Discussion: The Right Social Media for Your Business Previous Next Selecting Messages for Social Media Channels As part of Module 1’s Session Long Project, you selected two social media channels th

Discussion: Marketing a Start-Up

Previous Next

Launching the Business and its Website

Throughout class, you will develop a comprehensive marketing strategy for your US-based, local, for-profit small business which includes significant online components. Use of an existing business, franchise, or a non-profit organization is not permitted. Consider the unmet needs in your area (or a place you lived previously) in making your decision.

This classroom provides a unique opportunity to share with peers and a marketing professional to develop your ideas. While the business may not be real (yet), the research, application, and competitive analysis used in the class will be. Your business is ready to market; it is beyond the development phase and set to launch in the marketplace.

Module 1 Discussion Week 1 Resources

Needs, Wants, and Goals (2021)
Positioning (2021)
How to Come up With a Business Name: 11 Tips for Success (2021)
Here's why web design is even more important than you think (2021)
12 web design best practices for 2021 (2021)
Best Practices For Website Design In 2021 (2021)
20 Principles of Website Design Every Web Professional Should Know (2021)

Week 1 Discussion Post

Based on the resources provided and your research, introduce the new business.

Explain why this business is needed in the chosen area. (Research Support Required)

Using a free program (like Wix.com Free Websites), create the first page of your website. When selecting a template, consider the “look” of your site; it speaks for the business and is a part of branding. Create a free business email that will be used for social media accounts produced during class. The following information is required:

The company name.
Short description of what the business does.
Its location (city & state).
One appropriate graphic/picture.
Email contact information.

Publish it to a free wix.com domain. Include the link in your post.

NOTE: use FREE resources throughout class. You should not pay for a program or enter your credit card.

This post should be 2 paragraphs in length (150-200 words). Since you are engaging in research, be sure to cite in the body of the post and add a reference list in APA format. NOTE: failure to use research with accompanying in-text citations to support content will result in reduced scoring “Level 2-Developing” on the grading rubric.

WEEK 1 INTERACTIVE RESPONSES TO CLASSMATES

Reply to different classmates throughout class; the variety is beneficial to both parties. Let’s see if every student who posts during the week receives at least one critique.

1st Interactive Response:

Critique one business website from a consumer point of view. Based on the design choices and message, share your opinion of the intended target market and how you feel about the site.

2nd Interactive Response:

Critique a second business website from a consumer point of view. Based on the design choices and message, share your opinion of the intended target market and how you feel about the site.

Each reply should be one paragraph in length (or about 75 words) and must be substantive. Do not simply say “I agree” or “That is great”; specify why and be detailed in your explanation. You may use research in your responses, but it is not required.

The Branding Effort

Last week, you read and provided critique of business websites. This week, you will focus on branding which includes creating a logo using Wix.com Logo Design or another free program. You will write a tagline or slogan for the business.

Module 1 Discussion Week 2 Resources

Branding (2021)
What Is a Tagline? (2020)
26 Companies With Really Catchy Slogans & Brand Taglines (2021)
9 Types of Logos and How to Use Them Effectively (2021)
9 Types of Branding You Need to Know (2021)

Based on the resources provided and internet research, explain the importance of branding. Provide rationale for your new logo and slogan/tagline to support the brand-building effort. (Research Support Required)

Add a slogan or tagline and logo to your website. Include the site link in your post.

WEEK 2 INTERACTIVE RESPONSES TO CLASSMATES

Reply to different classmates throughout class; the variety is beneficial to both parties. Let’s see if every student who posts during the week receives at least one critique.

1st Interactive Response:

Based on the brand-building rationale provided in the post, critique how one website, specifically the logo and slogan/tagline portrays the business’ brand message.

2nd Interactive Response:

Based on the brand-building rationale provided in the post, critique how another website, specifically the logo and slogan/tagline portrays the business’ brand message.

In your own words, respond to the discussion and comments of classmates. Grades will be based on effectual, concise, and interactive feedback. The excessive use of quotes will directly impact performance since this indicates a lack of comprehension and shows that you may not have mastered the concepts.

Why a discussion post and reply each week? Planning and time management are invaluable skills for business professionals who juggle jobs, personal lives, and other endeavors. Coming to terms with balancing priorities in an academic setting is a transferable skill to the workplace. Making optimum decisions about scheduling can help you excel along the career path.