Franchise Development is the process of converting an existing business model into a franchise system. FMS Franchise works closely with businesses and business owners to develop the appropriate strategy, models, and approach to launch a new franchise brand and create a platform that allows for scale. Much like building a house or constructing a machine, the process begins with planning and strategy to clearly identify the opportunity and best way to grow the brand.
Following the strategy development, FMS Franchise works with third-party franchise lawyers to develop the necessary disclosures and registration work to offer and sell a franchise. The third phase of the franchise development process is to create the operations, training, and structure necessary to teach and train a new franchisee how to operate the business and how to successfully open a new location of the brand. Finally, the franchise development strategy concludes with the development of franchise marketing materials, collateral, and presentations in order to promote, present and recruit franchisees.
Grow Your Business with Franchise Development
FMS Franchise works through an experienced team of franchise consultants and franchise development experts to design, build and customize franchise programs for businesses. Through this refined process, businesses have the ability to grow and replicate through franchising. Go into the franchise development process knowing that you have the tools and experience behind you to successfully franchise your business.
Building a business is a time consuming and life changing experience. It takes years of work to build most businesses and even years more to realize financial returns from them. Franchising a business or growing through licensing can have the same sort of growth pattern that a typical franchise development model might follow. The first year or so may be a slower build up as marketing, PR and sweat equity get the word out regarding a business opportunity and then people begin to buy in. The really intriguing element of franchising or licensing is that once the system begins to build momentum it can have a tremendous snow ball effect and the growth can develop exponentially.
EXPERT FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT GUIDE
Successfully developing a franchise system requires more than just replicating a business model—it demands a strategic approach that fosters collaboration and shared ownership among franchisees. A common challenge in franchising arises when new partners feel like mere employees rather than integral members of the brand. The most successful franchise organizations cultivate a culture of teamwork, ensuring that both franchisors and franchisees work towards a common goal.
If you are considering franchising your business, understanding the key development steps is crucial. Below are essential elements that will help position your business for scalable franchise growth. While these steps do not replace comprehensive franchise development, they serve as a foundation to streamline your transition into the franchise marketplace.
Establish a Strong Brand Identity
A well-defined and professional brand presence is essential for franchise success. Ensure your brand is recognizable, credible, and appealing to potential franchisees. Key steps include:
Professional Website: Your website should be modern, user-friendly, and optimized for search engines.
Social Media Presence: Engage with potential franchisees and customers through platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
Email Marketing: Develop professionally designed email templates and targeted email lists for prospects.
Marketing Collateral: Create high-quality brochures, flyers, business cards, and digital assets to support brand awareness and franchise sales.
Franchise development - fms franchise marketing systems
Define and Document Your Sales Process
Understanding and documenting how your business attracts and converts customers is critical. This includes:
Call Scripts: Standardize conversations with potential franchisees and customers.
Lead Generation Strategies: Identify the most effective sources for new business opportunities.
Value Proposition Development: Clearly articulate what sets your business apart and how it benefits franchisees.
Closing Techniques: Establish best practices for onboarding new customers and franchise partners.
Franchise development - fms franchise marketing systems
Systematize Your Operational Processes
For your franchise to scale successfully, operational consistency is key. Consider the following:
Service Delivery Guidelines: Clearly outline the steps to provide products or services at a high standard.
Financial Management: Develop best practices for cash flow management to help franchisees operate efficiently.
Operational Support: Implement systems for franchisees to streamline day-to-day business activities.
Franchise development - fms franchise marketing systems
Secure Reliable Vendors and Supply Chains
Providing franchisees with trusted suppliers ensures consistency and quality across all locations. Key considerations include:
Equipment and Machinery: Specify recommended or required equipment for operations.
Inventory and Supplies: Identify necessary inventory items and preferred vendors.
Supplier Contacts: Maintain a database of approved suppliers to support franchisee needs.
Franchise development - fms franchise marketing systems
Develop a Comprehensive Training Program
Effective training is essential to maintain brand standards across all franchise locations. Ensure your program includes:
Structured Curriculum: Define the key topics franchisees must learn, from operations to marketing.
Training Schedule: Establish a timeline that balances theory and practical training.
Training Personnel: Determine whether you or a specialized trainer will conduct sessions.
Ongoing Support: Provide continuous education and mentorship opportunities for franchisees.
By implementing these foundational elements, you can create a franchise system that is not only scalable but also sustainable for long-term success.
Franchise development - fms franchise marketing systems
FAQs About Franchise Development
1. What is franchise development?
Franchise development is the process of transforming a successful business into a scalable franchise system. This includes legal structuring, branding, training programs, operational systems, and franchisee recruitment strategies.
2. How do I know if my business is ready to franchise?
Your business is ready for franchising if it:
Has a proven and profitable business model.
Can be easily replicated in different locations.
Has strong brand recognition and customer demand.
Possesses scalable operational systems and processes.
3. What are the legal requirements for franchising a business?
Franchising requires compliance with federal and state regulations. Key legal documents include:
Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD): A mandatory legal document detailing franchise terms and conditions.
Franchise Agreement: A contract outlining the rights and responsibilities of both franchisors and franchisees.
Trademark Protection: Ensuring the brand name and logo are legally protected.
4. How long does it take to develop a franchise system?
Franchise development typically takes 6 to 12 months, depending on the complexity of the business model and legal requirements. This includes planning, documentation, training, and marketing efforts.
5. What are the costs associated with franchising a business?
The cost of franchising varies but generally includes:
Legal fees for drafting the FDD and franchise agreements.
Branding and marketing expenses.
Training program development.
Franchise sales and recruitment costs.
Franchise development - fms franchise marketing systems
6. How do I attract potential franchisees?
To attract franchisees, you should:
Develop a compelling franchise opportunity presentation.
Market through digital channels, franchise expos, and networking events.
Operational support through field consultants or corporate teams.
Regular performance evaluations and business coaching.
8. What is the difference between franchising and licensing?
Franchising involves granting rights to operate under your brand with full support, training, and standardized procedures. Licensing typically provides rights to use a product or brand without extensive operational oversight.
Selecting the right candidates through a rigorous vetting process.
Providing thorough training and operational guidance.
Offering continuous marketing and business development support.
Maintaining clear and open communication channels.
10. What are common challenges in franchise development?
Some challenges include:
Finding qualified franchisees who align with your brand values.
Ensuring operational consistency across multiple locations.
Managing legal and regulatory compliance.
Providing ongoing franchisee support while maintaining profitability.
Developing a franchise is a strategic decision that requires careful planning and execution. By following best practices and ensuring franchisee support, you can build a thriving and sustainable franchise network.
Franchise development - fms franchise marketing systems
Wondering how to franchise your business?
FMS Franchise is the perfect franchising partner to guide you through the franchise development process. With our franchise development experts on hand, you don’t need to worry about the complexity of franchising in the US. We are here to handle all of your franchising needs, from the initial consultation to the completion of the franchise process. Get in touch with us today for a free franchise consultation and let us help you reach your goals.
Franchise development - fms franchise marketing systems
Franchise sales
From selling your franchise, to lead generation, to full management and support, the FMS team is here to assist you throughout the whole franchise development process.
Franchise development - fms franchise marketing systems
Franchise lead generation
From the beginning, the FMS team is ready and available to help the franchisor with a variety of services including Research, Conversion, Metric Tracking, and more.
Franchise development - fms franchise marketing systems
Management & support
Build a more profitable and efficient franchise model with expertise from the industry. FMS will help you with every element of building and managing a successful franchise.
Gloucester, Virginia – Kimberly Moody has secured an impressive track record in implementing financial goals for a business base of more than $300 million in assets covering customer service, financial planning, estate planning, banking services, and all aspects of investment management. Additionally, she worked as an Adjunct Instructor for Christopher Newport University, where she taught investment courses to individuals interested in learning more about financial planning. Ms. Moody also has experience as the Co-Host for WVEC Channel 13’s show “Investing 101” and Co-Host of WTKR’s radio station’s financial planning show. She has also held more than 100 public seminars on financial planning topics and was the speaker for National Space Society Conferences for NASA. Ms. Moody intends to use her proven business expertise, natural leadership ability, and personal determination to sell and grow franchise development.
PAUL REISNER
FRANCHISE CONSULTANT - MARKETING & SALES
New York, NY – Paul has 25+ years experienced in business development management and direct sales with Blue-Chip companies – CA, ADP, Pitney Bowes and National accounts such as Deutsche Bank, PepsiCo, Verizon. Received many awards and acknowledgement for sales achievement and success where personally responsible for generating in excess of $100m in revenue. Paul has been married for 34 years with six children. Paul graduated from Northern Michigan University in Marketing and from Marquette with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.
MICHELLE WHITE
FRANCHISE CONSULTANT
Boca Raton, FL – Michelle White has worked in the franchise industry since 2012 in franchise sales, franchise development and as a franchise consultant. Previous to working with Franchise Marketing Systems, Ms. White worked in real estate development throughout South Florida and Illinois. Ms. White has a wide range of business skill sets including business management, business development, sales, marketing and financial management. Ms. White supports Franchise Marketing Systems clients through document development and franchise consulting work.
TRISHA CONNER
FRANCHISE CONSULTANT
Midwest – Ms. Trisha Conner is the documentation specialist for Franchise Marketing Systems, working with client’s legal counsel to initiate the Franchise Disclosure Documentation for a wide variety of business models each year. Since 2011, she has also held key responsibilities for the management, accuracy and timely distribution of client leads via the company CRM. Additionally, Ms. Conner contributes strategic planning as the company experiences growth. Previous work-related experiences include a decade of successful fundraising including financial accountability; extensive international travel including multiple international relocations in support of her husband’s agricultural commodities sales business; client services for Varig airlines in NYC. In addition to raising her family, Trisha has many years’ experience as a primary caregiver for elderly family members and is extensively familiar with in-home care businesses. An avid sports enthusiast, Trisha combines her continued fund-raising focus with cycling events. She played tennis competitively for more than 20 years and has recently added kayaking to her activities. Ms. Conner attended Colorado University, the Alliance Francaise and the Sorbonne in Paris and Northern IL University, graduating with a BA in French.
Kaitlin Eileen
GRAPHIC DESIGNER & AD STRATEGIST
Kaitlin is a graphic designer and a Facebook™️ ad Strategist. A born creator, her passion for creativity grew as she explored the design and artistic side of marketing. She has a special focus on presentation and visual design and is insanely curious about learning new skills to continuously improve her portfolio.
Tackling everything from Brochure design to Landing Pages and everything in between, she is always excited to grow her clients’ brands into something beautiful. When she isn’t working, her creative roots are always showing. Her love for Marketing and design go beyond the desk, her creative juices flow in the kitchen and in the garden. She also loves nature and all animals big and small but what she really loves is making her clients happy.
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Noah Cunningham
VIRTUAL DESIGNER
Augusta, GA – Noah is a designer for FMS. He has been designing for 4 years and has a wide range of skills when it comes to designing. Noah has a passion for communicating visually and creating visually successful brands. He loves creating for a wide range of clients and strives to fulfill their needs in design.
