New Business Ownership in Atlanta

June, 2015 - You've officially made the long anticipated decision to open your business. You are excited by the possibilities and freedoms of being a business owner but then uncertainty sets in. Are you making the right decision? Are you competitive enough to shape and mold a business into a recognizable and desirable brand? Is your

product and/or service something people want? Fortunately for startups in Atlanta, resources are plentiful. Not only is business ownerships highly encouraged by the state of Georgia, they have also created several tax incentives to help sway your decision. Here are some things you should do before starting your business in the beautiful Atlanta region.

❑ Create Your Business Plan ❑ Get Business Assistance and Training ❑ Choose a Location ❑ Finance Your Business ❑ Determine the Legal Structure of Your Business ❑ Register Your Business Name, or DBA ❑ Get a Tax Identification Number ❑ Register for State and Local Taxes ❑ Obtain Business Licenses and Permits

Why is a Business Plan Important? Having a solid business plan is imperative. It is a tool for understanding your business's structure. You can use it to monitor progress, to hold yourself accountable and control the business's direction. Equally important, it is a sales and recruiting tool for selecting employees and future investors. For more information about registering your business, finance options, obtaining a tax identification number, permits and licensing, etc., visit here.

On the marketing side of operations, you should also:

❑ Grow Your Email List ❑ Claim Your Custom URL ❑ Design a Responsive Website ❑ Claim Your Social Sites ❑ Start the Hype Behind Your Product or Service through Social

Platforms ❑ Blog - This is great for community building and local SEO ❑ Register with Search Domains ❑ Community Outreach - Get to know local people and businesses in

your industry ❑ Write a Press Release - Introduce your business to the community

Developing your brand takes time. It involves thoughtful planning, experimentation and endless follow-through. Once the legalities are handled, you really have to focus on the intricacies that will make up your brand. Social networks are a remarkable tool for reaching your audience and then engaging them through social posts and contests. By offering multiple platforms of communication, you encourage your site visitors to ask questions and make comments. Customers crave this type of attention and if you are good to them, they will return the favor by sharing your product or services with friends and family, in-person and/or on their social sites. A good rule of thumb with social networks, however; only create sites you will actively manage. A social page with little activity can confuse your audience and lead them to believe your business is closed or doesn't care. Neither impression is ideal. If you would like more information about designing a go-to-market strategy that will help your business soar, visit The HARDCANDY Agency website here.