✓ Accepted Answer
An exit strategy is a plan for eventually leaving your business, either by selling it, passing it to family members, merging with another company, or in a worst case, closing it responsibly.
Having an exit strategy from the start shapes how you build the business. If your goal is to sell, you need to build systems and processes that don't depend entirely on you personally — a business where you're the key man is harder to sell. Buyers want documented processes, recurring revenue, and a business that can run without the founder.
Most small businesses are valued at 2-4x EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation). SaaS and recurring revenue businesses often command higher multiples. Growth trajectory, customer concentration risk, and quality of earnings all affect valuation.
If you're not planning to sell, think about what happens if you become unable to work. Life insurance and key man insurance protect your family and business partners. A documented operations manual ensures the business can continue.
by celestewilliams36949
· 17 upvotes
Digital marketing encompasses all online channels used to reach potential customers: search engine optimisation (SEO), pay-per-click advertising (PPC), social media, email marketing, content marketing, and affiliate marketing.
For small businesses starting out, focus on one or two channels before expanding. Where you focus depends on where your customers are. B2B businesses often find LinkedIn and email most effective. B2C consumer products do well on Instagram and TikTok. Local service businesses benefit most from Google My Business and local SEO.
SEO is valuable because traffic from Google search is free and highly targeted — people are actively searching for what you offer. But it takes 3-6 months to see results. Paid ads (Google Ads, Meta Ads) provide immediate traffic but cost money per click.
Email marketing consistently delivers the highest ROI of any channel. Start building an email list from day one. Even 100 engaged subscribers can sustain a small business.
Measure everything. Google Analytics is free and shows you where visitors come from and what they do on your site.
by khadysow5072