The Tools I Used to Launch My Business
I'm approaching 3 years in business, which has me reflecting on the rollercoaster of launching my own business. It was a whirlwind of excitement, a touch of terror, and a lot of "how do I make this work?!"
If you’re launching a business or have a business idea but are unsure about which tools and resources you will need to get started. I'm sharing the tools and assets that helped me get my business off the groung and a fairly low-cost way to get started.
Honeybook
Honeybook provides a wide range of services that can be beneficial for independent business owners when they are just starting out. They offer templates for contracts and proposals, as well as scheduling and booking features. You can also create systems to keep your business running smoothly with their automation feature. This is the magic of Honeybook – it simplifies the client journey, allowing you to create attractive proposals, send contracts effortlessly, and handle bookings like a professional. Additionally, it keeps everything organized, saving you from creating everything from scratch. This tool comes with a cost, but it’s worth it for all its functions.
Squarespace
Your website is your storefront to the world. I find Squarespace makes it easy to build a website, even if you're not familiar with web design. You have a ton of templates to choose from and you can drag-and-drop your way to a stunning site, complete with appointment booking features and built-in. They also have an email marketing feature—I use their email marketing feature to send my newsletters. You can subscribe to my list here! Squarespace offers varying subscriptions depending on the tools you’d like to include with your website purchase.
Google Sheets
When I started, I knew I needed to keep track of my expenses so that when tax time came around I wasn’t scrambling to figure them all out. You can use Excel to track these, but I like Sheets spreadsheets because I can access them from my phone making adding expenses as they occur pretty easy. Google Sheets is also great for creating invoices and generating reports. Plus, it's free and accessible from anywhere, making it a budget-friendly and convenient choice. You will need a Google account, but that is also free.
Canva
Don't let a lack of design skills hold you back. Canva is your one-stop shop for creating eye-catching marketing materials. From social media posts and stunning email graphics to professional business cards, Canva has a ton of templates, fonts, and images to make you look like a design pro. They have a free option or a premium option available. I started with the free and eventually purchased the premium option for all the time-saving features.
Business Photos
Speaking of visuals, don't underestimate the power of high-quality photos to elevate your brand. Whether it's showcasing your product, capturing your team's energy, or portraying the experience you offer, impactful photos grab attention, tell your story, and increase engagement. Invest in professional shots or get creative with your camera – authentic visuals go a long way in building trust and connection. The photo that was used in this post was from one of my branding sessions.
Notion
Staying organized is key, and Notion is your free content calendar command center. Map out your social media posts, blog ideas, and email campaigns in one central location. Notion also excels at project management, allowing you to collaborate with your team (or your future self!) and keep track of tasks and deadlines.
Starting a business can be overwhelming. I hope these resources and tools will help you feel more at ease about where to start. Embrace the journey and get ready to launch your dreams into the world.
When Your Business Needs a Photoshoot
In today's digital age, high-quality visuals are no longer a luxury for businesses – they're a necessity.
You've taken the plunge and started your dream business, or maybe your existing venture is experiencing exciting growth. Here's the thing: while your passion and hustle are undeniable, in today's digital world, visuals rule. That's where a professional business photoshoot comes in. Here's why this is the perfect time to invest in capturing stunning images of your brand.
1. Building Brand Identity from the Ground Up:
You've poured your heart and soul into crafting your brand, but have you translated that vision into captivating visuals? A photoshoot is your chance to establish a strong brand identity from the get-go. Collaborate with a photographer to create a cohesive set of images that reflect your brand's personality, values, and target audience. These photos will become the foundation of your website, marketing materials, and social media presence, ensuring a consistent and impactful brand message.
2. Making a Powerful First Impression:
Whether you're a brand new startup a business on the rise, or you’ve been around for a while first impressions matter. Professional photos elevate your brand image and instill confidence in potential customers. High-quality visuals showcase your professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to quality – all essential for building trust and attracting new clients.
3. Standing Out from the Crowd:
The online marketplace is saturated. Generic stock photos and blurry phone snaps won't cut it. A photoshoot allows you to create unique, personable, eye-catching visuals that differentiate you from the competition. Showcase your products in a creative light, capture the energy of you and your team, or highlight the behind-the-scenes magic of your service in action. Stand out and grab the attention of your ideal customers.
4. Fueling Your Marketing Engine:
Content is king, and high-quality photos are the crown jewels. A strategic photoshoot provides fresh and relevant visuals to power your marketing efforts. Use captivating product shots on your website and online store. Liven up social media posts with engaging lifestyle or action photos. Create eye-catching email marketing campaigns with professional team headshots. The possibilities are endless!
5. Capturing the Excitement of Growth:
There's a unique energy that comes with a growing business. A photoshoot allows you to capture this excitement and momentum tangibly. Showcase your passionate team, the buzz around your new product launch, or your power pose. These visuals will resonate with potential clients and fuel the continued growth of your business.
Investing in Your Brand's Future
A business photoshoot isn't just an expense, it's an investment in your brand's future. Professional photos will help you build a strong brand identity, make a lasting first impression, attract new customers, and fuel your marketing efforts. So, don't let your brand image fall behind. If you've just launched your dream or your business is experiencing exciting growth, now is the perfect time to schedule a photoshoot and showcase the brilliance of your brand to the world.
How to Create a Social Media Content Strategy That Works
Social media is a powerful tool for small businesses, but it can be difficult to know where to start. If you're a small business owner who doesn't have a marketing team and is running your own social media platforms, here are some tips on how to create a social media content strategy that works:
Start by defining your goals. What do you want to achieve with your social media marketing? Do you want to generate leads, increase brand awareness, or drive traffic to your website? Once you know your goals, you can start to develop content that will help you achieve them.
Know your audience. Who are you trying to reach with your social media content? What are their interests and needs? Once you know your audience, you can tailor your content to appeal to them.
Choose the right platforms. Not all social media platforms are created equal. Choose the platforms that your target audience is most active on.
Plan your content. Don't just post whatever comes to mind. Plan your content in advance so that you have a consistent flow of posts.
Use visuals. People are more likely to engage with visual content, so make sure to use images, videos, and infographics in your posts.
Be consistent. Post regularly and consistently to keep your audience engaged.
Track your results. Use social media analytics to track the results of your content and see what's working and what's not.
By following these tips, you can create a social media content strategy that will help you achieve your business goals.
If you are looking for more support with creating your social media content strategy learn more about the social media services that I provide.
Strengthing Your Brand Message
How Branding Images Can Strengthen Your Brand Message and Stand Out
In today's crowded marketplace, it's more important than ever for businesses to have a strong brand message. A strong brand message is one that is clear, concise, and memorable. It's a message that resonates with your target audience and makes them want to do business with you.
One of the best ways to strengthen your brand message is to use branding images. Branding images are any visual elements that you use to represent your brand, such as logos, fonts, colors, and photography. When used effectively, branding images can help you to:
Create a visual identity for your brand. Your branding images should be consistent across all of your marketing materials, so that people can easily identify your brand.
Communicate your brand message. Your branding images should be able to convey the key messages of your brand, such as your values, your products or services, and your target audience.
Make a lasting impression. Strong branding images can help you to create a lasting impression on your target audience. When people see your branding images, they should be able to remember your brand and what it stands for.
If you're a small business owner, you may be wondering how you can create branding images that will strengthen your brand message and help you stand out. Here are a few tips:
Start with a strong brand identity. Before you start creating branding images, it's important to have a clear understanding of your brand identity. What are your brand's values? What are your products or services? Who is your target audience? Once you have a good understanding of your brand identity, you can start to create branding images that reflect those values.
Use high-quality images. Your branding images should be high-quality and visually appealing. This means using high-resolution images that are well-lit and well-composed.
Be consistent. Your branding images should be consistent across all of your marketing materials. This means using the same colors, fonts, and overall style in all of your branding images.
Be creative. Don't be afraid to be creative with your branding images. Use images that are unique and memorable.
Image of my client Jenny of JennyB Designs
By following these tips, you can create branding images that will strengthen your brand message and help you stand out from the competition.
Here are some additional tips for using branding images to strengthen your brand message:
Use images that tell a story. Your branding images should tell a story about your brand. This could be a story about your products, your services, or your company culture.
Use images that evoke emotions. Your branding images should evoke emotions in your target audience. This could be emotions like happiness, excitement, or trust.
Use images that are visually appealing. Your branding images should be visually appealing. This means that they should be aesthetically pleasing and easy on the eye.
By following these tips, you can use branding images to strengthen your brand message and connect with your target audience on a deeper level.
Capturing the Essence of Care: Linda’s Brand Photography Session
As a solopreneur or small business owner in the pre-launch phase, establishing a strong online presence is crucial for success. Visual storytelling plays a significant role in conveying your brand's message and connecting with your target audience.
Linda, an inspiring educator, and trainer for home caregivers reached out to me, seeking captivating brand photos to elevate her online platforms, including her website and social media. Our journey together began with an introductory call where we discussed her vision, goals, and the key aspects she wanted to highlight.
By understanding her target audience—people needing support when taking on caregiving—we were able to tailor the photography session accordingly.
After our initial call, we proceeded to book the brand photography session. To ensure a successful outcome, we conducted a comprehensive strategy session. We explored Linda's brand identity, values, and unique selling points. By delving deep into her business, we were able to align our creative vision and ensure that the brand photos would reflect her authentic persona.
With Linda's target audience in mind, we scouted locations in and around Boston that would resonate with her potential clients. We sought settings that exuded warmth, comfort, and a sense of home, effectively reflecting Linda's expertise in home caregiving. After careful consideration, we narrowed down the location that would best enhance her brand story.
In order to convey Linda's professionalism, expertise, and approachability, we engaged in detailed discussions regarding wardrobe choices and prop selection. We focused on incorporating elements that would resonate with her target audience and enhance the story we wanted to tell. By carefully curating the looks and props, we ensured that they would seamlessly integrate with Linda's branding and create a cohesive visual narrative.
On the day of the shoot, our planning and preparation paid off. The day began with Linda’s makeup being done which she loved SO much. I then guided Linda through various poses and scenarios, capturing her passion and knowledge as she educated and trained new and current home caregivers. The session encompassed a range of emotions, from warmth and empathy to determination and empowerment, capturing the multifaceted nature of her work.
After the brand photography session, I carefully selected and edited the images to align with Linda's branding and vision. Once the editing was complete, I delivered the final images to Linda that she selected, ready to be utilized across her website, social media platforms, and other marketing materials.
Through a collaborative approach and a deep understanding of Linda's brand, we successfully captured the essence of her business in the brand photography session. By showcasing her expertise and passion as an educator and trainer for home caregivers, we created visuals that will resonate with her target audience. If you are a solopreneur and small business owner in the pre-launch phase and looking to elevate your brand with captivating photography, I invite you to book a branding session with me and embark on a visual journey that will truly showcase your unique story.
