New business advertising
How to advertise a new business.
The first weeks after opening are when nobody knows you exist. You need local people to find you, try you and tell someone else. Here is a practical way to think about it, and where advertising on takeaway packaging fits.
The first customers problem
A new business has no reviews, no regulars and no reputation. People near you are not ignoring you, they simply have not heard of you. Your job is to reach the right people nearby, with a reason to try you now.
Start with the basics
- Claim and complete your Google Business Profile, so you appear when people search nearby.
- Tell local social media groups and neighbours, honestly and without spamming.
- Ask your first customers for a review while they are happy.
- Have one clear offer, such as a free first consultation or a launch discount.
Add a channel that reaches homes
Once the basics are in place, a launch offer on takeaway packaging puts your name on something people take home and use at the table. A pizza box or a coffee cup is seen by the customer and often by the people they are eating with.
Add a QR code or promo code to the pack. Point it at a simple page with your launch offer. You then see how many people scan it, and you can change the offer without reprinting.
What to have ready
- Your logo. If you do not have artwork, we help design the advert with you.
- One offer and one action, such as booking online or showing the code in store.
- The area you want to reach, such as the postcodes around your premises.
- A page the QR code can point to, even a simple one.
Which businesses use it
Local services and shops with a customer base nearby suit it best, such as salons, gyms, dentists, estate agents, garages, tutors and independent shops. Apps and online businesses can use it too, aiming at a set of cities.
Some adverts are never accepted: gambling and betting, tobacco and vaping, adult content, payday and high-cost loans, and political campaigns.
Questions people ask.
How do I advertise a new business on a small budget?
Start with free channels: a complete Google Business Profile, local social media groups and reviews from your first customers. Then add one paid channel and measure it. Packaging ads let you choose a small area and track scans, so you can see whether it pays before you do more.
How soon before opening should I start?
Packaging has to be designed, agreed, printed and delivered, so plan for several weeks. Tell us your opening date when you get in touch and we tell you what is realistic.
Do I need artwork?
No. Send your logo and we design the advert with you. If you already have finished artwork, we check it fits the packaging.
Can I advertise before I have a website?
Yes. A QR code can point to a simple page, a social media profile or a booking link. You can change where it points at any time.
Will it work for my kind of business?
It works best for businesses with customers nearby who also buy takeaway food or drink. We do not promise results, but a QR code or promo code lets you see what your advert earns.