At some point, most of us have thought that we have come up with the ‘next big thing’ that will make us millions and will improve the lives of people that use whatever our idea is.
What happens if you do have a really good idea? It might not grow to be as big as Facebook but there is always room in every market for a fresh perspective. As an entrepreneur, you are generally starting from scratch. You have the idea but you also need to grow the business from the bottom up as well.
So, what do you need to focus on?
You need a website, every business no matter how big or small should have an online presence however it shouldn’t be your main priority – not at the start anyway.
Instead your attention should be focused on marketing your idea. There is no point in having a website if your idea doesn’t take off or no-one knows about it in the first place. All you will be left with is a site that has cost you money but no-one visits.
A website is important but at the initial stages of your big idea it isn’t the most significant thing you need to think about.
For many people their ‘next big idea’ starts off as a hobby. It is something they think will grow and become popular but what often holds them back is getting out of the ‘hobby stage’.
Your big idea should be run as a business. This requires a different state of mind than treating it as your pet project. You need to plan like a business and start to take the prospect of growth, profit and development seriously.
Many fantastic ideas that solve fundamental problems for people never take off the ground because the creators find it difficult to make the transition from treating it as a hobby to looking at it from an objectively business point of view.
It goes without saying that your big idea needs to be marketed to gain interest and also for potential investment.
A marketing budget is a must and this needs to extend well beyond a website and some social media promotion. Of course, this marketing plan should include a website however at the beginning you should focus on raising awareness of your idea and generating interest both for the people that will use your service and for other entrepreneurs who will want to invest.
It is a difficult transition from taking an idea that you have been working on as a pet project to potentially turning it into the next Facebook or Deliveroo.
Many people make the mistake of building a website and thinking that the masses will flock because, well, it’s such a great idea so, why wouldn’t they? A website is important however at the beginning your mind set should be focused on building your idea as a business, marketing it effectively and allowing it to grow and prosper.
If you nail this part then your website will play a much more prominent role in its development.
If you’ve put the groundwork in place and have a plan but need help with getting started, then give us a call on 0121 728 8168 or send an email to hello@darrenlangley.com.