Starting a business is exciting, and a little overwhelming. You have the idea. Now everyone tells you that you need a logo, a website, social media, ads, a content plan and an email list, all at once. That is not true, and trying to do it all at once is the quickest way to burn out or burn money. Here is the order we would do things in.
1. Get clear on who it is for
Before any design or advertising, write down who your customer is, what problem you solve for them and why they should choose you. One page is enough. Everything else, from your name to your ads, gets easier once this is clear.
2. Build a simple brand
You need a name, a logo, two or three colours, a font and a way of speaking that sounds like you. That is a brand, and it does not need to be complicated. What matters is that it is consistent, so people start to recognise you. Read more about what this involves on our brand identity service.
3. Make a small, honest website
A first website can be one to three pages: what you do, who you do it for and how to get in touch. Add a WhatsApp button and a simple form, and make sure it works well on a phone. You can add more later. If you are wondering what it should include, see 5 things every small business website needs.
4. Set up your Google Business Profile and social pages
These are free, and they put your business where people already look. Use the same name, phone number and details everywhere. Pick one or two social platforms where your customers actually spend time, rather than trying to be everywhere. Our guide on how to show up on Google explains the foundations.
5. Only then, think about ads
Ads work best when there is somewhere good to send people. Once your brand, website and profiles are ready, a small test campaign on Google or Meta (Facebook and Instagram) can show you what works before you spend more. Start small, set up tracking so you can see results, and learn from each round. Ad platforms are powerful, but they are also easy to waste money on if nobody has explained them first.
6. Keep it going
A launch is not the finish line. A simple content schedule, a regular look at what is working and small updates keep a young business relevant. You do not need to post every day. You need a rhythm you can keep up with.
Where the Starter Kit helps
If you have an idea and not much else, doing all of this alone can feel like a maze. That is why we created the Starter Kit. Working one-on-one, we build your brand, starter website, profiles and first ads with you, and teach you how to run them yourself. Most people finish in 4 to 8 weeks, depending on their needs. You can read the answers to common questions in our FAQ, or message us on WhatsApp to talk through your idea.
