Starting a Business? Here's Your Complete Checklist

4 days ago

2 min read

Orange notebooks, pen, pen basket, sticky notes, and translucent glasses on a white desk.

Starting a business involves more steps than most people expect. There is a lot you should complete before you even get to us or posting on Instagram. Skipping one can cost time and money later...we can promise you that.

Set Up the Legal Foundation

Register as an LLC (or whatever you think Is best with the advice from an accountant, financial advisor and/or lawyer). This protects personal assets and gives the business legal standing.

Next, apply for an EIN with the IRS. This number acts like a social security number for the business and is needed for taxes, banking, and hiring.

If the business will operate under a different name or you have multiple names, get a trade name, also known as a DBA. For example we are Mango Marketing LLC but our DBA (what you know us as) Mango Marketing Co

Business insurance matters and is essential. Also, hiring an accountant early saves headaches. They help track expenses, file taxes correctly, and give guidance on financial decisions before they turn into problems.

Plan Before You Build

A business plan lays out the direction, the numbers, and the goals. This document becomes a reference point as decisions come up. It's what you will also use when investors, grants or loans get involved.

Claim Your Online Presence

Buy the website domain. Create a matching dot com email address for a more professional look and for email marketing. Set up social media accounts on the platforms where customers spend time.

Don't forget to research how to accept payments early.

Now you are ready to chat with us! Branding includes the logo, fonts, colors, patterns, voice, mission, business cards, the overall look customers will recognize, etc. After we do all that, we can design a website, set up templates for email marketing and get branded social media graphics to spread the word.