Are you a start-up or small business that has a great idea for a business, but aren’t sure where to start? I am now offering a FREE 19 page workbook, “How to Make your Small Biz Stand Out,” to guide you through the steps.

What does it cover?

There are many steps to think through to make your company stand out. For instance, who is your target market? Who are your competitors? Is your company credible? How do you reach your customers? How do they like to be contacted? Knowing the answer to these questions will not only help you define your ideal client, but also understand how to reach out to them.

Throughout this workbook, I’ll take you through the process step by step from developing your business name and logo to what tools you will need to market your company. Still want to know more? Below is the table of contents from the workbook:

How do you download the workbook?

Sign up for the Bauerhaus Design email newsletter and you’ll receive a FREE copy of the 19 page workbook, “How to make your Small Biz stand out.”

]]> http://www.bauerhaus.com/strategy/free-workbook-how-to-make-your-small-biz-standout/feed/ 0 http://www.bauerhaus.com/strategy/online-materials-to-start-your-business/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss http://www.bauerhaus.com/strategy/online-materials-to-start-your-business/#comments Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:38:19 +0000 Rebecca Bauer Ritz http://www.bauerhaus.com/?p=905

In the previous article What print materials do I need to start a business? we talked about what essential print items I recommend for start-ups. Today we are going to go over what online materials you will need to reach your target demographic. I’ve again broken it down to “essentials” and “advanced.”

Online Essentials:

This short list is what I recommend to start a business and appear professional. And remember if you appear professional you will more easily earn your customers trust and credibility and thereby increase sales.

Website:

Having a website is ultra important because it allows people you meet in person to find out more about your company, plus it enables you to be found by search engines, such as google. Many people do preliminary research on the web before they contact a company or make a purchase.

Tip: When considering the design of your website think about the following: Make sure it is easy for a potential customer to find what they are looking for. Is it products for sale? Information? Also think about what your end goal of your website is going to be. Is it making a shopping cart purchase or email newsletter sign-up? Also make sure you have links with all of the different ways people can contact or follow you, such as email newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, and blog RSS. For more in depth info about website design, read 7 tips for a stellar web layout.

Email Newsletters:

Email newsletters can increase your sales and are one of the cheapest forms of communication to put into action. There are email clients such as Mailchimp.com and Constant Contact that offer low cost solutions. How low? If you have under 500 people on your list Mailchimp is free and Constant Contact starts at around $15 per month.

Tip: Make your branding consistant with a custom email template that matches your website and print collateral. Make sure you only email people who have opted-in to your email list. Do you want to know more about SPAM laws? Check out MailChimp.com and scroll to #11 for a great Email Spam overview.

Online advanced:

The following tips are “advanced” because they either take more time and/or money to put into action. These suggestions allow you to go out and find your customers and not just wait for them to come to you.

Blogs:

Blogs are a great tool to get more traffic to your site, educate your customers, build trust and toot your own horn. Want to know more on how that is possible? Read Why your small business should have a blog. Are you not sure what to write? Visit Ten topics for your small business blog.

Tip: To keep a consistent brand make sure your blog matches the look of the rest of your online and print materials. Consistency is the key to having your customers recognize you.

Facebook fan page:

Facebook fan pages are a great way to reach your customers daily.Why do you need one? Your customers aren’t going to look at your website everyday, but they are going to be on Facebook. Check out these Facebook stats:

• Facebook has more than 350 million active users
• 50% of active users log on to Facebook in any given day
• Average user spends more than 55 minutes per day on Facebook

To find out more, read Why your small business should have a facebook fan page.

Tip: To further stand out from the competition you can add a custom “Welcome” tab or a special tab for a specific promotion. For a “Welcome” tab example, view the Uncommon Threads Jewelry Facebook fan page. You can set it up  so new visitors are automatically directed to your custom page.

Twitter:

Are your potential clients on Twitter? It’s free to set up and the only thing it takes is time. Are at a lost as to what to talk about on Twitter and Facebook? Check out How to Simplify Social Media.

Tip: To keep branding consistent have a custom background with your branding. See the Uncommon Threads Jewelry Twitter page as an example.

Video:

Did you realize that people are 7-10 times more likely to view a video then to read an article or profile? Video can be used on your website, Facebook Fan page, YouTube and even in email newsletters.

Webinar:

A webinar is a great way to show you as an expert and will also give you the opportunity to reach new potential customers. Are you just starting out and don’t have a lot of information to share? Partner with an authority figure on the topic to give your company credibility.

Pay per Click Ads:

Pay per Click ads can be a great way to get new customers that you are not currently reaching. The most popular ads are through Google and Facebook. You can also advertise on other websites that are frequented by your customers. How research your customers to find where they shop or go for information and then email the site owner about advertising rates.

Tip: Set a daily budget on whichever you choose, so you don’t get any unwelcome surprise bills. And make sure you check your Google Analytics to see which ads are delivering the most potential customers and which ones are fulfilling your website’s goals (sign-up for email newsletter, e-book, or make a purchase).

Wrap up:

Set up an Online Marketing Strategy for the entire year, so you can compare results from year to year. Decide ahead of time how much money and time you are going to invest in online media. Remember the marketing rule is it takes 7 times for a person to see something before they buy. Which method online makes the most sense to reach your ideal customer?

Do you have a great business idea, but aren’t sure what print materials you will need to start your business? Or perhaps you are in the process of writing your business plan and aren’t sure what expenses to plan for. Below you will find what print materials I most recommend to my clients.

Essentials:

I call the following print materials “essentials” because they are the top two things you will need to start getting the word out about your service and product. If you have a limited budget these are the first two pieces I would recommend spending money on.

1. Logo:

Without a logo your company will miss out on an important first step – credibility. Part of building credibility is creating a company that looks official, even if you just opened. In order for a client or customer to purchase your product or services they will need to trust your company. How? Build credibility with a professional logo that says “I am here to stay” and not just a whim.

Before you begin the logo process, make sure you have already talked to a lawyer and accountant and figured out the best business structure for your company, whether it’s an LLC, S-Corp, or Corporation. Why have this figured out before meeting with a logo designer? To save you money. I would hate to design a logo and then find out later that the name you picked out is already taken and we need to re-do the logo.

2. Business Card:

This is essential to start in-person networking. How many have you fallen into this trap: You want to save money and just go to Office Max, buy business card paper and print out a template design. I actually did this myself when I first went on my own. Can that work for networking? Yes, to a point.

One key element of networking is to stand out. For instance, if you and 3 other people were at an event and you all sold laptop cases, what would make you stand out? Remember you only have a few minutes to make a first impression and then what does your marketing? Your business card. You want to make people so intrigued that they either call you or go to your website to find out more.

Advanced:

While the above two things are great to start meeting people and to give you a professional look, this “advanced” list will help you more effectively market your company.

1. Letterhead:

Having letterhead will make you appear professional, even if you are just starting out. It can be used for a letter to introduce yourself to your ideal customer or it can be used as the background for your invoices and estimates. And we all need to get paid, right?

2. Brochure:

As a small business owner myself, I know that some people are interested in your product, but don’t need it right this minute. The solution? Ask if you can mail them more information about your awesome product, a.k.a. the brochure. This can also be a great leave behind piece when you meet with someone or to pass out at a networking group.

3. Ad

While we all wish everyone would be beating down our door to buy our product or service, the reality is you need to get the word out. One of the ways is through a print ad. Make sure before you place an ad, that the publication hits your target market. The last thing you want to do is waste your precious marketing dollars. Are you not sure where to start? I work with a media buyer, Terry Kitzmiller, that can help you decide and negotiate an ad price.

4. Postcard/Direct Mail

While creating your business plan did you discover that there are certain areas your target customer lives? Direct mail can be a great tool for your business if you know the age, marital status, income level and zip code of where your ideal client is located. Think Direct Mail is outdated? Consider this – the world’s largest online search engine, Google, often sends out direct mail.

Next up

Stay tuned for my next article, were I’ll explain about what online components you need to get your business up and running.

In the article Can email newsletters increase your sales? I talked about how email marketing can help you better target your customers and stay fresh in their minds. Plus, as you build that level of trust with your customer, they are more apt to use your service and recommend you to others.

But let’s say you have an email newsletter sign-up button on your website, but it’s not getting many sign-ups. How can you increase your email sign-up rate?

1. Provide something of value

If you provide a service, offer a free “white paper/ebook” download with your email sign-up. It can be as short as three pages or as long as 10-12 pages. Most importantly it must have content that is interesting and well written. If you are not a writer, hire someone that is. It could make the difference between 5 sign-ups and 50.

If you provide a product offer free shipping or a one time percent off.

2. Make sure your email sign-up is easy to find

Is it at the top of your screen? Some people refer to this as “above the fold” – another words you don’t have to scroll down to see it. Or is it buried? Is it on every page? Remember not everyone comes to your site via your home page.

3. Offer a Contest for monthly subscribers

Make the prize be something that is relevant to your specific demographic. Don’t have any money to spend on a prize? Call your existing clients or vendors and see if they would be willing to trade products or services. Perhaps they would be willing to partner up with you and use your product or services as a prize for their own contest.

4. Ask your current customers to forward to a friend

If they believe in you and your product or service, they will often be willing to spread the word. All you have to do is ask.

5. Incorporate Social Media

Post messages on Twitter and Facebook asking if they are on your newsletter list. You could also easily run a contest through social media, saying the next 10 people to sign-up win a prize.

6. Promote your email sign-up in person or at your store

If you have a physical store, have a sheet of paper with an email sign-up. If a customer already frequents your store, they will often be glad to sign-up. Or if you regularly meet with a networking group or you are a featured speaker, pass around a sign-up sheet. Make sure you write or talk about what they are receiving. Is it tips? Discounts? First to know? Prizes?

7. Networking

Did you meet someone at a networking event that is interested in your product? When you follow up to schedule a meeting or deliver more information about your product, ask them if you can add them to your email list.

8. Add an email newsletter sign-up to your email signature box

How many emails do you and  your employees send a day? 10, 50? Think of all those customers and potential clients that might not even know you have an email newsletter. Try adding a hyperlink to your email newsletter after your normal signature information. For example, my own says: Do you want to receive free branding, web and social media tips? Sign-up for the Bauerhaus Design e-newsletter.

Recap

Remember to receive more email sign-ups, the most important tip is to provide something of value. What is of value to your target market? And don’t forget there are many opportunities to get email newsletter sign-ups other than your website.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rebbecca Bauer Ritz
314-398-5790
becca@bauerhaus.com

Title: Bauerhaus Design Inc. to be featured in LogoLounge Volume 6

Fairview Heights, IL (May 11, 2010) – Local design company, Bauerhaus Design Inc., announced today that owner, Rebecca Bauer Ritz will have two logo designs featured in the upcoming publication of LogoLounge Volume 6. This is a prestigious accomplishment for the entrepreneur, because her work was picked by an international panel of industry leaders. Her designs were chosen out of 34,000 logos submitted. The LogoLounge Volume 6 is scheduled for release in February 2011.

The LogoLounge book series is one of the most respected and best-selling series of design books in the Rockport line. This year’s judging panel included: Bart Crosby of Crosby Associates, Hans Hulsbosch of Hulsbosch, Jeannie Servaas of Saffron Brand Consultants Inc., Jessica Hische of Jessica Hische, Marius Ursache of Grapefruit, Sherwin Schwartzrock of Schwartzrock Graphic Arts, Silvio Giorgi of Latinbrand, and Tessa Westermeyer of Landor.

Rebecca Bauer Ritz opened Bauerhaus Design, Inc. in Fairview Heights, IL (Metro St. Louis, MO) on October 1, 2008. The firm boasts unique logo, web and graphic design work and a passion for helping start-ups and small businesses find their voice. The Agency was built on the idea that good design is not just about making it look pretty, but also about understanding your clients business.

For branding, web and social media tips visit the Bauerhaus Design, Inc. website at www.bauerhaus.com and sign-up for the free email newsletter.

Many of my small business clients understand the benefits of blogging, such as what I covered in Why your small business should have a blog. But there next question is often – which blogging platform do you recommend? I always answer: Wordpress.org. You can customize the URL, the design and have the most control over your blog.

One of the great things about Wordpress are the many free plug-ins you can add onto your page yourself. No coding needed. Here are my favorite top 5 Wordpress plugins:

All in One SEO Pack

This plugin makes SEO soooo easy. It adds three boxes to each post and page on your blog, where you type in the Title, Description and Keywords that are relevant.

Wordpress.com Stats

It is much like Google Analytics, but shows you immediately what pages and links your customers are clicking on. Plus, partnered with Wordpress.com Popular Posts, you can add a side widget that keeps track of your most popular articles.

AddToAny: Share/Bookmark/Email Button

Great tool for your readers to access all types of social media to quickly to promote your blog posts. It covers Faceobook, Twitter, Linkedin, Digg and many more.

Collision Testimonials

This plugin allows you to easily add rotating client testimonials to your blog. You can also add a page or post with all of your testimonials listed.

Akismet

This is the greatest comment spam catcher out there.  No more inappropriate comments. This comes standard with Wordpress, but you must activate it.

How to install the plugins

To add these Wordpress plugins to your blog, logon to your Wordpress account, click on “plugins” and then “add new.” Type in the plugin name you want, hit the “Search plugins” and the plugin will come up. Click “install” and it will take you through the process. To add it to your widget area (usually your sidebar or footer area), click on “Appearance” and then “Widgets.” Drag the plugin bar to either the sidebar or footer area. Enter the Title and any settings options and hit save. It now will be live on your blog.

Which are your favorite Wordpress plugins?

Yesterday I read an article in Inc. magazine that said 62% of small businesses don’t have use email marketing. Wow – that blew my mind.  This got me thinking – do small businesses realize the importance of email marketing? Let’s take a look at a couple of the pluses:

1. Keeps your brand in your customer’s mind

Often times I find that when I send out an e-newsletter a client will email back or call and say, I was just thinking about you. I would really like to do XYZ for my company. Plus, if you offer a wide range of products or services, an email newsletter can introduce them to your other offerings.

2. Helps build a relationship with your customer

If a customer has never met you, you need to build their trust online. How does one develop trust towards a company? You talk about what you know and who you are. Why did you start your company? What is your mission? As future customers get to know you, they will develop a perceived level of trust.

3. Free PR

In your newsletter you can toot your own horn. Talk about that recent award you received. Link to new articles or products on your website. This gives you credibility when a 3rd party thinks your great, too.

4. Email analytics

Log into your email client and view what your customers are clicking on. It can help you narrow your service or product offering. For instance, one of my clients found out that a new jewelry piece she had an email newsletter got clicked on way more than 3 other pieces. This is now leading us to feature it in a new upcoming print ad in a magazine. So, think of your email newsletter as low cost market research.

5. Positions you, the small business, as the expert

This goes back to #2. When people read articles they like and believe in, this builds trust and positions you in their mind as an expert.

Through the above, email marketing can increase your sales by helping you better target your customers and staying fresh in their minds. Plus, as you build that level of trust with your customer they are more apt to use your service and recommend you. And aren’t referrals the best form of flattery for a business?

But remember email marketing should just be one part of a larger marketing program. It can be tempting to put all of your energy into email newsletters, because after all, they are rather inexpensive. But the most effective marketing plans use a variety of advertising – online ads, print ads, pay per click, direct mail, TV ads and radio – to drive traffic to their business.

To find out 8 ways to increase your email newsletter sign-up rate, click here.

****This pricing package is now over****

Are you a small business that strives to look professional, but hasn’t had the time or money to develop their brand? It’s my birthday today and I am feeling extra generous. To help start-ups and small business make that leap, I am offering three packages from April 20 until May 30:

Social Media package

Includes:

• Custom Facebook fan page landing tab with 2 options to choose (see example: Uncommon Threads Jewelry)
• Custom Twitter background with 2 options to choose (see example: Uncommon Threads Jewelry)

Price: $350 (savings of $150)
*Additional charge to set up of Twitter account and Facebook fan page. Or to set up your own see How to Create a Facebook Fan page and to create a Twitter account, visit their website.

Identity Package

Includes:

• Professional logo design with 2-3 options  (see logos I have designs here or read about my logo design process).
• Business card design with 2 options to choose
• Letterhead design with 2 options to choose

Price: $1,200.00 (savings of $250)

Web package

Includes:

• Wordpress website
  This is for the small business or start-up that wants to be able to easily update their website, but has no interest in setting it up themselves. To keep the cost down, I am using existing Wordpress templates and flowing in your information. An example of a website like this, is Metro East Volleyball or my own website is also built entirely in Wordpress. This will include:
  – If it’s not already set up, I’ll order your hosting and domain name (you’ll be responsible for this cost)
  – Creation of database on your hosting site
  – Installation of Wordpress
  – Installation of theme of your choice (I recommend choosing one from Studio Press)
  – I’ll add your branding elements: logo, images, copy, video, links, and page names
  – Plus, it’s fully editable by YOU. Need to change the copy? An image? Add a video? I’ll take you through the steps on how to do this.
• E-newsletter template design with 2 options to choose (example: Metro East Volleyball)
  – Custom header and template in your email marketing program of your choice. Many of my clients use Mail Chimp or Constant Contact.

Price: $1,600.00 (savings of $250)

50% deposit is required upon acceptance of job. The final 50% is due on final delivery of files. Payment can be made via Paypal or by check. Projects must begin between April 20 and May 30, 2010.

Ready to move forward? Email me at becca@bauerhaus.com to find out next steps.