With only about half of small businesses lasting more than 5 years, it is essential to put in place the tools needed for long-term success.
If you are just starting your company, then you need to launch it the right way.
Use these 4 must-haves for every small business owner below.
1. A Professional Website
Each start-up company requires a way for customers to learn more about their business. You are lucky if you get a customer who does not research your business first and this is usually by word-of-mouth.
A professional website makes your organization legitimate and trustworthy. Plus, it is an easy way to display your product and services to gain new customers.
Be sure to include information about your company’s background and philosophy. Add an e-commerce shop if applicable to your business type. And use a blog for SEO (site engine optimization), which will help bring traffic to your site.
2. Listing on Several Directories
Getting noticed is the most difficult part of launching your business. Therefore, one of your small business essentials should be adding your company to directories.
Start with major listings like claiming or creating your Google business profile to update it and listing your company on Yelp. Then look for smaller niche directories to narrow searches down to your targeted audience. Some of these directories are free while others may charge a monthly fee.
You also want to ask customers to review your services on these sites to show others that you have a client base already intact.
3. Social Media Presence
In addition to a website, you need to create social media profiles for your business. Gaining followers and engaging with the public displays your customer service protocols and makes you look active.
Post regularly and comment on other larger accounts within your niche to pick up new interested users.
You can also use part of your business budget to advertise on social media or hire a social media expert to handle your profile’s interaction full-time.
4. Accounting and HR Tools
Managing expenses and employee relations is part of operating a successful business. You need a staff to handle these important factors.
Hiring a full-time accountant or HR representative can be expensive, especially for a small business. Your other option is outsourcing benefits for employees and bookkeeping services using kleanbooks.com.
Keeping track of payroll and profits will allow you to stay within your budget and help you forecast for the future.
Being a Small Business Owner Takes Time and Effort
As a small business owner, you need to work hard in the beginning to establish these foundations. This is the only way to survive past the common failure period. Therefore, invest your time and money now to see results. It may seem like a lot of effort but it will pay off in the years to come.
Check out our Business section for more ways to accelerate your company from the start.
