- Claim Your Social Media Handles: As you’re gearing up your website, remember to secure your desired usernames on major social platforms, ensuring consistency across platforms. Top platforms to consider include Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, Instagram, and YouTube.
Foster Your Digital Footprint: After setting the foundational pillars, it’s time to nurture your online image. Engage on social media, particularly with those who share interests in your business niche. Actively offer your services or products, and gather testimonials to bolster your credibility. A compelling brand name, interactive brand design, and proactive online engagement will go a long way in enhancing your business’s stature.
Got more ideas on how to upscale your business? Do share in the comments below!
