If you want to avoid the expense of a commercial presence, you may have considered launching a mobile services business. The advantages of a traveling enterprise include reduced overheads, flexibility, and the freedom to offer your services in any part of the country – so long as your gas tank will take you there.

However, like any other startup, launching a mobile services business requires careful planning and research, and there are many variables to consider. So, if you think you’re ready to hit the road, here are five essential steps to follow.

Choose Your Concept

Before you launch your mobile services business, you need to come up with a business plan, just like you would if you were opening up a store. Perhaps you already know your market (hairdressing or catering services, for example), but you also need to determine the practicality of taking this idea on the road. Think about the feasibility of transporting your equipment, and how much your vehicle will cost to run.

Work Out Your Expenses

You will need to factor all of your expenses into your business plan, so it’s a good idea to do this before taking any further steps. Don’t forget to include running costs of your vehicle, as well as business insurance, vehicle insurance, equipment costs, and any other expenses such as marketing and employee wages.

Depending on your mode of business, you may be able to cut costs by using full-service business management software. If you’re launching a mobile hairdressers, for example, you could use a digital salon book so you’re not carting bulky diaries around with you. This kind of program offers fast and easy scheduling for a small monthly fee. If you’re looking for digital salon software, click here for more info.

Choose Your Business Name

Choosing a name for your venture may sound like a simple step, but you will need to put more thought into this process than you realize. Your business name should reflect what service you offer while being succinct and snappy enough for people to remember. You will need to do some research to make sure that the name you’ve chosen hasn’t already been taken before you register your business.

Obtain Licensing

Running a mobile business is not as simple as hopping in a van and driving to your customers. Before you launch, you will need to obtain the necessary licensing. This will include a standard business license, a driving license, and a license for the service you’re providing (e.g., food handling, hairdressing, etc.).

Mobilize and Advertise

When you’re running a mobile business, your cell phone will become essential to your day-to-day communications. You will need access to Wi-Fi so that you can send emails, invoices, and update your social media accounts on the road. You can also use your smartphone to advertise your services on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. If you don’t have a huge marketing budget, utilizing social media is a great way to attract customers and build a client base from scratch.