What Comes First? My Website, My Product, My Email List?
Episode 052: Show Notes
Today, we are addressing something that we get asked about on the regular. We are answering the question about dealing with business overwhelm, especially for those of you who are just starting out, trying to figure out what to focus on first. We are giving you the foundation and showing you where we think you should put your focus first and why, so perhaps you won’t be so overwhelmed. Now, this does not mean we are going to give you a copy-paste, one-size-fits-all formula. Instead, we will give you the building blocks to figure out exactly what you need for your unique situation to build your own successful business.
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We know how easy it is to fall into those holes of massive overwhelm when you are wanting to add more and grow your business. So if that is you, then listen up! And honestly, it does not matter if you are just starting a business or if you have started one already. The information shared in this episode will truly help you lay those solid business foundations and push through the overwhelm regardless of where you are in your journey.
The Importance of an Online Presence for Your Business
When it comes to business foundations, there are three things to focus on if you have not yet started in your business yet. The first of those is that you need a website to give your business an online presence and somewhere for your potential clients to discover you. Find a platform that is the simplest and easiest for your business, and focus on your homepage and product page first. Even if you are a local business owner, working with customers face-to-face, it is still important to have a place to send your clients. They need to know that you are legitimate, and having a website or page for them to check out will give them the additional information they might need to know before working with you.
Niche Down in Your First Business Offer
One of the best tips for new business owners is to not be afraid to niche down. Until you figure out exactly who you are talking to, it is best to niche down really tight in your first offer. Then, as your business grows and you figure out what the French toast you are even doing with your life, that bubble kind of grows and expands as you get to know your audience better and better and that trust relationship is built. If you can focus on the exact pain points that your audience is going through, whatever they are, then they’re going to be ripe for the picking. Keep in mind, you may always and forever want to talk to that very small crowd. Oftentimes your first customers are your best customers because when you do a great job the first time around, it will be much easier to sell to them again later when a new offer becomes available.
I’ve Got My Website, I’m Selling Some Stuff, What’s Next?
In the next phase you will be thinking about adding onto your business and wondering about what order everything needs to be done in. Now this is when you can spend some energy going back and perfecting the other pages of your website, perfecting the descriptions of your products, perfecting the people who you are getting in front of, and perfecting the way that you are talking to them. The other pages you might want to add to your website at this point are your about page, a client experience page, and really getting clear on all of your facts on your website. Next, you want to add in audience growth tactics to get in front of new people and then give them different offers. Keep in mind, this is the point where many people get overwhelmed. As you add new layers to your business, remember to just keep going and not to let go of any aspects of your business.
Systems and Processes to Prevent Overwhelm
The more you add and the more you take on, the more important it is to come up with systems, workflows, and processes so that the things you are doing now don’t fall apart. This is why we really encourage you to automate all of your systems. This can include scheduling your blog posts, Instagram posts, social media updates, and more. By batching and scheduling the everyday to-do’s, you’ll free up your time to focus on any additional “add-ons” to your business while knowing that your foundations are still running smoothly throughout the growth process.
Growing Your Email List
At this point, we really highly encourage you to focus on growing your email list. So many people wait way too long to start doing this because they think they either do not have enough subscribers or they are freaking out because they have nothing to offer. However, it is not as scary as you would think! Step one is to choose an email service provider. If you have less than 1,000 people, use MailChimp. If you have more, use Flodesk. Next, work on your freebie and connect it to your email list, which completes phase one. For phase two, send out the freebie and opt-in to EVERYONE! Blog about it, send it to your mom, splash it on social media — you name it, you do it. Then in phase three, figure out how you want to continue to show up in their inbox and what you will be offering.
Quote This
Being in business is not a short term strategy to make a million bucks.
Highlights
Understand the importance of having an online platform and a place to send potential clients. [0:03:54.4]
Learn about why it can be beneficial to niche down your first business offer. [0:09:37.1]
Find out what to focus on next once your have a website and are making sales. [0:12:48.7]
Discover how implementing systems and processes can help to prevent business overwhelm. [0:16:06.4]
Learn the step-by-step tactics for growing your email list and talking to your audience. [0:17:03.4]
#TalkStrategyToMe [0:45:10.6]
Figure out what you are going to sell, get it up on your website and get it in front of people.
Refine what you already have; your website, product, and descriptions.
Get people on your email list; select your provider, make your freebie, and start talking to people.
ON TODAY’S SHOW
Abagail & Emylee
The Strategy Hour Podcast
The Strategy Hour Podcast is a twice weekly show hosted by Abagail Pumphrey and Emylee Williams, the founders of Boss Project. Join us for semi-ranty biz conversations for service providers looking to ethically grow their agency businesses. Episodes cover everything from lead generation to leadership mindset to team culture and beyond.
KEY TOPICS
Creating an online platform for your business, Niching down your first business offer, Refining your website and product offerings, Implementing systems and processes, Growing your email list, Laying your business foundations
