Some of my favorite days of my business so far were the earliest days, when a copywriting business was mostly just a wild idea. I had so much fun brainstorming, playing with websites, downloading a free brand voice guide, and announcing it to the world.

If you love the idea of starting your own creative business, you’re likely both excited and also a little squeamish. You know that your watercolors, eye for design, or love for words can actually be transformed into a fulfilling and profitable business. The question, of course, is how do you do it?!

In this blog post, I’m exploring the first things I recommend doing if you’re starting up a creative business from scratch. 

Discover Your Unique Creative Offer

Starting a creative business begins with defining what you want to offer. Ask yourself: What unique skills, talents, or products do I have that could benefit someone else? Whether it’s painting, graphic design, handmade jewelry, or any other creative outlet, find that thing you love to do or know the world needs, and run with it. 

Identify Your Dream Client

Understanding your target audience is essential for any business, including a creative one. Take some time to think about who would be most interested in your service or product. Consider factors such as demographics, interests, and tastes. For example, if you want to offer children’s book illustrations, your ideal clients are probably parents, teachers, or children’s book publishers. Lean into specific details about them that will help you know what they will be drawn toward. By identifying your ideal client, you can fine-tune your marketing efforts and create content that speaks directly to their pain-points, preferences, and ideals. (Need help with this? Download my guide.)

Evaluate Your Industry

Once you’ve defined your creative offer and ideal client, it’s time to research the market and examine the brands who are already in your industry. Explore existing businesses in your niche to understand what they offer, how they price their products or services, and how they market themselves. Analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and find how you are going to set yourself apart and do things differently. This research will provide valuable insights into market demand, pricing strategies, and potential gaps you can fill with your unique creative offer. Ashlyn Carter says to find the “you-sized gap” in the market–and then fill it.

Build an Authentic Brand

Crafting a strong and compelling brand is crucial for your creative business. Your brand represents a greater story that captures who you are, what you stand for, and the experience you offer to your clients. Branding is not just about beautiful aesthetics– it also is your tone of voice, your values, and your client experience. Think about the overall effect you want to have on your industry and let that be what determines every aspect of your branding. You will become recognizable not only for your product or offer, but also for how your business feels.

Start Marketing and Networking

With your offer nailed down, your ideal client identified, your market researched, and your brand identity begun,  it’s time to start talking about your business. Use social media platforms, such as Instagram or Pinterest, to talk about your perspective, offer free value, and build a community of people. Network with other creatives, attend in-person or virtual workshops, and join relevant online communities to establish connections and learn from other business owners. Collaborate with influencers or bloggers who align with your target audience to expand your reach. (And if you need help with the words you use to talk about your business, I know a girl.)

I know from experience that starting a creative business from scratch will take a lot out of you.  It requires careful planning, trial and error, constant innovation, and an incredible amount of perseverance. If you are genuine in your desire to bring beauty to the world and make the lives of your clients better, you can set a solid foundation for your venture. Decide on your unique offer, figure out who you ideally want to work with, research to find the gap that only you can fill, build a compelling brand, and start building a community of people who can benefit from what you bring to the table. Starting a creative business is truly so exciting. With grit, passion, and strategy, you can turn your creativity into a beautiful business that can impact lives and change little worlds.