Basic Essentials to start a Small Local Business in Minneapolis

Here’s a solid list of basic essentials that a small local business should have in place to effectively promote and grow their brand, attract new customers, and retain existing ones:

? Branding & Online Presence

1. Business Name and Logo – Memorable and professional branding.

2. Website – Mobile-friendly, with clear contact info and services/products listed.

3. Google Business Profile – Essential for local search visibility.

4. Social Media Accounts – At least Facebook and Instagram; LinkedIn or TikTok depending on target market.

5. Domain Name & Email – Custom domain (e.g., yourbusiness.com) and professional email (e.g., info@yourbusiness.com).

? Marketing Tools & Outreach

6. Email Newsletter – Build a list and stay connected with clients.

7. Direct Mail Campaigns – Postcards or flyers to neighborhoods or business lists. SEE: MailBoxPower

8. Printed Business Cards & Brochures – Still useful for in-person networking and referrals.

9. Referral Program – Incentivize happy customers to bring others.

10. Customer Loyalty Program – For repeat business, especially in retail or service sectors.

? Media & Content Creation

11. Video Podcast or Livestream – Build trust and authority; repurpose content for social media.

12. YouTube Channel – Host how-to’s, product highlights, testimonials.

13. Blog – Boost SEO and educate/engage potential customers.

14. Content Calendar – Plan social media, emails, blog posts, and promotions in advance.

? Systems & Tracking

15. CRM (Customer Relationship Management) Tool – Track leads, interactions, and follow-ups.

16. Email Marketing Platform – Like Mailchimp, ConvertKit, or MailerLite.

17. Analytics Tools – Google Analytics, Facebook Insights, etc., to measure performance.

18. Online Scheduling Tool – Let clients book appointments easily.

? Communication & Support

19. Chat/Message Option on Website – For quick questions (live or automated).

20. SMS/Text Marketing – Highly effective for appointment reminders or limited-time offers.

21. Customer Reviews & Testimonials – Use platforms like Google, Yelp, or Facebook.

? Revenue & Sales Tools

22. Point of Sale System – Like Square, Clover, or Shopify POS.

23. Online Payment Processing – Accept credit cards and online payments.

24. Affiliate or Partner Program – Expand your reach through collaborations.

25. eCommerce Option (if applicable) – Sell products or services online.

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