KPMG Spark Blog
You just brought the business of your dreams to life, but you’re just not interested in opening up shop in a sprawling city. You’d rather trade in the pricey rent and taxes for somewhere more affordable and less densely populated, like a small town. Here are some practical tips on how to market your startup locally.
However, let’s be practical about the reality of your arrival to a new neighborhood. Customers may be hesitant to visit simply because they don’t know anything about what you have to offer. A lack of foot traffic means you might go through a few months of middling sales — but that can all change with the right marketing approach. Make and leave your mark with these tips that’ll encourage the community to warm up to you and your business.
What can you offer that will make a big impression on locals and encourage them to visit, make a sale, and spread positive word of mouth? Strategize your goals and objectives for your target audience and its market and tailor them specifically for a smaller area. In between planning for ways that your business can get involved with the community and establish a presence, focus on what makes your business special and highlight what sets it apart instead of blending into the crowd.
Consider your storefront for a moment. What makes it memorable? While the primary goal for a brick and mortar business is to draw customers inside, they might be hesitant to make the first move when they don’t know anything about you. One of the best ways to advertise what you do and leave behind an impression that sticks? Create and trademark an original business logo.
If you need some design advice, our personal tips include keeping the design and color palette simple and consistent to brand your company and easily convey its message. The logo should be able to translate across all mediums including on your website, packaging, and marketing materials and using the same colors helps establish trade dress to further distinguish your product and company. From snagging the attention of window shoppers to giving your shop some built-in recognition, your logo brands your business more than you might think it does!
In the era of blogs and Facebook advertising, placing an ad in the newspaper may seem antiquated and unnecessary. Before you judge too much though, take into consideration that local papers have loyal readers. In small towns especially, these readers are looking for news on what’s happening with their local government and community announcements about new store openings and upcoming event celebrations. Take out and customize an ad to give your startup some early buzz and great local press!
Ultimately, the most effective marketing tip is the one where you get up and go outside to meet and greet with members of the community. Here are just a few ways you can make your welcome to the neighborhood a warm one:
Deborah Sweeney is the CEO of MyCorporation.com. MyCorporation is a leader in online legal filing services for entrepreneurs and businesses, providing start-up bundles that include corporation and LLC formation, registered agent, DBA, and trademark & copyright filing services. MyCorporation does all the work, making the business formation and maintenance quick and painless, so business owners can focus on what they do best. Follow her on Google+ and on Twitter @mycorporation.
Please note that KPMG Spark’s sponsorship of this blog article is not intended to address the specific circumstances of any particular individual or entity and does not constitute an endorsement of any entity or its products or services. This content represents the views of the author, and does not necessarily represent the views or professional advice of KPMG Spark.
Download our Free Small to Medium-Sized Business Growth Guide
Sign up for our newsletter
The traditional multipage, chart-laden business plan that venture capitalists used to rely on to evaluate opportunities is largely being replaced with documents that convey essential information in a more concise format.
Tax compliance is a necessity. An effective tax planning strategy can add considerable value to your business.
KPMG Spark isn’t a software solution, it’s a software-enabled service—also known as managed accounting—which is vastly different from accounting software.
When looking to engage a contractor for your business, it is important to know the process so you can find the best possible fit for your business. Continue reading to learn how to simplify the process of engaging with independent professionals.
Find out more about estimated taxes, who pays them, and steps necessary to be compliant.
Find out more about nonprofit accounting, how it’s different from for-profit organizations, and what you need to know to operate your nonprofit successfully.
Find out more about nonprofit organizations, why they need managed accounting, and how nonprofit bookkeeping can contribute to their success.
Let’s take a closer look at what nonprofit accounting is, how it’s different, and why accountability is key for nonprofit success.
Let’s explore Form 1099-NEC – who is required to file it, who should be furnished it, and its importance in meeting your annual tax return requirements.