So far, you have an idea for a business, a name, a platform to sell or a way for customers to contact you and learn more about your business, and you have a basic way to stay organized using Excel or Google Sheets. Now, it is time to get out there and either sell products or services to people that do not know you exist.
Branding basics
Now, you are creating a business in one day. So, you won’t be able to get business cards shipped, get a professional logo, create marketing materials, etc. However, you can create a free gmail email address that would look like: yourbusinessname@gmail.com. This is temporary and you will eventually want something that looks like something@yourbusinessname.com.
You will also want a basic logo. You can create this by using Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Just type in your business name and play with the fonts and colors until you have something you can put on Facebook as a profile picture/logo.
Getting attention
Getting noticed is something you will have to focus on from now until you are done with your business. You have to get customers and retain existing customers. In the future, you will do this using email marketing campaigns and other tools, but, on day one, you will do this listing products or services on Facebook Marketplace. This is a good idea for several reasons:
- It is free, easy, and quick.
- You can use the item description to introduce yourself and your business.
- You can use Facebook ads to reach thousands of people in a single day.
Facebook allows you to create ads for as little as $1 per day and it is VERY simple. You will not find an easier way to get you and your business noticed in one day.
A couple of notes to product sellers
Regardless of the platform you are using to sell products, it is essential that you do two things:
- Understand the fees involved. As previously stated, eBay will charge around 12% of the sale price and you have to pay for shipping unless you charge the customer. Facebook Marketplace is free unless you have a store and then they charge 5% plus a payment processing fee.
- Take great photos of the products. People will not look at your listings if your photos are dark, blurry, or, in general, unappealing. Use a solid background for now and make sure the details of the product are clear.
One last note regarding sales on Facebook Marketplace. It is essential that you have a safe plan for face-to-face sales transactions. Meet at a popular gas station that is always busy and has cameras. Only meet customers that have been on Facebook for over 3 years and check everyone’s profile before you agree to deal with them.
Do the things in Parts 1, 2, and 3 and you will have created a business in one day. There is a lot more work to do, but you are well on your way!
If you have a new business and things are starting to feel overwhelming and “unknowns” are piling up, it is time to start bringing in professionals. The attorney’s at Dsouza and Strachan Law Group are experienced in helping businesses with things like articles of incorporation, tax issues, business to business dealings, and much more. Contact Dsouza and Strachan today for a free consultation.