There is so much to think about when opening a new business. You are almost certainly swamped with things like market research and the admin involved in registration of the company, opening bank accounts and securing premises. It is undoubtedly a very busy and stressful time. On top of all these other elements, there is also the added fun of establishing your own digital footprint and plotting how you are going to develop this in order to grow your business. It is a crucial part of the start-up process as the truth of our modern age, is that digital is where you will be discovered and how you will grow your client base. So, with that in mind, what are the key steps that you will need to take in setting up your digital presence? Here are a few things for the checklist.
Sort out your mail
You are going to need to be able to send and receive email and you are going to need to have a package that can see to your corporate needs. A Google address is not going to cut it if you want to compete in the big time. Look to set up something like an office 365 email package. It can be cloud-based, and it is scalable. It is also something that you can set up yourself if you are reasonably technically savvy, or which you can outsource easily if you prefer. But you must ensure that when you open for business that you have an email account and address that works.
Register an online address
Part of setting up that email address is sorting out domain registration. The domain registration is like your digital address. Make sure that it is smart and easy to convey. Easy to remember. And that it is grammatically simple. Also, make sure that it speaks to the type of business that you are in. A dot.com.au for a business address, a dot.org for a non-profit. That type of thing.
Create access
Don’t be the fool who has sorted out all the things like websites and email addresses but who has failed to have the wi-fi or internet installed in time. For many people who start out with the preliminary work from home, they forget to get the new office premises wired for the internet. Not all offices or premises come fully serviced and in many instances the onus will fall on the owner to bring an internet service provider on board and get things wired and connected. This is almost more important that installing telephone lines!
Make a webpage
Finally, in terms of getting yourself prepped and ready for business, you need a website. Something that is cool and informative, and which not only tells people where to find you, but which can also be used for lead generation and for aiding inbound sales activities. The internet is how clients are found in the digital age – it is like the phone book of old, and you need to be there with a compelling site that is updated regularly, and which is properly optimised for search.
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