10 Marketing Must-Haves When Starting a Business

Corrin Wakely-Young
Jul 25, 2025
3 min read

AKA: Do these before you hit play on your biz mixtape!

So, you’re starting a business? Congratulations, it’s a big scary step, trust me, I’ve done it too!

But before you cue the confetti cannon, let’s talk about how to crank up the volume on your marketing.

Too many small business owners launch without laying down the foundational tracks that make marketing easier, clearer, and way more effective down the line. Even I (with 17 years marketing experience!) made the mistake of launching without some of these crucial elements in place as solidly as they should have been – and paid the price.

Here are my 10 absolute must-haves to put in place to get your marketing off the ground:

1. Killer Brand Vibe

Your brand is more than just a logo — it’s the full visual and emotional vibe of your business. Lock in your colour palette, fonts, logo, imagery and tone of voice early.

2. Snag Your Digital Real Estate

Your domain name and social media handles are like the front row tickets to your show. Grab them now (even if you’re not ready to use them yet) before someone else does. And keep them as searchable and simple (and as close to your business name if it can’t be exact) as possible.

3. A Website That Works (and WOWs)

Your website should do more than sit there looking pretty. It needs to actually convert visitors into enquiries, bookings or sales. Clear layout, killer copy, mobile-friendly? Yes please.

4. A Professional Email Address

ditchthefreebies@gmail.com doesn’t scream “trust me.” Set up a custom domain email — it shows you mean business. hello@yourbiz.com > anything else.

5. Crystal-Clear Messaging

Can you tell me what you do in one punchy sentence? If not, it’s time to clarify your value proposition. No waffling. No buzzwords. Just straight-up clarity.

6. Google My Business

If you’ve got a local element, claim that GMB listing. It helps people find you (literally) and gets you showing up in local search results, reviews and maps.

7. Pick Your Content Station

Don’t try to be on every platform. Choose one or two channels where your audience is most likely to be (and that you can realistically manage) and do them well. Instagram? Email? YouTube? Go deep, not wide to start with.

8. Create Your First Offer or Package

Don’t wait until everything’s perfect. Start with one clear, juicy offer people can understand and buy into. Make it easy to say YES.

9. Know Your People

Who are you talking to? Be specific. Knowing your ideal customer (and their pain points) helps you create content, offers, and messaging that actually lands.

10. Have a Strategy That Slaps

Marketing without a plan? That’s like rocking up to a breakdance battle with no moves. You need goals, tactics and timelines — even if they’re basic to start.

The Takeaway?

Don’t overcomplicate it. These 10 steps are your launchpad. Nail the essentials now, and your future self will thank you — probably with a boombox over their shoulder.

Need some help to get started? That's where I come in, to help you:

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