Hello again!
Welcome back to Launch Navigator, your go-to hub for practical insight, strategic resources, and meaningful connections for entrepreneurs across the Triad. Each issue is designed to help you navigate what’s next with clarity, not guesswork.
🔗 Haven’t explored our resource database yet? Check it out here.
📅 Join us at the next Entrepreneur Meetup - where entrepreneurs share insights, collaborate, and grow together.
Here's what you'll find in this issue:
🌟 Intro to Digital Marketing Tools
Search "marketing tools" and you'll get thousands of results, each one calling itself a must-have. Instead of picking by tool, pick by what your business needs to do. Most of those needs have a free or freemium option, so you can get going before you spend a thing.
Branding. Canva and Adobe Express have templates for logos, posts, and flyers.
An email list. MailerLite and Mailchimp let you gather emails and send newsletters, so you reach customers directly instead of hoping they see a post.
A steady social presence. Posting regularly keeps your business visible. Buffer and Meta Business Suite let you schedule a week of posts at once.
A way to hand off your info. Design a business card in Canva to print, or make a digital one with Blinq that shares by QR code.
A spot on Google. Most people find local businesses there. A Google Business Profile shows your hours, photos, and reviews on Search and Maps.
A website. Wix and Google Sites let you build a simple site without any code.
A read on what's working. Google Analytics shows how many people visit your site and where they came from.
Paid ads and CRM software aren't on the list on purpose. They make sense once the basics are in place, not before.
When is it worth paying? Two signs: the free version is slowing you down, or the tool brings in money directly. Paid plans get you more email subscribers, your own domain, and no watermarks. If you want a more designed site, Squarespace and Wix's paid tiers are worth a look. And it isn't only software. A freelancer for your logo or a photographer for product shots can be money better spent than any subscription.
Not sure where to start, or whether to upgrade? Launch Navigator's resource hub has vetted tools and local support for founders in the Triad.
📅 Event Spotlight: Entrepreneur Meetup
Founders, this one's for you: Network, share what you're working on, and find local resources at Launch Navigator's monthly meetup.
🗓️ The Next Two Weeks in the Triad
July 8: Wake Up Winston
July 18: SBED Small Business Pop-Up Shop
🚀We want to hear from you!
The Launch Navigator platform is getting a refresh, and we'd love your input. We want to hear what would make it more useful for your business. Your feedback helps us build stronger resources, events, and programs for entrepreneurs across the Triad.