Seizing Your Startup: How to Get a Handle on Your Local Market

One of the first hurdles for any successful startup is branding your company and its products within the local market. Since so many businesses worry about their online presence these days, owners sometimes forget that having a strong local presence is also beneficial to a startup's survival. Companies who manage to establish a strong, healthy, local presence tend to function better than companies who lack such basic support. In addition, a local market is typically one of the easiest to reach because it is central to your own location. With this in mind, the following introduces some ways your company will be able to take full advantage of the market where your startup resides.

The Grand Opening
When it comes to making a big first impression, nothing says come out and see what the buzz is all about like a grand opening. These events can be your way of telling the local community there is a new business open to meet customer needs. If properly advertised, this can be a fantastic way to grab customers early on with your products and services. It is also a great way to get to know and work with other local business owners who may benefit from what your startup has to offer.

Weekly Advertising in Local Publications
Because your business needs to get the word out, it is always a good idea to advertise on a regular basis. Regular weekly advertising in local market-based publications lets readers become familiar with your company. The more they see your company name in print, the more familiar customers will become with your startup's presence as being a fixed piece of the community. Advertising in more than a single publication will also help to expand your market presence by reaching a larger readership. Don’t be afraid of sponsoring either. This method can be a great help to you and keep you in the local community member’s minds.

Try it for Free
People like anything that is offered free. One way to get local consumers to try your products is to make them a free offer. This may seem a bit expensive up front, but if your product or service is truly great, chances are, this minor investment in your continued success will bring you repeat and word-of-mouth paying customers. Remember, it is difficult to get people to know the quality of your startups work without providing a sample for potential customers to experience firsthand.

Professionalism
When it comes to the initial impression, professionalism is everything. From a neat and clean store, to Onboarding New Employees through a vetted and reliable software system, every step should be taken to ensure that potential customers view your startup as organized and professional. If consumers see it as disorganized and unable to provide superb customer service, then your startup will run the risk of losing ground in the local market. It is also easier for local companies to find funding and venture capital in their own local market. Look for these lenders and maintain a professional air, because you never know when you are entertaining an investor with deep pockets.

Introducing a new startup to a local market is going to require a lot of hard work and commitment on the part of the business owner. With a plan of attack that helps your company integrate into the local market on many levels, you will have a better chance of reaching your areas consumer base. When consumers respond favorably to your company and products early on, it will make it easier to make it through the initial uncertainties that all startups face right out of the gate.