Starting a small business can feel a lot like assembling IKEA furniture: you’re excited to see the final product, but the steps to get there can be overwhelming (and sometimes the instructions feel like they’re written in another language). Don’t worry, bestie, I’ve got your back.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to start a small business, step by step, in a way that actually makes sense. Let’s start turning that dream into a reality!
1. Find Your Big Idea
Every great business starts with an idea. But how do you know if it’s the idea?
- What Are You Good At? Think about your skills, hobbies, and passions.
- What Do People Need? Find a problem you can solve or a gap you can fill.
- Will People Pay for It? Make sure there’s a demand for your product or service (and not just from your mom).
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re stuck, think about what people already ask you for help with. That’s often a goldmine for ideas.
If you’re feeling stuck and need more information, read our blog post How to Choose the Right Small Business Idea here!
2. Do Some Research (a.k.a. Stalk Your Competition)
Once you’ve got your idea, it’s time to dive into research.
- Who Is Your Target Audience? Understand who you’re selling to and what they need.
- What Is Your Competition Doing? Check out similar businesses to see what’s working for them (and what you can do better).
- Is There Room for You? Look for ways for you to stand out, whether that’s better pricing, unique branding, or a niche audience.
3. Write a Business Plan (Don’t Skip This!)
A business plan might sound scary, but trust me, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s what you’ll want to include:
- Your Mission: Why does your business exist?
- Your Goals: What do you want to achieve?
- Your Strategy: How will you make it happen?
- Your Numbers: A basic breakdown of costs, pricing, and profit goals.
💡 Pro Tip: This is like your business’s cheat sheet. It’ll keep you focused and help you avoid the dreaded “wing it” trap.
4. Sort Out the Legal Stuff
Nobody likes doing the paperwork, but this step is non-negotiable unless you want problems later down the road!
- Choose a Business Structure: Sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation. Pick what works best for you.
- Register Your Business: Check your state’s requirements for registration and licensing.
- Get an EIN: This is your business’ tax ID (and it’s free to apply on the IRS website. More info can be found here).
5. Create Your Brand
Your branding is more than just a logo; it tells people how to feel when they think about your business.
- Pick a Name: Something unique, memorable, and easy to spell (please, no weird spellings unless it’s really clever).
- Design Your Look: Choose a color palette, logo, and fonts that fit your vibe.
- Write Your Story: People connect with stories, so share why your business exists and what makes it special.
If you need help creating the brand of your dreams, click here to read our Branding 101 post!
6. Build Your Online Presence
Even if you’re not tech-savvy, having an online presence is a must when starting a small business.
- Create a Website: Use platforms like Shopify, Squarespace, Etsy, or WordPress to make it easy.
- Set Up Social Media: Focus on the platforms your audience uses most.
- Start an Email List: This is gold for staying connected with your customers.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overthink your website! Start with the basics and make changes as you go.
7. Launch Like a Pro
It’s time to let the world know you exist!
- Soft Launch: Test things out with a small audience (like friends, family, or a local market).
- Grand Launch: Go big with promotions, events, or social media campaigns.
- Collect Feedback: Ask your first customers what they loved and what you can improve.
8. Keep Growing
The work doesn’t stop once you launch; that’s just the beginning. Keep learning, adapting, and growing.
- Track Your Numbers: Know what’s working (and what’s not) so you can adjust.
- Listen to Your Customers: Their feedback is valuable.
- Invest in Yourself: Take courses, attend events, read this blog (teehee) and keep levelling up your skills.
Starting a small business isn’t always easy, but it’s 100% worth it. Whether you’re dreaming of quitting your 9-to-5 or creating something meaningful on the side, you’ve got what it takes.
Now that you know how to start a small business, it’s time to get out there and make it happen. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone, I’m here to cheer you on every step of the way!
xx
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