A Guide to Starting a Small Business in Your Local Community

Many people want to launch a company but don’t know exactly how to pull it off. If you aren’t sure how to get going, here’s a guide to starting a small business in your local community.

Launching Your Small Business

Getting the legal part of starting a small business handled might seem challenging from the outside. However, it’s usually very straightforward. The main steps include:

• Picking a company name
• Filing with your state
• Getting ready for tax requirements
• Obtaining needed local licenses and permits

When you register with your state, you need to select a business structure. If you aren’t sure which option is best, you may want to take a close look at LLC. Along with reducing liability, LLCs can come with tax advantages. Plus, there’s less paperwork and more flexibility, both of which are beneficial.

If you’re worried about attorney fees associated with forming your LLC, there are lower-cost options. You could go with a formation service or handle the filing yourself. Before you get started, review local LLC regulations. The laws vary by state, so familiarizing yourself with requirements in your area will help ensure you manage the process correctly.

Marketing the Company Online

Establishing your digital presence is a must for every small business. Most consumers make shopping decisions after doing online research. By getting your digital presence set up, you’ll have an easier time connecting with potential customers.

In many cases, your first step is to choose a domain name and preferred social media handle. Ideally, you want the domain name, social media handle, and company name to either be the same or incredibly close. Additionally, try to secure the same social media handle on every platform, making your digital presence more cohesive.

Once you’ve taken care of that, you’ll need to create your site. While DIY website builders can work if you only need a simple design, hiring a freelance web designer is a better choice if you want something more sophisticated or capable.

Finding a freelance web designer is easy. Head to an online job board to see who’s available. Then, read reviews, ask about delivery schedules, and look at pricing. The typical rate for a freelance web designer is usually in the $15 to $30 range. However, highly experienced professionals can charge more, so keep that in mind.

As the web designer begins preparing your website, you’ll also want to create a logo. Logos are excellent for boosting brand awareness. Plus, it’s a subtle way to mark your social media posts to show customers the images are yours.

If you don’t have the biggest budget, skip paying for logo design services and use design logo online free apps instead. You’ll get a high-quality logo quickly with that approach. Just choose your preferred style and select an icon. Next, add a bit of text. Finally, review the results to find a favorite and adjust the fonts and colors until it’s exactly what you want.

At the end of the day, if you need a company to help tackle both your digital marketing and website design, turn to the pros here at Ellipsis Marketing!

Engage with Your Community

While it’s true that small businesses benefit local communities by boosting tax revenue, creating jobs, and bringing more products and services into the area, that alone won’t ensure your success. Instead, you need to engage with your community, cultivating meaningful relationships that can support your growth.

Often, the easiest way to engage with your community is to get involved in ways that show you care. Attending local events can be a great option. The same goes for volunteering for an area nonprofit.

By getting involved locally, you’re showing that your town is a priority. That builds a positive reputation, increasing the odds that residents will be invested in your success.

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This article has been contributed by Marissa Perez from BusinessPop.net. Marissa has spent the last 10 years honing her marketing skills and now she wants to share her knowledge with those who have decided to take on entrepreneurship. She co-created Business Pop to provide insight and advice to those who aspire to succeed in owning a business.

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Tags: small business startup guide