How startup brands can kickstart their digital presence before they even launch

Startups have literally taken over the world. From tech tools like Slack to must-have products like Ring, startups have started a wave that doesn't seem to be settling down any time soon. If you know me, you'd know I have a deep deep deep love for startups and the startup culture. I value the perseverance, goals, and potential of startups and that love has only grown stronger the more I get to know them.

How do you even start..?

A number of the startups I've worked with over the past few years usually have the phrase "I don't know where to start" in our beginning conversations. So I thought I'd share some quick steps startups can do to get their brand awareness up and out there before their launch ⁠— besides working with me of course ;)

• Kickstarter - If you brand is Kickstart capable, then do it! Whether you need the funding or you'd like real life consumer feedback, Kickstarter is a great platform for most brands just starting out. Often, new brand seekers and bloggers (Yes! PR!) will search the platform looking for the next big thing! It may take some work (or even some $$) to get on Kickstarter's specialty features page, but it's almost like the internet's version of Shark Tank IMO. Make sure your brand values, messaging, and product are clearly highlighted and understandable, people want to know who you are and what you stand for before they invest even more time getting to know you. There are other companies as well set to help get your company beta users and awareness, check them out here.

• Social Platforms - If you have your brands name and logo ⁠— run to snag that handle on every social media platform available, even if you don't plan on using it! You never know how your brand is going to grow and handle snatchers are 100% a thing. Not only should you plug in your brand name and handle, you should pop your simple but definitive logo up there as well, you don't need to rush to deck out your pages but having them in your business name is a great start. Make sure the fundamentals are there, so your brand website or app link, what you're offering, and a way for people to connect with you.

• Easy Content - If you've just started branding but you don't have product photos, blogs, or any original content ⁠— make some! It may take you some time but finding oneiric photos or 'edits' that relate to your brand and watermarking is a great way to make starter content. If you like to write or have a writer, push out a couple of blogs for the website. The more of a trail you leave on your platforms, the more you give your consumers to look through. You can even share blogs or content from other brands you aspire to be or work with ⁠— just make sure to tag them for credit and back-linking.

• Engagement - This is perhaps one of the most time consuming aspects of growing your brand's awareness. It involves not only making sure your brand is visible in the right digital spaces, but also also constantly monitoring and watching for keywords and hashtags. There are several platforms like Brand Watch and Social Searcher that can help you filter out and listen to what's most important to consumers, but going through and engaging with individuals is completely up to you! Name drop your brand if someone seems relevantly frustrated on Twitter, drop a positive comment on Instagram accounts, like and follow key brands and influencers. Having these kinds of habits not only help people see you, but it helps social companies and Google see that your brand hold value for the internet.

• Influencer Marketing - I don't think much detail is needed on this. Influencer culture has become somewhat a burden but the numbers don't lie! They are a growing factor in brand awareness and might get you the visibility you need ⁠— but they may, no, they will definitely cost you.

These steps take time and strategy, as does any brand building and awareness campaign! It's important to know that consumers have to grow trust in your brand and they have to make sure you're real. Connecting with them is a great way to reassure them of that. After all these years, word of mouth is still word of mouth :)