BEFORE DESIGN

If you’re starting a new business or have a new business name start here with our step-by-step-guide where we cover everything from purchasing your domain name to setting up your email and everything in-between. Some of these you may have already so you can go ahead and check them off.

Securing your domain name and social media handles are propriety #1!

  • Secure your business domain name

    We recommend buying the .com and the .ca (if you are in Canada). You can also buy any other domains extensions you wish. ie. .co, .biz, .biz.

    You can use Name Cheap  or Go Daddy to buy and register domains

    Be sure to set up your domain to auto-renew and auto-pay!

    TIP: Don’t let someone buy your domain name on your behalf. You should always own this.

  • Secure your social media handles on all platforms

    We recommend getting the same handle on each major platform (ie. ours is @labcreativeinc on all channels)

    You should secure at minimum:

    Instagram Business Account

    Facebook Business Page

    LinkedIn Company Page

    Other options are X, Pinterest, TikTok and Youtube

  • Set up an email address for your domain

    We recommend getting a G-Suite account and linking your domain to it.

    We suggest emails with this structure: firstname@domainname

    Tip: Using an email address with your domain name is best practice for business.

    If we are working together on design, we suggest setting this up through Squarespace. Reach out to Maria so she can assist you.

  • Create an email signature for your email address.

    We recommend including  the following information:

    Name + Title
    Company name
    Email address
    Phone number
    Social media links

    Link to lead magnet (if applicable)

    Resource: How to create a Gmail email signature

    Resource: How to create an Outlook email signature

  • Sign up for an email marketing platform.

    Choose an Email Marketing platform to start building your list and creating automations with which to better serve your audience. 

    We at Lab Creative use ActiveCampaign, other options are: Mailchimp, Squarespace and Flodesk

    Resource: What is email marketing & why do I need it?

    If you don’t have a platform you are already using, let’s review your needs before making a decision.

  • Sign up for a Linktree account

    You will use this to share multiple links in your instagram profile.

    Sign up for ChatGPT
    You’ll want to use this to help with content creation.

    Sign up for a Canva account

    If we work together on the visual design of your brand we will be setting up your social media templates in Canva - you can start with the free version.