Strengthening Your Small Business: A Strategic Approach to Online Presence

Embarking on the startup journey transforms a vision into a thriving business. For young entrepreneurs, this path requires passion and a deep understanding of various strategic elements. This Olive + Ash article provides the key steps in creating a successful startup, from developing a comprehensive business plan to building a robust network. Forge a Comprehensive Business Strategy A robust business strategy is the cornerstone of any successful startup. Your plan should encompass your vision, mission, and the operational tactics you intend to employ. It acts as a guiding beacon , keeping your entrepreneurial vision on course and appealing to potential investors. This strategy should be flexible enough to adapt to changing market conditions and customer needs. Build a Diverse Professional Network Networking is a powerful tool for young entrepreneurs. Building a diverse network of contacts, including peers from your educational journey or industry professionals, can open doors to invaluable insights and opportunities. Regular participation in industry events and online forums can further expand your network and lead to mentorship, partnerships, and access to otherwise hard-to-find resources. While you’re at it, consider reconnecting with old friends and acquaintances from high school; you never know who could help your business or become a good friend again! There are search engines that make finding people in your high school class easy . Just type the person’s name in the search engine and include the graduation date and school for quick results. Explore Diverse Funding Avenues Funding is the lifeblood of a startup. Exploring various financing options, from angel investors and venture capitalists to more modern approaches like crowdfunding is vital. Securing the proper funding will pave the way for scaling your business effectively. Also, consider government grants and loans, especially those tailored for startups or specific industries. Crafting compelling pitches and presentations to potential investors is key to securing funding. Establish a Unique Brand Identity Your startup's name is more than just a label; it embodies your brand identity. Choosing a name that is memorable and reflects your brand ethos is crucial. It sets the tone for your market presence and distinguishes you in a competitive landscape. This identity extends to all aspects of your brand, including logo, colors, and messaging. Consistency in these elements helps build brand recognition and loyalty among your target audience. Work with a tried-and-true agency like Olive + Ash for all your graphic design and web development needs!  Conduct a Comprehensive Market Analysis Understanding your competition is key. Conduct in-depth research on your competitors, covering their online and offline strategies. Scrutinize their marketing tactics, product lines, and pricing to uncover areas where your startup can excel and offer something unique. This analysis should also include identifying emerging trends and customer preferences within your industry. Gathering and analyzing customer feedback about your competitors and your own offerings can provide critical insights for strategic adjustments. Create an Engaging Marketing Plan A well-thought-out marketing strategy is essential for reaching and captivating your target audience. Utilize a mix of digital marketing tools and social media platforms to establish a robust online presence and engage with your audience effectively. Incorporate analytics to measure the effectiveness of your campaigns and adjust tactics accordingly. Exploring traditional marketing channels, such as events and print media, is also important and can complement your digital efforts. Comply with Legal Regulations Navigating the legal landscape is a crucial step in establishing your startup. Obtaining the necessary licenses and permits ensures your business operates within the legal framework, safeguarding it against potential legal challenges. It’s also advisable to seek legal counsel for contracts, intellectual property rights, and other complex legal matters. Regular reviews of regulatory changes in your industry can help you stay compliant and avoid unforeseen legal issues. Summary The journey of transforming an idea into a successful startup is a multifaceted endeavor. Each of these elements plays a vital role in shaping the foundation and future of a startup. Your adaptability, continuous learning, and resilience are your greatest assets as a young entrepreneur navigating these waters. Ultimately, the success of a startup hinges not just on a great idea, but on the execution of a well-crafted strategy and the ability to connect with the right people and resources.

Olive Street Design is a Chicago-based web design firm that has used Duda’s AI tools to save time when adding meta descriptions, page titles, and image alt-text with minimal hands-on time needed for error correction. “The tools available allow us to provide every client with a solid start to their SEO journey in record time.” Read the article here

Are you struggling to showcase your brand personality on your website? You’re not the only one. Most marketers struggle with finding the right balance between something engaging and something functional.  In this article, we'll dive deep into some tactics and strategies you can use to make your website burst with personality. The Importance of Brand Personality on Websites Each brand must have a personality that makes them uniquely THEM. It could be flamboyant and unconventional, or perhaps sleek and innovative. It may also embody empathy and social responsibility by giving back to the community. This brand personality is what helps you establish a connection with your audience and become their preferred choice for anything from pet supplies to luxury accessories. To ensure that your audience is aware of your brand personality, it's crucial to showcase it on your website. But how do you do that effectively? Let’s explore. Use High-Quality Visuals That Reflect Your Brand Personality A surefire way to exude brand personality on your website is through the use of high-quality visuals. This includes product images, lifestyle shots, and any other visuals that you use to represent your brand. It may work more than words! For example, take a look at the online store for the eco-friendly skincare brand, Herbivore Botanicals . Their site features stunning product photography that perfectly captures the natural and minimalistic personality of their brand. By using visuals that reflect their brand personality, they're able to create a cohesive and engaging experience for their customers. Create a brand image packet that is uniquely yours. Nowadays, AI logo maker tools are dominating the graphic design scenario which can make it easy for you to get inspired but always settle for custom logo designs. Use Copy That Speaks to Your Target Audience Another important aspect of showcasing your brand personality on your website is the copy that you use. Your copy should speak directly to your target audience and reflect the unique personality of your brand. For example, take a look at the product descriptions on the website of The Sill , a popular online plant retailer. Their copy is fun and engaging, with a lighthearted tone that perfectly reflects their brand personality. By using copy that speaks directly to their target audience, they're able to build a strong connection with their customers and create a memorable brand experience. Incorporate Your Brand Values Throughout Your Site One crucial aspect of showcasing your brand personality on your website is to ensure that your brand values are consistently reflected throughout the website. From your about page to your product descriptions and checkout process, every element of your website should reflect your brand's values. For example, take a look at the online store of the sustainable fashion brand, Everlane . Their site features a prominent banner that highlights their commitment to transparency and sustainability. By doing so, they create a brand experience that resonates deeply with their target audience, differentiating themselves from other fashion brands. Make Navigation Simple and Intuitive Your website's navigation may not seem like it adds to brand value, but it does. The way your navigation flows is part of your brand’s personality. For example, take a look at the online store for the skincare brand, Glossier . Their site features a clean and simple navigation bar that perfectly reflects the minimalist and modern personality of their brand. By making their navigation easy to use, they're able to create a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience for their customers. Add Personal Touches to Your Site Adding personal touches to your website is another great way to showcase your brand personality. This can include everything from personalized product recommendations to handwritten thank-you notes with each order. For example, take a look at the online store for the jewelry brand, Mejuri . Their site features a personalized "for you" section that recommends products based on a customer's browsing history. By adding personal touches like this, they're able to create a memorable and enjoyable shopping experience for their customers. Conclusion—It’s All in the Details If you want to build a website full of personality, the biggest aspect is fearlessness. Don’t be afraid to break a few rules. The online landscape is crowded with businesses that want to grab people’s attention. So, if you wish to truly stand out, be fearless and be authentic. Adding high-quality images and copy, incorporating your messaging throughout, and improving navigation are just some practical tips you can add to your website. But it’s all in the details. Simply building a functional website won’t be enough. Think about it as a storefront concept. The more unique the storefront is, the more people associate it with your brand. So, take the time to showcase your brand personality on your website and watch your business grow!

Source: CADesignForm Before we can move on to understanding how you can improve customer experience , it’s essential to know why it is important in the first place. Here are some points of importance of customer experience in today’s business landscape- It’s a competitive market where customers have multiple expectations, personalized experience being on the top of that list of expectations. This is why every organisation is focused on installing one or the other type of CRM . Customer experience is ranked as the #1 factor in building customer trust and loyalty with a company. Customer experience is a direct pathway to business success. The better the experiences you offer to your customers, the more they will keep coming back to you. So, customer experience aligns with business success and profitability which makes it essential to focus on it. The need for you is to understand customer pain points and work directly on resolving them by coming up with practical and useful products, services, and solutions.  Once you do that, the customers will get more interactive with you and you can work on customer experiences, constantly improving them. Role of Pre-sales in Shaping Customer Experience Pre-sales teams are the first point of contact between a company and its potential customers. So, the customer journey begins at that stage and it is essential to offer a phenomenal experience here, because, obviously, first impressions matter. So, pre sales teams play the most prominent role in shaping customer experience in the following ways- Attend to the customers efficiently to create a positive impression from the beginning of the customer journey. Create positive connection and interaction with the customers thereby leaving a lasting impact on them. Understanding the customer needs and demands in the early stages of the buyer journey and offering them exactly what they’re looking for. Setting the stage for final sale and building customer trust and loyalty for the long-term. Steps to Improving Customer Experience Through Pre Sales Pre-sales has the major role to play in shaping customer experience. If you shape customer experience during pre-sales, you positively move towards the path of driving more sales to your business. However, when you’re working on customer experience, you need to know how exactly you can improve it. Hereinbelow are the different steps to improving customer experience through pre-sales. Identifying Customer Needs and Pain Points A deep understanding of the customer's needs and pain points is essential for pre-sales teams. It’s only when you understand the customer pain points that you’re able to deliver them what they’re looking for. So, studying customer behavior and focusing on their needs is imperative. You can do that through- Market research Customer feedback and interactions Surveys Organizational sales analytics and performance reports Conducting Market Research We can consider this step as a part of the first step itself. Market research gives deep insights into what’s trending, what the competition is doing, and where the customers are going. These insights in turn help you plan your pre-sales strategies. You can perform the market research through the following activities- Surveys and feedback forms Brainstorming with your teams and talking about latest market trends Using insights from market statistics and analytics Developing a Customer-Centric Pre-sales Strategy Once you have got the relevant information about your customer needs and preferences through your research, you must start preparing a pre-sales strategy. It’s essential that your pre-sales strategy revolves around the basic needs of the customers. You need to identify the key areas that are customer centric. This helps demonstrate the value of offerings and build a relationship with the customer on mutual understanding, trust, and a shared focus on the customer's needs and goals. Identifying Areas of Impact Pre-sales teams should identify the areas where they can have the biggest impact on customer experience. This can be achieved by focusing on product demonstrations, proposals, and presentations. These activities should be designed to meet the customer's specific needs and demonstrate the offering's value. By focusing on these areas, pre-sales teams can deliver a more positive customer experience and increase the chances of closing a sale. This approach shows the customer that the company values their needs and is dedicated to providing a solution that meets their requirements. Aligning Pre-sales Activities with Customer Experience Goals

Calling all Chicago agencies! Join us at our upcoming #DudaMeetup on March 9th, and learn how to boost your agency’s growth. We'll hear from digital agency owners and industry professionals on how to successfully promote additional products and services to your clients. Enjoy food, drinks, networking, and fun! Save Your Spot here

Modernization means digitizing traditional process that aligns with customers' interests.  Modernization of mobile applications happens when an organization/brand adds new and more convenient features to the mobiles. It also means deleting a few old features which are no longer helpful. Such a process of modernizing apps is called Legacy Modernization. Rather than altogether abandoning the application at once, adding new features, and tweaking a few older ones, the application can be modernized. Below mentioned are a few ways you can ask your mobile app development company to update the mobile apps. Choosing the Right App Modernization Strategy At times, current mobile apps do not provide the required ROI, are incompatible with various devices and platforms, and also struggle to meet the security standards of state–of–the–art technology. It needs to have a makeover or a glow-up. Thus, below mentioned are the 7 ways to modernize mobile apps as well as software: · Encapsulation When the brands think about applying the encapsulation method of modernization to the mobile application, they break the functionality of apps into smaller versions and provide them to the users separately. It might sound like a costlier option to go for, but sometimes it works because accommodating all in one could become confusing for the user to use. For example, a travel agency could separate air booking, land bookings, water bookings, and train bookings; then, it is called encapsulating the app. This will enable users to make separate bookings without getting confused. · Rehosting This method is also known as Lift and Shift method. In this method of modernizing the app, as the name suggests, the app is lifted and shifted to a new environment altogether. Without redesigning or restructuring its architecture, it is moved to a robust environment. No significant changes are made to databases, applications, or processes. One way to put it is that when you move a house, you pack up everything and take it to another place. The basic stuff remains the same – kitchen utensils, furniture, fixtures, etc. Just the place we live in, changes. The advantage is that the company invests a lot in making legacy apps and that investment is saved by modernizing the app. · Replatforming Replatforming the app doesn't require changing the core application. It remains the same. What changes here are the functionalities and user experience. They are enhanced. It upgrades the application to work optimally in the cloud without rewriting the core architecture. If the brand chooses to Replatform, it will help you integrate the services, improving the productivity of staff and minimizing human errors. It is always better than restructuring, which is costly and time-consuming. With Replatforming the application, a developer can always reuse the language, codes, and framework to speed up the process. · Refactoring Refactoring the application increases its life of the app. It involves rewriting one or more app components to take advantage of the public cloud. Refactoring of the app works with new languages and tools like replacing the older Oracle database with modern AWS aurora. Application refactoring improves the app's performance, adding needed new functionality, strengthening security, or adding support for mobile platforms such as iOS and Android, which can expand an application’s reach through the app stores for those new platforms. · Rearchitecting It is one of the most complicated methods of modernizing mobile apps. It involves completely overhauling the existing mobile application framework and re-imagining how application architecture is conceptualized and developed. With mobile app rearchitecting, brands acquire more scalability, agility, and enhanced capabilities. The serverless architecture, where servers are outsourced from third-party apps, is the perfect example of modernizing mobile apps through rearchitecting. · Rebuilding Rebuilding the app is stage 49 of mobile app modernization if we consider replacing the app as stage 50 of it. In a way, the app is changed completely, but the originality is not lost. As the name suggests, the legacy app doesn't lose its legacy. It is similar to rearchitecting the app, but the significant difference is in the actual process. While in rearchitect, the app is remodeled, whereas, in rebuilding, it is re-developed and relaunched in a completely new avatar. · Replacing Replacing the mobile app is the mobile-modernized version of people who come back bigger and better after a job loss. Just the way people lost themselves in the pandemic, but they emerged out of it more robust and better. Similarly, replacing the current mobile app with the new one for better results. The app is replaced with a completely new structure, scope, and functionalities. In this model, more unique, more robust, and scalable technologies such as Cloud computing is deployed to make the modern application more ROI-centric and more productive. The Benefits of Mobile Apps Modernization Application Modernization is the practice of updating the older software to a newer dynamic version of it, including changing the language, framework, and infrastructure of the program. There are various benefits of mobile app modernization. A few are mentioned below: · Cloud Modernization While competitors of yours might still be wondering whether to move to better technology, you be the first one to adapt to it. Be the first one to nullify the possibility of being a laggard. Go ahead and invest in cloud modernization. · Boost in Productivity According to trusted sources, updating the apps could boost everyone's productivity, including designer, developer, and user, by 40%. The modern application would remove bugs and defects by 60%. With the help of new technology, the app will launch and run smoothly. · Security Apps with old features and security systems find it hard to stand against modern security standards. The developers admit that legacy applications are vulnerable to hackers. Modernizing apps involves increasing the security of the apps, making it more challenging for hackers to steal data. · Increased User Satisfaction Whether the employees are using the app or the user, the task becomes a hassle. But modernizing the application with a refined user-facing interface, leading-edge functionalities, and innovative features improves not only customer satisfaction but also the brand reputation. · Compatibility And Responsiveness If the app is modernized, its interoperability will be enhanced with every new technology, platform, and code. In addition, it enables organizations to seamlessly integrate their applications so they're better positioned to meet current and future business demands. The bottom line is: Need we say more about the modernization of mobile apps? It is not a luxury but a necessity. Once you modernize the apps, you’ll be able to add more features and enhance them thoroughly according to the users' requirements. I hope this post helped you understand why the modernization of the app is a must.

Everyone experiences setbacks, but you can use them as an opportunity to start something new. A career setback can be the perfect time to become a business owner and take control of your life. Shared below by Olive + Ash Design , here are some tips on how to turn a potentially negative situation into a positive one by starting your own business. Making Your Business an LLC Making your business an LLC (Limited Liability Company) is the first step in legitimizing your company and protecting yourself financially. An LLC protects from certain debts and legal liabilities that may arise from running your business. It also allows you to easily separate personal assets from those of the business. Talk with an attorney or accountant about setting up an LLC for your new venture. Being Able to Call the Shots The beauty of owning a business is that you get to call all the shots . You have full control over what happens in the day-to-day operations of your company, which can be empowering after experiencing a career setback. As a business owner, you get the chance to call the shots and make decisions for yourself without having to answer to anyone else's authority. You have the freedom to set and reach any goals you desire – from tinkering with creative ideas in your home office, launching innovative initiatives, or enjoying greater financial stability for your family – it's all on the table for you. Going into business for yourself isn't always easy, but it does offer something valuable that no other career option can — the self-determination to build a future on your own terms. Familiarizing Yourself with Technology Related to Your Chosen Field Technology advances quickly and LiveAbout notes that business owners need to stay up to date on modern trends in their chosen fields. Do research on any technology-related topics such as software programs or hardware appliances that could benefit your business operations. For instance, if you’re looking for construction takeoffs , you can begin exploring potential tools, from budgeting tools that track expected costs to those made specifically for information sharing with customers. You should also explore the latest technology trends in digital marketing. Marketing in all its forms have always been the bedrock for business success, but in this day and age utilizing a digital marketing strategy is crucial to staying ahead of the curve and getting your products or services in front of your target audience. Take advantage of advertising on your website, social media channels, and platforms like Google. Regardless of the technology tools best suited for your business model, arming yourself with knowledge through research and practice helps give you an edge in today's competitive market. Marketing with Business Cards You Can Make From Online Templates A great way to showcase yourself is through marketing materials like business cards . There are plenty of online templates available if you do not want to go through the trouble of designing them yourself. This can be a great way to create a professional look without having too much upfront cost associated with it until you have established yourself more firmly in the marketplace. Making Hiring Decisions Hiring employees can be tricky but rewarding when done correctly. Lever points out that you should get started by drafting a clear and concise job description . Also, if possible, try interviewing potential candidates based on referrals from trusted sources such as friends or family members who know their abilities firsthand. Once hired, make sure you provide them with clear job expectations so there are no misunderstandings about what their role entails within the company. Making Your Own Schedule Being an entrepreneur brings the freedom and flexibility of scheduling that isn't available with other employment options. No more set 9-5, or extended weekend hours - you can now decide when to take a break, put in extra time if needed and feel empowered knowing it's all up to you. That is why creating your own schedule as a small business owner is so essential for many looking for greater autonomy over their lifestyle choice! By following these tips on making sure everything is properly set up such as forming an LLC, familiarizing yourself with technology-related topics for seamless operations, creating marketing materials like professional-looking business cards through online templates as well as making hiring decisions based on referrals plus being able to set up your own schedule; entrepreneurs who decide down this path will find themselves very happy in their newfound endeavor! Olive + Ash Design offers professional web design, development, and marketing services so you can reflect the awesome work you're already doing without spending a fortune. Reach out today to schedule a strategy session! 630-366-6440

If you’re a small business looking to disrupt the market, your first priority is to effectively integrate and leverage digital innovation. Not only will this give you a competitive edge, but it will also help you to better manage and build your business - let’s take a look at some of the available tools and how they might benefit your enterprise. Cloud Computing Cloud computing can help you to save money on infrastructure costs and give you more flexibility when it comes to scalability. It also makes it easier to collaborate with employees or partners who are based in different locations. Consider using cloud-based solutions for tasks such as email, file storage, and project management. Big Data If you want to compete with the incumbent brands, it’s crucial that you have a good understanding of the data you're working with. Big-data analysis can help you to identify patterns and trends, as well as uncover areas of your own business where you can make improvements. Start by looking at the data you already have, and then consider investing in tools that will help you to harvest and analyze new sets. Mobile Apps When the majority of people use their mobile devices to access the internet, it's important to make sure your website is mobile-friendly. However, you can also take things a step further by developing a proprietary mobile app for your business. This will help you to build a closer relationship with your customers, promote your brand directly and offer them products/services without any middle interference. Digital and Email Marketing Digital marketing , whether in the form of PPC, display network, content campaigns, SEO or even email chains, is the most cost-efficient way to reach new customers. If you’re new to these techniques, start by using email marketing as a way to connect with your target audience and promote your products or services. You can start by creating a list of potential customers, and then send them regular updates about what's new with your business. IT services Tech is an asset for businesses of all sizes, but it can also be a source of frustration when things go wrong. IT services can help you to reduce the risk of problems occurring and provide support when issues do arise. This will free up your time to focus on other aspects of running your business. Online Time-Management Tools There are plenty of online tools available for free that can help your employees to better manage their time and increase productivity. These can be used to track to-do lists, schedule appointments, and plan projects. There are a number of effective options to consider, including Toggl and Harvest, and collaborative calendars, like Calendly, are great for staying up to date on everyone’s schedules. Business Process Management If you aren’t already, you may find it worthwhile to employ a few Business Process Management (BPM) techniques to help ease the transition to digital solutions and increase the efficiency of your operations. BPM can help your organization by automating your digital workflow and encourages regular monitoring and refinement to increase output. Security Measures As you increase your digital presence, it’s important to be wary of the inherent risks online. You can protect your business from cyber threats with a few simple precautions. One easy way to do this is by making use of password-protected PDFs for sensitive files. If any changes need to be made, a free online PDF editor may help . Digital solutions can help businesses of all sizes to better manage their operations, so be sure to carefully consider which solutions will work best for your enterprise before making any purchases. Implementing new solutions can be challenging, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Olive + Ash is committed to helping small businesses unleash their full potential by finding the best web design, development, and marketing solutions to meet your needs. Find out more at: www.oliveandashdesign.com Image by Pexels

Source - Unsplash If you are like many business-minded people then you are probably interested in starting your own company. You may also be like other budding entrepreneurs if you are not sure what type of business you want to start or what product you want to sell. Well, worry not. Here at Olive and Ash Design , we have worked with many different companies so we know how much variety is out there, so we have some tips for how you can choose the type of business you can start today. What Are You Good At? The first question that you need to ask yourself is “what am I good at?” Everyone is good at something and the answer to that question could help you to discover the type of business you should start. So, if you are good at woodworking , then you could start a company where you sell your designs or crafts. If you are good at producing the written word, then you could start a freelance writing or marketing business and see where it takes you. You also need to think about your skills. If you consider yourself to be a people person then you could work as a motivational speaker or get into sales. If, instead, you are better behind the computer, then you could work as a programmer or start a business as an affiliate marketer. You just need to look inside and start writing down ideas and you never know what you will discover. What Are Your Time Constraints? You should also think about how much time you have available to start a business. Do you have enough time to create the business from the ground up and perfect every minor component in the process? If so, then you can build a more comprehensive business with multiple employees and form an LLC. However, if you don’t have much time then you might have to start your business as a freelancer and expand when possible. Now, look at your list of skills above to determine which idea might fit that mold. Are Your Skills Holding You Back? As entrepreneurs, we can have some pretty lofty ideas, but we might not yet have the skills to pull them off. If that is the case, then it might be a good idea to return to school to earn a degree. If you are already educated in your business of choice, then you might want to go back to get your master’s in business administration. An MBA program is awesome because you will learn all of the ins and outs of business along with being taught about specific scenarios that you might one day face with your own company. The experience can be invaluable. If you currently work at a job or you are otherwise strapped for time, then you can get your MBA online . This is a great option for the busy professional because you will still get the same amazing education but you can do it on your own time. It’s also a smart idea because you can get your degree while working at your regular job so you can make the money you need to pay for your classes. Get a Mentor If you are still unsure of the type of business that you want to start then you might consider obtaining the help of a mentor who can guide you along the way. You can find a mentor by searching sites like LinkedIn , attending networking events, or by talking to work associates that you already know. This person may or may not want to take a cut of your business, but in either case, they will help you with creating your idea, fine-tuning it, and getting it ready for production. Some mentors may be able to help you to conduct market research to see if your idea is strong enough for your current location. If you were ever going to ask for help, then this is the time. In the end, just because you can’t come up with a business idea now, it doesn’t mean that all is lost. Instead, use the tips here and you will find the answers you are looking for. Once you have a business, Olive and Ash Design can help with your website. When you’re ready, contact us at 630-366-6440.