Start a business
How to start a business, one step at a time.
Starting a business and don't know where to begin? These free guides put it in order, from checking your idea to landing your first customers. Plain words, no jargon, and no need to be good with computers.
Step 1
Check the idea and make a plan
Make sure people will pay for it, work out what it takes to start, and put the plan on one page.
Starting a Business and Don't Know Where to Begin? Start HereStarting a business and not sure where to begin? Here's the order to do things in, from the idea to your first customer, in plain English with no jargon.How to Start a Business With No Money (or Very Little)How to start a business with no money: businesses you can start with skills you have, what's free to set up, what to pay for first, and how to grow from there.One-Page Business Plan Template (Free, Fill in the Blanks)A free one-page business plan template for small businesses: fill in 10 simple sections in an afternoon, with an example and tips for each one.
Step 2
Name it and make it official
Pick a name you can keep, check that it's free, and do the paperwork in the right order.
How to Name Your Business: 7 Steps and a Free Naming WorksheetHow to name your business: a simple 7-step method, business name ideas by style, and how to check that a name is free before you print a single card.New Business Checklist: What You Need Before Your First CustomerA plain-English new business checklist: the paperwork, branding, website, Google profile and marketing you need before your first customer, in order.
Step 3
Look the part and get online
A brand people trust, a website, a business email and a Google profile, all in your name.
What Does a New Business Need Online? Website, Email, Google and MoreWhat a new small business needs online, explained simply: domain, website, business email, Google Business Profile and social pages, and which to do first.How to Make a Website for Your Business: DIY, Freelancer or Done for YouHow to make a website for your business: the pages you need, your three options (build it, hire a freelancer, or get it done for you), and the steps in order.How to Get a Business Email Address With Your Own DomainHow to get a professional business email address at your own domain: what you need, the steps in order, what to name it, and mistakes to avoid.How to Set Up a Google Business Profile for a New BusinessHow to set up a free Google Business Profile for a new business: what you need first, the steps, verification, hiding your home address and what to fill in.How Much Does a Small Business Website and Logo Cost?What a small business website, logo and brand cost: doing it yourself vs a freelancer, an agency or a flat-fee package, plus the yearly costs people forget.How Much Does a Small Business Website Cost? (Real Price Ranges)What a small business website really costs: do-it-yourself, freelancer, agency or flat-fee package, plus the domain, hosting and email you pay every year.
Step 4
Get your first customers
Land your first ten, then keep the calls coming with a simple weekly plan.
How to Get Your First Customers: A Plan for Your First 10How to get your first customers for a new business: who to ask first, where to show up, how to earn reviews, and a simple plan to land your first 10.A Simple 90-Day Marketing Plan for a New Small BusinessA simple 90-day marketing plan for a new small business: what to do in month one, two and three to get your first customers and reviews, without big ad spend.20 Video Ad Ideas for Small Businesses (With Hooks)20 video ad ideas for small businesses, grouped by goal, each with a ready-to-use hook line and the video format and flat price that fits it best.
By trade
Start a business in your trade
The licenses, tools, prices and first customers for your kind of work.
How to Start a Cleaning Business: A Step-by-Step GuideHow to start a cleaning business step by step: pick your niche, handle the paperwork, set prices, get supplies, build your brand and land your first clients.How to Start a Pressure Washing Business: Equipment, Pricing and ClientsHow to start a pressure washing business: the equipment you need, insurance, wash water rules, how to price jobs, and how to get your first customers.How to Start a Lawn Care Business: From One Mower to a Full RouteHow to start a lawn care business: the equipment, licenses and insurance you need, how to price mowing, and how to fill your route with steady customers.How to Start a Landscaping Business: Services, Licenses and ClientsHow to start a landscaping business: choose your services, handle licenses and insurance, price design and install jobs, and win your first clients.How to Start a Construction Company: Licenses, Insurance and ClientsHow to start a construction company: contractor licenses, insurance and bonds, estimating and pricing, building a crew, and getting your first jobs.How to Start a Hair Salon: Licenses, Space, Pricing and ClientsHow to start a hair salon: licenses, choosing between suite, booth rental or your own shop, setting prices, building a brand and filling your chairs.How to Start a Personal Training Business: Certification to ClientsHow to start a personal training business: certification, insurance, where to train, how to price sessions and packages, and how to land your first clients.How to Start a Farrier Business: From Apprentice to Your Own RigHow to start your own farrier business: training, paperwork, insurance, pricing, your truck and brand, getting found online and building a full route of clients.How to Start a Horse Training BusinessHow to start a horse training business: your program and prices, paperwork and insurance, facility choices, your brand and website, and how to fill your barn.How to Start an Equine Bodywork or Massage BusinessHow to start an equine bodywork or massage business: training, state rules, insurance, pricing, explaining your work to owners, and getting found online.Marketing a New Equine Veterinary PracticeHow to market a new equine or mobile vet practice: your brand and truck, a website owners can use at the barn, Google profile, referrals and reviews.
By state
Start a business in your state
The filing office, fees, name rules and yearly reports where you live.
How to Start a Business in Texas: Steps, Fees and Forms (2026)How to start a business in Texas: sole proprietor or LLC, the $300 filing fee, assumed names, franchise tax reports, sales tax permits and local licenses.How to Start a Business in Florida: Steps, Fees and Forms (2026)How to start a business in Florida: sole proprietor or LLC, Sunbiz filing fees, fictitious names, the May 1 annual report, sales tax and local business tax.How to Start a Business in California: Steps, Fees and Forms (2026)How to start a business in California: sole proprietor or LLC, the $70 filing fee and $800 yearly tax, fictitious names, seller's permits and city licenses.How to Start a Business in North Carolina: Steps, Fees and Forms (2026)How to start a business in North Carolina: sole proprietor or LLC, the $125 filing fee, assumed business names, the $200 annual report, and NC tax registration.How to Start a Business in Ohio: Steps, Fees and Forms (2026)How to start a business in Ohio: sole proprietor or LLC, the $99 filing fee, trade names, vendor's licenses for sales tax, and local permits, in order.
Questions
What are the first steps to starting a business?
Check that people will pay for what you sell, make a simple plan, pick a name and check that it's free, do the paperwork for your state, then build your brand, website and Google profile before you go after customers.
What do I need to start a small business?
A name, the right paperwork for your state and trade, a business bank account, a logo, a website, a business email, a Google Business Profile and a simple plan to get customers.
How long does it take to start a business?
The paperwork can take days to a few weeks depending on your state. The brand, website and marketing usually take longest when you do them yourself.
Can someone set up my new business for me?
Yes. Our business package builds your website, logo and brand, cards and sign designs, a 90-day marketing plan and a step-by-step setup guide, all in your name, for $2,999 flat. You still file your own state paperwork.