According to Digital Marketing Guru Abhirup Bhadra, education and support are the “backbone” and “cornerstone” of a thriving franchise system.
“[Franchise support] is crucial to equip [a franchisee] with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive. Training plays an equally vital role, ensuring that franchisees understand the brand’s values, processes, and best practices.”
But the reality is that franchisor support can vary widely across industries and individual companies.
Some franchisors have worked hard to hone their operational and educational support. Others have…not.
So, when you decide to become a franchise owner, you’ll need to choose your franchisor carefully. Here’s how great franchisor support can really help shape the success of a franchise investment.
Mapping Your Path
A thorough, well-thought-out business plan is one of the keys to getting a new franchise investment off the ground. It can also be one of the most challenging tasks.
Did you include all the important things? Plan for contingencies? Do the numbers work?
It’s hard to know what you don’t know.
In solid franchise systems, the franchisor typically has your back with tried-and-true business plans honed from years of experience. No starting from scratch or guesswork needed.
Per OpenWorks, “Because the franchisor has worked with many franchised businesses they have already discovered what works and what doesn’t. They’ll know the best methods and systems to create a profitable business and have already tweaked the business plan to perfection. As a business owner, this can help provide security and will increase your chance of success.”
Generating Momentum
Now it’s time to get into the nuts and bolts of putting together your day-to-day operations. This is another area where your relationship with your franchisor can help fast-track (or derail) franchise investments.
This might come in the form of an Operations System Manual that outlines business systems and procedures for you. No wheel-reinvention needed!
These manuals vary from franchisor to franchisor but usually lay out systems and procedures for standard franchise operations, such as brand standards, site selection and layout, training and human resources, financial management, support and communication, and compliance and/or legal obligations.
Some franchisors provide industry-specific support exclusively available to those within the franchise network.
Motto Mortgage, for example, as the only mortgage brokerage franchisor in the country, offers its unique industry know-how to its franchisees, and will help guide you every step of the way in your franchise journey, from opening of your office location, to providing ongoing support and tools so that you can take the most advantage of all the franchise system has to offer.
Basically, with the right degree of support, you’ll be best positioned for a strong start.
Experiencing the Best of Both Business Worlds
91% of American consumers shop at small and local stores. That’s you!
But while you technically are a small local business, you also get some perks from your big-business franchisor.
As a franchisee, you get the best of both worlds — the small business feel, small business reputation, and small business service, but with all the resources, buying power, and proven systems of your franchisor.
Some franchisors, including Motto Mortgage, even have a community outreach program to help you make your mark as a business. No Googling for ideas, no wasted time, just wins for both your business and your community.
Leveraging Buying Power
Another big advantage franchisees might enjoy is the power of the almighty dollar. Or rather, lots (and lots!) of dollars.
For example, if you’re buying 50 mailers for a local marketing campaign, chances are you’re paying more per unit than someone who’s buying 50,000.
As a small business, you don’t need 50,000 mailers. But all of a franchisor’s franchisees in one franchise system might.
Franchisors often have established relationships with vendors and have negotiated lower bulk prices that are likely to be out of reach for a single small business owner.
These relationships help protect your supply chains, ensure a consistent supply of products and services, and maintain consistency and quality. Not to mention lowering your cost of goods so you can potentially raise your profit margins.
Implementing Cutting-Edge Tech
Let’s face it, in today’s modern world, a solid tech stack is a must.
Technology tools can save you time, keep you on track, streamline… well… just about everything.
But how do you find the right tech for your specific business or industry? Once again, your franchisor can help.
A franchisor most likely will be able to point you towards effective POS (point of sale) or CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems, inventory management software, high-tech equipment, and more.
No more hassle, days of lost time, or frustrating headaches from researching all of the potential solutions on your own.
And, chances are, they can do it more affordably thanks to that bulk bargaining power.
Advertising Your Business
One of the classic advantages of a franchise investment is built-in brand recognition.
Yes, you’ll probably still need to do your own marketing. But any marketing done nationally by your franchisor — or even by your fellow franchisees — just turbocharges your individual efforts.
Speaking of your marketing… Your franchisor may have well-crafted and time-tested marketing materials, campaigns, graphics, and more.
For example, Motto Mortgage offers a lead conversion system with a few clicks, thanks to a promotional content library and automated client communications systems.
Growing Connections
Another critical benefit of investing in a franchise system is the sense of community. After all, you and your fellow franchisees are all in this together!
Many franchisors have mentorship programs and peer networks that can offer this kind of support. The newbies can learn from the more experienced folks, problems can be group brainstormed, and joint challenges can be overcome.
This kind of collaborative environment can not only up everyone’s game but can also foster a sense of shared success. In other words, a whole, built-in community to vent, collaborate, and celebrate alongside.
Sharpening Your Skills
Comprehensive education can be the hallmark of a successful franchise system.
You might find educational materials around product and industry knowledge, customer service, marketing strategies, financial and cash flow management, or even people management.
“One area of growing importance is how the franchisor provides you with [education] on how to continually provide training to your own staff,” per MSA Worldwide.
This education can take the form of in-person classes at headquarters, online instruction, on-the-job guidance, or any combination. It can also include third-party modules or certifications. It might even have a cute name, like McDonald’s famed Hamburger University!
Whatever flavor your franchisor offers, the common thread is accessible, effective educational resources aimed at setting franchisees up for success.
Maintaining Compliance
No matter how good an initial education program can be, things change. Industries evolve, rules and regulations are repealed, and consumer patterns shift. So, solid franchisors offer some sort of ongoing education program as well.
Some franchisors will provide a field support consultant to work with you, with the goal of improving your business performance.
Others will provide updates to marketing, supply chains, and new products and services straight from headquarters.
Ultimately, education can take place in many forms, at regular intervals or ad hoc, but a franchisor worth their salt will make sure their franchisees stay on top of the latest and greatest.
MSA Worldwide said it best: “Most franchisors will have regional or system meetings and conventions. In addition to allowing you to meet directly with the franchise system management and staff, and other franchisees and vendors, these are generally one of the most important venues for the franchisor to convey new information and [education].”
Essentially, with the support and education offered by certain franchisors (like Motto Mortgage), a franchise will come with access to a well-stocked toolbox, designed to help you grow and thrive.
Wrapping Up: Leveraging Education and Support to Strengthen Franchise Investments
In franchising, you don’t have to go it alone. When a franchisor has your back — with a strong system that includes a solid educational infrastructure, and real, hands-on support — you’re stacking the odds for your franchise investment in your favor.
So, as you evaluate any potential franchise investment, don’t just look at brand, territory, fees, or revenue potential. Look hard at how the franchise maintains excellence, how they teach, and how they support their franchisees from day one… And every day after.
Because, ultimately, what makes the difference isn’t a flashy logo or balloons at the grand opening. It’s a commitment to the franchisee from day one, and sustainable growth over weeks, months, and years. That’s where support and education truly shine.
Published on October 22, 2025
