So, you've had a great idea for your business. You've incorporated your company name and you've got yourself a bank account and business plan. Time to start trading!

Good work! However, in these tough times it is essential to stay on the ball when it comes to modern, effective marketing. Obviously the first thing that we'd advise is that you have a fantastic website (take a look at our web design packages hint hint!). But having a good website really is only the beginning of good internet marketing. It's like having a fantastic shop, only in Antarctica where no one can see it!

Newsletter Marketing

This is one of the cheapest ways of bringing people to your website. With Mailchimp you can get around 2,000 subscribers and 12,000 emails per month for free. That's all well and good but how do you get the lists in the first place. Well, the best place to get them is through your website. Offer an incentive, create good content for them that you can deliever if they opt in to the newsletter. Buying mailing lists really isn't a good idea. It's about as effective as cold calling and could get you banned from various ISPs for sending SPAM. It could also give your company a bad reputation as a pest.

Networking

It may sound a bit old fashioned but physical networking events are fantastic. People are more likely to buy products and services from someone that they have met in person rather than a faceless company. If you're in the United Kingdom it is a good idea to become a member of the Federation of Small Businesses in addition to providing legal services and general business help they also arrange fantastic networking oppourtunities. Your local chamber of commerce will also have regular networking events to promote business in the area.

When going to networking events make sure thet you're equiped! You will need:

• At least 30 business cards
• A leaflet explaining what you do
• Possibly a brochure - if you have enough to say just yet.

Avoid Cold Calling!

When I first started with web design in Manchester I was struggling to get a good volume of customers. I used to resent sales people calling me up all the time, but it happened so frequently that I thought that there must have been something to it. We tried it. There wasn't. Generally it just annoyed people. It will give your business a bad reputation and the conversion rate is so small that you'd have to make a large volume of calls in order to make a good ROI. 

These are just a few basic pointers to help you on your way. If you want any advice about starting a business, don't hesitate to contact me personally at @coyledesign and I'll be glad to advise!