Starting a business is one of those things that’s exciting and completely nerve-wracking at the same time. You’re full of ideas, you’ve probably Googled more things in a week than you have all year, and you just want to get off to a good start. Most people think about the obvious stuff — the product, the name, maybe even the logo — but there are other things that matter just as much, and they’re easy to miss.
A SOLID PLAN
Planning doesn’t always come naturally, especially when you just want to jump in and get started. But having a basic plan will make life so much easier. You don’t need a huge document. Just something that covers who you’re selling to, what you’re offering, and how you’re going to reach people. Think of it like scribbling a few bullet points in a notebook. That’s enough to start. You can always go back and add more detail once you get a clearer idea of where you’re headed.
MONEY
No one really enjoys thinking about money until they don’t have any. That’s why it helps to map things out early. What’s your budget? What will things cost? Are you setting any money aside for marketing or equipment or packaging? Even if it feels awkward at first, tracking your spending is one of the easiest ways to avoid stress later on. And don’t forget to include the little things. Those tend to sneak up on you.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
This part’s simple but important. People need a way to pay you. If they can’t, they’ll move on — and fast. Whether you’re selling online or in person, give customers a few options. Some like Apple Pay, others want to tap their card or pay online. And if your business is in a niche area, like adult products or services, it’s worth looking at the features of an adult merchant account. Some payment providers don’t support certain industries, so it’s better to get that sorted early than face issues later.
LEGAL SETUP
Nobody wants to deal with this bit, but it’s one of the most important steps. Are you registering as a sole trader, a limited company, or something else? Each one comes with its own rules, especially when it comes to tax. It’s not glamorous, but getting it right from the start saves you time, money, and stress. It also makes you look more professional, which helps when working with suppliers or clients.
A DECENT WEBSITE
You don’t need to go all out with fancy animations or loads of pages. A clean, easy-to-use website can go a long way. People just want the basics — what you do, how to get in touch, and maybe a way to order or book something. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to work.
GETTING SEEN
You can’t expect people to just show up. You need to let them know you exist. This could be through social media, word of mouth, emails, or even chatting to people at local events. Just keep talking about your business and show up regularly. It all adds up.
Thank you so much for reading! – xo N
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this is a contributed post.
New Lune 