1. Research the aquarium industry: Get to know the types of services available, research prices and become acquainted with regulations and guidelines regarding owning and operating a business in your area;
a. Gather resources – Speak to other professionals in the field, join associations related to aquariums and/or aquarium maintenance and look for educational opportunities.
2. Create a plan: Outline the services you will offer, decide on pricing and come up with an advertising strategy;
a. Define target market – Determine who your customer base is going to be and adjust your plan accordingly.
3. Obtain necessary licensing: Depending on the state you live in, you may need to obtain certain permits and/or licensure.
4. Purchase supplies: Invest in the necessary equipment for your business, such as tanks, filters, pumps and cleaning supplies;
a. Research vendors – Compare prices from different suppliers to get the best deals on your purchase.
5. Create a website and/or social media presence: Establish an online presence to market your services;
a. Utilize SEO tactics – Include keywords on your website and utilize other search engine optimization (SEO) tools to help customers find you more easily.
6. Advertise: Promote your services through different mediums, such as local newspapers, radio stations and online directories;
a. Utilize relationships – Leverage your connections with other businesses or organizations to get the word out about your new business.
7. Develop customer service protocols: Come up with a plan for handling customer inquiries and complaints in an efficient manner;
a. Set expectations – Inform clients of your availability and provide an estimated timeline for when services will be provided.
8. Establish preventive maintenance protocols: Create a routine for checking tanks, filters and other equipment on a regular basis;
a. Keep records – Document all maintenance tasks with dates to ensure that everything is being kept in good condition.
9. Hire employees: If your business grows, you may need to hire additional staff to meet demand;
a. Perform background checks – Make sure all new hires are qualified and trustworthy by doing thorough background checks.
10. Review finances regularly: Monitor your financials on a regular basis to make sure that you have enough funds to cover all expenses.