Launching a new business is exciting but between planning, hiring, and getting your doors open, marketing can easily fall to the bottom of the list. At Big Corner Creative, we’ve helped hundreds of Wichita-area build a strong foundation and grow through smart marketing strategies. Over the years, we’ve seen many new business owners miss some critical steps early on. That’s why we’ve created this simple Marketing Checklist for New Businesses to help you set yourself up for success from day one.
1. Build a Consistent Brand Identity
Your brand is more than a logo — it’s the story that connects with your customers.
- Create a clear, memorable identity that reflects who you are and what you offer.
- Stay consistent with your look, tone, imagery and verbiage on all your materials, from your website and signage to your social media and print collateral.
- Use professional logo files: Make sure you have a vector logo (you’ll need this for signage, large-scale printing and more). Your logo should have clearly defined brand guidelines (colors, fonts, and usage rules). These ensure your brand looks sharp everywhere, from hats and T-shirts to business cards and building signage.
At Big Corner Creative, we include your vector logo file in all new logo designs (no extra fees for that file – you paid for the brand, you own it!) and useage guidelines. We can also help put together your brand documents, from business cards and brochures to invoices and trade show booths.
2. Prioritize Your Website — It’s Your New Storefront
In 2026 and beyond, your website will likely be more important than your physical storefront. It’s often the first place potential customers meet your business.
Your site should be:
- Easy to navigate on mobile devices in particular
- Search-engine optimized (SEO) so people can find you online
- Designed to answer key customer questions quickly and clearly
A well-built website is one of the best investments you can make — it establishes credibility, helps you get found in search results, and can convert curious visitors into loyal customers. BCC specializes in website design and development for Wichita businesses.
3. Claim and Refine Your Digital Presence
Before your doors open, take ownership of your online profiles. These not only help customers find you but also improve your visibility in search engines.
Start by claiming and verifying your business on:
- Google Business Profile (a must for local search)
- Bing Places and Apple Maps
- Yelp, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, YouTube
Ensure your contact information, address, and hours are consistent across every platform. Keep a secure record of the logins and emails used — you’ll need them for future updates. Big Corner Creative offers a turnkey solution for managing your business listings so you can stay consistent everywhere your customers search. Learn more about our review and listings management here.
4. Have a Review Strategy in Place
A review strategy is no longer optional! Reviews are how customers choose where to go. More than 99% of American consumers read online reviews before making a purchase, and 92% read reviews before visiting a local business for the first time.
Your business should:
- Make it simple for customers to leave a review (through text or email follow-ups after an interaction).
- Respond to all reviews, both positive and negative.
- Monitor your reviews regularly to understand customer sentiment.
Want to know more about how reviews impact your business? Read our post on the importance of Google Reviews.
5. Make a Visual Impact — Window Perf, Decals, and Vehicle Wraps
Your physical space is part of your brand story, so don’t neglect the power of graphics on your building and fleet. These visual tools add professionalism, visibility, and credibility to your brand.
- Window perf and vinyl graphics make your storefront stand out — especially in busy office parks or strip malls.
- Vehicle wraps or decals turn your company cars into mobile billboards, building recognition wherever you go.
Big Corner Creative designs and installs high-quality window perf, vinyl decals, and vehicle wraps right here in Wichita — helping your business look as good as it performs.
6. Plan Your Advertising Budget
In 2026, it’s no longer “if you build it, they will come.” Businesses will need to set aside marketing dollars to build awareness and drive traffic, both online and offline.
You should plan strategically with your marketing:
- Track your results using tools like call tracking, POS data, and digital analytics so you can make informed decisions about which advertising is working best.
- Study your competitors, both locally and online, to find gaps and opportunities. Who is the top Google search in the market? Who is running on TV, radio or billboard? This can help to know where your business might stand out.
- Engage locally: Host a soft opening, sponsor a school or nonprofit, or collaborate with nearby businesses for cross-promotions. Don’t forget the community impact that networking can have in building customer loyalty!
Remember, results take time. A strong start comes from a smart, measurable plan. Every business is different, and so is every marketing plan. Whether you’re opening a restaurant, a retail shop, or a service-based company, finding the right marketing partner can make all the difference. With Big Corner Creative as your full-service marketing partner, you’ll have experts by your side from day one — helping you launch, promote, and scale your business with confidence.
Need help launching or growing your new business? Let’s talk about a marketing plan that fits your goals and your budget.