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Solo's blog provides the resources that microbusinesses, solopreneurs, freelancers, and other super-small businesses need to start, operate, and grow.

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In this article:\n12 local business resources in Dallas, TX\nStarting up and growing your business can seem daunting, especially if you try to do it all on your own. Fortunately for you, you aren’t alone. Most small businesses have a plethora of free and low-cost resources available to them right within their own communities. \nWe have compiled this list of helpful local resources for small businesses in the Dallas, TX area. You can view resources from five distinct categories and select those that your business can benefit most from:\nComprehensive business resource\nBusiness classes and advisors\nFinancial assistance\nChambers of commerce\nEmployment resources\nComprehensive business resources in Dallas, TX\nThese comprehensive resources can help your small business in several different areas from marketing and management to finding the best startup funds. \nNorth Texas Small Business Development Center (SBDC)\nThe North Texas SBDC is dedicated to helping small businesses get started and continue to grow in order to help the United States’ small business owners find success. The growth of small businesses is important for the nation’s economic growth, so most states and large cities have a branch of the SBDC in order to help further this goal. \nThis branch in North Texas holds a variety of seminars and trainings for small business owners, including the following:\nLoan planning\nTaxes\nMarketing\nManagement\nAcquiring a trademark or patent\nDesigning a web page\nWriting bid proposals\nAnd more!\nContact the North Texas SBDC:\nNorth Texas Small Business Development Center
1402 Corinth Street, Suite 2100
Dallas, TX 75215\nPhone: (214) 860-5831
Website: \nntsbdc.org\nThe Dallas Entrepreneur Center (The DEC)\nThe DEC’s mission is to help entrepreneurs in Dallas, TX to start up and grow their businesses. Through a network of local organizations, the DEC offers mentorship opportunities, training, community, and advocacy for your business. \nYou can find a new course to attend and acquire new business-related knowledge almost every week through this organization. \nContact the DEC:\nThe Dallas Entrepreneur Center
3102 Oak Lawn Ave #109
Dallas, TX 75219\nPhone: (469) 480-4466\nWebsite: \nthedec.co\n\nBusiness classes and advisors in the Dallas area\nThese resources can help your business gain the proper training, education, or mentorship opportunities that you need to continue to provide the best customer experience and grow.\nDallas SCORE\nSCORE helps small businesses all over the U.S. through mentoring and training. SCORE is able to offer free consultation services from a variety of volunteer mentors and advisors who have run their own successful businesses. Through this organization, you can participate in a variety of local workshops almost on a weekly basis. \nContact SCORE to find out what they can do for your business:\nDallas SCORE
15301 Spectrum Drive, Suite 110
Addison, TX 75001\nPhone: (214) 987-9491
Email: help@score.org
Website: \ndallas.score.org\nTexas Wesleyan University\nTexas Wesleyan University offers small business workshops for local entrepreneurs. A business instructor in the School of Business Administration holds three seminars to help business owners find success:\nFree 2-hour Introductory Workshop\nHow to Start a Profitable Small Business\nHow to Run a Profitable Small Business\nSign up for the workshops:\nSchool of Business Administration
Location: Armstrong-Mabee Business Center 
1201 Wesleyan Street
Fort Worth, TX 76105\nPhone: 817-531-4840
Email: soba@txwes.edu
Website: \ntxwes.edu\n\nFinancial assistance for businesses in Dallas, TX\nNeed help securing funds for your business? Check out some of these resources to get the financial assistance you need to start your Texas business on the right foot. \nTexas Economic Development Corporation\nIn coordination with the Office of the Governor, the Texas Economic Development Corporation seeks to further the economic development of Texas by helping small businesses find success. \nOn their website, they provide several different funding options that you can seek out for your business, or you can reach out to them directly to find the best resources for your business. \nContact the Texas Economic Development Corporation:\nTexas Economic Development Corporation
P.O. Box 684702
Austin, TX 78768\nPhone: (512) 981-6736
Website: \nbusinessintexas.com\nTexas Grant Watch\nLearn about any new or upcoming grants that your small business is qualified to receive with Texas Grant Watch. This resource stays up to date on the best grant opportunities for small businesses with information on the deadlines, how to apply, and how much the grant can offer you. \nVisit \ntexas.grantwatch.com\n to view current grant opportunities in Texas. \nLocal chambers of commerce\nChambers of commerce seek to provide economic development for their communities through assisting small businesses in their endeavors and helping them find success. As a member of a chamber, your business can gain invaluable connections through networking events and access resources for marketing and running your business. \nNorth Dallas Chamber of Commerce
10707 Preston Rd
Dallas, TX 75230\nPhone: (214) 368-6485
Email: gwilliams@ndcc.org
Website: \nhttps://ndcc.org/\nGreater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce
9543 Losa Dr., Suite 118
Dallas, TX 75218\nPhone: (214) 328-4100
Email: president@eastdallaschamber.com
Website: \nhttps://www.eastdallaschamber.com/\nOak Cliff Chamber of Commerce
1001 N. Bishop Ave.
Dallas, TX 75208\nPhone: (214) 943-4567
Website: \nhttps://www.oakcliffchamber.org/\n \nQuick guide: \nChamber of commerce basics: what they do and why you should join\n \nEmployment resources for Dallas, TX small businesses\nIf your business will need to hire employees now or in the future, keep these local resources on call to help you find the perfect candidates for open positions. \nBabich & Associates\nThis organization has more than 20 years of experience in placing the best possible candidates in jobs all across the board—from the manufacturing floor to the executive team. They will provide each candidate with a background on your company and the position as well as provide coaching for the interview process. \nThen they will send you potential hires who fit your job description and are likely to get the position. \nContact information:\nBabich & Associates
6030 E Mockingbird Lane
Dallas, TX 75206\nPhone: (214) 823-9999
Email: jobs@babich.com
Website: \nhttps://www.babich.com/\n\nTexas Workforce Commission (TWC)\nThe TWC provides information for employers and employees about employee rights and laws specific to Texas businesses. Find information about workers’ compensation, discrimination, minimum wage, child labor laws, and more at \ntwc.texas.gov\n. \n


12 helpful small business resources in Dallas, TX

In this article:\nHow Alignable helps your small business\nHow to create and claim your Alignable account\nWhat should you do next?\nAlignable is the ultimate business-to-business (B2B) network for local, small businesses. By creating an account on Alignable, you can connect with other businesses, ask and answer questions, and learn more about what your competitors are doing. We created a step-by-step tutorial for adding your business to Alignable.\nAdding your business to Alignable’s directory will also help drive more customers to your business in general, whether you primarily sell to other businesses or direct to consumers. \nHow can Alignable help my small business?\nFirst, we want to emphasize how important online business listings are, even for small, brick-and-mortar shops. Any reputable listing site can help your business whether you utilize its full capabilities or not. Adding your business to multiple online directories, commonly called citation building, is a huge step toward improving your local SEO (search engine optimization). \nGo deeper: \n15 free tips for better local search rankings\nBeyond that, here are a few awesome perks that Alignable can offer your business:\nOpportunities to connect and collaborate with other businesses in your industry\nGet (and provide) valuable insights on Alignable’s Q&A forums\nCreate promotions for products and services\nIf that all sounds good, continue on to create your free business account on Alignable!\nHow to create and claim your Alignable business profile\nLet’s get to it. \nStep 1: Sign up for an Alignable account \nFirst, go to \nalignable.com\n and click “Sign up.” Enter your email on the next screen and click “Sign Up, It’s Free.”\nStep 2: Add your business to Alignable\nOn the next screen, be sure to enter your first and last name and the name of your business. If your business is already in Alignable’s directory, it will generate a dropdown item for you to click your business. If your business isn’t there, then you can just type the name of your business here. Click “Continue.”\n(Image)\n\nThen, add your business address. If your business was already in Alignable’s directory, this information will generate for you. Double-check that your business name and address are correct, make any necessary changes, and click “Complete Profile.”\nNote: There are two options you can check if applicable. \n“Don’t make my address public.” Only check this option if your business is a service area business and the address you listed is not a place where customers can visit you. \n“I have multiple business locations.” If you have more than one location, take advantage of this option. Alignable will allow you to add multiple locations into one account, rather than having to create a new account for each location.\n(Image)\n\nStep 3: Verify your Alignable business listing\nAfter clicking “Complete Profile” you will be taken to a page to verify your business listing. Click “Verify with SMS.” \n(Image)\n\nIn the next window, enter a good cell phone number for yourself or your business (it won’t keep this number recorded on the listing). Click “Text me now,” and you should receive a verification code within a few seconds. \n(Image)\n\nEnter the 6-digit code you received. Click “Verify my account.”\nStep 4: Complete your Alignable business profile\nThe next steps will walk you through some additional information you can add to your profile. It’s always a good idea to fill these out as completely as possible for any customers that may find your business here. \nFirst, search for and select the most relevant category for your business. Click “Next.”\n(Image)\n\n(Image)\n\nAre your customers primarily businesses or consumers? Select the best option on the next screen. \n(Image)\n\nThen select where your customers are primarily found: locally, regionally, or nationally. \n(Image)\n\nOptional: Next, you can import your address book from your email account to connect with your contacts who are already on Alignable. This just helps you build up your Alignable network. Click “Continue” to import your contacts or “Skip” to pass this option over for now.\n(Image)\n\nAfter that, you’re in! You can technically stop here, but to get the maximum benefits from your Alignable profile, complete the following recommendations in Step 5. \n(Image)\n\nStep 5: Add even more information to your Alignable profile\nOnce your profile is complete, you can visit your page and add a few more items to really round out your profile. Click the “My Business” dropdown arrow at the top right of your screen under your profile icon and then click “Visit My Business Profile.”\n(Image)\n\nWhen you get to your page, there will be several prompts at the top of the page. Follow these and fill them out. \n(Image)\n\n1. Introduce yourself by adding a company description and uploading your logo. Click “Save.”\n(Image)\n\n2. Add a product or service by clicking “Add a service.” Enter the name of your product or service, a photo, and a description. Click “Create” to add it to your page. \n(Image)\n\n3. Upload a banner graphic. Click “Save.”\n(Image)\n\n4. Update your phone number and website. You can find these on the right side of your profile. Just click “Edit” on each item to update them. \n(Image)\n\n5. Link to your Facebook account. This option is on the right side of your profile page as well. \n(Image)\n\nNow you’ve created and claimed your Alignable profile. What’s next?\nAlignable is only one small piece of the ever-changing puzzle that we call local SEO. So, what are the other pieces?\nLike Alignable, there are tons of online directories out there that can help drive customers toward your business and help you rank better in the search engines. \nWe have a great guide that can help you get listed on more free directories: check out \n25 free business listing websites every small or local business should be on\n.


How to create and claim your Alignable business listing

41 small town business ideas that thrive

In this post:\nWhy it’s so important for you to claim your business listing on Google\nHow to claim your business on Google\nHow to verify your Google my Business listing\nWhat to do if someone else has already claimed your business on Google\nHow reputation management software can help you save time and money\nAs we’ve written before, the first step in getting control of your online business reputation and responding to reviews is to \nclaim your Google business listing\n as well as your pages on all the relevant sites like Facebook, Yelp, TripAdvisor, Foursquare, etc. \nListings on these sites are basically your “digital storefront,” or the way most consumers discover you before they come to your place of business. \nPlus, research shows that businesses that claim their listings on multiple review sites make more money! Let’s start with discussing how to claim your business on Google.\nClaim your Google business listing as one of your most important marketing tools\nWhen it comes to finding and attracting new customers to your business, the right marketing plan make all the difference. And for many small and local businesses, tight budgets and tighter schedules can make a solid marketing plan feel constantly out of reach.\nRaquelle Dickerson, \nDirector of Marketing at SEO.com\n, recommends the following to small business owners looking to marketing their business on a budget. \n“Every business, regardless of size, needs to have some sort of digital marketing strategy in order to succeed. While big companies can experiment with all the latest and greatest digital marketing tools and services, this isn’t an option for the limited budgets of small, local businesses. That’s why I strongly recommend every small and local business get set up with a Google my Business page.\n“Google my Business is essentially a free marketing listing for any business. Once you’ve claimed your listing, you can add pictures, menus, products, hours of operation, contact information . . . Everything you’d want a prospective customer to know about your business. All for free. And remember, it’s Google. It’s where your customers are searching for your product.\n“If your Google listing is unclaimed or uninteresting, you’re going to struggle to get people in the door.”\nUnfortunately, far too many businesses aren’t following Raquelle’s advice. In fact, 56% of local business haven’t claimed their Google my Business listing. This is \ncrazy\n.\nThe good news is that claiming your Google Business listing is quick and easy. Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through the simple process of how to claim and verify your business listing on Google so you can take control of your online reputation and attract more customers.\nHow to claim your business on Google\nStart by going to the Google page for business owners: \nbusiness.google.com\nStep 1: Identify your Google account\nIf you are already signed into a Google Email account, you will see the screen below. \nIf you are not signed into a Google Email account, proceed to Step 2.\ngoogle my business login screen\n\nYou can hover your mouse over the icon in the top right hand corner of this screen to view the account holder’s information. \nIs this the Google email account you wish to use to manage your Google Business account?\nYes? Skip to Step 4.\nNo? Log out and proceed to Step 2.\nStep 2: SIGN IN or START NOW\nClick on the “Sign In” button in the top-right corner.\ngoogle business login screen\n\nIf you are not currently registered with a Google email account, click the “Start Now” link to create a Google account with any existing email address (ex: @hotmail.com, @yahoo.com, @businessname.com) or create a new “FirstNameLastName@gmail.com” email account that’s available.\nPlease note: The email address, recovery phone number and other profile information you provide when creating your Google account will NOT be visible to your customers. List the best recovery email and phone number in the event you forget your login password.\nStep 3: Log in to your Google account\ngoogle my business listing sign in screen\n\nSign in with the Google email account you wish to use to claim and manage your Google Business account.\nStep 4: Search for your business\ngoogle my business listing login business name search screen\n\n \nType the name of your business the field provided. If your business name along with the last part of the business address auto-populates your business listing in the dropdown list below, select it and click Next. If not, you’ll need to add your business.\nStep 5: Business address\n(Image)\n\nIf the address in the step above is inaccurate, now is your chance to update your business address to the current information and click Next\nIf the address is accurate with current information, click Next\nOnly select the check box next to the “truck” image shown at the bottom of this page if you do NOT have a storefront for customers visit to render services/products.\nStep 6: Business phone number & website link\n(Image)\n\nMake sure your business phone number and website address are correct and up-to-date on this next page. Again, if any of this information is inaccurate, update as needed then click Next.\nCongratulations! You have now successfully claimed your Google Business listing! \nHow to verify your business on Google\nNow that you’ve claimed your business, you might ask, “Do I need to verify my business with Google?” The answer is yes, and it’s the next important step in claiming your Google business listing. This step proves to Google that you own the business and gives you the ability to manage the information on your page, respond to customer reviews, upload photos, get your business found in search results, and more.\n(Image)\n\nPlease note: If you are claiming an “Unclaimed” Google Business listing, you will see the page shown above. Click Continue to choose from the verification options.\nIf you are claiming a Google Business listing that is currently Claimed and Managed by someone else, (for example; marketing manager, webmaster, previous employee, etc.) please scroll down to “What to do if someone has already claimed your Google business listing.”\nOption 1: Verify by postcard\ngoogle my business verification by postcard screen\n\nIf you wish to receive a postcard containing a verification code sent from Google to your business address, please click on the Mail button on the right hand side. \nPostcard: Look out for a Google-branded postcard to arrive by mail. This postcard will contain the verification code needed to verify your listing. Sign into your Google Business Account (\nbusiness.google.com\n), click on the Verify Now button next to your listing, and enter the verification code. Your business listing is now claimed and verified!  \nIf you wish to verify another way, click on the shield icon next to “Try a different method.”\nOption 2: Verify with a different method\ngoogle my business verification by phone screen\n\nA faster way to verify your business listing is to have Google call or text your business phone number. Please note: This option is not recommend if you are not at the business location at the time you request the verification phone call and/or if your business number cannot receive text messages. \nWork-around: If you choose to have Google call your place of business, ask an employee in advance to pick up the Google verification phone call once you send the request, then have your employee call you back with the verification code.\nVerify later: This option will allow you to verify your business listing at a later time. \nWhat to do if someone else claimed your Google Business listing\nHas someone else claimed your business on Google? Click on Request Access to notify the current listing owner that you wish to claim and manage this business listing. \nStep 1: Submit requester information\ngoogle my business verification request access screen\n\nShare your info with the current owner to continue: Check this box. This is a security measure to prevent any Google user from claiming a business that is not theirs.\nWhat level of access would you like?: If you are the owner and want to fully manage your business listing, select Ownership. You can add other authorized users to manage your account with limited features later on. Click on Learn More for more information. \nWhat’s your relationship to the business?: Select your role for the business, enter your name and phone number so the owner currently managing the listing has the option to contact you to inquire about the Ownership Request.\nStep 2: Await confirmation by current owner\n(Image)\n\nIf the current owner does not respond within 7 days, Google will usually grant your Ownership Request.\nIf the the Ownership Request is rejected by the current owner, log into your account to appeal the rejection and/or contact Google at: 1-844-491-9665.\nManage your online presence\nClaiming and verifying your Google my Business listing is a vital step for any local business, but it’s only the first step. Next steps involve \nresponding to reviews\n, building a strategy consistently \nget more reviews\n, and managing your reviews on all the important review sites for your business type. Make sure you stay on top of it, because online reviews can have a huge impact on your business.\nSee our additional guides: \n\nHow to claim your business on Yelp\n\n\nHow to claim your business listing on TripAdvisor\n\n

How to claim your Google Business listing

In this article:\n11 local resources for small businesses in the Miami area\nMost communities have several free and low-cost resources to help keep the local economy flowing. Take advantage of the opportunities near you, and help grow your business, hire employees, get ideas about marketing, or network! \nWe’ve gathered local business resources that you can find to help your Miami business. Look through these to determine which options could viably help your business grow and become a staple in your community. \nWe’ve split this article into five categories to help you find the resources that best suit your business needs:\nComprehensive resources\nBusiness courses and advisors\nFinancial aid\nChambers of commerce\nHiring and recruitment resources\nComprehensive resources for businesses in Miami\nThese comprehensive business resources can help you get your business started, assist with funding, provide marketing advice, and help you find additional training to give your business every opportunity to succeed. \nSmall Business Administration (SBA)\nThe SBA is a national government organization that provides assistance to businesses such as free and low-cost business counseling, helping secure funding, assistance with government contracts, and setting up your business plan. \nMiami has its own SBA branch for local entrepreneurs to find the assistance they need to achieve their dreams. \nContact the Miami SBA:\nMiami District Office
51 SW 1st Avenue Suite 201
Miami, FL 33130\nPhone: (305) 536-5521
Email: SouthFlorida_DO@sba.gov 
Website: \nhttps://www.sba.gov/offices/district/fl/miami\nMiami-Dade Beacon Council\nThis is the official economic development organization for Miami-Dade county. Community leaders make up a volunteer board for the organization, and experienced professionals help run its various programs. \nEntrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses can find solutions to help their companies thrive with resources like:\nLocal business assistance offices\nAccess to market research\nNetworking opportunities\nRecruitment resources\nAnd more\nFull contact information:\nMiami-Dade Beacon Council
80 SW 8th Street, Suite 2400
Miami, FL 33130\nPhone: (305) 579-1300
Website: \nhttps://www.beaconcouncil.com/\nBusiness courses and advisors in Miami\nThrough these resources, you can find additional training and advice for you and your team. Experienced professionals are available in just about every industry. You just need to know where to look. Check these out. \nSCORE\nSCORE is a national organization that provides free mentoring and workshops to business owners and entrepreneurs. Miami-Dade’s chapter of SCORE has over 100 business professionals ready and excited to help your business succeed. \nFind local workshops and events to help you gain that additional edge for your business and take advantage of the plethora of online resources this organization has available to you. \nReach out:\nMiami-Dade SCORE
2000 Ponce De Leon Blvd, #600
Miami, FL 33134\nPhone: (786) 425-9119
Email: admin0029@scorevolunteer.org
Website: \nhttps://miamidade.score.org/\nMiami Dade College Small Business Education Program\nMiami Dade College runs a small business education program that is open to new and existing business owners. They offer free workshops that include technical seminars, individual coaching sessions and networking events with agencies. \nThis is a great program to help you take your business skills to the next level and improve your business overall. \nInterested in participating? Contact Miami Dade College:\nMiami Dade College
300 NE 2nd Ave
Miami, FL 33132\nPhone: (305) 237-3822
Email: smallbusinessprogram@mdc.edu
Website: \nhttps://www.mdc.edu/smallbusinessoperations/\n\nFinancial assistance for Miami area businesses\nThroughout the Miami area, you can find several organizations that are dedicated to helping small businesses secure the funding they need to get started and grow. Start with some of these programs to see if they will work for you. \nEnterprise Florida\nEnterprise Florida partners with other organizations to help business owners and small companies find financing options. They have a wide network of non-profit, state, and federal resources available to help small business owners secure the capital they need to grow their companies. \nReach out today:\nMiami – International Trade & Development
201 Alhambra Circle, Suite 610
Coral Gables, FL 33134\nPhone: (305) 808-3660
Website: \nhttps://www.enterpriseflorida.com/small-business/\nMom and Pop Small Business Grant\nThe Mom and Pop Small Business Grant program provides opportunities for small business owners to access funding for equipment, advertising, supplies, liability insurance, security, and to make small renovations. \nRequirements of this grant program include:\nBusiness must be located in the specified county commission district (see the website for more information on this)\nCannot be part of a national chain\nMust have a physical address\nMust be a for-profit business\nHome-based businesses are eligible\nContact the Miami-Dade County Office of Management and Budget for more information on this program:\nOffice of Management and Budget
Stephen P. Clark Center
111 NW 1st Street 22nd Floor
Miami, Florida 33128\nPhone: (305) 375-5143
Website: \nwww.miamidade.gov\nSPS Business Loans\nSPS is an organization that helps businesses find funding when they don’t qualify for traditional bank financing. They understand that not everyone has the collateral necessary for traditional loans and want to help local business owners find success. \nContact SPS to learn more:\nSPS Business Loans
845 NE 79 Street
Miami, FL 33138\nPhone: 1 (888) 984-5969
Website: \nhttps://www.spsbusinessloans.com/\n\nMiami chambers of commerce\nChambers of commerce organize networks of local businesses to help business owners connect and gain more opportunities for growth. Generally, a chamber of commerce will provide marketing resources, financial assistance, advising, and other services to its members. \nGo deeper: \nChamber of commerce basics: what they do and why you should join\nGreater Miami Chamber of Commerce\n1601 Biscayne Boulevard
Ballroom Level
Miami, FL 33132\nPhone: (305) 350-7700
Website: \nhttps://www.miamichamber.com/\nMiami-Dade Chamber of Commerce\n100 South Biscayne Blvd, STE 300
Miami, Florida 33131\nPhone: (305) 751-8648
Email: m-dcc@m-dcc.org
Website: \nhttps://m-dcc.org/\nMiami Beach Chamber of Commerce\n1920 Meridian Ave – 3rd floor
Miami Beach, FL 33139\nPhone: (305) 674-1300
Email: info@miamibeachchamber.com
Website: \nhttps://www.miamibeachchamber.com/\nNorth Miami Chamber \n13100 West Dixie Highway
North Miami, FL 33161\nPhone: (305) 891-7811
Email: info@northmiamichamber.com
Website: \nhttps://www.northmiamichamber.com/\nHiring and recruitment resources in the Miami metro area\nYou can find several recruitment agencies and websites specific to the Miami area. Here are a couple of great places to get started. \nCity of Miami\nThe City of Miami provides some great employment resources on their website. The one that your business should utilize when looking for new employees is the job listings with the Opportunity Center. \nContact the Opportunity Center to list your available jobs:\nPhone: (305) 416-1007
Email: wporro@miamigov.com
Website: \nwww.miamigov.com\nCareerXChange\nCareerXChange is a staffing agency in Florida that helps connect business owners with qualified candidates looking for new job opportunities. \nGet in contact:\nMiami Office
10689 North Kendall Drive, Suite 209
Miami, FL 33176\nPhone: (305) 595-3800
Website: \nwww.careerxchange.com\n\n


Best local business resources in the Miami area

In this article:\nWhy set up a pop-up store\nHow to set up a pop-up store\nPrepare, set up the space, and market your store\nPop-up shops are a great way for online retailers to test the waters of running a physical store. Typically, a pop-up shop is a store that opens temporarily to help create brand awareness for a store in a new area or help business owners decide whether or not they want to dive fully into the brick-and-mortar world. \nWhile many pop-up shops run seasonally, you can test out a new pop-up store during any time of the year. In this article, we’ll guide you through some of the things you need to know before getting started. \nWhy set up a pop-up shop for your retail business?\nHaving an online-only store can be a challenge for business owners because it doesn’t allow the on-street marketing or foot traffic that a brick-and-mortar business brings. A pop-up store can increase brand awareness and customer traffic just by being on the ground where people are frequently traveling. \nA pop-up shop also provides shop owners the opportunity to decide whether or not a physical store is something they want to try long-term. Maybe you’ve been considering opening up a physical location for your store for a little while now, but you’re not quite ready to go all in. Try opening a pop-up shop for a month or two to see if it’s something you could sustain long-term. \nEven if you’re not looking to run a store year-round, seasonal pop-up shops are very common and could help give your store more business during busy shopping times (like Thanksgiving and Christmas). \nHow to set up your pop-up store\nWanna test out a pop-up store for your retail business? Follow the rest of this guide to make sure you have everything you need to get started. \nPrepare to open a physical store\nThere’s a lot of preparation that goes into starting a physical business, even if you already have the online part going well. You have to find a space that will allow you to fill it temporarily. You also need to make sure you have people to manage the store and ways to display your inventory. \nFind a space\nAs you find a space for your pop-up store, you’ll want to think about where it is located. Not all locations are equal when it comes to the consumer shopping experience. A store in or near a shopping mall is generally going to perform better than a store in a medical park. Consider your location and audience as you look for a building. \nGet permits, licensing\nAs you look for a space, also determine what kind of licensing and permits you need to run a physical store. Every city has specific zoning for commercial properties. Make sure your building is in a place that allows retail businesses and get any permits that your city requires to set up a physical store. \nSet up utilities\nConsider any utilities that you may need: electricity, water, garbage, internet. Get those set up well before you open up shop—especially electricity and internet so you can take transactions with ease. \nDetermine how you will use the space\nAs you are looking for a space or when you find your space, determine how that space will be used. How will you layout your store? Think about where your inventory will go, where the cashier/checkout will be, if you’ll have public restrooms available, and if there will be space for an employee break room. \nIf you have a clothing store, will you provide a dressing room? Think about all of the different spaces you will need and how those will fit into the building you find. \nCreate materials for your brand\nA physical store requires physical branding. You can’t just rely on your internet presence to get traffic into your store. You need to create and set up signs outside the store and throughout the building to help establish your physical brand. \n(Image)\n\nRent, make, or buy fixtures you may need\nYou’re going to need fixtures to place your inventory on: shelves, tables, racks. You might even want furniture for lounge areas or for customers to use as they try on clothes or shoes. Determine what you’ll need to set up your store and how they will fit into the space you found. \nHire staff\nIf you’re not going to be the only one manning the store, then you’ll need to hire staff. Hold interviews and start advertising open job positions well before the store opens. Your staff can help you get the store set up, and you’ll want to get them properly trained before setting them loose on running your store. \nDetermine payment options \nHow are you going to accept payments? With an online-only store, your customers pay online as they checkout on your website or Amazon. But at a physical store they’ll expect someone to ring them up and take their payments. So you’ll need to have some kind of point-of-sale (POS) system in place to help you manage payments and process transactions. \nYou may even have a current POS like Square or Stripe that provides card readers and tablets to help you take transactions in person. Check with your POS provider to see what options you have available. Or consider \nalternative payment methods\n.\nIn this post-COVID-19 era, also consider using cashless and contact-free payment options whenever possible. \nSet store policies \nBefore you open up shop, set your store policies. Determine your store hours, what kind of parking availability you’ll have, how many people can be inside at one time. Consider all policies and rules that you’ll need to establish with your employees and customers before you open. \nSet up the store\nNow it’s time to set up the space. You’ve already planned your layout, so now you can put that into action. Gather your inventory and furniture items and start getting your store set up. Consider using a local interior designer who is experienced with commercial layouts if design isn’t your area of expertise. \nHere are a few other things to add to your checklist of setting up your store:\nTest your technology. Make sure your POS systems, computers, WiFi, and any other technology are working properly before you open up shop\nKeep a tool kit on hand. Ideally, you’ll have everything in place to simply set up in your store. But it’s a good idea to be prepared with tools, batteries, tape, pens, paper, glue, or other items that could come in handy\nSet up your signs to draw in customers \nMake sure your contact information is readily available for customers, whether that’s a business card, signage, or other visual to invite them to stay in contact\nWalk through the store as a customer, or invite friends in to test out the shopping experience\nMarket your new store\nMarketing your store should really be started before you open and should continue throughout the duration of your store’s existence. Before you get started, make sure that people know you are opening up a physical store. Advertise this on your \nwebsite\n and \nsocial media accounts\n.\nSet up a \nGoogle My Business listing\n so people can easily find your store and business information on Google. \nOffer promotions to draw people in as you open up. Consider a soft grand opening to welcome the community to your new store. \nAs you get customers, remind them that you value their online feedback. This will help bring in more customers over time (should you stay open or pop-up in another location later on).


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