Step 10 – Start Trading and Organise your Marketing

Promoting your business is essential if you want potential customers to know you exist. But where do you start? Personal recommendations can be one of the most effective forms of publicity, which is why you must ensure your customers are left satisfied every time they deal with your business. Startup Donut has some handy advice on promoting your business and creating a marketing strategy.

Startup Loans also has some helpful guides that give information about marketing, social media, PR, and SEO optimisation.

You should also think about talking with other businesses, business organisations and networking clubs. These can be a very good way to meet likeminded people, learn from peers, and find new opportunities. Major local business organisations include the Federation of Small Businesses and the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

It’s always a good idea to get involved with your local community. Love Ashford supports local businesses and business owners by promoting all of the best new, stories, offers and events you can find in Ashford’s town centre. The Tenterden and District Chamber of Commerce provides networking opportunities for all in the town and surrounding villages. 

Finally, you’ve done the legwork, you’re ready to go, but we would strongly recommend speaking to a business adviser. We work closely with the Kent and Medway Growth Hub who have advisers on hand to talk you through the options and support you along the way.