How I launched my business the messy way
Starting a business is a BIG deal.
And making sure you create a strong brand foundation is a whole other layer of planning.
Sometimes it's helpful to see what another brand's process is so today we're sharing our process of how Little Design Co. was created.
That's why I'm going to give you a glimpse into how I started my business - the messy way:
1- Establish Clarity
I really wanted to start a business with a model that was true to me (so I could actually maintain it overtime). It would need to include services I excel in, a target audience who would genuinely benefit from those services, and consistent messaging that would hit home for the right people.
Note:
This may be or may not be you - you may have had years under your belt of offering premier services to a great group of people, but when I first started I didn't know which of my skills would provide the most value, yet. So I decided to go through a testing period to find out. During that time I:
- Accepted almost every client that made a pitch
- Gave each project my all
- Took note of the hiccups in my process, as well as the characteristics of the clients who were the happiest and benefited the most. Thankfully all of my clients were content, but I could see a stark difference in the way my Web, Brand, and Social services changed the outlook for businesses.
2- Craft Service Packages
Once it became clear that Web, Brand, and Social were hard hitting winners with my clients - I needed to figure out how to price my services to provide the MOST value for a price that would help me make a profit I could live on. This will really look different for everyone. I had a full-time job as a Director when I started Little Design Co., so my needs were a bit less strenuous.
To do this I:
- Researched my competitors and took note of what they did well, their prices and inclusions
- Considered guarantees and offers that would provide an additional safety net
- Tested the concluding prices on clients for satisfaction rating and found that they were incredibly pleased - and that was the root of my service package offerings.
Since then, I've partnered with outside designers to offer even more value for the same price. It's my primary objective, as a designer with a strong heart for "doing what's right," to provide the value my clients deserve at a price that's fair and even competitive for the exchange.
4- Develop a Visual Identity
If someone drove you around blind folded for 4 hours, then dropped you off in the middle of a supermarket - you would know whether it was a Kroger, Target, or Walmart without ever seeing the logo. You would know immediately. You might even be able to guess before the blind fold came off - that's branding: consistent visual cues that create a sense of connection in the people who are familiar with it.
This is where it got messy for me personally. You will do so much better because you'll likely already know what you're going to offer, because you've been doing it for so long. But I built a brand and ran it successfully for quite a time, and then realized after my "testing" period that the concluding results didn't fit with the brand I had launched. This is why "Little Design Co" came about.
If you're looking to build a strong foundation for all your future community connections, you'll need:
- A logo mark that serves as your go-to, visual marker - they should know who you are immediately when they see it and be able to remember it after (think Kendra Scott). One client told me she could see my logo in her head and just loved it - that's how I knew I eventually got this right
- Alternative logos to use in different environments (smaller settings, more informational settings, horizontal and vertical settings, and as an icon). If you're a holy grail searching business owner - this will match the vibe of your primary logo and invoke the same familiarity with your friends
- Messaging - whether you're "ba da ba ba ba - loving it" or playing "in the arms of an angel" over your long-form speech about caring for foster dogs, your tone, go-to phrase list, and font usage are always consistent.
- Lastly, if you still think that whatever ole layout and photo you can find will do the trick, I need you to lean in real close and listen: no ma'am. The way you take photos and present them - matters - whether your clients admit to it or not. They may say they "don't care," but just like you feel better in a Kendra Scott than you do in a general store, green-turning, $5 necklace - your clients feel better with a company that presents themselves well.
Side note: If you want to get your wheels turning again with more insights and tips, this newsletter is for you.
5- Plan a Brand Photoshoot
Once I got my core brand figured out, I made my way to my very favorite photographer to book a brand photoshoot. Keep your eyes peeled in my upcoming newsletters for how to plan a successful shoot to get stunning content for your web and socials.
6- Launch a Website
Get out your trusty pen and paper. Think about how you typically speak and what your clients expect from you when they hear you talk. This is the type of language I want you to think about using on your site. You can make google happy and your customers feel seen at the very same time - now THAT's skill.
7- Develop Your Content Strategy
Consider who you want to work with and what you're offering - what platforms best fit that niche? Don't feel like you have to bury yourself under every app available just for the off chance it might bring you a client. Commit really hard to one or two to start off with and consider expanding only when you've got a repeatable process down.
8- *Legal Mumbo Jumbo*
*Nitty Gritty Details* - yuck. I suppose we all have to do it. Consider seeking legal counsel to draft contracts tailored to your services and set up your LLC for added protection and professionalism.
9- Implement Efficient Systems
I follow internationally renown designers who take a great interest in sharing how they do it. Look for those people in your industry and take note when they share what software they use to manage it all! You won't need everything, so feel free to vet them for pricing and function. I personally found HoneyBooks and Harvest to be massively useful.
10- Launch! â¨
With everything in place, launch your website and social media channels, and officially introduce yourself to the world. What a day to be alive - grab a drink and celebrate.
11- Expand on that Initial Traction
Continue on this path: using your brand guidelines, carry on building out content for your socials, newsletter and blog post. Once it's all in place, if you want to boost your progress, consider running Google search ads in your area - even $500/mo can make a big difference. Keep up with my newsletter for more details about how to wave your magic want at the google results page!
12- Outsource and Blossom
I know with all of my heart that as much as I love photography, I don't have the time or capacity right now to get it done right. Thankfully for you, I have a friend who's ready to handle that. For those of you who invest in an All-Inclusive Brand design will receive 55+ professional photos to use in your content for 50% off. <<Now, that's value.
13- Carry On With Your Bad Self
If you've done all of this already and feel stuck or are intimidated about getting started, I'm your girl. I would love to make a difference for your business and your life. Talk to me anytime!
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