The Role of Support in Franchising Success: What Every Franchisor Should Plan For
By Ashtons Franchise Consulting
Franchising your business can be a great way to grow. However, it is not just about copying your model and hoping it works. One of the key factors that determines the success of a franchise is the support you provide to your franchisees. Good support helps them succeed, keeps your brand consistent, and protects your reputation.
Let’s take a look at what that support looks like, and why it’s so important.
1. Training: giving your franchisees the best start
Training is the basis of any successful franchise. Your franchisees are buying into your experience and know-how, so it’s up to you to make sure they can run the business the way you do.
- Initial training: Teach the essentials - how to run operations, deliver your product or service, and provide the customer experience you’re known for.
- Ongoing training: Things change - markets evolve, customers’ expectations shift, and your own processes might improve. Providing continuous training keeps everyone on the same page and performing at their best.
By providing a structured and thorough training programme, you are showing franchisees that you are invested in their success.
2. Operational guidance: keeping things consistent
Nothing frustrates customers more than inconsistency. Whether they visit your first location or your 50th, they expect the same experience. That’s where clear operational guidance comes in.
This might include:
- Standard operating procedures for day-to-day running
- Checklists, templates, and guides for best practices
- Support with things like inventory, marketing campaigns, and compliance
By providing structured and regular guidance you will helps franchisees stay on track. Moreover, your brand will consistently perform and look as it should.
3. Ongoing support: being there when it matters
Franchisees are not employees; they are partners. In any partnership, communication and support are key, and franchising is no different.
Support could mean:
- Regular check-ins: Make a call or visit to franchisees to see how things are going, address any questions, and provide support.
- Problem-solving: Be there when challenges come up and let your franchisees know they can rely on you to help.
- Community building: Encouraging franchisees to share experiences and best practices with each other
Franchisees who feel supported are more likely to thrive, stay committed, and contribute to the brand's growth.
4. Professional guidance: why it helps
Franchising isn’t simple. There’s a lot to think about, and mistakes can be costly. That’s why professional guidance - from consultants, franchising advisors, or legal experts - can be so valuable.
Professionals can help you:
- Design training programs and operational systems that work from day one
- Create scalable processes that protect your brand
- Stay on the right side of franchising regulations and best practices
Getting advice early can save you time, money, and headaches later, giving your franchise the best chance of long-term success.
Final thoughts
Franchising is not about getting others to invest in your brand and then leaving them to their own devices. Franchising is about creating an environment that enables franchisees to grow and thrive. Ongoing support, training and guidance are not optional extras; they are essential.
Plan your support carefully, and you can build a franchise network that’s consistent, profitable, and sustainable - a network that genuinely reflects the best of your business. Don't be afraid to draw on expert advice for any of this.
Ashtons Franchise Consulting specialises in helping business owners just like you implement great support for franchisees. Get in touch with their expert team to find out more.
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