Startup Marketing from Day 1 to Day 60

Getting a new startup off the ground is exhilarating but demands non-stop hustle. Between developing your MVP, hiring key roles, and endless operational fires to put out, dedicating time and budget to marketing can feel impossible.

But neglecting to lay branding and customer acquisition foundations early on can stunt your startup’s growth trajectory. The good news is many powerful tactics require more sweat than spend.

Here are essential growth marketing moves to execute across your startup’s vital first 60 days while bootstrap resources are limited:

Day 1-10: Brand Building & Foundation

Day 1: Design basic email templates, letterhead, and logo using free design tools.
Day 2-3: Set up social media profiles on relevant platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter).
Day 4-5: Craft core brand messaging that highlights your value proposition. Research your Target Audience Market (TAM) thoroughly.
Day 6-7: Register key domain names for your brand and variations.
Day 8-9: Start a blog! Share industry insights, your founder’s journey, and content relevant to your target audience’s pain points.
Day 10: Research relevant industry hashtags and start engaging in conversations on social media. Look for trending topics and discussions.

Day 11-20: Building Your Online Presence

Day 11-12: Build an initial email list using signup forms on your website and social media bios. Offer incentives like early access or discounts.
Day 13-14: Design eye-catching graphics and visuals using free design tools like Canva. Highlight your product/service and its benefits.
Day 15-16: Develop a landing page with a clear call to action (CTA) to capture leads (e.g., email signups, free trial registrations).
Day 17-18: Identify relevant communities and forums where your target audience gathers. Participate in discussions and offer valuable insights.
Day 19-20: Network online! Join relevant LinkedIn groups and Facebook communities. Contribute meaningfully to discussions.

Day 21-30: Content Marketing & Brand Awareness

Day 21-22: Create engaging blog posts and social media content that educates and informs your audience about your industry.
Day 23-24: Utilize interactive elements like polls and Q&A sessions on social media to spark user conversation.
Day 25-26: Host Twitter chats or live streams (e.g., Instagram Live) to connect with your audience in real-time. Discuss industry trends or answer questions.
Day 27-28: Partner with other businesses in your niche for cross-promotion. Offer guest blog posts or social media mentions.
Day 29-30: Run social media contests or giveaways to generate excitement and increase brand awareness. Offer relevant prizes to your target audience.

Day 31-40: Building Momentum & Growth Strategies

Day 31-32: Implement basic website analytics to track user behavior and campaign performance.
Day 33-34: Design and order a small batch of branded swag (t-shirts, stickers) to increase brand visibility (use print-on-demand services).
Day 35-36: Start promoting your content and landing page through paid social media advertising (start small with a budget you can manage). Experiment with targeting options.
Day 37-38: Develop simple conversion funnels on your website. Use pop-ups or offer incentives to encourage lead generation.
Day 39-40: Host a virtual launch event or webinar (free platforms like Zoom) to showcase your product/service and engage with potential customers.

Day 41-50: Analyze & Optimize

Day 41-42: Analyze campaign data to identify the channels generating the most traction. Double down on these strategies and adjust your budget accordingly.
Day 43-44: Refine your brand messaging based on audience feedback and engagement data.
Day 45-46: Create high-performing content formats based on what resonates with your audience.
Day 47-48: Explore additional free or low-cost marketing tactics to expand your reach.
Day 49-50: Celebrate your milestones and keep building momentum!

The exact timeline and tactics will vary based on your unique offering and audience. But utilizing lean, authentic marketing activities starting on day one builds brand affinity and gathers key launch assets for when resources allow investing in growth. With hustle and discipline during the critical 0-60 day window, startups can cost-effectively build awareness momentum and invaluable customer connections.