Speaking to businesses at Welsh ICE and at TSB marketing events recently, it is great to hear so many people are starting their own business, it's been nearly 4 years to the day since I started Red Squirrel Marketing and I have loved it.
Nearly half of the businesses I have spoken to haven't made any start, some of the others have made a start but have wasted some time and money already trying to do somethings on their own and getting stuck in the process.
If you're going to start, then start with research. You probably already know your audience and your industry but there isn't any harm in doing more research, especially to see how others are doing it in your industry and how they are using digital marketing.
When it comes to the naming your brand or business and thinking of the logo and branding, get in the experts and do it correctly, spend some money and have a brand you're proud of and that you can't wait to show off.
Now the difficult question, why? Why are you setting up the business? Why would people purchase from you? Why are you any different to other businesses in your industry?
So you have answered the why's and you have your brand, now what? Get your ideas on paper, try and speak to family or friends or businesses partners about developing your marketing strategy and you're away.
A website, branding, social media and your first customers are going to come soon after, one piece of advice I can give is BE READY!!! For the almighty ups and the even bigger downs of running a business.