Is selling online over-saturated? No way! It’s still very doable to make money from anywhere with a laptop. You just need to learn how to sell online and have the dedication to make it work.

This guide will give you proven methods to sell products and services online with insights from people making money using digital platforms. Plus, we’re sharing tips for building your own website and the secrets to selling with social media.

How to start selling online

Before jumping in and making your first sale, you need to know what you’re selling and who to. Through market research, you will find the answers.

Do market research

Once you’ve brainstormed the products or services that you’d like to sell online, you’ll need to see if there’s a market for those products. To do this, there are market research tools online that you can use.

Market research involves gathering information about your target market, competitors and industry trends. The goal is to determine whether or not your ideas are likely to make money and, if they are, how you can reach an audience interested in buying from you.

Market research includes:

• Competitor analysis to see what others are doing and what works for them. You need to look at where you fit within the market, what makes you stand out and what you can offer that competitors don’t.
• Analyzing online forums where your audience hangs out to build a picture of who your audience is and what they need so that you can target them better.
• Look for trends to discover products people are looking for now.

Top tip: When it comes to identifying trends, you can use Google Trends, which is a free tool. Search the product or service you’re considering selling and see how interested people are.

For example, a search for ‘buy selfie stick’ shows that searches for this product peaked in 2018 and have steadily declined in search volume; probably not the product for you right now.

Searches for air fryers, on the other hand, increased in 2020 and have remained relatively stable ever since.

Choose a niche and product

If you’re starting your online selling venture from scratch, it’s best to start with a niche product or service.

Niching allows you to build out an audience looking to solve a specific problem. You will get to know your buyer deeply, and only then can you provide them with all the reasons why your chosen product or service helps them.

Top tip: it will help if you genuinely like and believe in what you’re selling, especially if you’re going to sell on social media (more on that later).

Choose a platform or create an online store

The key to choosing a platform – or platforms – is not to spread yourself too thinly. If you’ve done your market research thoroughly enough, you will already have an idea of where your audience is hanging out online.

Top tip: consider your time. You are better off covering fewer platforms well than covering many badly. You can always scale later.

Market and sell

Once you’ve covered the above, it’s time to jump into your marketing plan. You’ll need a marketing plan that considers the buyer funnel. Think about the content you need to create to persuade prospective customers to buy from you. You will also want to build trust as part of your marketing strategy.

Top tip: sites like Reddit and Quora are free and provide insight into your audiences, their problems, their issues with competitors and so much more. The same applies to Google’s People Also Ask.

Sticking with the idea of selling air fryers, a quick search of the word ‘air fryers’ returns commonly asked questions about pros and cons.

Popular platforms where you can sell products online

Now that you’ve got your marketing plan started, it’s time to choose a platform for selling online.

Sell on your own online store

You can’t sell online without a digital store or platform. While you can sell on social media (more on this later), an owned channel like a website can become an asset over time.

Here’s some guidance on setting up your own platform.

Choose a domain

Check your desired domain name is available and buy online. Your domain name should be the same as your business name. It should be memorable, easy to spell, and relevant.

Create your store

Create an online store using GoDaddy’s Website Builder and set up shop within a day. You can add products, take payments and sell online from anywhere in the world.

Add payment processing

You need to integrate your online store with a payment gateway to accept payments. The gateway you choose comes down to personal preferences, terms and conditions and transaction fees.

PayPal is free to integrate but may charge a higher rate per sale, but if you want to test your ecommerce store before committing to a gateway like Stripe, PayPal can be a good start.

Manage inventory

Inventory management is crucial for any ecommerce business, especially if you receive orders online. If you have physical products, your inventory must match what’s available online; otherwise, your risk selling more products than you have in stock, resulting in disappointed customers.

If you’re selling online and offline, stock inventory can get more complicated as you must regularly update your online inventory.  Larger businesses have inventory management systems for this, but as a start-up, you can sometimes manage inventory updates with good administration.

Choose a shipping provider

Shipping can get rather complex, especially if you’re planning on handling international orders. You need to think about shipping costs and how you will manage them. Some businesses choose to absorb shipping so there’s no obvious cost to the buyer. Of course, if you do this, shipping costs should be factored into your product price.

Shipping calculations vary, but here are some options.

• Flat-rate shipping is as it sounds. The business charges the same shipping cost for all packages, regardless of weight or distance. Flat-rate shipping should be carefully monitored. With a flat rate, your business expects to profit on some purchases and lose on others, especially if you’re shipping internationally. Flat-rate will only work if the profits and losses are approximately balanced.
• Actual cost is a calculation where the business calculates the exact shipping cost for each package and charges this to the customer. This is usually done automatically at checkout using a shipping calculator. The calculation will take into account location, weight, size and more.

You can incentivize a purchase with free shipping, and you can also offer more expensive shopping options for faster delivery.

Top tip: Test your shopping experience before you start. You must ensure your prospective customers have a seamless experience from finding you to buying. That means no broken checkout.

Sell on Marketplaces

Marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy, eBay and Craigslist offer excellent opportunities to reach a broad audience and sell your products. Service-based businesses can try Freelancer, Upwork, Toptal and more.

You can sell on many of these marketplaces and your website. You can try the marketplaces and see how they perform.

Naturally, each marketplace will take a percentage of the sale, so you’ll need to factor that in.

Amazon

Any ecommerce brand should at least try out Amazon. It is a search engine for products, and some of your buyers will go to Amazon before Google.

Pros

• Amazon is one of the largest ecommerce marketplaces.
• It’s simple to set up a seller account and list your products.
• Users may use Amazon as a search engine rather than Google, so you’re reaching a new audience.

 Cons

• Amazon has over two million sellers, so you need good product photography to stand out.
• For users to find you on Amazon, you need to know a little about Amazon SEO.

Etsy

Etsy is a popular marketplace for crafts, handmade and vintage products. But Etsy is also an excellent marketplace for digital products like guides, ebooks and more.

Pros

• If your product is crafty, handmade or vintage, you can know that users are heading to Etsy to find it.
• It’s cheap to start selling.

Cons

• It is a busy marketplace with lots of sellers.
• You don’t have the same control over your Etsy store as you do your store.
• Customers often expect personalization on Etsy.

eBay

eBay is one of the oldest ecommerce marketplaces. By now, most of us have probably sold (or tried to sell) something on eBay.

Pros

• It’s familiar.
• You may already have an account with some reviews to build trust.

Cons

• eBay’s UX isn’t as friendly as some alternatives.

Craigslist

Craigslist is a classified advertisements website that allows you to sell products locally.

Pros

• There are no fees
• You can sell locally, which helps with shipping fees if you want to keep your business geographically small.

Cons

• Local sales only can be limiting once you have the desire to grow.

Sell on social media

Once the products or services are available to buy, your first task is to drive traffic to the site. Here are some tips for promoting and selling your products digitally.

Social media

Social media is a great place to build an audience and, importantly, a brand. Through social media, you get to know your audience, and they get to know you; social media is personal.

TikTok

TikTok is a platform credited for its generous algorithm providing accounts with excellent reach. As one of the fastest-growing platforms with over 1 billion users, your audience is likely hanging out there.

Mia Steele is a TikTok creator who began monetizing content in April 2022. She reports great success on the platform.

Steele says, “In less than six weeks of posting on TikTok and diving into User Generated Content (UGC), I began monetizing my content. I managed to replace my income by creating content and ads for brands.

“As my TikTok following grew, I even sold my own digital products to my audience.”

Steele’s top tip for a successful social media account is, ‘Devote time to cultivate and nurture your own audience, so you can capitalize on the traffic to sell your own products.’

TikTok also has TikTok Shop that you can access once you have 1,000 followers. TikTok Shop allows you to take a commission from items promoted and sold within your videos.

Facebook and Instagram

Like TikTok, you can grow an audience on Facebook and follow the path of selling digital products. Facebook and Instagram also have Shop functionality to sell products directly on the platform.

Facebook and Instagram benefit from the ability to post from Instagram to Facebook automatically, which will save you time.

Pinterest

Pinterest allows you to create a shoppable feed to list your products and sell them directly on the platform. You can also use Pinterest to drive traffic to your online store or blog.

Pinterest marketer Kayla Ihrig says, “The best way to make money on Pinterest is by making pins that lead to your services or products. Unlike other platforms where you need to constantly share valuable information to market your product or service, on Pinterest, users are searching for it and just want to be able to find it. Creators need to create images or videos (called pins) that display what they offer and then optimize them for search. Then, when a user searches for a solution to their problem, they find your content and go back to your website.”

Ihrig’s pin, pictured below, is the perfect example of a pin that leads a user to her service-based site.

Selling on social media opens a window of opportunity for entrepreneurs. You can sell your own products and services or explore affiliate and email marketing, which you can advertise in tandem with your platform.

Affiliate marketing

With a combination of your website and social media, you could sell products online without actually owning or stocking a single item. Ideal for the entrepreneur craving ultimate freedom.

With affiliate marketing, you take a percentage of sales made via your channels using trackable affiliate URLs.

Mia Steele drives traffic from her social media following of 20,000 to her website. She started with a domain name from GoDaddy and started her journey into affiliate marketing.  Steele says, “Within just seven months, I had joined more than 15 affiliate programs, built an email list of over 3000 subscribers, and earned over $90,000 in commissions by promoting products on TikTok and through my blog.”

The key, Steele says, is “Building your email list from day one. I underestimated the power of an email list until I ventured into affiliate marketing, and I regretted not starting earlier. Having a compelling free lead magnet and consistently producing high-quality content to drive traffic to your offers will be the key to your success.”

Email marketing

Email marketing is a cost-effective way to reach your target audience and promote your products. Done well, every email you send can make money. At least, this is the case for the team at Siligrams.

Arlene Battishill, Chief Marketing Officer, says, “Our email marketing is killing it with an average 55% open rate. Every email makes money. A recent email marketing campaign – a series of 10 daily emails – had an average 63% open rate because the campaign was nothing but stories and bad jokes and had absolutely nothing to do with our product!”

The secret to Battishill’s campaigns is consistency and humor; not every email is a sales plea that likely contributes to the sales success. Siligrams choose to humor and engage their audience instead of going for a hard sell. Remember, people buy from people.

Top tip: you can create and send stylish emails in bulk using GoDaddy’s marketing suite.

Trust the process when selling online

If it were easy, everyone would do it. Although the online selling path is simple, it requires dedication. Commit to your product, trust the process and be consistent.

As a budding entrepreneur, you have a lot to explore, and a platform that works for one business may not work for another, so be bold and experiment.

Sell online FAQ

Finally, we’re answering some of the most asked questions when it comes to selling online.

How do I sell online for the first time?

Your first online sale is the result of small steps made consistently. Follow the steps in this guide, from idea generation and market research to marketing and set-up, and you will make your first sale.

What are the most profitable items to sell online?

The most profitable items to sell online vary based on trends, but some items stand the test of time. These items include SaaS products via affiliate marketing since you earn recurring revenue.

For physical products, you can explore items in the following categories:

• electronics
• fashion accessories
• beauty products
• home decor
• health and wellness

Naturally, these categories are also some of the most competitive, and you should consider the challenges. For example, electronics can go wrong, resulting in customer service issues and refund requests. Health and wellness is challenging to build authority in, especially if you’re relying on a new, owned website to sell from.

How can I sell products online legally?

The legal requirements for selling online can vary, and you must research to ensure you comply fully with laws and regulations.  You must consider registering your business, correctly paying your taxes, and customer privacy and security. Advertising online also requires you to adhere to rules and regulations, from product information to the types of images and ad copy.

What is the easiest platform to sell online?

Ease of use is a priority for any platform that allows you to sell online. You can set up an eBay, Etsy or Amazon store within a day. The platforms are already geared to helping people like you sell.

If you want to own your platform, which is not a good idea, website builders help you set up shop as quickly and efficiently as possible.

And guess what? The future looks even brighter for this industry. Experts predict the global transportation industry will experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 38.5% until 2027.

With such promising statistics, it’s no wonder that starting a transportation business can be a smart decision. Whether you dream of running a taxi service, delivering packages to people’s doorsteps, or even managing a logistics company, the opportunities are endless.

Whatever business option you may select, in this article, we’ll walk you through the key steps and strategies to help you kick-start your transportation business. So, let’s begin!

Conduct Market Research

Before diving into the transportation business, it’s crucial to conduct market research to understand the demand, competition, and potential opportunities in your target market. It’ll help you make informed decisions and tailor your services to meet customer needs effectively. Let’s explore this step further by asking three important questions:

1. Who are your potential customers?

To identify your potential customers, consider demographics such as age, gender, location, and income levels.

For example, if you plan to start a rideshare service in a college town, your target customers might be students looking for affordable transportation options.

2. What is the level of demand for transportation services in your area?

Assess the existing transportation options in your area and determine if there’s a demand gap.

For instance, if you discover that there’s a high demand for medical transport services for the elderly population, you could explore starting a specialized medical transportation business.

3. Who are your competitors, and what sets you apart?

Learn about the leading service providers in your area and how they operate their business. Analyze their strengths and weaknesses and determine what unique value you can bring to the table.

For instance, if you’re starting a courier service, you could differentiate yourself by offering faster delivery times or specialized handling for fragile items.

This way, you can gain valuable insights into your target market, understand customer preferences, and develop a competitive edge.

Create a Business Plan

Needless to say, every successful business starts with a well-crafted business plan. It serves as a roadmap, outlining goals, strategies, and financial projections. Ultimately, it helps one stay focused, secure funding, and make informed decisions.

So, to kick-start your business, you must take time and create a robust business plan. Make sure to include details such as your target market, competitive analysis, marketing strategies, operational procedures, and financial forecasts.

Also, be realistic and thorough in your projections, such as considering expenses like vehicle acquisition, maintenance, fuel, insurance, and marketing costs. Agree or not, it will come in quite handy when pitching the investors.

Obtain the Necessary Permits and Licenses

It doesn’t matter what industry you are a part of; complying with legal requirements is a must for the smooth functioning of the business. So, contact your local government or transportation authority to understand the permits and licenses necessary for your specific transportation service.

This may include commercial driver’s licenses, vehicle permits, insurance coverage, and business registrations. You must meet all these legal obligations before launching your business.

It will not only help avoid any legal issues down the road but will also demonstrate your commitment to operating a legitimate and compliant transportation business. It also builds trust with your customers, who expect an honest and reliable transportation service.

Acquire Vehicles and Equipment

The backbone of your transportation business will be the vehicles and equipment you’ll use. Not only do you need reliable vehicles to transport passengers or cargo, but you also need to ensure that they are well-maintained to avoid service disruptions.

According to professionals at Auto Glass Zone, one crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance is taking care of the glass components, such as windshields and windows. It’s because these provide visibility and safety for both drivers and passengers.

But, continuous exposure to road conditions and weather elements can damage chips, cracks, or other glass. That’s why it is essential to promptly repair or replace any damaged glass to maintain the safety and integrity of your acquired vehicles.

In addition to this, consider factors such as fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and cargo capacity when acquiring vehicles and equipment for your business. Continuing the example above, if you’re providing courier service, you may also need equipment like hand trucks, dollies, or refrigeration units.

Build a Strong Network

Apparently, networking plays a vital role in the transportation industry. It involves establishing relationships with suppliers, clients, and other businesses in related industries. It opens doors to collaboration, referrals, and valuable partnerships.

For example, connecting with a local delivery service can lead to partnership opportunities where you can combine forces to provide comprehensive logistics solutions. Additionally, maintaining a strong online presence through a professional website and social media platforms allows you to showcase your services, attract customers, and engage with your audience.

Even so, keep in mind that networking is a two-way street. So, be proactive in reaching out, be a reliable and helpful partner, and nurture your connections.

Focus on Customer Service

Last but not least, when running a successful transportation business, one of the most critical aspects is providing excellent customer service.

Why is customer service so crucial? Well, imagine you’re a passenger in a taxi or waiting for a package delivery. How would you feel if the driver or delivery person was rude, unhelpful, or unresponsive? It would certainly leave a negative impression and make you think twice about using that service again, right?

Focusing on customer service can set your business apart from the competition and build a loyal customer base. So, train your staff and promptly address customer inquiries and concerns. You can also consider implementing technology solutions like GPS tracking systems or mobile apps to improve efficiency and communication with your customers.

Final Words

Starting a business requires dedication, perseverance, and adaptability. So, stay informed about industry trends, continuously evaluate and improve your operations, and be open to learning from your experiences.

With the right strategies and a passion for providing reliable transportation services, you can navigate the road to success in the transportation industry.

With an estimated 4,500 American companies already operating in France, it’s clear that the country is an attractive prospect to American business people, and there is the potential for great success in La République française. However, if you want to start a business in France (or expand there) as a US citizen, it always pays to know as much as possible beforehand in order to plan thoroughly, avoid common pitfalls and give your business the best chance of thriving.

Why France?

As the third-largest economy in Europe (and seventh in the world), there is a long list of reasons why France is so appealing to business people, some of which include:

• France is a vibrant and diverse nation that boasts a skilled workforce, a large consumer population and access to the world’s largest trading bloc through its membership of the European Union.
• It is also welcoming and business-friendly, with the French government offering financial incentives to both new and established businesses and investing heavily in research and development.
• France has a strategically useful location buttressed by a highly developed transport infrastructure, greatly contributing to ease of travel and transit both within and outside of the country. London, for example, can be reached in under 2 and a half hours by Eurostar from Paris.
• France isn’t only large in terms of its economy – by surface area, France is the largest country in Europe and is made up of thirteen regions that all represent unique opportunities for entrepreneurs. It also borders eight countries and has a Channel, Atlantic and Mediterranean coast.
• An international centre of business, the Paris region enjoys global status as a major business hub, and is the number one region in Europe for hosting the world’s top 500 corporate headquarters.

Five Tips For Starting Your Business in France

One: Be prepared to navigate bureaucracy 

For foreign company founders from outside the EU, the EEA or Switzerland, there are predictably some i’s to dot and t’s to cross when setting up a company in France, and the process can take some time. That being said, however, France is welcoming enough to entrepreneurs that you may find there are fewer hoops to jump through than you first expect, and there are many resources you can access to ease the process.

Anyone can establish a business in France by taking steps such as registering a business address and opening a bank account in the country, but if you would like to move to France to embark on your new venture you should apply for a long-stay visa known as the “Entrepreneur/Self-Employed” (VLS-TS) temporary residence permit.

Eligibility is determined via factors such as your ability to provide evidence that you will be engaging in an economically viable activity during your stay, and when it has been approved, the visa authorises residence for 12 months. During this time, you are allowed to live in France and engage in the commercial activity that you have outlined in your application.

This will involve a trip to the French consulate, of which there are ten across major cities in the USA. Once established, you will have to register your French business according to the correct category of your enterprise. It is also important to bear in mind that France has particular regulations across various business sectors and employment practices, and that corporate banks in France require minimum capital investments.

Two: Start learning the language

With a population that has originated in every corner of the globe, multilingualism is not unusual in the USA – one in five US adults speak a language other than English at home, (of which Spanish is the most common). But while the USA has no official language, it’s fair to say that English is the de-facto, and most particularly in the business world.

It is also the case that English is the most widely understood language in the EU, and a significant proportion of Europeans speak English as their second language (with an impressive 25% able to hold a conversation in two additional languages to their mother tongue). What’s more, 39% of French people report they are able to speak English, and many ex-pats move to the country without being able to speak French.

Despite this, it would be wrong to assume that you can easily default to English and thrive while running a business in France. The population of France primarily speaks French in both personal and professional contexts, and the French people have considerable language pride.

English might be widely spoken in business circles, but demonstrating your willingness to learn and use French phrases of greeting will be greatly appreciated, and you should bear in mind that proficiency in English is not a given. Over time, many ex-pats discover that shaping up their French language skills is key to taking advantage of everything the country has to offer.

You should also account for the fact that French is the only accepted language for official documents and contracts, and as 61% of French people don’t speak English, you will need a plan for smoothing over language incompatibilities in your business operations.

Three: Consider your new audience

In many important ways, France is not vastly different from the US, but it is still important not to underestimate cultural differences when setting up or expanding a business here. While certainly smaller than the US, it’s also important to remember that France is far from small by European standards, and like the differences between US states, there is significant regional variability across the country.

Whether it’s something simple such as the greater prevalence of smoking amongst French adults (around 33% versus 12% in the US) and the lack of a widespread tipping culture, or more complex subtleties in language, politics and history, there are many things that may be surprising about France as an American. This is why we would suggest seeking the advice of those who know the country well in many points of your business to understand how it may land with a French customer base.

There are also differences in laws and regulations which may affect your business, so it’s always worth doing thorough research as you draw up your French business plan to identify and account for factors which may not apply in the USA.

Four: Understand France’s working culture

American working culture is rather set apart from its European friends, with US citizens generally working longer hours, having less vacation time, and eating lunch (if they don’t skip it) at their desks. It also isn’t unusual for people to take calls and answer emails outside of work hours, and employers tend to have more flexibility when it comes to hiring and firing.

The French, on the other hand, tend to have a more leisurely pace of life which is facilitated by both government-mandated workers’ protections and the expectations of their working population at every point of the pay scale. This may take some adjustment when running a business and is something you’ll need to plan around – but the upside is, if you have chosen to live in France, you’ll get to enjoy this slower pace of life too!

Some things to take into account regarding French working culture are:

• The French will take their lunch break away from their desk, so unless you organise a specific lunch trip, this is a bad time for calls, meetings and emails (if you need an immediate response).
• They don’t only have significantly more holiday entitlement than Americans usually enjoy, they actually take it (whereas the average US employee who receives paid vacation only actually takes 54% of the allotted time each year.) This is usually most evident in July and August, when business slows down considerably, and as many employees will book more time off around public holidays, it pays to plan around these times of year.
• Since 2017, managers and employees of companies with more than 50 staff have not been required to answer emails outside working hours, and employees in smaller companies are likely to follow suit.
• French corporate operations are, for the most part, very hierarchical. When doing business with another company, take the time to understand the chain of command to ensure you are talking to the right people in order to get results.
• Hiring in France is an expensive proposition. Employers must account for high individual taxes when determining employee wages and the slate of employment benefits they are expected to provide. While these costs are high, however, people doing business in France tend to be repaid with a skilled and secure workforce.
• Networking is often key to success in the French business world, with personal recommendations often meaning more than accolades and titles. Forging business relationships in France can be more difficult than in America (although the collaborative nature of American business may give you a ready-made advantage), but they tend to last for a long time, making them well worth the effort.

There is a world of opportunity to be discovered by American entrepreneurs who take the plunge and start a business in France, and with proper research, a comprehensive business plan, and that famous American work ethic, success à la française can be well within your grasp.

This post was written by Katya Puyraud, a company formation expert at EuroStart Entreprises, who help entrepreneurs start a business in France and take the headache out of opening a company abroad.

These answers are provided by Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), an invite-only organization comprised of the world’s most successful young entrepreneurs. YEC members represent nearly every industry, generate billions of dollars in revenue each year, and have created tens of thousands of jobs. Learn more at yec.co.

1. Prioritize Your Site’s Performance

When setting up an online store from scratch or by using platforms like Shopify, always prioritize your website’s performance. This means getting the basics right for your site and looking into matters like your load time, navigation, broken links, unoptimized images, code density, content delivery network (CDN) concerns and caching issues. A website with a clunky user experience won’t get you anywhere.

– Jared Atchison, WPForms

2. Consider Sales Tax Implications

One thing that new entrepreneurs overlook when setting up their first online store is the sales tax implications of selling online. Depending on your products and your customers’ locations, you may be required to collect and remit sales tax. Meet with your CPA to make sure you understand the sales tax laws and nexus rules before starting your online store. It will save you a world of headache.

– Shaun Conrad, Number2 CPA Exam Resources

3. Think About the User Experience

Prioritize the user experience to ensure success. A well-designed UX fosters customer satisfaction and boosts sales by making it easy for shoppers to navigate, find products and complete transactions. Focus on a clean layout, intuitive navigation, responsive design for mobile and fast load times. This can help convert visitors into loyal customers and they can grow their businesses more effectively.

– Jinny Hyojin Oh, WANDR

4. Ensure You’re Up to Date on Security and Browser Trends

Be up to date on security and browser trends. If a customer is getting a warning by just accessing your website, you’ve already lost a customer. To make sure your online store is secure, you can take several steps, such as updating your site and plugins on a regular schedule, choosing a reliable hosting provider and implementing an SSL certificate. Once you have a secure site, the sky’s the limit!

– Shu Saito, SpiroPure

5. Include Detailed Product Landing Pages

If you’re in the process of starting your first online store, don’t forget to create detailed product landing pages. On each landing page, include a list of features and benefits. Users need to know how your product or service will improve their lives before they make a purchase, and product pages are by far the easiest way to relay this information.

– John Turner, SeedProd LLC

6. Build an Email List as Soon as Possible

One thing to remember when setting up your online store is that it’s never too early to start building your email list. Create a “coming soon” page as a placeholder on your site until it’s finished. Promote your new brand on social media and ask people to subscribe for the latest updates. You’re far more likely to see sales on day one if you have an email list packed with prospects.

– Chris Christoff, MonsterInsights

7. Focus on Search Engine Optimization

One tip new entrepreneurs should remember when setting up their online store is prioritizing search engine optimization (SEO) from the beginning. This includes conducting thorough keyword research, optimizing on-page elements such as title tags and meta descriptions and building quality backlinks to the site. Properly optimizing the site for SEO can help increase brand awareness and sales.

– Miles Jennings, Recruiter.com

8. Implement Practices to Guarantee User Privacy

One crucial aspect to consider when setting up your online store is user privacy. This is because protecting your customers’ personal information is becoming increasingly essential for building trust and maintaining a strong brand reputation. To ensure user privacy, you must implement strong encryption protocols, use a secure payment gateway and have a clear and transparent privacy policy.

– Kelly Richardson, Infobrandz

9. Keep It Simple

Keep things simple, and don’t get carried away with all the bells and whistles at your disposal. Early on, it’s best to focus on getting a functional site live that makes it easy for visitors to find and purchase whatever you’re selling. A simple approach helps eliminate distractions from your site and helps ensure a frictionless shopping experience.

– Ian Blair, BuildFire

10. Pay Attention to Your ‘Checkout Flow’

When setting up your online store, pay attention to your checkout flow. Most people will leave a website with items in their cart if the checkout process is clunky or missing key features. I suggest including an “always on” shopping cart, a minimal payment form, a progress bar and multiple ways to pay to maximize your conversion rate.

– Daman Jeet Singh, FunnelKit

11. Optimize for Mobile

Optimizing for mobile is crucial when setting up an online store. With more and more customers using their mobile devices to browse and shop, it’s important to ensure your website is mobile-friendly and offers a seamless user experience. Failing to do so could lead to a significant loss in potential sales and customers due to frustrations during shopping.

– Andrew Saladino, Kitchen Cabinet Kings

There has never been a better time to start a business. In our hyper-connected digital age, you can set up a website, online store, and entire brand from anywhere in the world.

Online business-building tools have never been more accessible—and with the right approach, you can grow a loyal customer base quicker than you might think.

If you’re wondering how to start a business in 2023, we’re here to help. In this guide, we’ll look at the essential steps you need to take to make your business a real success. Here we’re going to cover:

FAQs

Ready? Great. Let’s get started.

Related: How to start a business

1. Find a business idea

First of all, to enjoy sustainable commercial success, you have to find a business idea that is not only feasible but something you feel passionate about.

If you have a shortlist of business ideas in mind, dig a little deeper by carrying out a little market research. Look at brands in your potential niche and find out how their consumers engage with them while looking at overall demand based on public sales or growth data.

Doing so will give you inspiration for your own business ideas. Armed with your market and competitor research, you can develop your ideas by considering:

• What am I passionate about?
• What are my specific skills and expertise?
• Which subject matter am I most passionate about?
• Can I feasibly sell or promote the product or services in my potential niche?
• What unique spin can I put on well-trodden business ideas or concepts to stand out?
• What gaps or weaknesses can I exploit in my potential niche or market?

Ask yourself these questions and you’ll eventually land on a business idea that has the potential to scale while keeping you engaged and inspired in the long term.

Related: Read our guide on essential small business ideas for more small business inspiration.

2. Use market research to validate your idea

Once you’ve landed on a solid business idea, you’ll need to see if it has any legs. We just touched on the concept of market research, but now we’re going to drill down a little deeper.

When brainstorming business ideas, you will have scratched the surface. But, to really validate your concept, you must get under the skin of your industry as well as your target audience. In addition to gathering industry insights and data, you should build buyer personas that represent your ideal target audience.

During this phase of the operation, it’s also important to conduct extensive market research as well as market analysis. Here are some market research and analysis ideas for your consideration:

• Conduct consumer surveys across channels (phone, email, social media, mobile app, etc.).
• Hold focus groups to gain a deeper understanding of how your target audience might perceive your brand and what you have to offer.
• Observe how your target audience engages with potential competitors on social media as well as the related subject matter they’re discussing online.
• Explore public data related to your target market to uncover consumer buying patterns as well as sales trends. This will help you validate your idea while giving your business planning a definitive direction—which brings us onto our next point.

3. Create a business plan

Now your idea is validated and you’ve got a handle on your target market, you’ll need to start planning. When it comes to knowing how to start a business, developing your plan methodically is a vital skill. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process like a boss:

• Consider your “why”. This will help you gain an understanding of your key motivations for starting your business as well as what you want to achieve
• Outline plans of action or initiatives  that represent your brand mission and what you do
• Define your key business goals using timelines and milestones to keep you on track
• Write an executive summary that states all essential information related to your business’s aims, goals, and products

To break down each step in more detail, read our essential guide on how to write a business plan and use our official business plan template to make sure you don’t miss anything important.

4. Get funding, explore finance options

To get your business off to a flying start, you’re going to need to get the right level of funding. The funding options you explore will depend on the type of business you’re looking to start.

If you’re looking to start a solely online business and scale up, you could use your personal funds or savings to get up and running. Doing so will give you complete control on your decisions, allowing you to scale the business on your own terms. But, it’s worth noting that if your business struggles or fails to achieve profit, you will be solely responsible for paying back any debt.

Other business funding options include:

• Crowdfunding: Using dedicated crowdfunding platforms, you can inspire people to donate to your business venture in return for incentives or equity. This can be a very effective form of fundraising—and there have been many crowdfunding success stories over the years.
• Gain a line of credit: Akin to obtaining a personal line of credit, you can gain a line of business credit. The terms, limits, and interest rates will depend on the nature of your business as well as factors including your financial history and credit rating.
• Get a grant: Another way of securing a healthy level of funding for your business is getting a grant. If your business mission is rooted in building a better community or inspiring innovation, you could be eligible for a healthy grant from the Federal Government.
• Pitch to investors: Researching investors in your niche and pitching to them is an excellent way to get funding as well as professional backing and expertise. This is certainly an avenue worth exploring if you’re looking for startup capital as well as help with your business’s launch and development activities.

Interested in learning more about planning for business funding? Our guide covers the cost to start a business in full detail.

5. Choose a legal business structure

When starting a business in 2023, settling on a water-tight legal structure is vital. Before you officially register your business, you have to decide on a concrete business structure—and the type you choose will impact your business from a legal standpoint. So, take your time when considering these structures.

Sole proprietorship

If you own your business independently, you can opt for sole proprietorship. This means that you will have full autonomy over your business, but you’ll be responsible for all debt, obligations, and finances.

Pros:

• You will be in full charge of business decisions, development and planning
• You will receive all of the business’s profits
• You will find filing for tax simpler

Cons:

• Managing everything on your own could burn you out and limit your potential for growth
• If you hit financial hot water, you will be liable for settling any debts or arrears

Partnership

Combining forces with another budding business owner will give you double the startup as well as another person who is liable for the red tape as well as the financial aspects of the business. More often than not, two heads are better than one—forge the right partnership and you could see your business thrive from the get-go.

Pros:

• You will have twice the skills, perspective, and financial scope
• You will have another person who is responsible for the running as well as financial and legal aspects of the business

Cons:

• If you and your partner disagree on any aspect, this could cause the kind of friction that could derail progress and stunt growth

Corporation

As a corporation, you will separate your personal assets from your business assets. This means that while your company can incur debt and be subject to legal disputes, your personal finances and assets will remain protected. There are many different forms of a corporation to consider, some of which offer access to some pretty decent investment opportunities.

Pros:

• You will gain access to excellent capital options
• You will benefit from certain tax breaks
• You will be able to protect your personal assets

Cons:

• Corporates can be costly to form and run
• There can be a lot of red tape involved in the running of a corporation

Limited liability company (LLC)

This type of business structure is one of the most common options for new businesses. As a limited liability company (LLC), you will benefit from the legal protection of a corporation while also reaping the tax rewards of a business partnership.

Pros:

• The setup process is relativity straightforward
• You will gain access to a healthy choice of capital and funding options
• You will have a certain level of protection concerning your personal finances

Cons:

• Your investment options can be limited with an LLC
• You can be subject to fairly costly annual maintenance fees

Want more information on how to start an LLC? Our guide has you covered.

Weigh up the pros and cons of each business structure, taking your aims and goals into consideration. At this point, you will want to brainstorm a catchy business name to make it official and bring your brand to life.

Once you’ve decided on your brand-boosting business name, you secure the appropriate domain name.

6. Register your business and get the required licenses

The next step in your how to start a business journey is registering your business and getting any required licenses.

By choosing your business name and settling on your business structure, you will have already started the registration process. To complete the registration process and obtain the right licenses, you will need to:

• Check the full registration requirements depending on your legal structure
• Work though the registration requirements of any regions where you’re looking to trade or operate
• Register for any taxes
• Obtain an employee identification number (EIN)
• File any relevant trademarks
• Find out which business license is relevant to your organization and start the application process

7. Open a business bank account

With your business almost up and running, you’ll need to open a bank account. In 2023, there is no end of choice when it comes to setting up a business bank account.

You should choose a bank account with benefits and features that suit your business’s size as well as your goals.

Tip: Create a shortlist of business bank accounts with flexible loan options as well as excellent customer service and online banking applications.

To set up your business bank account, you will need:

• Official business formation documentation
• EaIN or tax ID numbers
• Your official business name and location
• Date the business was  set up or established
• Your  Social Security number, address and date of birth

8. Get business insurance

In addition to opening your bank account, you will also need to get business insurance. If you don’t, you could find yourself footing a colossal bill if any unexpected issues, damages or disputes arise.

Even as a small business, you will need to cover yourself with the right kind of insurance to protect yourself against any eventuality. At the minimum, you will need general liability insurance (GL) to cover you for loss, injury or damage to yourself or a third party.

If you’re offering a service rather than tangible goods, it will also pay to get professional liability cover incase of any consumer-facing mistakes you might make. Also, as your business scales, you might also consider employment practices liability insurance. This type of cover will protect you against any potential employee claim or complaint.

9. Build your website

At this point, you will be ready to build your website and bring your business to life. Your website or online store will be the digital hub of your entire business—so getting the design and the functionality just right is essential.

If you’re interested in starting a website for your business, here are some hand-picked resources to help you out:

Tip: To build an online store that is slick, wonderfully designed, and easy to navigate, try the powerful and easy-to-master GoDaddy website builder. Or build an online store with our slick and savvy ecommerce tool. And tie your business together with a GoDaddy POS system to accept payments anywhere.

10. Launch and grow your business

“There’s no shortage of remarkable ideas. What’s missing is the will to execute them.”—Seth Godin

If you’ve followed all of the steps in this how to start a business in 2023 guide successfully, you’ll be ready to launch.

Once you build a buzz about your big business launch across various channels including email and social media, you can start selling and take measures to grow year on year through marketing campaigns and sales initiatives.

Starting a business in 2023 is a challenging but potentially rewarding venture. Be persistent, play to your strengths, take the time to ensure you’ve covered every base, and you’ll be winning on the commercial battlefield in no time. Best of luck.

FAQs:

How can a beginner start a business?

A beginner can absolutely start a business. As long as you have a clear idea of your goals and a passion for what you do, you can make your business a real success. Follow the steps in this guide and you’ll be up and running sooner than you might think.

How much money do you need to start a business from scratch?

The cost of starting a business will vary depending on your industry or business model of choice. But, research from the US Small Business Administration shows that most small businesses cost around $3,000 to get started. And, the majority of home-based ventures cost $2,000 to $5,000 to set up.

Can I run a business by myself?

There is no reason that you can’t run a small business by yourself. With the right resources and the right approach, you can set up, launch, and operate your business. Going solo is more than possible, but with so much to consider it’s a huge undertaking. As your business scales, hiring a small team or getting a partner on board will be a good idea. That way, you can further accelerate your commercial growth.

How do you create a legal organization?

To move your business idea into a legal organization, here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to do. First, come up with a unique name for your business. Next, figure out what kind of business structure works best for you, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC or corporation. Once you’ve got that sorted, pick a good location for your business and make sure you’ve got all the necessary permits and licenses. Then, get all your paperwork in order and register with your state. After that, it’s time to set up your financials, like opening a company bank account and staying on top of your taxes. Just remember, forming a business can be a bit complicated, so it’s always a good idea to chat with a tax advisor or lawyer to make sure you’re doing everything right.

What is the easiest business to start?

A service-based business is often considered the easiest to start as you don’t have to deal in physical stock or inventory. But, in 2023, it’s never been more accessible to set up and launch a successful online business. In the digital age, tools exist to help you set up an ecommerce store or build a website without technical expertise. Follow the right steps and almost every kind of business will be within your reach.

What is the simplest legal form to start a business?

A sole proprietorship is the easiest business legal structure to set up. If you have a little capital of your own, you can apply for a sole proprietorship with ease. You will have complete control over the entire business, but be aware: you will be responsible for the financial as well as legal aspects of the business.

In this article, we will explore some strategies for hitting the ground running and launching a successful startup.

1. Define Your Vision and Goals

The first step in launching a successful startup is to define your vision and goals. What problem does your startup solve? What is your unique value proposition? What are your long-term goals for the business? Defining your vision and goals will help you stay focused and provide a roadmap for your startup’s growth.

2. Conduct Market Research

Before launching your startup, it’s important to conduct thorough market research. This will help you understand your target market, identify potential competitors, and determine the demand for your product or service. You can use online surveys, focus groups, and customer interviews to gather this information.

3. Create a Business Plan

Once you’ve defined your vision, goals, and conducted market research, it’s time to create a business plan. Your business plan should include a description of your product or service, a marketing plan, financial projections, and a plan for operations. A well-written business plan will help you secure funding and provide a roadmap for your startup’s success.

4. Build a Strong Team

Building a strong team is crucial to the success of your startup. You need to hire individuals who have the skills and experience necessary to help your startup grow. Look for people who are passionate about your vision and who are committed to working hard to make it a reality.

5. Focus on Customer Acquisition

In the early stages of your startup, it’s important to focus on customer acquisition. You need to build a customer base and establish a reputation for delivering high-quality products or services. Use social media, email marketing, and other digital marketing strategies to reach your target audience and build your brand.

6. Stay Flexible

Launching a startup requires a lot of flexibility. You need to be willing to pivot your strategy if something isn’t working. Stay open to feedback from your customers and be willing to make changes to your product or service based on their needs.

7. Monitor Your Finances Closely

Finally, it’s important to monitor your finances closely. Keep track of your expenses, revenue, and cash flow. Create a budget and stick to it. This will help you identify potential financial problems early on and make the necessary adjustments to keep your startup on track.

8. Build a Strong Online Presence

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for the success of any business. Create a professional website, develop a social media strategy, and leverage online advertising to reach your target audience. Use search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to improve your website’s visibility in search engine results.

9. Establish Partnerships and Collaborations

Collaborating with other businesses and organizations can help you reach new customers and expand your network. Look for partnership opportunities with companies that share your values and target market. Collaborate with influencers or thought leaders in your industry to increase your brand’s visibility.

10. Invest in Customer Service

Investing in excellent customer service is key to retaining customers and building a loyal customer base. Make sure your team is trained to provide friendly and helpful customer service. Use customer feedback to improve your products or services and respond promptly to customer complaints or concerns.

11. Leverage Technology

Technology can help you streamline your operations, improve your products or services, and reach more customers. Use software and tools to automate repetitive tasks, manage your finances, and analyze data. Consider using artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) to improve your products or services.

12. Seek Feedback and Mentoring

Seeking feedback from customers, investors, and mentors can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your business strategy. Join a startup accelerator or seek out a mentor who can provide guidance and support as you grow your business.

13. Embrace Failure

Launching a startup is not always a smooth ride, and failure is a natural part of the process. Embrace failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. Use the lessons you learn from your failures to improve your products or services and refine your business strategy.

Conclusion

Launching a startup is an exciting and challenging journey, but with careful planning, hard work, and perseverance, you can turn your dream into a successful business. Defining your vision and goals, conducting market research, creating a business plan, building a strong team, focusing on customer acquisition, staying flexible, monitoring your finances closely, building a strong online presence, establishing partnerships and collaborations, investing in customer service, leveraging technology, seeking feedback and mentoring, and embracing failure as an opportunity to learn and grow are all essential strategies that can help you launch a successful startup.

Remember, launching a startup is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process. Continuously learning, adapting, and improving your business strategy is critical to your success. Be patient, stay focused, and never give up on your vision. With persistence and dedication, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve your entrepreneurial goals.

Good luck on your startup journey.

A business plan is critical for any serious entrepreneur and business owner. Without a plan, you can lose your vision; it’s easier to get distracted by the next new thing, and without an established WHY it can be difficult to keep going when times get tough. If business planning feels overwhelming, we’ve got the solution: free business plan templates for small businesses.

In this article, we’re sharing free business plan templates, what we love about them and our tips for creating a business plan that will set you up for success.

• What’s covered in business plan templates?
• Use one of our favorite free business plan templates
• Tips to create a business plan that works
• Business plan template FAQ

What’s covered in our business plan templates?

Business plan templates cover all sorts of areas of business. The best thing about a free business plan template for startups is that the template acts as a guide to help you write your plan effectively — overwhelm, be gone!

We’ve highlighted sections commonly included in the templates, and below, you can find seven of the best business plan templates and what we love about them so you can pick the template that best suits your needs.

Executive summary

Introduce your business plan and outline any key points. You’ll include a brief overview of the business plan, its purpose, its mission statement, and a summary of notable points.

Company description

The company description is an in-depth description of the business, including values and mission statements.

Company goals

The company goals section should include specific key performance indicators and strategies, you’ll be able to track your progress and celebrate your successes along the way.

Products / Services

Your business plan will outline what you’re selling. You might start thinking about your target market here, too.

Market research

Include a comprehensive evaluation of the industry and market. This section must be thorough, especially if you’re presenting to investors. They will feel more comfortable investing if they believe you’re well-researched and know your market. You’ll want to consider an analysis of competitors, market size, customer demographics, where your product or service fits, and how you intend to close the gap on aspirational competitors to disrupt the market.

Marketing and sales strategy

In your business plan, create a roadmap for marketing and sales. You’ll need to demonstrate how to reach and attract customers, including advertising, promotions, and sales tactics. During this section, you’ll need to choose priorities and support why you’re focusing on particular marketing or sales tactics.

Financial projections

A detailed analysis of the financials, including revenue forecasts and expense projections. You’ll need to include a break-even analysis to indicate when funders can expect a return on their money. This section is critical, especially if you’re starting with someone else’s cash.

Appendix

Supporting documents, such as resumes of key personnel, market research data, and financial statements.

Use our free business plan templates

We’ve provided our free business plan templates in several formats, for your convenience. Simply download a template in your desired format, follow the instructions and compose your own text to replace the example.

Ready to get started? You got this!

Tips to create a business plan that works

Here are some of our top tips for creating a business plan that will help you.

Get very clear on what you’re saying in your plan.

When you develop your business plan, you will be focusing hard on each aspect of your business. Now is the time to focus intently on the business. If you aim for absolute clarity on your plan, you’ll thank yourself later since your business planning will help you spot potential issues that you can resolve, or plan for, now.

Conduct thorough market research.

Your market research is of utmost importance. In most cases, you need to think about your market online and off. You need to prove this research is well-thought-out so that investors are not struggling to find faults or missed opportunities.

Develop a focused marketing plan.

It’s very easy to become enamored with marketing, but you must keep yourself focused and realistic. Marketing is expensive. You need to pick your channels wisely based on data, and better to focus on a few channels well than many poorly.

Project your financials realistically.

Investors won’t take kindly to unrealistic financial projections or timelines for break-even.

Keep your language clear and concise.

Your business plan needs to use simple terms to avoid confusion.

Include an executive summary.

Your summary provides a concise overview of your business plan. Since all stakeholders must review this plan, the executive summary will be an excellent reminder of notable details.

Regularly review and update your plan.

My first business plan was a four-year plan, but within one year, I had achieved almost everything planned. After the first year, I reviewed my plan, so the business was constantly evolving.

Think hard about your why.

Your real why might not be something you put in front of your investors, but when I created my business plan, I added a page dedicated to my personal why. This slide goes beyond revenue, expenses, and logistics. I use it to keep myself motivated and inspired. My ‘why’ includes having a better work/life balance, supporting my friends and family, pursuing a business that allows me to hire new talent, and earning enough to donate to charities or mentor aspiring entrepreneurs.

Business plan template FAQ

Is the business plan template really free?

Yes! The business plan templates are free and highly customizable too. The free plans should get you started, and you can feel free to add or remove sections to tailor the template to your business.

How do I write a business plan?

If you’re asking how to write a business plan, then starting with a free business plan template is an absolute must. The template will guide you through each phase required.

To write a business plan, you must outline your mission, target market, and unique value proposition. Your business plan should include market research and an understanding of who your immediate and aspirational competitors are. Also, where exactly you fit in the market and how your offering is unique.

What’s of utmost importance, especially if you want to persuade funders or investors, is demonstrating a clear understanding of your market, competitors, and financial projections. You need to be realistic but bold and knowledgeable in your approach. Investors need to feel very safe that the money they invest (and more) will return in ample time.

Why do I need a business plan to start a business?

Importantly, a business plan is there for you; it helps you articulate your vision. Whilst you may already know what you want to do with your business, taking the time to put your thoughts in writing will help you gain clarity over your thoughts and direction.

A well-thought-out business plan will help you settle your ‘why’ for both an online business or offline venture. It can also help you stay on track as you grow your business by providing a framework for measuring progress and making informed decisions.

Writing your business plan can also help you assess the viability of your business idea. When you create the plan for the business, you think about the details so you can highlight any roadblocks or things that won’t work before you start. This will save expensive mistakes later.

Outside of your needs as an entrepreneur, a business plan will likely be required to secure funding from investors or lenders. Without a plan, there’s no real backing to demonstrate why you need funding and how quickly it can be returned.

The information contained in this guide is provided for informational purposes only, and is not intended and should not be construed as legal advice from GoDaddy on any subject matter.

Here are some tips on how to do just that:

1. Focus on Your Niche

One of the advantages of being a small business is that you can specialize in a particular niche or market segment. By focusing on a specific area, you can tailor your products or services to meet the unique needs of your customers. This can make you more competitive than larger companies that try to appeal to a broad audience.

2. Build Personal Relationships

Small businesses have a unique advantage in that they can build personal relationships with their customers. Take the time to get to know your customers and build a loyal following. Offer personalized service, send handwritten notes or thank-you cards, and respond quickly to customer inquiries. By building a strong relationship with your customers, you can create a loyal base of customers who will stick with you even when larger competitors come knocking.

3. Leverage Technology

Just because you’re a small business doesn’t mean you can’t leverage technology to compete with larger companies. Use social media, email marketing, and other digital tools to connect with customers and promote your brand. Consider using customer relationship management software to keep track of customer interactions and provide personalized service. By leveraging technology, you can operate more efficiently and effectively than larger competitors who may be slower to adopt new tools.

4. Emphasize Quality over Quantity

As a small business, you may not have the resources to produce or sell as much as your larger competitors. However, you can make up for this by emphasizing quality over quantity. Focus on producing high-quality products or providing exceptional service. By providing a superior experience, you can differentiate yourself from larger competitors who may prioritize quantity over quality.

5. Be Nimble and Adaptable

One of the advantages of being a small business is that you can be more nimble and adaptable than larger competitors. Take advantage of this by staying attuned to market trends and changing customer needs. Don’t be afraid to pivot your business strategy if necessary. By being responsive to changes in the market, you can stay competitive and thrive in a small pond.

6. Collaborate with Other Small Businesses

Collaborating with other small businesses can help you expand your reach and offer more value to your customers. Consider partnering with other businesses in your community to offer joint promotions or services. By working together, you can pool resources and expertise, and provide a more comprehensive experience for your customers.

7. Offer Exceptional Customer Service

As a small business, you have the opportunity to offer exceptional customer service that larger companies may not be able to match. Make sure you prioritize customer service in everything you do. Train your employees to be friendly and responsive, and make sure you’re available to answer customer inquiries and resolve any issues promptly. By providing exceptional customer service, you can build a loyal base of customers who will recommend your business to others.

8. Build a Strong Brand

Building a strong brand can help you stand out in a crowded marketplace. Define your brand identity and make sure it’s consistent across all your marketing materials and customer interactions. Use your brand to tell your story and connect with your customers on an emotional level. By building a strong brand, you can create a sense of loyalty and trust with your customers.

9. Stay Financially Disciplined

As a small business, it’s important to stay financially disciplined and avoid taking on too much debt or overspending. Make sure you have a solid financial plan in place, and track your expenses and revenue closely. Look for ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality, and make sure you have a plan in place for unexpected expenses. By staying financially disciplined, you can weather any ups and downs and ensure the long-term success of your business.

10. Stay True to Your Values

Finally, it’s important to stay true to your values as a small business. Define your mission and values, and make sure you’re living up to them in everything you do. Don’t compromise your values for short-term gains, and make sure you’re always acting in the best interests of your customers and community. By staying true to your values, you can build a strong reputation and create a business that truly makes a difference.

To Conclude…

In conclusion, small businesses can thrive in a small pond by focusing on their niche, building personal relationships, leveraging technology, emphasizing quality, and being nimble and adaptable. With the right strategies and mindset, you can compete and win against larger competitors. So embrace your smallness and use it to your advantage.

When you start an LLC, it’s  an exciting time for a business owner, but it can also be daunting. There’s a lot to think about, from paperwork and certification to registration and more.

We’re making the process as simple as possible in this six-step guide. We’ll take you through the LLC journey from picking a name to registration and forming your LLC. It’s important to note that how you start an LLC will depend on the state you’re in, so check local legislation as you go.

In this article:

6 steps to create a business

1. Choose a business name
2. Find a registered agent
3. Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
4. File the Articles of Organization (Certificate of Formation)
5. Create an Operating Agreement for your LLC
6. Additional things to consider when creating an LLC

More about the LLC

1. Choose a business name

Every business needs a name. Before registering your business, make sure the matching domain name is available. The last thing you want is to choose a name to find it’s already in use or trademarked.

Enter your desired domain into the search bar and hit Buy It. If the domain is available, it’ll be there for sale; if it isn’t, GoDaddy will provide options that might inspire you.

An available domain indicates that the business name is available, but do your due diligence and check via registration offices.

There may also be state restrictions on words you can use within your business name. Restricted words might include ‘bank,’ ‘trust’, ‘trustee’,’ or ‘corporation.’ Basically, your business name must reflect your business and not be misleading.

Once you’ve confirmed your business name is available for use, you can buy a domain, choose a web hosting plan and create your website for your own online business.

For more information on the importance of domains, check out the video below.

2. Find a registered agent

Appointing a registered agent is a must-do in the process of starting an LLC in most states. Your registered agent will generally need to have a physical address in the state in which your LLC is registering.

The role of the LLC registered agent is to pass important documentation to key personnel within the LLC. Your registered agent will forward documentation such as legal notices and tax forms. Your registered agent should notify you of any legal issues at your earliest convenience. It’s an important role and if someone within the company is going to take it, they need to be diligent.

In many cases, the option for a registered agent service is highly desirable. This way, you can hire someone (or a company) to handle the legal and administrative tasks of being a registered agent. Hiring someone is especially useful if there’s no one qualified or happy to take on that role within the LLC. Or, if there’s no physical address within the state the company is registering in.

3. Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Your EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a unique number given to you by the IRS. It is essential for many types of activities, including opening a business account, hiring employees, filing taxes (the EIN is used to identify the business), applying for licenses and permits, and more.

Essentially your EIN proves you’re an established business.

4. File the Articles of Organization (Certificate of Formation)

Your Articles of Organization (aka. Certification of Formation) is a form that you can pick up from the state’s Secretary of State.

You will need to file the form and provide the information required. Each state has its own form so it’s important to make sure you’ve picked up the correct one. You can expect to fill out your typical information, such as the company name, business address, names and addresses of the LLC owners.

When it comes to submitting the form, you may need to pay a filing fee. The fee will vary between states. You might find it’s as little as $50, but it can cost around $100 and more.

5. Create an Operating Agreement for your LLC

Your Operating Agreement is a bit like a contract between owners. The document is legally binding and outlines how the LLC will be managed. Importantly, the Operating Agreement is in place to outline how profit and losses are shared.

Although the Operating Agreement is a legal document, you can see how this agreement could be used to resolve potential future conflicts. The agreement means that all owners are aligned on some of the most important aspects of starting an LLC.

When creating this agreement, it can be helpful to work with a lawyer.

6. Additional things to consider when creating an LLC

Finally, take a moment to think about any other items that are state-specific, or necessary to start your LLC with the best possible foundations.

Some extra considerations might include:

• Setting up a business bank account. Although a separate account to manage business finances is best practice for any business, when you start an LLC, you want to be especially diligent in keeping your personal finances from your business finances. This will make tax returns infinitely less confusing, and you must remember, with an LLC, you have a business that is a separate entity from you, so it will have its own bank account.

• Obtain permits and licenses. You might need specific licensing and permits depending on your industry and location. Be sure to check that all your paperwork is neatly gathered and legally compliant.
• Registering to do business in other states. If you’re registered in one state but have assets or employees in other states, you may need to register to do business elsewhere. This is dependent on the states you’re working within. If you need to register in other states, you’ll need a registered agent there, too.

What are the benefits of an LLC?

There are benefits to starting an LLC, and below we’ve listed some of the most desirable reasons why you might want to switch to an LLC business model.

• Limited liability protection removes liability from you personally. Your business becomes its own entity, responsible for its own debts or legal obligations.
• Pass-through taxation allows owners to take earnings without paying tax first. The profits and losses pass through to the owners’ personal tax returns.
• Easy to form and maintain (especially now that you’ve read this article). LLCs can be set up in as little as six steps.
• Business credibility is developed from having a registered LLC business. It could even help secure higher ticket clients or help justify price increases.
• Transfer of ownership is easy and flexible for LLCs.

Your questions about starting an LLC, answered:

It’s common to have a lot of questions before deciding whether or not to make the leap into an LLC business. Here, we’re answering commonly asked questions.

What is the lifespan of an LLC?

The lifespan of an LLC varies, but some states require LLCs have a lifespan of 30 years. In some states, the lifespan of an LLC is indefinite and can continue until the owners dissolve it.

How do you make money with an LLC?

You can make money as part of an LLC as you would in any business. Your LLC might make money buying and selling products through selling services or offering memberships and subscriptions to customers.

The main difference is how you make money with an LLC. As the owner, you might also be contracted to work. So your LLC pays you a wage.

Should I pay myself a salary from my LLC?

You should seek financial support before deciding how to pay yourself through your LLC, but as above, there’s an option to pay for contracted hours for services benefitting the business. Or, as the owner, you can take distributions.

What is the downside of an LLC?

Managing an LLC requires some further work that could be perceived as a downside. For example, you will need to manage paperwork and filing differently. If you used to manage taxes alone, you might start considering an accountant to help manage your finances as you start an LLC.

Can I use my personal money for my LLC?

As a business owner, you can use personal money to fund an LLC. This is particularly common in the early days of starting an LLC.

Final thoughts on starting an LLC.

Owning and managing an LLC doesn’t stop with the six steps feature above. Once you know how to start an LLC, you must look after it and keep your new-found LLC in line with the state’s ongoing requirements. You’ll need to file reports and accounts accordingly. And on top of that, you must keep an eye out for potential changes in legislation.

Whilst it can feel overwhelming, there are attorneys and accountants to help you take the right steps when starting an LLC. And, when the time comes to managing new legislation, you’ll feel ready to tackle it when the time is right.

Starting a business in 2023 needn’t be overwhelming. I get it, there’s a lot to think about and as a new entrepreneur, there’s one thing on your mind: money. Can you afford it, will the business sustain you, how will you juggle your side hustle alongside your life commitments – maybe even another full-time job – exactly how much does it cost to start a business in 2023?

No doubt, there’s a lot to think about, but the more you think the more reasons you’ll find not to follow your dreams and that’s the last thing I want for you.

So, instead of overthinking, read through this comprehensive guide including a breakdown of startup costs and tips to manage costs at every step.

Fixed costs to start a business in 2023

The fixed costs of your startup will depend on the type of business. As a freelancer you can start up a business for $0, assuming you already own a PC and have access to Wi-Fi.

Businesses that need more involvement from operations, products or digital assets like websites may need to spend more.

The cost of your business will be unique, but you can use the guides below to determine how much it costs to start your dream business in 2023.

Domain, website or online store

The majority of startups need a website either to trade and receive enquiries online or for a presence in Google search and Google maps for local search.

That said, if you’re starting a service-based business you may be able to drum up business without a website by using social media platforms like LinkedIn. This is what I did for two years, keeping my start-up cost at $0.

To save the cost of a website, ecommerce stores can create shops on Etsy and pay minimal fees to upload products. Then, it’s just a commission on sales. Alternatively, you can start affiliate marketing on TikTok which costs nothing to set up.

While free alternatives are great, at some point your business will likely grow to a point where you want a more robust online presence. And ecommerce merchants should be prepared to source a point-of-sale (POS) system or technology allowing them to accept online payments.

For entrepreneurs who need a website, start by sourcing your domain and hosting.

In general, non-premium domains cost between $1 to $20, depending on the deal you are getting and the number of years you decide to register the domain for. To explore prices buy a domain and search for your desired website URL.

Tips for managing the cost of domains: you can cut costs by exploring cheaper domain suffixes. Generally, but not always, .com or .co.uk will be more expensive than .co, .io, .site, .shop. There are a lot of domain options so spend some time exploring suffixes and pricing.

Your website host is required to get your site on the internet and in front of customers. You’ll need to web hosting.

Tips for managing the cost of hosting: pay annually or for many years in advance to save money.

Website design and development

For those who need to create a website you can use drag-and-drop editors. This is perfect if you really want to cut costs. You can build brochure websites or use the online store builder if you’re starting with ecommerce.

If you’re not willing to create the website yourself, then don’t fret because there are affordable website design services to guarantee a website you (and your customers) will love. I’ve known entrepreneurs who started with websites that are quite affordable.

Tips for managing the cost of website design and build: if the thought of designing and developing a website is overwhelming, but you want to save costs, commit a couple of hours to creating a website with GoDaddy. I promise it’s easy and you might surprise yourself.

While you’re creating a website, consider creating a logo to display on your web pages and other brand collateral. Services like GoDaddy Logo Maker are free and let you quickly snag this key piece of branding.

Legal costs to register a business

Legal costs vary hugely between types of business and the required legal cover. If you’ve figured out how to create an LLC and you’re ready for the costs associated you can expect to pay anything from $485 to more than $1,000. Of course, this depends on what you can do yourself. More savvy start-ups may be able to tackle some of the legal requirements, thus saving money.

Tips for managing legal costs: consider the essentials. As a new business owner, it can be tempting to cover your business from every angle, but this may not be required at the very beginning. Consider what’s a must-have to start up, then take note of what you can purchase later and when it’s needed.

Marketing

Marketing is one of the most flexible costs when starting a business. The options are endless.

At the cheapest, GoDaddy can support your business from $85/month, but a more multi-channelled approach will cost $500/month*.

The good thing about marketing is that you can do a lot alone. If you’re happy to manage social media platforms to drum up business, you can do well without spending a penny. It is time-consuming so that time investment must be considered.

If you’re thinking about marketing your business with ads then you need to consider the cost of ads versus the benefit. Generally, it’s not useful to start with a budget that’s too small simply because you won’t get the data you need to decipher a good ads campaign from a bad one. Don’t start an ads campaign until you’re ready to commit.

Tips for managing marketing costs: choose your marketing channels carefully, and do your research to find out which one is likely to have the biggest impact. It’s better to cover fewer channels well than many channels poorly. After all, you can always scale once you’ve nailed one platform.

Variable costs to start a business in 2023

Some prices are incredibly variable depending on location and the needs of the business. These items are listed below.

Physical location

The beauty of starting a business in 2023 is that many businesses won’t need a physical location, but if you’re opening a brick-and-mortar store or plan to work in an office you’ll need to think about rent or mortgages.

Products or inventory

If you need to buy and hold stock you’ll need to outlay an initial investment upfront. The cost will vary on the units required. You can manage these costs by thinking carefully about what you’re likely to sell. Another consideration is what you can sell if you buy stock in bulk.

Tips for managing product and inventory costs: ask suppliers about their minimum order quantity (MOQ) and how costs vary on quantity. Also, consider drop shipping so you don’t have to outlay any costs at all.

Staff

Staff costs depend on seniority and location. You’ll need to consider the minimum wage of your state, but the federal minimum wage is $7.25.

Tips for managing staffing costs: businesses trading online can outsource work to talented new freelancers or over-pay freelancers in different parts of the world. You can also take on more work yourself or turn to software and AI to support your business.

Taxes

Beyond the initial registration, startups need to consider tax. The rules surrounding tax vary so you must check the rules within the country in which your business is registered.

Paying your taxes usually means putting a percentage of your income aside to cover the costs, monitoring and recording your expenses to account correctly for tax write-offs or hiring an accountant to manage taxes for you.

Tips for managing tax costs:  the more self-efficient you are, the less you need to pay an accountant. Many small businesses can manage the early tax returns alone, but a growing business will likely need an accountant eventually. Manage the costs by putting money aside regularly.

On-going expenses

As a small business you’re likely to have ongoing expenses. You may not start with them but over time you’ll likely invest in subscriptions or software. Or, you might have shipping to consider for e-commerce. Costs will vary based on your requirements.

Tips for managing ongoing expenses: on-going expenses can creep up on business owners so be mindful of monthly subscriptions and the well-intentioned software you purchased. If you’re not using it, you’re throwing away money.

Unexpected costs

No matter what, any business is likely to be hit with an unexpected cost, eventually. Prepare for the unexpected by holding a budget to get you out of an emergency situation. Unexpected costs could include your sickness, the need to hire a consultant to solve a problem fast or if you’re in a brick-and-mortar store something could go wrong within the building.

How to fund your startup or small business

Getting funding for your new business is likely on your mind. Here are some common ways to earn funding for your start up.

Personal investment

Funding your business on your own can be a safe option. It removes the stress of meeting investor expectations and it can feel really good to know you build your new business with your own means.

Personal investment may require you to save for a few years before you get started, but freedom from other stakeholders can be highly desirable in the early stages.

Borrowing money through contacts

You can opt to borrow money from your personal contacts, friends and family, for example. If you choose to go down this route it’s really important to treat it as you would as a formal investment: draw up contracts, separate personal and businesses conversations. Be very clear on what the contract is.

Loans

Securing loans from banks is an option for funding. Generally, banks provide calculators on their websites so you can gage what you might be able to borrow. Be aware that it isn’t easy to get accepted for a bank loan, 80 – 90% of startups fail so banks are naturally careful who they lend money to.

Create a budget for your first year

Let’s take a look at various cost summaries for businesses with varying needs.

Freelance business

Your freelance service-based business cost summary is one of the cheapest businesses to start, it might look a bit like this:

Service-based business

For those starting a service-based business and desire a more professional appeal can kick off a new business venture with a functioning site.

Here’s what the cost summary can look like:

Marketing costs for the first year

If you choose to work with a service provider like GoDaddy your digital marketing services can be covered for as low as $85.00/month.

Businesses you can start with a small budget

The digital world has opened a world of opportunity when it comes to starting a business for free or with a small budget.

Assuming you’ve got a PC, wi-fi and a desire to work or use social media to generate leads, you can start any of the following small business ideas, for free:

• Freelancing in digital services like writing, SEO, PPC, social media management or email marketing.
• Freelancing on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
• Affiliate marketing through social media platforms like TikTok. You will need to gain 1,000 followers before you can start this one.
• Consulting in a skill you already have (or can learn for free online).

Local services you can start with little to no start-up costs:

• Dog walking
• Babysitting
• Homesitting
• Handyman
• Tutoring

Some businesses require a small budget to start, for example:

• Selling digital downloads on Etsy. You’ll pay a small fee to upload products, but then nothing until you make your first sale where you pay a percentage to Etsy.
• Dropshipping
• Selling on eBay.
• Print (assuming you’re doing the printing)

Closing thoughts on starting a business in 2023

Today, there is a lot of technology out there that can boost the success of your business. While there might be expenses associated with it, don’t forget the financial rewards that come with a successful venture. Keep that momentum going and make 2023 the year you founded a business to be proud of.

*Pricing data valid on March 2023. All prices listed are subject to change.