Starting a business is a big undertaking, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s where a small business startup checklist comes in. A small business startup checklist can help you stay organized and on track, and it can also help you avoid making costly mistakes.

According to the Small Business Administration, 20% of small businesses fail in their first year, 30% fail in their second year, and 50% of small businesses fail after five years in business. The right small business startup checklist can help you increase your chances of success by ensuring that you don’t overlook any important steps.

What’s Included in our Business Startup Checklist Guide

• Choose a business structure.
• Register your business with the state.
• Get a business license.
• Open a business bank account.
• Get business insurance.
• Set up your business website.
• Market your business
• + Bonus

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Choose a Business Structure

There are different types of business structures, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. You’ll need to choose the structure that’s right for your business. Here are some of the most common types of business structures:

• Sole proprietorship: This is the simplest type of business structure. It’s easy to set up and there are no ongoing fees. However, you’re personally liable for any debts or liabilities incurred by your business.

• Partnership: This is a business owned by two or more people. Partnerships are like sole proprietorships, but there are some important differences. For example, partners are not personally liable for the debts or liabilities of the other partners.

• Corporation: This is a legal entity that is separate from its owners. Corporations have limited liability, which means that the owners are not personally liable for the debts or liabilities of the corporation. Corporations are more complex to set up and maintain than other types of business structures, but they offer some important advantages.

Keep in mind it’s always a great idea to consult with an attorney before proceeding with any legal matters. (I’m not an attorney, and this information I provide is for educational purposes only)

Register your Business with the State

In most states, you’ll need to register your business with the state. This process varies from state to state, so you’ll need to check with your state’s government to find out what’s required.

Get a Business License

In some cities and towns, you’ll need to get a business license. This is a permit that allows you to operate your business in a particular location. You can usually get a business license from your city or town hall.

“Are you afraid of being wrong? Do you have a great business idea, but you’re not sure if it’s worth pursuing? If so, we can help. We offer a service to help aspiring entrepreneurs like you. The last thing you will want to do is waste time on an idea or choose a market that is too competitive. That hurts and truthfully, it’s what kicks over 90% of aspiring entrepreneurs out of business.  To schedule a phone consultation. Click Here:

Open a Business Bank Account

It’s a good idea to open a separate bank account for your business. This will help you keep your personal and business finances separate. Well, it’s better than a good thing. Because in the U.S. the I.R.S. dictate that you don’t co-mingle funds. There are many benefits to keeping separate accounts, however, the penalty of not keeping them separate out-weight them all. Uncle Sam is funny about his money…. So, you’ll want to keep an easy-to-follow paper trail.

Here are five things to look for when finding a good bank:

• Fees: Make sure the bank’s fees are reasonable.
• Interest rates: Compare the bank’s interest rates on checking and savings accounts to other banks.
• ATM access: Make sure the bank has ATMs that are convenient for you to use.
• Customer service: Make sure the bank has good customer service.
• Online banking: Make sure the bank has a good online banking system.

What are online lending platforms?

Online lending platforms are fintech companies that connect borrowers with lenders. They provide a convenient and streamlined process for businesses to access funding. These platforms often offer various types of loans, such as term loans, invoice financing, and merchant cash advances.

Advantages of Online Lending Platforms:

• Easy online application process.
• Quick funding decisions and disbursement.
• Access to a wide network of lenders increases the chances of approval.

It’s important to research and compare different online lending platforms to find the one that best suits your business’s specific needs and requirements.

Here are examples of places to go for business funding:

Fundwise: Fintech platform connecting businesses with lenders, providing quick and streamlined funding options.

Apply Here

National Business Capital: Fintech platform specializing in securing funding for businesses of all sizes.

Apply Here

Government Loan Option

SBA loan

The advantages of acquiring an SBA loan. SBA loans are backed by the government with favorable terms and lower interest rates. The loans are given to businesses that are looking to expand, purchase equipment, and hire employees. For more information on SBA.gov

Get Business Insurance

There are different types of business insurance, each of which protects you from different risks. You’ll need to decide what type of insurance is right for your business. Here are some of the most common types of business insurance:

• General liability insurance: This type of insurance protects you from lawsuits that are filed against your business.
• Property insurance: This type of insurance protects your business’s property from damage or loss.
• Business interruption insurance: This type of insurance covers your lost income if your business is forced to close due to a covered event, such as a fire or flood.

Businesses that Require Insurance:

• Businesses that deal with the public, such as restaurants, retail stores, and service providers.
• Businesses that handle hazardous materials, such as construction companies and chemical manufacturers.
• Businesses that operate vehicles, such as delivery companies and taxicabs.

Businesses That Don’t Require Insurance:

• Sole proprietorships with no employees.
• Businesses that operate out of the owner’s home.
• Businesses that have very little risk of liability or property damage.

To find out if your business needs insurance, you can talk to your insurance agent or Google search online. There are many different types of business insurance, so it’s important to find the right coverage for your needs.

Set up your Business Website

It’s important for all businesses to have a website because it’s a great way to reach potential customers. A website can provide information about your business, products, and services. It can also be used to sell products or services online. Here’s an article on “how to set up your own business website”.

According to a study by the National Federation of Independent Business, 82% of small businesses have a website. Of those businesses, 70% say their website has helped them increase sales.

Key elements that should be on your website:

• Homepage: The homepage should be the first page that visitors see when they come to your website. It should include a brief overview of your business, products, and services.

• About us: The about us page should provide more information about your business, such as your history, mission, and values.

• Products and services: The products and services page should list your products and services in detail.

• Contact information: The contact information page should include your address, phone number, and email address.

The prettiest website is not always the winner. The most important thing is to have a website that is easy to use and provides the information that potential customers need.

When it comes to building your website, you have two options: using a website builder or doing it yourself (DIY).

Click on the image to learn the exact formula.

Let’s explore both options and their pros and cons.

Website builders are platforms that provide user-friendly tools and templates to help you create a website without coding knowledge. Here are three popular website builders:

Wix  offers a drag-and-drop interface, allowing you to easily customize your website. It provides a wide range of templates and has a robust app marketplace for additional functionality. However, Wix’s free version includes ads, and advanced features may require a paid subscription.

Elementor is a WordPress plugin that enhances the website-building experience. It offers a powerful drag-and-drop editor and a variety of design elements. With Elementor, you can create visually stunning websites. However, you need to have a self-hosted WordPress site to use Elementor effectively.

Pros and cons of using website builders vs opting for a DIY approach:

Pros of website builders:

• User-friendly: Website builders are designed for beginners, providing intuitive interfaces and pre-built templates.
• Convenience: They offer all-in-one solutions, including hosting, domain registration, and design tools.
• Speed: Website builders allow you to create a website quickly, with no need for coding or technical skills.

Cons of Website Builders:

• Limited customization: While website builders offer templates and design options, they may have limitations when it comes to advanced customization.
• Cost: Advanced features and removing ads often require a paid subscription.
• Dependency: When using a website builder, you rely on the platform’s infrastructure and support.

If you prefer a DIY approach, here are three examples of popular CMS platforms that allow you to build your website from scratch: “Services you’ll need to build your website:

Website Hosting

Hosting is the service that stores your website’s files on a server.

• Bluehost is a popular hosting provider that offers reliable and affordable hosting plans. Learn More!
• WPX is known for its high-performance hosting tailored for WordPress websites. Learn More!
• SiteGround provides fast and secure hosting solutions. Learn More!

Domain Hosting

A domain name is the address of your website on the internet, such as www.mynewbusiness.com. You can register a domain name through various providers.

Domain Name Provider

Namecheap is a reputable domain registrar known for its competitive pricing and user-friendly interface.

NameSilo (www.namesilo.com): NameSilo is a domain registrar known for its straightforward pricing and excellent customer support.

HostGator has a ton of website hosting options, a 99.9% uptime guarantee, a free SSL certificate, easy WordPress installs, and a free domain for a year.

Web Design

Web design is the process of creating the look and feel of your website. When it comes to designing websites:

Elementor (www.elementor.com) is a powerful drag-and-drop page builder that allows you to visually customize your website. It offers a vast collection of themes and templates to choose from.

Some Popular Elementor Themes Include

• Astra (www.astra.com)
• OceanWP (www.oceanwp.com)
• GeneratePress (www.generatepress.com)

BlueChic Themes are flexible enough for the WordPress Wonder Woman and simple enough for the “non-techy” WordPress newbie to build a website that brings your vision to life.

Click Here to View Themes

Content Management System (CMS)

A content management system (CMS) is a software application that makes it easy to update your website’s content. But knowing the right content is another factor. Learning how to write SEO-friendly content for your website will take time.

Here’s software that can help you write SEO-relevant content that your target market craves. Check it out here!

• WordPress (wordpress.org) is one of the most popular CMS platforms available. It offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of plugins and themes to enhance your website’s functionality.

• Joomla (www.joomla.org) is another popular CMS known for its flexibility and extensibility.

• Drupal (www.drupal.org) is a robust CMS suitable for large and complex websites.”

Remember, when choosing between website builders and a DIY approach, consider your technical expertise, customization needs, budget, and long-term goals.

If you’re not sure how to choose a domain name and URL, we have a guide that can help. Click Here!

If you need a complete step-by-step video and explanation of everything, you’ll need to get your website up and running most effectively. Click Here!

Services you’ll need to build your website:

• Hosting: Hosting is the service that stores your website’s files on a server.
• Domain name: A domain name is the address of your website on the internet, such as www.example.com.
• Web design: Web design is the process of creating the look and feel of your website.
• Content management system: A content management system (CMS) is a software application that makes it easy to update your website’s content.

***Important Note You can set up a business website yourself or hire a web designer to do it for you. But not just any website will do. You need a website that is well-designed, informative, and easy to use. And you need to choose the right domain name and URL. Your domain name is your website’s address on the internet. It’s what people will type into their browsers to visit your site. And your URL is the path to a specific page on your website.

If you’re not sure how to choose a domain name and URL, we have a guide that can help. Click Here!

Both your domain name and URL are important for SEO, or search engine optimization. SEO is the process of making your website more visible in search engine results pages (SERPs). And the better your SEO, the more likely people are to find your website when they search for products or services like yours. Mike Person offers a free SEO course that’s very helpful.

Choosing an ineffective web address can be search suicide. I’m not trying to scare you… but embarrassingly so, when I started in 2007, I made that mistake. I chose keywords and a domain that I would never, ever rank for in a million years. That hurts so badly, especially after spending years writing content and putting in the work. You don’t know what you don’t know. Don’t be shy about getting help.

I created a resource that offers even more details that give examples of good URL ideas vs bad. You can get that Here!

How to Choose a Domain Name and URL

Here are a few tips:

• Make sure your domain name is relevant to your business.
• Make sure your domain name is easy to remember.
• Make sure your domain name is available.
• Make sure your URL is short and easy to type.

A well-chosen website address, researched SEO content, speed, and easy navigation can make a big difference in your website’s success. So, don’t overlook them. Choose wisely, and you’ll be well on your way to online success.” We offer website creation consultations: Check Here to Sign up.

Starting a business can be intimidating. Truthfully, there are a lot of moving parts. The key is to compartmentalize all the moving pieces. Fortunately, it’s simple if you follow a proven system. If you don’t, you can end up going around in circles… like driving around Central Park. (Yep! I did that Too! )

I created a resource that offers a step-by-step detailed guide that you can follow from concept to cash! Take a Sneak Peek Here!

Market your Business

Once you have your business set up, you need to start marketing it. There are many ways to market your business,

Such as:

• Newspaper Ads,
• TV Ad
• Public relations
• and social media
• Trade shows
• Networking Events
• And Collaborations

Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing is a great way to reach potential customers and promote your business. Here are some benefits of social media marketing:

• Reach a wider audience: Social media platforms allow you to reach a wider audience than you could through traditional marketing methods, such as print ads or TV commercials.
• Build relationships with customers: it’s a great way to build relationships with customers and learn more about their needs.
• Generate leads: also, you can use them to generate leads, which are potential customers who are interested in learning more about your business.
• Increase brand awareness: Social media can be used to increase brand awareness and make your business more visible to potential customers.

    Social Media Platforms

Here are some effective social media marketing tactics:

• Post high-quality content: The most important thing is to post high-quality content that is relevant to your target audience.

• Be consistent: Post regularly and consistently to keep your audience engaged.

• Use social media analytics: Use social media analytics to track your progress and see what’s working and what’s not.

• Run contests and giveaways: Contests and giveaways are a great way to generate excitement and engagement around your brand.

• Partner with influencers: Partnering with influencers is a great way to reach a wider audience and build trust with potential customers.

Conclusion:

Be mindful that a Business Startup Checklist can help you with all these tasks. It can also help you track your progress and make sure that you’re on schedule.

If you’re serious about starting a business, I highly recommend you save this business startup checklist and grab our FREE downloadable checklist that offers more of the technical and other resources you will need.

Starting a business is a lot of work, but it can also be very rewarding. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of success. Using a business startup checklist can help you take the guesswork out of starting a business. It can also help you save time and money. If you’re committed to starting a business, I highly recommend using a checklist, you can grab our

“Free” checklist here. Small Business Startup Checklist!

Thanks for reading if you have any questions or comments leave them below.

Cheers

PY

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