If you're interested in entrepreneurship and want to start your own business with a proven model, starting a franchise business can be an exciting and lucrative opportunity. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of starting a franchise business—from a full breakdown of the steps to follow before opening your venture to managing and promoting your business effectively with a professional business website, local marketing practices and the right advertising efforts.
What is a franchise business?
A franchise business is a type of business arrangement in which the owner of an established brand, known as the franchisor, grants the rights to operate a business under their brand name to an independent entrepreneur, known as the franchisee. The franchisee benefits from the established brand recognition, proven business model and ongoing support provided by the franchisor. Plus, according to a study conducted by FranNet, 85% of franchisees remain in business for five years or longer, compared to only 50% of startups lasting this amount of time.
Why start a franchise business? Top benefits
Starting a franchise business offers several benefits that can increase your chances of success. Here are some reasons why you should consider starting a franchise:
Established brand recognition: Starting a franchise means benefiting from an established brand with existing marketing strategies. The franchisor often handles national or regional marketing campaigns, which can contribute to brand awareness and customer acquisition. As a franchisee, you can focus on local marketing efforts to attract customers within your specific location, rather than having to worry about coming up with a unique way to name your business and attract a new audience.
Proven business model: Franchises come with a proven business model that has been successfully replicated in multiple locations. The franchisor provides you with the blueprint for running the business, including operational procedures, marketing strategies and training programs.
Ongoing support: Franchisors typically offer continuous support to franchisees. This support can come in the form of training programs, marketing assistance, operational guidance and access to a network of fellow franchisees. The franchisor's support can help you navigate challenges and increase your chances of success.
Access to resources: As a franchisee, you can leverage the resources and buying power of the franchisor. This can result in cost savings when purchasing equipment, supplies and inventory. Additionally, the franchisor may negotiate better deals with suppliers, allowing you to benefit from their established relationships.
Challenges of running a franchise business
While starting a franchise business has its benefits, it also comes with its challenges. Here are some common challenges you may face when running a franchise business:
Initial investment: Starting a franchise requires an initial investment, which can vary depending on the brand and industry. You'll need to consider the franchise fee, equipment costs, lease or purchase of a location and other startup expenses. Conduct thorough financial planning to ensure you have the necessary funds to start and sustain the business.
Franchise fees and royalties: As a franchisee, you'll be required to pay ongoing fees to the franchisor. These fees may include royalties based on a percentage of your sales and ongoing marketing or advertising fees. Understand the fee structure and ensure it aligns with your financial projections and profitability. Remember, you need to take all expenses into account to calculate your potential net profit.
Lack of flexibility: While franchises offer a proven business model, the level of flexibility and autonomy may be limited compared to starting an independent business. Franchisees are typically required to follow specific guidelines and adhere to the franchisor's operational procedures and brand standards.
Dependence on the franchisor: As a franchisee, your success is closely tied to the success and reputation of the franchisor. Any negative publicity or issues faced by the franchisor can impact your business. It's important to choose a reputable franchisor with a solid track record.
How to start a franchise business in 7 steps
Starting a business of any kind involves a defined process to ensure a smooth and successful launch. Here are the essential steps to follow in order to open your own franchise business:
01. Research and choose a franchise
Conduct thorough research to identify franchising opportunities that align with your interests, skills and financial resources. Consider factors such as the brand's reputation, market demand for the products or services, franchise fees and royalties, difficulty of registering your business and the support provided by the franchisor. Attend franchise expos, consult franchise directories and engage in discussions with existing franchisees to gather information.
02. Evaluate financial requirements
Assess the financial requirements of the franchise opportunity you've chosen. This includes the initial franchise fee, startup capital required, ongoing fees and working capital. Create a detailed financial plan to ensure you have the necessary funds to cover these operating expenses and sustain your business until it becomes profitable.
03. Review the franchise agreement
Carefully review the franchise agreement provided by the franchisor. Seek legal advice to understand the terms and conditions, obligations and rights outlined in the agreement. Pay close attention to areas such as territory exclusivity, duration of the agreement, renewal options, termination clauses and any restrictions on business operations.
04. Secure financing
Determine the financing options available to you to cover the initial investment and working capital requirements. Options to raise money for your business may include bootstrapping from personal savings, bank loans, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans or investor partnerships. Prepare a solid business plan and financial projections to present to potential lenders or investors.
05. Choose a location
Select a suitable location for your franchise business based on factors such as foot traffic, demographics, competition and accessibility. Consult with the franchisor to understand any specific requirements or recommendations for the location. Negotiate lease terms that align with your business plan and budget. If you're looking to start a franchise business in a specific state, here are some helpful resources:
06. Complete training programs
Participate in the training programs provided by the franchisor. These programs are designed to familiarize you with the brand, products or services, operational procedures and customer service standards. Take advantage of the training to gain valuable knowledge and develop the skills necessary to run your franchise successfully.
07. Launch and promote your franchise business
Once you've completed the necessary training and set up your franchise, it's time to launch and promote your business. Develop a marketing strategy that combines online and offline tactics to create awareness and attract customers. Utilize digital marketing channels, such as social media, email marketing and a professional website, to reach your target audience effectively.
Managing a franchise business effectively
Managing a franchise business requires effective organization, leadership and adherence to the franchisor's guidelines. Here are five essential steps to manage your franchise business effectively:
Follow the franchisor's systems and procedures: Adhere to the operational procedures, guidelines and standards set by the franchisor. This ensures consistency in customer experiences and helps maintain the integrity of the brand. Regularly communicate with the franchisor to stay updated on any changes or improvements to the systems.
Recruit and train competent staff: Hire employees who share your passion for the brand and customer service. Provide comprehensive training programs to ensure your staff is knowledgeable and capable of delivering exceptional experiences. Continuously invest in ongoing training and development to enhance employee skills and foster a positive work environment.
Monitor financial performance: Regularly monitor and analyze your financial performance to assess the profitability and sustainability of your franchise business. Implement accounting and bookkeeping systems to track expenses, revenue and cash flow. Review financial statements, such as profit and loss statements, balance sheets and cash flow statements, to identify areas for improvement.
Maintain strong customer relationships: Prioritize building strong relationships with your customers. Provide excellent customer service, respond to feedback and concerns promptly and create personalized experiences. Implement customer loyalty programs or rewards programs to incentivize repeat business and foster customer loyalty.
Communicate and collaborate with the franchisor and fellow franchisees: Maintain open lines of communication with the franchisor and fellow franchisees. Participate in franchisee meetings, conferences and online forums to share best practices, discuss challenges and learn from one another. Collaborate with the franchisor to take advantage of any marketing initiatives or resources they provide.
Promoting your franchise business
Promoting your franchise business is crucial for attracting customers and building a strong brand presence. Here are some tips to help you effectively promote your franchise:
Leverage local marketing: Implement local marketing strategies to target customers within your specific location. This can include advertising in local directories, sponsoring community events or partnering with local businesses for cross-promotions.
Utilize digital marketing: Start by creating a professional website using a website creation platform to showcase your franchise business. Then, optimize your website for search engines to improve online visibility and everage social media platforms to engage with your target audience, share updates and promotions and encourage customer reviews.
Offer special promotions: Attract customers by offering special promotions, discounts or loyalty programs. Collaborate with the franchisor to develop marketing campaigns that align with the brand's overall strategy.
Engage in local PR activities: Build relationships with local media outlets, such as newspapers, radio stations or blogs. Pitch interesting stories or press releases about your franchise business to generate media coverage and increase brand exposure.
Participate in industry events: Attend industry events, trade shows or expos to showcase your franchise business. Engage with potential customers, network with industry professionals and stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in your field.
Remember, promoting your franchise business is an ongoing effort. Continuously analyze your marketing strategies, track customer feedback and adapt your approaches to stay relevant and attract new customers. Consider utilizing tools like the Wix logo maker to create an additional visual identity for your local franchise to use on your marketing efforts, or browse different restaurant logo ideas for branding inspiration. Make sure to communicate with the franchisor regularly to align your marketing efforts with their overall brand strategy.