By Janice Russell
If you are considering starting a home-based small business, start with a niche that you are passionate about and work on it part-time while still earning income from your current job. Or, if you’re not currently employed and want to throw yourself into your small business, then get ready to hit the ground running.
The Giggling Pig is so much more than just an art studio. If you’re in the Bethel, Seymour, Shelton, or Milford areas of Connecticut, reach out to learn how to become part of this wonderful village.
To Begin
What are the best ways to start a small business from home?
It all starts with an idea. What do you want your business to be about, and how can you help people? How much time will it take? Will you be able to dedicate enough time each day or week? Will it interfere with other employment or school?
There are plenty of businesses you can ease yourself into, like pet sitting, tutoring, writing, catering, and meal delivery. Maybe you’ve been working as a massage therapist at a spa and want to start your own where you’re the boss. Or, if you’re ready to go all in and open your own cafe, art studio, or antique shop, you’ll still want to start at home first.
The first tangible step is to create a business plan. A business plan is a document that outlines the goals of the company and how it will achieve them. It is also a tool for investors to evaluate startups. Business plans are a crucial part of running any business. It helps to set goals and strategies, plan marketing, and more. You can find business plan templates for free that can walk you through the process and give you a professional-looking document when you’re done.
Marketing
Market research is an important part of the small business marketing process. It helps you decide what to do, where to go, and who to reach. Do your homework on this topic to ensure you have a successful business.
Social media marketing is one of the most effective ways for small businesses to market their products and services. The social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube allow you to create content that will help your audience find out more about you and what you have to offer. You can create your own Facebook ads in an easy and fun way.
Search engine optimization is also a great way for small businesses to promote themselves online. Search engine optimization involves optimizing websites so that they show up in search engines like Google or Bing when people search for keywords related to your niche or products.
Getting Outside Help
Whether you need help with creating marketing materials, accounting, or website development and maintenance, you can find a freelance professional online to work with you in those and many other areas.
One way to find freelancers is through online job boards, where you can choose candidates based on reviews, delivery time, and cost. For example, you can connect with freelance software developers for small businesses for help with an area most new entrepreneurs are unfamiliar with.
Free Tools
There are plenty of great tools, apps, and software to help you manage your business.
Invoicing software can help you send multiple invoices simultaneously. It is also possible to have the record of all the earlier invoices you sent to your customers and other details you might want for future reference.
Business card makers are great for allowing you to create professional-looking business cards. You can choose your own colors and fonts and add your business’s logo and brand.
Evernote is note-taking software that helps you create and organize digital notes and keeps them synced across all your devices. You can create and assign tasks inside your notes with due dates, flags, and reminders, so nothing falls through the cracks.
You Can Make it Happen
According to The Small Business Administration, there are over 30 million small businesses in the United States. You can join their ranks by creating and managing your own small business success by following a few smart steps.
Create a business plan. Understand your market and use social media and search engine optimization to get the word out. Hire professional freelancers for those tasks you need to outsource. And take advantage of free online software like invoicing and business card creators.
And finally, remember the old adage, Do what you love and the money will follow.