For example, let’s say you’re a trained graphic designer with experience in web design. You might use these skills to start a web-design business.
Since it will likely take time for your business to become successful, it may be best to start out part-time. Some businesses may be more flexible than others. For instance, freelancing as a web designer or selling crafts may allow you to work when you want, while jobs like consulting may require you to work around a client’s schedule.
For instance, you might call local businesses to ask if they’d be interested in hiring a freelance marketing consultant to run their social media accounts. If you’re selling a product, you could show it off at a local market or to friends you think would be interested in it to see what type of response it receives. You don’t need to do marketing research to start a business, but it can help you increase your chances of success.
Accounting Financial planning Selling your own art, jewelry, or crafts Creating gift baskets Blogging Consulting Doing graphic design Offering editorial and writing services Being a virtual assistant Developing websites
Website hosting – Chances are good your business will require a website. Web hosts are the services that keep your website up and running. They usually cost $7-$19 per month, depending on how much technical support they offer and the size of your site. Website design – This cost can vary because you can use an inexpensive template, build the site yourself, or hire a designer. You can create a basic site yourself or using a template for less than $100, but a designer may charge $1000-$5000. Shopping cart – If you are selling products and services that can be bought online, you will want an online shopping cart for your customers to put them in. You may be able to get a service that only charges you when you complete a transaction, but many services charge $5 per month. Email Marketing Service – Building an email mailing list is key to advertising your product and making money. [5] X Research source The typical service costs about $20 per month. Materials costs – If you’re selling a product, this includes the cost of your materials to make them, as well as any manufacturing equipment you’ll need. If you are offering a service, this includes things like software or supportive services. [6] X Research source Website maintenance and security – You’ll need to make regular updates to your website, which may bring added costs. Additionally, you may need to pay extra to protect your client’s data, especially if you’re completing payment transactions.
Business concept: Describe your business and its structure, including the products or services you’ll offer. Additionally, briefly discuss the market for your business. Market research: Describe the market you are entering, including your major competitors, your target market, and the needs of your target market. Marketing plan: Explain how you plan to enter your market, how you will communicate with customers, and how you will distribute your product or service. Operations plan: Explain your day-to-day operations, including steps involved in the production of your product or service. Financial plan: Outline how you will finance your business, what your expected costs are, and how much estimated revenue you expect to make.
Sole proprietorship – A sole proprietorship is owned and run by one person, and there is no legal separation between the individual and the business. As a result, all profits, losses, debts and deeds of the business are your responsibility. This is an easy option for a home business. [9] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Small Business Administration U. S. government agency focused on supporting small businesses Go to source Partnership – A partnership means 2 or more people share ownership. Typically, a lawyer helps negotiate a partnership agreement. Each individual partner is liable for the full debts of the business but share profits, losses, or liabilities. You might choose a partnership if you want to work with someone else. [10] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Small Business Administration U. S. government agency focused on supporting small businesses Go to source Limited liability company (LLC) – To start an LLC, choose a name and file articles of organization with your state, which requires a fee. LLC owners pay taxes on their profits through their individual income tax returns and have to pay self employment tax, but they’re protected from personal liability for the decisions and actions of the company. [11] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Small Business Administration U. S. government agency focused on supporting small businesses Go to source Corporation – This is an independent legal entity owned by shareholders. To register your corporation, choose a company name and file articles of incorporation with your state. You will also need to register with the IRS and get a tax ID. Corporations file taxes separately from their owners. It’s best to speak with a lawyer or accountant to see if this form of business will benefit you. This structure is generally not appropriate for smaller businesses. [12] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Small Business Administration U. S. government agency focused on supporting small businesses Go to source S Corporation – This is an independent legal entity owned by shareholders, like a typical corporation, except that to avoid double taxation, profits and losses are passed through to the owners’ personal tax returns, instead of the company paying taxes. [13] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Small Business Administration U. S. government agency focused on supporting small businesses Go to source
Registering a DBA name is typically done through your state government or county clerk’s office. Since the procedure for registering varies between states, it is wise to search the specific requirements of your state online beforehand. The registration process typically only takes a few minutes to complete. Keep in mind that a DBA name is still required if you are starting a corporation.
You have employees. Your company will be responsible for half their payroll taxes, and must thus have a tax ID with which to pay them. You file employment, excise, or alcohol, tobacco and firearms tax returns related to your business. You withhold taxes on income other than wages paid to a non-resident alien. You have a Keogh plan (a tax-deferred pension plan for self-employed individuals or unincorporated businesses). [16] X Research source You are involved with trusts, estates, real estate mortgage investment conduits, non-profit organizations, farmers’ cooperatives, or plan administrators.
Check here to see you need a state permit or license: https://www. sba. gov/content/what-federal-licenses-and-permits-does-your-business-need You may also need a permit or license from your city or county, so check with your local government ot be sure. The best way to find out if your particular business requires any unique permits is to contact your city, describe your business, and inquire about any requirements. For example, many cities require “Home Occupation Permits”, which enable you to operate a business from your home.
You can find the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office here: https://www. uspto. gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics It’s best to work with a lawyer to protect your intellectual property.
Research different web hosts before making your decision. Additionally, read client reviews to get a feel for how satisfied people are with each web host. Choose a company with good tech support. That means if your site goes down, you should be able to call someone to get answers. Since your business is dependent on being online, an issues need to be promptly resolved. [20] X Research source Pick a site that backs up your website and provides technical patches automatically.
Check with your web host to see if they register your domain for you. This will be explained in your user agreement. If you plan to register your domain yourself, visit here: http://www. internic. net/regist. html
Use a template – Sites like WordPress, Square Space, and Wix all offer templates that help you build a professional-looking site. Some templates are free, while others carry an additional charge. Free business website services – Services like Moonfruit, Weebly, Qapacity, Jimdo, and Yola offer website construction where all you have to do is pick a format and provide content. Many are free, with inexpensive upgrades for premium services. [22] X Research source Ask local or state business office for help – Many states will assist you in building a business website for free. Check here for a list of state business offices.
Photos and descriptions of products/services A company tagline or motto A business history and/or personal bio A blog Reviews from customers
Put keywords in the copy on your webpage. Think of words or phrases customers might use to search for your product, then use the Google Keyword Tool to find similar phrases. Include these phrases on your home page and throughout your site. Add links to sites your customers might be interested in. Links into and out of your site are another factor in how high you rank in search engines. #*Update your site regularly. This will push your website higher in the search rankings. Consider writing a blog twice a week, and use keywords whenever possible. If you can’t write a lot, add pictures regularly. Use website analytics such as Google Analytics to see the effectiveness of your website’s search engine optimization.
For most newcomers to internet business, a hosted solution is your best option. These services are easier to use and maintain, and work well for small purchases. [25] X Research source
The site is simple and looks professional. The site loads quickly and is viewable on all browsers and devices. The site is easy to navigate in order to find necessary information and purchase goods or services. The site features attractive photography, particularly if you are selling tangible objects that can be photographed. The site provides contact information, such as your phone number.
GoogleAds – Your ads appear in the sidebar when someone enters certain search terms that you select. Facebook – Your ads appear in the newsfeed for an audience that you select according to location, sex, age, and interests. The more specific your audience, the more successful you will be. [28] X Research source
As an example, if you are operating a business to teach English to non-English speakers, perhaps consider reaching out to a high-quality site that provides services to recent immigrants. Advertising through a site like that could bring in traffic for you, whereas by advertising on your site, their business could access your customer base.
Create a Facebook page. Every business should have one, even if this isn’t your main social media outlet. Get on Twitter. You can use twitter to connect with customers and share information about your products or services. Use Instagram. Post photos of your products or photos related to the services you provide. Post videos on Youtube. com. Youtube can be an effective way to create content that can simultaneously work to market your services and to educate customers. For example, if you offer a membership-based site that provides investing advice to customers, use Youtube to create free advice content, which can then link to your product or service. [31] X Research source
Consider writing a blog as a replacement or in addition to an e-newsletter. Every published blog post has the potential to increase your search engine ranking, therefore making it an excellent way to draw in new customers via the internet. As mentioned before, try to make your content useful, rather than a simple sales pitch. For example, if you offer computer training, you might review a newly released computer, or if you’re an accountant, you might discuss some new rules impacting this year’s taxes. Consider guest blogging. Contributing quality content to related blogs shows off your expertise and can bring people to your site. [34] X Research source
Keep in mind that simply because your business is online does not mean you cannot benefit tremendously from traditional advertising methods, and this is especially true if your online or home-based business relies on or markets to local customers. A graphic design service, for example, can benefit tremendously not only from internet traffic, but also from relationships with local businesses and organizations. If your business fits this profile, consider taking out advertisements in newspapers or on radio, or attending local networking events related to your product or service.
