Starting a wellness business can be an exciting and fulfilling endeavor. However, it’s important to have the right tools in order to get off on the right foot. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available for those looking for ways to set up their business with minimal upfront cost. Here are five essential tools that a wellness practitioner needs to start their business for nearly nothing.
1. Brand logo.
When creating a brand name, you can opt for a catchy phrase or even use your own name. Ultimately, you will want to create a logo that is unique and memorable. Use an online logo maker to design one or hire a professional graphic designer on sites like Fiverr.com to work with you on the project.
Using a site like Canva can help you look at pre-designed brand logo templates that, once again, you can customize. You can then use this brand identity to be consistent across all platforms. You will want to make sure that you have a unified look for all communications materials such as business cards, flyers, and banners.
You can also use this logo design to create digital assets such as cover images for social media accounts, profile pictures, and background images. It is a great way of branding yourself and conveying an overall message for what you do as a business.
2. A Website.
Create a website to showcase your services, list contact information and create an online booking system.
Having an online presence will help people not only find you locally and remotely, but also give you the opportunity to establish credibility. A website should include detailed information about your services and a way for customers to easily book appointments.
There are many free and affordable options to create a website. One suggestion I highly recommend is using Canva.com, a free and powerful design site that offers pre-designed templates that you can customize! That's right! Canva already has hundreds of page layouts for you to choose from, so you won't forget the important parts you'll need in your site, like the About Me, Products and Services and Contact Us pages.
Simply go to Canva and type website in the search bar. Then, thumb through the many designs and begin creating your own. They even let you use a website they provide if you do not yet have your own domain purchased.
3. Social Media Presence.
Social media is essential to reach potential clients and generate leads. Set up a Facebook, Instagram and Twitter account for your business. Of course, there are paid advertising options, but you can certainly grow your online presence organically.
Start by creating content that is engaging and interesting to your target audience. You can post pictures, videos and stories related to your services as well as helpful tips and advice. This will help drive traffic to your website and build a relationship with potential clients.
You may also consider joining relevant groups on social media platforms so you can share your content and increase your visibility. You want to be sure to include a link back to your website in all of your posts so that people can easily find you and learn more about what you do.
4. Payment Processing Software.
A payment processing system allows you to accept payments online, in-person and through invoicing. There are many options that will not cost you a ton in fees, while also keeping track of all your income and expenses so you can accurately report numbers at tax time.
Some options include Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, Square and more. Their fees will vary but can be worth the convenience and security they provide. The last thing you want is to not have a secure way of collecting payments or getting paid in full. Research all the payment processing services available to you and choose one that is best for your business.
5. Accounting Software.
Use an accounting software such as Xero or QuickBooks to manage your finances, generate invoices and track expenses. There are affordable options that include basic features such as tracking income, expenses and invoices.
These programs are also incredibly helpful for tax season. All your financial information is in one place which makes it easier to stay organized and keep track of everything. Research all the available software options that fit your budget and choose one that will make managing your business finances much simpler.
These 5 tools are pretty much all you need to get started with your wellness business for nearly nothing. With the right combination of skill, determination and a commitment to showing up, you can turn these tools into a thriving and profitable practice. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start building your dream business! See you in class!
