Welcome to our 30 Day 'Start a Business' Challenge — a helpful guide for aspiring small business owners who are brimming with ideas but a little unsure of where to start.
In just 30 days, we're going to walk you through the process of starting your business, one small step at a time.
This challenge is all about progress over perfection.
With our easy-to-follow steps, comprehensive resources, and a dollop of determination, you'll be well on your way to becoming your own boss. Let’s get started!
Pressed for time? Or would you rather complete larger chunks at once? We’ve grouped days into modules that flow from one task to the next. Whether you prefer to tackle small daily tasks or a whole module in a single session, the choice is yours!
Free printable calendar!
💡 Days 1-3: Ideation and brainstorming
Day 1: Know your "why" and purpose
We're kicking off our 30-day journey today with a heart-to-heart. Ask yourself, "why do I want to start a business?" Is it to create a new product, provide a unique service, or maybe disrupt an existing industry?
Whatever your reason, write it down on a sheet of paper.
Remember, there is no right or wrong answer here. This is your passion, your drive, your WHY. Let's start this journey with clarity and purpose. Every great business endeavor begins with a compelling mission, and yours starts here, with you.
Day 2: Define your business idea, goals and value proposition
Today, we're all about defining your business idea, refining your goals, and carving out your unique value proposition. This is the fun part where you get to let your imagination run wild! Picture your vision, and put it down in clear, concise words. Ask yourself:
- What problem are you solving?
- Who are you helping?
- What makes your business different?
Task list:
- Write down your vision. Consider what problems you're solving, who you're helping, and how your business would be different.
- Test out business name ideas using GoDaddy Airo.
Bonus action item:
- Need help figuring out a specific type of small business that fits your vision? Check out our small business ideas blog article for inspiration!
Day 3: Define your brand
We’re going to work towards defining the soul of your business- your brand. To do that, we're going to dive into the adjectives that you feel best represent your brand. Are you cool, edgy, elegant, trustworthy, or maybe playful? Start by jotting down a list of adjectives that resonate with you.
Then, let's move on to brand archetypes. These are the personalities your brand can take on. Think of it as casting the leading role for the story of your business.
Are you friendly and casual, or authoritative and formal? Choose a personality that makes sense for your brand and stick with it.
Here are the 12 brand archetypes:
- The Creator
- The Sage
- The Caregiver
- The Innocent
- The Jester
- The Magician
- The Ruler
- The Hero
- The Regular Guy/Gal
- The Rebel
- The Explorer
- The Lover
To learn more about these archetypes, download the complete brand archetype deck.
Select your top 5, then narrow it down to your top 3, and finally, your top 1. Don't stress, this isn't set in stone! It's all part of your business journey and can evolve as you grow.
Task list:
- Using the steps above, determine your ideal brand archetype.
🌐 Days 4-8: Claim your name
Day 4: Choose your domain name
It's time to give your business a digital address! Today, your challenge is to choose a domain name. This is an exciting step in establishing your online presence.
Remember, this name will be the first impression for many potential customers, so make it count!
And don't worry about getting it perfect - remember, we're all about progress here. Make a choice that feels good today and know that every step forward is a victory.
Task list:
- Narrow down and register the domain name that you'll be using for your business.
Need help coming up with domain options? GoDaddy Airo™ can lend a hand. With the help of Airo™'s AI-generated suggestions, select a domain name that truly embodies your brand.
Day 5: Logo exploration
Day 5 is all about branding your company with a logo. Dive into logo options and explore the designs that resonate with your brand's personality.
Your logo is the face of your brand, it's what people will remember you by.
So, take your time, mix and match, customize and once you find “the one” finalize it. This logo will be your brand's badge of honor across all channels. You're not just picking a logo, you're choosing a symbol for your dream. So, go forth and brand away!
Task list:
- Start exploring logo options for your business.
- Read through our comprehensive guide on creating a logo.
Day 6: Draft your website
Today, let’s get a jump start on creating your draft website. Since we're aiming for progress, not perfection, don’t overthink it here. The goal for today is to just get a basic site up and running.
For inspiration, take a look at the “link in bio” sites that you see on social media sites. Keep it simple but effective. Customize the design, layout, and content to suit your business needs. This is your online HQ, your space to shine. So let's get cracking, it's all about taking that first step!
Task list:
- Research basic "link in bio" websites for inspiration.
- Publish your landing page!
Bonus action item:
- Take a look at the basics of building a home page.
Day 7: Secure social media handles
For day 7, the challenge is all about staking your claim in the digital world. You're going to secure your social media handles. Using what you've learned about your business's goals and values, create consistent, catchy, and memorable handles that resonate with you and your potential clients.
Once you’ve settled on your favorite, hop onto various social media platforms and claim those handles. If your chosen handle isn't available, try some creative workarounds, such as adding "TheReal" or "TheOfficial" in front of your business name.
Task list:
- Brainstorm social media handles for your business.
- Search for and secure the social media handles for your business name.
Day 8: Establish professional email
Welcome to day 8, entrepreneurs! Today's task is all about setting up a professional email address.
A professional email is not just about communication; it's your digital handshake to the business world. It ensures a consistent brand image and sets you apart in your client's inbox.
Using your new domain enables you to step out of the free email address arena and into "yourname@yourbusiness.com" — looks way more official, right?
Task list:
- Check out the blog article above on how professional email is a better option than free email.
- Get your email address set up.
👀 Days 9-10: Check out the competition
Day 9: Customer psychology
Today, we're diving deep into the fascinating world of customer psychology. Understanding your customers' needs, wants, and motivations is key to creating irresistible offers, crafting a Unique Selling Proposition (USP) that's second to none, and skyrocketing your conversions.
Task list:
- Watch the video above on customer personas.
- Skim through our free AI prompts on marketing to a target audience.
- Review our blog post about customer personas.
Additional resources:
Our AI prompt library has several insightful prompts to help you explore the psyche of your target audience. Your business is not just about what you sell, but who you sell to and how you make them feel. So, let’s tap into the psychology of your future customers and make your business their go-to!
Day 10: Competitive analysis
We're already a third of the way through our journey and you're doing great! Now it's time to get a little competitive. Your challenge for today is to examine your competitors. Understand what they're doing well, and where they might be falling short.
This isn't about copying them, but about learning and innovating.
Write down your discoveries and start brainstorming ways for your business to solve a problem that your competitors aren't or can't. By recognizing their strengths and weaknesses, you're gearing up to make your business stand out from the crowd.
This is your opportunity to shine brighter, to offer something unique and irresistible. It's time to start crafting your own special secret sauce that'll make your business not just another player, but a game-changer.
Task list:
Write down your business strengths and the problems that your business can solve using SWOT analysis.
Check out our blog posts above on how to do competitive research.
Watch our help video on researching your competition.
💻 Days 11-13: Take your business live
Day 11: Set your pricing strategy
Today's challenge is to set your pricing strategy. Whether your business will be in the service industry, restaurant, or retail, it's essential to establish a pricing strategy that reflects your product's value and your business goals.
It's not just about covering costs - your price is a statement of your worth.
Next, you’ll want to set up your payment gateway of choice and get your products configured there.
Day 12: Legalize your business
Today, we're tackling the nitty-gritty, but oh-so-necessary, step of legalizing your business.
By completing the required paperwork and filings, you're not only establishing your business legally, but you're also taking a monumental step toward making your dream a reality. So, let's dive in, embrace today's challenge, and get you one step closer to your entrepreneurial success story.
Day 13: Refine your website and launch it
Today is the day you've been preparing for - it's time to launch your website to the world! But first, let's put the finishing touches on it.
- Your homepage is your digital handshake, so make it inviting.
- Your About page is your story, so make it compelling.
- Your Services page is your showcase, so make it impressive. And let's not forget the terms of service - your safety net, so make it comprehensive.
Refine, optimize, and then… LAUNCH!
You've got the power to make this happen. This is your dream unfolding one day at a time. So, take a deep breath, count to three, and hit that launch button!
Task list:
- Check out the video above on how to simplify your web copy.
- Use our handy website launch checklist and make sure you're ready to go.
- Launch your site!
📈 Days 14-20: Set your marketing strategy
Day 14: Craft a social media strategy
For day 14, we're jumping into the dynamic world of social media. It's time to strategize and plan your digital presence.
Keep in mind that being on social media isn't just about creating posts; it's about fostering connections and conversations with your future customers. So, get ready to plan, schedule, and post content that truly represents your brand. Let's make your business the talk of the town, one social media post at a time. Keep going — you're doing amazing!
And, if you need an additional boost, with Airo's AI-generated social post suggestions, you'll be crafting bespoke content that resonates with your audience in no time.
Day 15: Plan ad campaigns
We're at the halfway point! Today is all about leveraging Airo's AI brilliance to help you plan marketing campaigns that really shine. It's time to get laser-focused on your target audience, set a budget, and choose your ad platforms.
But we’re not stopping there! We're going to create a content calendar that ensures your marketing stays on track. Let's do this!
Task list:
- Take a look at our AI prompts and get started on crafting your marketing messaging.
- Create a content calendar for your marketing efforts.
Bonus action item:
Check out our video series on using the Marketing Planner Tool for GoDaddy Website Builder.
Day 16: Learn effective email marketing techniques
For today's challenge, we're discussing email marketing. This is a high-impact, low-cost way to keep your audience engaged and to drive sales.
We'll be covering the nuts and bolts of creating catchy subject lines, writing compelling content, segmenting your subscribers, and analyzing open rates. The aim here is to build relationships and keep your brand on top of the minds of your customers.
Task list:
- Read our email marketing guide to learn the basics.
Day 17: Design custom email templates
Continuing with the theme from yesterday's challenge, it's time to craft some eye-catching and professional email templates.
Don't fret over getting it perfect right away; this is all about progress and making a start.
Keep it simple, keep it engaging, and most importantly, keep it authentic. Whether it's a newsletter or a simple thank-you note, each communication from your business should spark joy and connection with your audience. So, let's start sprinkling some of your brand magic into those inboxes!
Task list:
- Using our help video series, learn all about how you can build a custom email template.
- Start building out your email template. Remember, you can always save your template and come back later.
Bonus action item:
- Check out our comprehensive blog post on designing effect email templates.
Day 18: Monitor and analyze your key metrics
Day 18: Monitor and analyze your key metrics
Today's task is all about understanding the pulse of your business via metrics. We’ll equip you with the know-how to set up monitoring tools, give you a crash course in reading and applying the output, and even spill the beans on how to stay up-to-date with Google updates.
Data is your friend! It tells the story of your business and reveals what's working and what needs tweaking. You're not just building a business, you're creating a success story one data point at a time!
Day 19: Build your online presence through SEO
Next up, we're discussing the fascinating world of SEO — Search Engine Optimization. In the digital age, a strong online presence is a must-have, not just a nice-to-have. But how do you make sure your business pops up when someone types relative keywords into their search engine?
That's where SEO comes into play.
This isn't about becoming a tech guru overnight, but about understanding the basics and taking strategic steps to improve.
Task list:
- Read through our SEO strategy guide and work towards applying these tips to your website.
- Check out our the SEO features of our Digital Marketing and Website Builder products.
- Talk with an SEO expert.
- Watch our SEO tool help guide.
Day 20: Build relationships through networking
It's day 20 of our exciting journey, and today's challenge is all about building relationships through networking and partnerships. Success in business isn't a solo venture—it's a community effort!
Today, we'll guide you through the process of finding and building partnerships within your local community. Remember, no business is an island and by cultivating strong relationships, you're creating a community that will support and grow with your business. Let's get out there and start connecting!
🍏 Days 21-27: Establish a healthy business routine
Day 21: Implement effective time management strategies
Business life can feel like a whirlwind and it's easy to feel like you're falling behind. Today's challenge is all about learning to manage a full business day effectively.
Here are some super practical time management strategies to help you maximize productivity and maintain a healthy balance between work and leisure. Experiment with these strategies, see what works for you, and take one step closer to your entrepreneurial dream.
Day 22: Utilize customer feedback to improve your business
Today's challenge shines a spotlight on the benefits of customer feedback. Whether it's a pat on the back or constructive criticism, every piece of feedback is a chance to learn and grow.
We'll discuss how to handle negative reviews with grace and professionalism, as well as how to turn reviews into opportunities for improvement. Plus, we'll explore how to harness feedback from social media to make your business even better. Every piece of feedback, positive or negative, is a useful. It's a direct line into your customers' minds, helping you understand their needs better.
Task list:
- Enable customer reviews on your website.
- Review the blog post below to learn all about how feedback can help your business excel.
Day 23: Enhance customer service and support systems
Customer service is the heart and soul of any successful operation. It's not just about solving problems, but also about creating an unforgettable positive experience for your customers.
Whether it's a friendly voice on the other end of the line, a quick response to an email, or a helpful tutorial video, every interaction counts.
Let's start by brainstorming how your business can provide stellar customer service that not only meets but exceeds expectations. This could mean setting up an easy-to-navigate FAQ page, implementing a live chat feature, or creating a dedicated customer service email. Let's get started, your customers will thank you for it!
Day 24: Develop a strategic growth plan
Today is all about strategic growth planning. Don't fret if your business hasn’t done much yet, this is all about future planning. Identify the strengths that will propel your business forward and pinpoint growth opportunities.
Envision expanding into new markets, introducing innovative products, or offering unique services. Keep it realistic, actionable, and aligned with your business goals. Let's dream big and plan strategically for a future where you and your business are thriving!
Day 25: Set up a regular financial review
It's day 25, let's discuss the importance of scheduling a regular financial review routine. This is like a check-up for your business to make sure it's growing strong and healthy.
Using financial tracking software, you'll monitor revenues, expenses, and profitability. Don't worry if numbers aren't your thing - this task is about setting up a system and getting familiar with it. Empower yourself and build a robust foundation for your future success.
Day 26: Implement a customer loyalty program
Today, we're focusing on the source of every successful business - your customers! It's time to say a big "Thank You" to those who keep coming back for more.
Customer loyalty programs are a fantastic way to reward your loyal customers with exclusive deals, discounts, or other sweet perks. Not only does it show your appreciation, but it also encourages them to continue choosing your business. And don't forget about a referral program! Your most loyal customers are often your biggest advocates, so why not reward them for spreading the word about your fantastic business? It's not about a grand gesture, but about consistent appreciation.
Day 27: Explore funding options for business growth
Today, we'll discuss exploring funding options for your future business growth. Whether it's securing a bank loan, attracting investors, or personal finances, the key is to pick the right fuel to supercharge your business journey.
Take a moment to review your growth plans.
Jot down your financial needs and discuss them with your financial advisor. Planning now can help you to make smart, informed decisions that can fuel your business growth down the road.
🔍 Days 28-29: Refine and solidify your processes
Day 28: Solidify your sales strategy
Today is all about fine-tuning your sales strategy. We're diving into the nitty-gritty of understanding your sales process and pipeline. You're going to learn how to negotiate like pro and close deals with confidence.
We'll explore potential sales channels that could open up new possibilities for your business, as well as tips for crafting effective sales pitches.
Task list:
- Watch our comprehensive guide on how to create an online sales strategy.
- Write down at least 3 ways that you can improve your current sales strategy and work to incorporate those strategies into your business.
Day 29: Refine, optimize, and test
Today, let's discuss the art of fine-tuning your small business plans. Your website, social media presence, and ad campaigns are all living, breathing entities that need love and attention to flourish.
It's time to roll up your sleeves, gather feedback, and start refining your business strategy.
This is your business, and every little improvement you make brings you closer to your goals.
🎆 Day 30: Celebrate!
Day 30: Celebrate your achievements
You made it! Today is all about celebrating your accomplishments. Take a moment to appreciate the fantastic journey you've been on. Look back at the progress you've made, the hurdles you've overcome, and the knowledge you've gained.
Now it's time to plan for the future!
Consider the next steps in your entrepreneurial journey, armed with the skills, knowledge, and confidence you've gained. Keep on learning, keep on growing, and most importantly, keep celebrating your victories, both big and small.
Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice from GoDaddy on any subject matter.
