Starting a New Business? 10 Must-Do Steps for Sole Traders

In the bustling landscape of entrepreneurship, small business owners, particularly sole traders, have the potential to make it big with meticulous planning and execution. In the UK, small businesses account for over 99% of all businesses, and sole traders form a significant portion of this statistic. 

These entrepreneurs are not just business owners; they are job providers, community builders, and essential cogs in the local market. Sole traders often operate with limited resources but unlimited passion. 

With the right strategies, they can turn their small ventures into thriving enterprises. This article outlines seven essential steps that sole traders can take to give an initial boost to their business:

• Professional Website

In today’s digital age, having a professional website is crucial for any business, including sole traders. A well-designed website serves as a virtual storefront, allowing potential customers to explore services at their convenience. 

It builds credibility and helps in attracting people online. For example, a professional website can showcase expertise, customer testimonials, and provide easy contact information, making it an essential tool for growth. WordPress can be a go to tool for small business owners. 

• Google My Business

Registering with Google My Business is a valuable step for sole traders. It puts the business on the map, literally. For a cleaning company like NCC, it means that when people in Northamptonshire search for cleaning services, NCC’s name appears with essential details like location, contact information, and reviews. 

It enhances visibility and adds value to the business by driving local traffic and building trust.

• Invoice Books

Personalized invoice books are more than just a professional touch; they are a practical tool for maintaining accounts efficiently. For a sole trader like NCC, without being tech-savvy, these invoice books can help track transactions, manage finances, and maintain transparency with clients. It’s a simple yet effective way to keep everything organized and professional. 

• Social Media Accounts

Social media is a powerful tool for small businesses. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allow NCC to connect with the community in Northamptonshire, showcase their cleaning services, share updates, and engage with customers. 

It’s a cost-effective way to build brand awareness and foster relationships with clients.

• Video

Creating a video that explains the services offered and introduces the team can create trust for potential customers. 

For NCC, a well-crafted video showcasing their cleaning expertise, commitment to quality, and friendly staff can resonate with viewers in Northamptonshire, turning prospects into loyal customers.

• Vehicle Wrap

Vehicle wraps are moving billboards that can help sole traders like NCC be more visible while performing work. 

A well-designed wrap on NCC’s cleaning vans, displaying the logo and contact information, can catch the eye of potential clients in Northamptonshire, creating constant brand exposure.

• Using CRM

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools are essential for saving customer contact details, making it easy to reach them for future sessions. 

For NCC, a CRM system can help manage client information, schedule appointments, and provide personalized service, enhancing customer satisfaction and retention. This will also help in keeping your accounts in place. For business in Ireland, accountants Dublin based can help you to manage your business efficiently. 

Starting a business as a sole trader is an exciting yet challenging journey. By focusing on these seven essential aspects, small business owners like NCC can build a robust foundation for growth and increase their sales. 

From creating a professional online presence to leveraging local marketing tools and maintaining efficient customer relationships, these small but significant steps can lead to big success for sole traders to grow faster and make a lasting impact.