Joel Libava
Franchisors may allow for some added creativity when it comes to online marketing. It depends on the franchisor.
It’s an important question to ask franchise company executives when you’re doing your research. And, it’s question #22 of my 40-part series on the best questions to ask when you’re doing your due diligence.
“Will You Be Permitted To Have Your Own Business Website?”
Franchisees Need A Huge Online Presence
Today’s franchise company executives are starting to realize how important this is.
Your customers need to be able to easily find your business online, because that’s usually the first place they’re looking for information on what you have to offer.
As a franchisee, you depend on your franchisor to provide an easy path for your product or service to be found by your potential customers/clients online.
But, should you really put all of your online eggs in one basket?
In other words, if your franchisor includes a local website for you as part of your start-up package–one that they run, is that really enough?
You May Not Understand Online Marketing
While you may understand the importance of online marketing, unless you’re actually doing it 10-12 hours a day, you may want to spend some time learning the basics.
That’s because even if your franchisor won’t allow you to set up your own website, there are other things you can do to increase the online visibility of your franchise business.
And, you may be able to implement them yourself.
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How To Learn About It
The only sport I got involved in when I was growing up, (besides little league) was tennis. My father was a great tennis player, and he taught me how to play.
There are only two ways to become a good tennis player.
- Practice
- Play with someone a lot better than you
The same is true with online marketing…any type of marketing actually.
The more you do it, the better you become.
But, first you have to learn about it.
And, you need to learn from the best of the best. That’s what I did…and I’m still learning.
5 Online Marketing Resources
Lee Odden-
One of the nicest guys around, Lee’s been at it for a long time. His book has been getting great reviews, and it’s one that you should grab. His website is top-ranked.
Jim Kukral-
Jim’s a personal friend, and a respected online marketer. He’s an idea machine; spend some time on his online marketing website, and his blog. You’ll see what I mean.
Neil Patel-
I don’t know how Neil manages to make every post he writes, amazing. Every. Single. One. Not only is Neil a great business writer, he’s a great teacher. Read his, “7 Marketing Lessons You Can Learn From The Simpsons,” and you’ll pick up what I’m putting down.
Derek Halpern-
Derek is a fun guy. Smart, too. If you want to find out what your potential customers/clients are thinking-as they search for solutions to their problems, check out Derek’s main site, Social Triggers. Derek does a lot of his teaching on video, which is great if you’re visually inclined.
Kristi Hines–
One way to learn all you can about online marketing is to subscribe to Kikolani. That’s because every Friday, Kristi does a mashup of the top articles she’s found pertaining to online marketing and related topics. Do it.
I Have A Job For You
If the marketing department at franchise headquarters won’t allow you to have your own business website, or blog, it’s your job to change their minds.
That’s because your business is your business.
Even if you feel that you’re franchisor is doing a stellar job for you, online marketing-wise, it may not be enough. Your business needs multiple touch points online. The more the merrier.
Do this.
You’ll need a host for your website or blog.
About the Author
Joel Libava is The Franchise King® — an independent franchise advisor with 25+ years in the industry, two published books on franchising, and his writing has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, CNBC, Entrepreneur® Magazine and others. In addition, he wrote exclusively for the U.S. Small Business Administration blog for eight years. He doesn't sell franchises. Instead, Joel helps you figure out if franchise ownership is actually right for you — and if it is, teaches you his powerful, proven-to-work franchise research techniques, so you can make a smart, informed decision on a franchise to own and be your own boss.
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