Launching a new decorative concrete business is exciting! Here’s a suggested timeline to help you map out key milestones for a successful launch:
3-6 Months Before Launch: Planning & Preparation
- Market Research (Week 1-2)
- Research competitors in your area and determine your target market.
- Identify your unique selling points (USPs).
- Business Plan Development (Week 3-4)
- Write a detailed business plan outlining your services, pricing strategy, marketing approach, and growth projections. (CTi offers a template to get you started, go to: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1maqUe0b0EN1D7NB8mhuX_KIe671KrgJc/view
- Include operational details such as suppliers, equipment, and staffing.
- Legal & Financial Setup (Week 4-6)
- Register your business with the appropriate authorities (business name, legal structure, etc.).
- Open a business bank account and set up accounting software.
- Apply for any necessary licenses or permits (local, state, federal).
- Brand Development (Week 5-6)
- Create a memorable brand name, logo, and tagline.
- Design business cards, brochures, and other marketing materials. CTi offers brochures to use, go to: https://ctidealersupport.com/training-manual/business-building/brochure-artwork-copy/
- Develop your business’s color scheme, fonts, and other visual branding elements.
2-3 Months Before Launch: Building Infrastructure
- Website & Social Media Setup (Week 7-8)
- Build a professional website showcasing your services, portfolio, pricing, and contact info.
- Set up social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.) and start posting relevant content (before/after photos, tips, client testimonials).
- Consider SEO strategies for better online visibility.
- Suppliers and Equipment (Week 7-8)
- Purchase necessary tools and equipment for your services.
- Build relationships with concrete suppliers for materials, finishes, and additives.
- Look into insurance options for your business (general liability, worker’s comp, etc.).
- Hiring & Training (Week 9-10)
- If needed, begin hiring employees or subcontractors.
- Provide training on company processes, safety standards, and customer service.
1-2 Months Before Launch: Marketing & Promotion
- Pre-launch Marketing (Week 11-12)
- Begin teaser campaigns on social media with sneak peeks of your work or behind-the-scenes content.
- Offer early bird discounts or promotions to create excitement.
- Start building an email list by offering a free guide or checklist related to decorative concrete (e.g., “Top 10 Ideas for Concrete Flooring”).
- Networking & Partnerships (Week 12-13)
- Attend local business networking events to introduce your business.
- Reach out to real estate agents, interior designers, contractors, and architects to establish potential referral partnerships.
- Prepare for Launch Event (Week 13-14)
- Plan a grand opening event or online promotion.
- Offer free demonstrations or workshops to showcase your skills.
- Prepare press releases or local media outreach.
Launch Week: Go Live!
- Official Launch (Week 15)
- Announce your launch via social media, email, and your website.
- Hold your grand opening event, whether online or in-person, to engage with potential clients.
- Run introductory discounts or package deals for early customers.
- Follow-up & Customer Engagement (Week 16-17)
- Collect testimonials from initial clients to showcase on your website and social media.
- Follow up with leads or contacts who didn’t convert during launch.
- Engage with customers by offering exceptional service and post-launch promotions.
Ongoing (1-3 Months After Launch)
- Monitor Performance & Adjust (Month 2-3)
- Track business performance against initial goals (revenue, social media engagement, etc.).
- Adjust marketing strategies based on what’s working and where there’s room for improvement.
- Continue building relationships with repeat clients and referrals.
- Keep Building Online Presence (Ongoing)
- Keep posting new projects on social media and your website.
- Share customer reviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and tips to build authority.
- Consider blogging or creating educational content about concrete decor to position yourself as an industry expert.
This timeline is adaptable based on your specific needs and resources. You can adjust the pace depending on your goals, but having this structure in place will guide you to a smooth and successful launch! Let me know if you’d like to dive deeper into any part of the process.
