10 Steps To Start Your Dream Business

10 steps to start your business

Do you have a passion or dream that you want to start into a business? Or you have this awesome idea and want to start a side business to see if this is something you could possibly do full time?

Don’t know where to start to get your dreams going? Start right here. This article explains 10 steps to get you going on the right path to starting your dream business right.

Let’s get you started on this awesome journey!

  1. You have your business idea and you’ve done your market research.

    You don’t only have to have an idea…you need to do some research to find out if it is a profitable idea. Check out the Growth Labs Ultimate Guide to Business Ideas. GrowthLab walks you through determining what your gifts are and if your idea will be profitable. You also need to tear down your business idea with market research. Check out this video which breaks down a business idea.

  2. Come up with the perfect business name.

    First, search the United States Patent and Trademark Office to verify that your business name has not been trademarked.  Your business name needs to be as unique as you are. If you use a Trademarked name, you will be asked to rename your business and face legal action against you or your business.  Your business name should be something you like along with something that relates to your business idea.  I recommend finding a few Facebook groups related to your business idea or audience  (of people you don’t know) and asking their feedback on the name you have chosen.  They would be a good test market and give you some honest feedback rather than friends or family, who have a tendency to shelter your feelings and refrain from giving you complete and full feedback.

  3. Google search the URL you want to determine the competition on your name.

    Do a Google search to see what similar URL names come up. If lots of items appear very related to your topic, you may need to choose a different business name or URL. For example, your business is a craft business and you want to name it “John Michaels” you will forever be competing with a big store (with a big SEO budget) to land in the top of the Google search. Or if you go with a generic name such as “Crafty Mom,” you will be competing with every other crafty Mom.

  4. Set up a free email address at Google Gmail.

    Set up your temporary business email as yourcompany@gmail.com with Google Gmail. You will use this address for many items for your website set up later on including setting up a yourname@yourcompany.com email.  I was surprised at how often I use this email address and keeps my business email separate from my personal.  It makes it easy to separate my business from my personal life.

  5. Pick out a website URL.

    Search for a domain at Go Daddy.  Don’t buy it yet! Most hosting providers offer free domain purchases if you also purchase a hosting package. If you are waiting to buy a hosting package until you have more funds, then purchase the domain name now. The domain can always be pointed to whichever hosting provider you choose that hosts your website. You may purchase the domain name from any hosting company you choose.

    If you do not have a hosting provider, I recommend BlueHost. Bluehost has top-notch service and features, including a free shared SSL certificate. Bluehost is an affiliate and you receive a discount if you click our link to BlueHost.

    Note: At Create IT Web Designs, we believe in transparency. If you purchase hosting using our referral link, then we will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. You will receive a discount on hosting plus a free domain name. We would get this commission for recommending any WordPress hosting company, but we only recommend products that we personally use or have our clients use.

  6. Set up your business through both the Federal and State Governments.

    You need to get your Business set up correctly through both the Federal and State governments through a lawyer. You need to set your business up as a sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, or Limited Liability Corporation (LLC). Each type has pros and cons and different tax repercussions. Please check with a reputable lawyer or online law service, such as LegalZoom to explain the advantages and disadvantages. You may also need to get a vendor’s license from your state if you are selling tangible goods. Each state has different rules and regulations. Choose your favorite local lawyer or go to LegalZoom to get it done quickly and at a great price. I paid about $350 to have my LLC set up through LegalZoom

    You may also want to consider Trademarking your business name. That prevents someone else from using your business name in the future and prevents copycats. Trademarking can cost from about $250 at LegalZoom to several thousand dollars through a lawyer.

  7. Set up a bank account.

    Once you have the paperwork with your business set up, you need to set up a Bank Account. You need a place to keep all that money you are going to make! First Financial Bank offers FREE small business checking accounts.

  8. Set up a free business phone number through Google Voice.

    Google Voice gives you one number for all your phones, voicemail as easy as email, free US long distance, low rates on international calls, and many calling features like transcripts, call blocking, call screening, conference calling, SMS, and more.
    Phone numbers are limited and may not be available for every city. I had to choose a neighboring town as the only available phone numbers in my town were numbers that began with “666.” No, thank you!

  9. Get a business credit card.

    Charging purchases online (because you will have business expenses) is safest through a credit card. Credit cards offer more safeguards and protection if your card or card number is stolen than your debit card number. And with today’s known big company breaches (Target, Equifax, Adobe Systems, Uber, Michaels, to name just a few) it is important to take safeguards to protect your bank account. As a good rule of business and financial management, do not charge more to your credit card than what you have in your bank account. If you are looking for a small business loan, ask your bank or local lender for a small business loan. The interest is less than what you would pay for credit card interest.

  10. Set up a business Paypal account.

    If you want to receive electronic payments, Paypal is a great option. I have had several businesses and customers asking to pay me through Paypal. Set up your Paypal business account for free at www.paypal.com/business/account.  And while setting up your payment account, it’s crucial to create a unique qrcode to connect with the audience better. It will help you bring them on your platform easily for payment purposes.

These are the 10 items you need to do to get your business up and running.

What do you think? Comment below.

Jessica Rhoades

Jessica Rhoades

Jessica Rhoades is the Owner and Designer at Create IT Web Designs. Among her greatest passions are web design, SEO, helping small businesses succeed, bicycling, traveling, and making lists.

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