{"id":27419,"date":"2024-05-10T01:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-10T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dhblog.dream.press\/blog\/?p=27419"},"modified":"2025-05-21T18:10:08","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T01:10:08","slug":"how-to-start-a-business-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/how-to-start-a-business-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Start a Business (Begin Your Journey Here)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>So, you want to start a business?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Strike out into the unknown?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Discover new opportunities?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Change the world with your <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.etsy.com\/listing\/928634675\/fried-chicken-legdrumstick-hilarious\" rel=\"noopener\">hyper-realistic food-themed jewelry<\/a>? (I don\u2019t know about you, but <em>my<\/em> world has certainly been\u2026changed.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And, maybe even <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/lucrative-side-hustle-ideas\/\" rel=\"noopener\">make some money<\/a> along the way?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The road to building a successful business and becoming your own boss can be a long one. Luckily, we have a map.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this complete guide, you\u2019ll learn all the steps that you need to start a successful small business, from creating a basic business plan to hiring your first employee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Grab a snack (of the non-necklace variety), and let\u2019s hit the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"idea\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Refining the Big Idea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Every creative endeavor has two halves: the idea and the execution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/successful-entrepreneur-traits\/\" rel=\"noopener\">aspiring entrepreneurs<\/a> come up with awesome ideas, but end up struggling with the second part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Need proof? How many friends of yours have revolutionary app ideas? And how many have actually developed an app, released it, and built a successful business out of it? Chances are, the answer to the second question is a <em>lot<\/em> lower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you start your own business, you have to get beyond the big idea to crafting your execution plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, let\u2019s start things off on the right foot and break your big idea down into small, achievable steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-define-your-business-idea\">1. Define Your Business Idea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Few things kill a new business like a concept that\u2019s way too vague. How do you even start building your business if your plan is simply to \u201cmake a new type of social network?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, you don\u2019t. You either refine your idea into something tangible, or let it languish over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most ideas can be saved with a dash of refinement and a bit of polish. The key to doing so is asking the right questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Why are you starting this venture?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Who is your target demographic, and is that a viable market?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What product or service are you offering?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When will it be available, and when would someone use this product?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Where will your product be available?<\/li>\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>By answering these questions, you can turn a vague idea like \u201cstart a new social network\u201d into \u201cstart a new social network for US-based professionals and recent college graduates to connect and find job opportunities in their alumni networks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1146\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/01_ask_questions_to_refine_your_business_idea.webp\" alt=\"An example of using who, what, when, where, and why to refine your business idea\" class=\"wp-image-45583 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/01_ask_questions_to_refine_your_business_idea.webp 1600w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/01_ask_questions_to_refine_your_business_idea-300x215.webp 300w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/01_ask_questions_to_refine_your_business_idea-1024x733.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/01_ask_questions_to_refine_your_business_idea-768x550.webp 768w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/01_ask_questions_to_refine_your_business_idea-1536x1100.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/01_ask_questions_to_refine_your_business_idea-600x430.webp 600w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/01_ask_questions_to_refine_your_business_idea-1200x860.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/01_ask_questions_to_refine_your_business_idea-730x523.webp 730w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/01_ask_questions_to_refine_your_business_idea-1460x1046.webp 1460w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/01_ask_questions_to_refine_your_business_idea-784x562.webp 784w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/01_ask_questions_to_refine_your_business_idea-1568x1123.webp 1568w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/01_ask_questions_to_refine_your_business_idea-877x628.webp 877w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1600\/1146;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you get through your first round of questions, ask more: Why would this niche market use this over LinkedIn? What are the features that <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/how-to-beat-your-competition\/\" rel=\"noopener\">separate it from the competition<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Refining your idea is like making a sculpture out of a block of marble. Start by cutting away big chunks on your first pass, and then chip at the little details once you\u2019re further along.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember, sometimes ideas simply <em>don\u2019t<\/em> work. It\u2019s just as important to know when to give up on an idea as how to refine it. After some chipping, there\u2019s no shame in admitting that a certain direction isn\u2019t a good one. Put it to the side so you can focus your efforts on another big idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Create A Business Plan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The next step is to start working out the fine details by developing a detailed business plan. Besides serving as a guide, your business plan can also come in handy when looking for investors or business grants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sba.gov\/business-guide\/plan-your-business\/write-your-business-plan\" rel=\"noopener\">business plan<\/a> should have these elements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Executive summary:<\/strong> Sum up your business. Why will it be successful? What is your mission statement? What are you offering? In short: Who are you as a business, and why should anyone care?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Company description:<\/strong> Expand on some of the most interesting points in your executive summary. What problems does your business solve? What is your team like? What\u2019s your competitive advantage? Your company description will likely overlap with your executive summary to some extent, but you can expand on it and add new information here as well.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Market analysis:<\/strong> Explain how your product fits into the target market. What are competitors doing? How can you do it better or cheaper?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Service\/product line: <\/strong>Describe the products or professional services you\u2019re selling. Include information about patents, lifecycle, benefits, and even business location if that\u2019s critical. This information will form the backbone of your business model.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Marketing and sales details:<\/strong> Explain how your sales and marketing efforts will work. How will you grow your customer base? How will you retain customers?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Funding request: <\/strong>If you\u2019re using this plan in an investor meeting, include information about how much funding you\u2019ll need over the next five years and what you plan to use that money for.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Financial projections: <\/strong>Prove that your business is in good financial health and ready for success by including your financial plan and projecting what your finances will look like in the next few years. Keep in mind you may also want to include an income statement here if you\u2019re already up and running.<\/li>\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1094\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/02_sample_business_plan_summary.webp\" alt=\"A sample business plan that starts with a summary appears on a dark background\" class=\"wp-image-45584 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/02_sample_business_plan_summary.webp 1600w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/02_sample_business_plan_summary-300x205.webp 300w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/02_sample_business_plan_summary-1024x700.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/02_sample_business_plan_summary-768x525.webp 768w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/02_sample_business_plan_summary-1536x1050.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/02_sample_business_plan_summary-600x410.webp 600w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/02_sample_business_plan_summary-1200x821.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/02_sample_business_plan_summary-730x499.webp 730w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/02_sample_business_plan_summary-1460x998.webp 1460w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/02_sample_business_plan_summary-784x536.webp 784w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/02_sample_business_plan_summary-1568x1072.webp 1568w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/02_sample_business_plan_summary-877x600.webp 877w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1600\/1094;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you have all the information you need, we\u2019ve created a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/write-business-plan\/\" rel=\"noopener\">business plan template<\/a> that you can download and fill out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Decide On A Business Name<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Chances are that if you\u2019ve made it this far, you already have some type of working name. If you don\u2019t, it\u2019s time to iron one out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When coming up with your business name, keep these tips in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The name should be catchy and sound good when you say it out loud<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You should be able to trademark your name<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The name should relate somewhat to your product or service\u2019s benefits or features<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You should be able to get a .com domain for it (more on that next)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your name should be easy to spell<\/li>\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Some entrepreneurs get backed up at this stage. While it\u2019s definitely important to make sure your <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/tools\/business-name-generator\/\" rel=\"noopener\">business name<\/a> has some allure to it, don\u2019t overthink it and hold up your progress just because you can\u2019t settle on the perfect name. Give yourself a reasonable amount of thinking time and then go with your favorite option, even if you\u2019re not completely thrilled with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>[bng]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Flesh Out Your Brand<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Like people, businesses can have all kinds of personalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve settled on a name for your business entity, start to consider what other features and characteristics you want people to recognize your brand by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At this point, you\u2019ll want to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/how-to-design-a-website-logo-visitors-will-love\/\" rel=\"noopener\">design a logo<\/a> and set some brand guidelines. What tone will your business take in its communications? What colors represent it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oatly.com\/en-us\" rel=\"noopener\">Oatly<\/a>, for example, has defined itself through its playful and irreverent copywriting, its funky logo, and its commitment to a soft palette of primarily blue, brown, black, and white.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ideally, your visual identity should be recognizable enough that when you release a new item, target customers will immediately realize that it\u2019s from your product line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"article-newsletter article-newsletter--gradient\">\n\n\n<h2>Get Content Delivered Straight to Your Inbox<\/h2><p>Subscribe now to receive all the latest updates, delivered directly to your inbox.<\/p><form class=\"nwsl-form\" id=\"newsletter_block_\" novalidate><div class=\"messages\"><\/div><div class=\"form-group\"><label for=\"input_newsletter_block_\"><input type=\"email\"name=\"email\"id=\"input_newsletter_block_\"placeholder=\"Enter your email address\"novalidatedisabled=\"disabled\"\/><\/label><button type=\"submit\"class=\"btn btn--brand\"disabled=\"disabled\"><span>Sign Me Up!<\/span><svg width=\"21\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 21 14\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path d=\"M13.8523 0.42524L12.9323 1.34521C12.7095 1.56801 12.7132 1.9304 12.9404 2.14865L16.7241 5.7823H0.5625C0.251859 5.7823 0 6.03416 0 6.3448V7.6573C0 7.96794 0.251859 8.2198 0.5625 8.2198H16.7241L12.9405 11.8535C12.7132 12.0717 12.7095 12.4341 12.9323 12.6569L13.8523 13.5769C14.072 13.7965 14.4281 13.7965 14.6478 13.5769L20.8259 7.39879C21.0456 7.17913 21.0456 6.82298 20.8259 6.60327L14.6477 0.42524C14.4281 0.205584 14.0719 0.205584 13.8523 0.42524Z\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n<\/button><\/div><\/form><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"web\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Securing Your Space On The Web<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In our digital-first world, maintaining a strong online presence is more important than ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Luckily, starting a website and building a social presence is <em>way<\/em> easier than it used to be. Here\u2019s how to get rolling!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Register Your Domain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your domain is the address that people will type in when they want to visit your website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, our domain is dreamhost.com. If your business was called Deb\u2019s Donuts, your domain might be debsdonuts.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"glossary-term\">\n\t<a\n\t\tclass=\"glossary-term__above-title\"\n\t\thref=\"\"\n\t\ttarget=\"_blank\"\n\t\trel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\n\t>\n\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 640 512\"><path d=\"M320 32c-8.1 0-16.1 1.4-23.7 4.1L15.8 137.4C6.3 140.9 0 149.9 0 160s6.3 19.1 15.8 22.6l57.9 20.9C57.3 229.3 48 259.8 48 291.9v28.1c0 28.4-10.8 57.7-22.3 80.8c-6.5 13-13.9 25.8-22.5 37.6C0 442.7-.9 448.3 .9 453.4s6 8.9 11.2 10.2l64 16c4.2 1.1 8.7 .3 12.4-2s6.3-6.1 7.1-10.4c8.6-42.8 4.3-81.2-2.1-108.7C90.3 344.3 86 329.8 80 316.5V291.9c0-30.2 10.2-58.7 27.9-81.5c12.9-15.5 29.6-28 49.2-35.7l157-61.7c8.2-3.2 17.5 .8 20.7 9s-.8 17.5-9 20.7l-157 61.7c-12.4 4.9-23.3 12.4-32.2 21.6l159.6 57.6c7.6 2.7 15.6 4.1 23.7 4.1s16.1-1.4 23.7-4.1L624.2 182.6c9.5-3.4 15.8-12.5 15.8-22.6s-6.3-19.1-15.8-22.6L343.7 36.1C336.1 33.4 328.1 32 320 32zM128 408c0 35.3 86 72 192 72s192-36.7 192-72L496.7 262.6 354.5 314c-11.1 4-22.8 6-34.5 6s-23.5-2-34.5-6L143.3 262.6 128 408z\"\/><\/svg>\n\t\t<span><\/span>\n\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 384 512\"><path d=\"M342.6 233.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-192 192c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0s-12.5-32.8 0-45.3L274.7 256 105.4 86.6c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0l192 192z\"\/><\/svg>\n\t<\/a>\n    <h3>Domain Name<\/h3>\n    <p>Domain names are like an address for the internet, making it easier to find websites without having to remember a complex string of numbers. They\u2019re also helpful in distinguishing one website from another because each domain name must be unique.<\/p>\n            <a\n            href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/glossary\/domains\/domain-name\/\"\n                        class=\"btn btn--white-outline btn--sm btn--round\"\n                                    target=\"_blank\"\n            rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\n            >\n                            Read More                    <\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The vast majority of businesses will want to get a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/domains\/com\/\" rel=\"noopener\">.com<\/a> name. However, other domain extensions, like .ai, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/inc-tld-for-your-business\/\" rel=\"noopener\">.inc<\/a>, and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/domains\/net\/\" rel=\"noopener\">.net<\/a> may be worth consideration in certain cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Purchasing and registering a domain is a simple process. All you need to do is search for your desired domain on a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/domains\/\" rel=\"noopener\">reputable domain registrar\u2019s website<\/a> and buy it. Most registrars guide you through the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve got a domain, you need to connect it to your website. Most website-building platforms offer guidance on how to do this. (<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/help.dreamhost.com\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/360049378932-Adding-a-website-and-hosting\" rel=\"noopener\">Here\u2019s ours<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall, the hardest part about <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-the-right-domain-name\/\" rel=\"noopener\">choosing and registering a domain<\/a> is finding one that isn\u2019t already taken. In some cases, you may need to get a bit creative by adding words, i.e., Deb\u2019s Donuts PDX.<br><br><strong><em>Related: <\/em><\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/choosing-domain-extensions\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong><em>Choosing The Perfect Domain Extension For Your Business<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Set Up Social Media Accounts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The number of social media users <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.statista.com\/statistics\/278414\/number-of-worldwide-social-network-users\/\" rel=\"noopener\">just keeps going up<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1386\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/03_number_of_social_media_users_worldwide.webp\" alt=\"The number of social media users worldwide in billions appears on the y-axis and the year on the x-axis\" class=\"wp-image-45585 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/03_number_of_social_media_users_worldwide.webp 1600w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/03_number_of_social_media_users_worldwide-300x260.webp 300w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/03_number_of_social_media_users_worldwide-1024x887.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/03_number_of_social_media_users_worldwide-768x665.webp 768w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/03_number_of_social_media_users_worldwide-1536x1331.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/03_number_of_social_media_users_worldwide-600x520.webp 600w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/03_number_of_social_media_users_worldwide-1200x1040.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/03_number_of_social_media_users_worldwide-730x632.webp 730w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/03_number_of_social_media_users_worldwide-1460x1265.webp 1460w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/03_number_of_social_media_users_worldwide-784x679.webp 784w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/03_number_of_social_media_users_worldwide-1568x1358.webp 1568w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/03_number_of_social_media_users_worldwide-877x760.webp 877w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1600\/1386;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>To ensure your business\u2019s survival in the modern business climate, you need to be where your potential customers are \u2014 on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t worry. You don\u2019t need to actually <em>develop<\/em> your social media presence just yet. Right now, we\u2019re just setting up usernames. Like domain names, usernames on major social network sites are hot commodities and go fast, so you want to lock them down ASAP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, it\u2019s fairly unlikely that you\u2019ll end up finding the same username on all social platforms. Most businesses will need to edit their handles slightly or have different accounts per platform (such as @debsdonuts on TikTok and @debsdeliciousdonuts on Instagram).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Related: <\/em><\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/social-media-strategy-guide\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong><em>How To Create A Winning Social Media Strategy<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Build A Website<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>What use would your domain name be if you had no website to go along with it? Once you have a domain ready to go, it\u2019s time to start <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/grow\/website-building-101\/\" rel=\"noopener\">building your website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These days, there are <em>tons<\/em> of online website builders that make it easy to get a site up and running quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But if you want your website to run on a powerful, tried-and-true platform, building a WordPress site is one of your best options. WordPress powers over <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/w3techs.com\/technologies\/details\/cm-wordpress\" rel=\"noopener\">43% of all websites<\/a>, so there\u2019s no lack of support, powerful features, and communities to get involved in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>DreamHost offers a drag-and-drop <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/website-builder\/\" rel=\"noopener\">WordPress website builder<\/a> with shared hosting that combines the ease of a website-building tool with the raw power of WordPress. This gives the business owner the best of both worlds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"handling\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Handling Legality And Financials<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Starting a business can sometimes mean navigating a lot of red tape. Between registering your business, structuring it, and opening a bank account, many entrepreneurs quickly find themselves with their hands full.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the basics for getting your business off the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Find An Accountant And Attorney<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re serious about your business\u2019s success, it\u2019s a good idea to start things off on the right foot and hire an accountant and an attorney. Starting a business is a complex process with lots of legal requirements, and this team can guide you through it and answer your questions along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re on a very tight budget or starting your <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/start-a-side-hustle-inspiration\/\" rel=\"noopener\">business as a side hustle<\/a>, you may be able to hold off on this step. But keep in mind that you\u2019re running a risk when you don\u2019t have a professional helping you with complex tax, financial, and legal issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plus, an attorney and accountant will help you figure out how to choose a business structure, which is the next step in your journey. (Having fun yet?!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Decide On A Business Structure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing a business structure is one of the most important decisions you\u2019ll make. The legal structure you choose will determine how you pay taxes and how government entities view your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Importantly, your business structure will determine whether or not your profits are taxed on a pass-through (or flow-through) basis. Owners of pass-through businesses count their share of profits as individual, self-employed income, which is subject to income tax. Owners of non-pass-through businesses pay themselves a salary and report their income and the business\u2019s profits separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1208\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/04_common_business_structures-1.webp\" alt=\"Common business structure\" class=\"wp-image-45587 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/04_common_business_structures-1.webp 1600w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/04_common_business_structures-1-300x227.webp 300w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/04_common_business_structures-1-1024x773.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/04_common_business_structures-1-768x580.webp 768w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/04_common_business_structures-1-1536x1160.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/04_common_business_structures-1-600x453.webp 600w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/04_common_business_structures-1-1200x906.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/04_common_business_structures-1-730x551.webp 730w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/04_common_business_structures-1-1460x1102.webp 1460w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/04_common_business_structures-1-784x592.webp 784w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/04_common_business_structures-1-1568x1184.webp 1568w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/04_common_business_structures-1-877x662.webp 877w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1600\/1208;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The most common business structures in the U.S. are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Sole proprietorship:<\/strong> This structure can be used by businesses without any employees. Any businesses that don\u2019t formally register are automatically considered sole proprietor operations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Partnership:<\/strong> Have a business partner? Partnerships are a simple structure for businesses with two or more owners. Profits are taxed on a pass-through basis.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Limited liability company (LLC):<\/strong> LLCs are among the most popular pass-through structures for small businesses. This structure separates personal and business assets so that you can\u2019t lose your house or car if your business goes bankrupt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Corporation: <\/strong>A corporation is a standalone legal entity. Profits are not taxed on a pass-through basis, so owners need to pay themselves a salary. There are several types of businesses in this category, including S Corps (note: this is a pass-through entity), C Corps, and nonprofits (typically tax-exempt, varies by location and designation).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cooperative: <\/strong>A cooperative is a business owned and operated by a group of people who use its products or services. These people typically own shares in the company, and profits are distributed amongst them. Some cooperatives are exempt, and others pay taxes like corporations.<\/li>\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Our recommendation is to avoid starting with a hugely complex business structure. As you can see, the ins and outs of business structure and tax compliance are already enough to keep up with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Register With The Government And IRS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most business registration happens at a state level, so you\u2019ll need to look into your local laws to see what\u2019s required to legally form your business. An attorney can help guide you here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once your business is registered, you might need to file to get a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sba.gov\/business-guide\/launch-your-business\/get-federal-state-tax-id-numbers\" rel=\"noopener\">federal tax ID<\/a> called an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Think of an EIN as a Social Security number for your business. <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/businesses\/small-businesses-self-employed\/do-you-need-an-ein\" rel=\"noopener\">According to the IRS<\/a>, you\u2019ll need an EIN if your business does any of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pays employees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Operates as a corporation of partnership<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Files tax returns for employment, excise, or alcohol, tobacco, and firearms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Withholds taxes on income, other than wages, paid to a non-resident alien<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Uses a Keogh Plan (a tax-deferred pension plan)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work with certain types of organizations (trusts, estates, nonprofits, etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re running a sole proprietorship or single-member LLC, you don\u2019t need a separate tax ID. Your profits are taxed as personal income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Open A Business Bank Account<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Having a business bank account just for business expenses helps you separate your personal and business finances, making accounting and filing taxes much easier. It also offers an extra layer of protection for your personal assets, maintains a professional image, and allows you to open a business credit card and checking account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To open a business bank account, you\u2019ll need to have your formation and tax documents, along with a business license and ownership agreements. Your accountant is a great resource here, especially if you\u2019re considering applying for a business loan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Purchase Insurance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many business owners forget to take out an insurance policy, or simply don\u2019t realize how important it is. Don\u2019t be one of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Insurance can help if your business takes on property damage, or if you get sued for some reason. Plus, if you hire employees, you legally need to have unemployment insurance and worker\u2019s compensation in case anyone experiences illness or bodily injury as a result of the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"setting\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Setting Up Your Daily Operations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A business is like a machine. To keep it running smoothly, you can\u2019t just focus on a few parts (products, marketing, etc.). You need to make sure <em>all<\/em> the parts are present, working well, and functioning in harmony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s discuss the other core elements to keep your business engine humming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1062\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/05_elements_of_business_operations.webp\" alt=\"Five green circles, each showing one element of business operations, appear against a dark background\" class=\"wp-image-45588 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/05_elements_of_business_operations.webp 1600w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/05_elements_of_business_operations-300x199.webp 300w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/05_elements_of_business_operations-1024x680.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/05_elements_of_business_operations-768x510.webp 768w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/05_elements_of_business_operations-1536x1020.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/05_elements_of_business_operations-600x398.webp 600w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/05_elements_of_business_operations-1200x797.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/05_elements_of_business_operations-730x485.webp 730w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/05_elements_of_business_operations-1460x969.webp 1460w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/05_elements_of_business_operations-784x520.webp 784w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/05_elements_of_business_operations-1568x1041.webp 1568w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/05_elements_of_business_operations-877x582.webp 877w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1600\/1062;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Accounting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your accounting system is the backbone of your business\u2019s financial operations. Without a good system in place, you can\u2019t process invoices, make payments, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those of us who weren\u2019t mathletes, there are a lot of small business <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-small-business-accounting-software\" rel=\"noopener\">accounting tools<\/a> on the market. You can also speak with an accountant, who can help you find a solution that works for your specific needs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Project Management<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A robust <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/hive.com\/blog\/project-management-software\/\" rel=\"noopener\">project management program<\/a> ensures that projects, such as new campaigns and product features, reach completion in a timely and organized way. Project managers use them to communicate with different team members, contract employees, and other external businesses to keep everyone on the same page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re going to be your sole proprietorship\u2019s own project manager or you\u2019re hiring one for your corporation, we recommend you invest in useful business apps like Asana or Trello.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Related: <\/em><\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/best-small-business-apps\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong><em>14 Practical Small Business Apps You Need To Know<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Payroll<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you plan to hire employees, you need some type of payroll system. Gusto and Bill.com are good options, but there are <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/advisor\/business\/software\/best-payroll-services\/\" rel=\"noopener\">more on the market<\/a> if you want to shop around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re hiring only contractors, a payroll platform is helpful, but not entirely necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Communications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re hiring employees or contractors (don\u2019t worry, we\u2019ll cover that next), you need a way to communicate with each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While email works fine in most cases, many growing businesses prefer powerful, asynchronous platforms like Slack, which speed up communication and are more convenient than email.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Shipping (If Applicable)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Businesses that have an e-commerce component need to set up a shipping system. To figure this out, compare options like USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL to see which one best fits your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Related: <\/em><\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/woocommerce-shopify-guide\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong><em>WooCommerce Vs. Shopify: Which Platform Is Right For You?<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"hiring\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hiring Your Team<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A business is nothing without its team members. When building your team, you have the choice to mix and match between three types of workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"969\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/06_building_your_team.webp\" alt=\"building your team shows employees within a business and separate contractors and separate vendors\" class=\"wp-image-45589 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/06_building_your_team.webp 1600w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/06_building_your_team-300x182.webp 300w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/06_building_your_team-1024x620.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/06_building_your_team-768x465.webp 768w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/06_building_your_team-1536x930.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/06_building_your_team-600x363.webp 600w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/06_building_your_team-1200x727.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/06_building_your_team-730x442.webp 730w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/06_building_your_team-1460x884.webp 1460w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/06_building_your_team-784x475.webp 784w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/06_building_your_team-1568x950.webp 1568w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/06_building_your_team-877x531.webp 877w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1600\/969;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Employees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Employees are full-time or part-time workers. Hiring employees comes with a slew of legal and tax responsibilities, such as paying payroll taxes and unemployment insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, there are also benefits to hiring employees, such as having reliable team members always available during work hours. You also have more control over the work produced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Contractors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Contractors are typically independent businesses themselves, so you won\u2019t have any legal responsibilities as their employer (outside of what\u2019s covered in your contract). You can hire them at will without a long-term commitment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, since contractors are independent and not full team members, you won\u2019t have the same level of control over the work they produce. Plus, they may not be available when you need them \u2014 they have their own schedules and businesses to run, after all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Contractors are useful for businesses that need specific deliverables, like graphic design, writing, web development, etc. \u2014 but businesses that need operational support may benefit from having actual employees for customer service, management, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Vendors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some businesses <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/small-business-outsourcing\/\" rel=\"noopener\">choose to outsource<\/a> elements of their work to third-party vendors. For example, you may choose to hire a third party for on-site security, or a call center to field all your customer service requests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is <em>typically<\/em> only required for larger businesses, but it\u2019s something helpful to keep in mind as you grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Speaking of\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"growing\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Growing Your Business<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve planted the seeds of your business, here\u2019s how to apply the water and fertilizer so that it grows into a successful startup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Establish A Marketing Strategy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Having a clear marketing plan that outlines how you want to promote your products or services and to whom gives you direction. Direction is critical for saving time and money and staying on the path to growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What kind of marketing tactics should be part of your plan? We\u2019ve compiled many of the best advertising and marketing tips and plans for small businesses in the following guides:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/how-to-create-content-marketing-strategy\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Content marketing<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/ppc-guide\/\" rel=\"noopener\">PPC advertising<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/website-owners-guide-to-email-marketing\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Email marketing<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/youtube-marketing\/\" rel=\"noopener\">YouTube marketing<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/local-business-marketing-strategies\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Local strategies<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to tactics, your marketing strategy should outline what kind of marketing spend you\u2019re willing to shell out, and which marketing analytics tooling you\u2019ll use to track campaign success and ROI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Related: <\/em><\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/ways-to-promote-your-website\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong><em>30 Affordable Ways To Promote Your Website<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Set Goals And Create An Expansion Plan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Businesses rarely grow without goals, at least not in the right direction. To ensure your business continues to evolve over time, it\u2019s a good idea to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/how-to-set-smart-goals-for-your-site\/\" rel=\"noopener\">set SMART goals<\/a>, which are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1249\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/07_set_smart_goals.webp\" alt=\"A breakdown of the SMART goal acronym appears in purple against a dark background\" class=\"wp-image-45590 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/07_set_smart_goals.webp 1600w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/07_set_smart_goals-300x234.webp 300w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/07_set_smart_goals-1024x799.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/07_set_smart_goals-768x600.webp 768w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/07_set_smart_goals-1536x1199.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/07_set_smart_goals-600x468.webp 600w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/07_set_smart_goals-1200x937.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/07_set_smart_goals-730x570.webp 730w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/07_set_smart_goals-1460x1140.webp 1460w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/07_set_smart_goals-784x612.webp 784w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/07_set_smart_goals-1568x1224.webp 1568w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/07_set_smart_goals-877x685.webp 877w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1600\/1249;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>What does that mean? Instead of setting a goal like \u201cgrow my business,\u201d you\u2019re going to get a <em>lot<\/em> more precise: \u201cIncrease sales by 25% by the end of Q4.\u201d Now, your goal fulfills the SMART criteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To build a plan for growth and expansion, outline a series of these sorts of goals for a period of one or two years. Typically, businesses divide this period into quarters, so you\u2019ll ideally have eight goals for a two-year period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"support\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Need Support Getting Your Business Off The Ground?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Starting a business is typically a long and arduous endeavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, it\u2019s also <em>incredibly<\/em> rewarding!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Few things are as satisfying as seeing others enjoy your hard work and benefit from your products and services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re ready to become a small business owner, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/hosting\/\" rel=\"noopener\">DreamHost shared hosting<\/a> is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to get your website up and running and your idea off the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our plans give you everything your business needs to thrive online \u2014 easy WordPress set up, tons of storage, speed, great reliability and security, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/pro-services\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Pro Services<\/a> team takes all those other stresses, from managing your website to maximizing your marketing, off your hands so you can focus on the bigger picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While there are no certainties in business, some things are universally true: Whatever happens, you\u2019ll learn a lot as an entrepreneur, and DreamHost has your back every step of the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\n\n\n<div\n\tclass=\"article-cta-shared article-cta-small\"\n>\n    <div class=\"tr-img-wrap-outer jsLoading\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-img-lazy \" src=\"https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/blog2018\/assets\/img\/lazy-loading-transparent.webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/blog2018\/assets\/img\/article-small-ad-cta-placeholder.webp 1x, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/blog2018\/assets\/img\/article-small-ad-cta-placeholder-x2.webp 2x\"  alt=\"Ad background image\" \/><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"content-btm\">\n    <h2\n      class=\"h2--md\"\n    >\n      Get More Visitors, Grow Your Business\n    <\/h2>\n    <p\n      class=\"p--md\"\n    >\n      Our marketing experts will help you earn more traffic and convert more website visitors so you can focus on running your business.\n    <\/p>\n\n            <a\n            href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/pro-services\/marketing\/\"\n                        class=\"btn btn--white-outline btn--sm btn--round\"\n                                    target=\"_blank\"\n            rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\n            >\n                            Learn More                    <\/a>\n\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>So, you want to start a business? Strike out into the unknown? Discover new opportunities? Change the world with your hyper-realistic food-themed jewelry? (I don\u2019t know about you, but my world has certainly been\u2026changed.) And, maybe even make some money along the way? The road to building a successful business and becoming your own boss [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1060,"featured_media":45581,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Get practical advice on planning, launching, and managing your new venture effectively in our guide on how to start a business.","toc_headlines":"[[\"idea\",\"Refining the Big Idea\"],[\"web\",\"Securing Your Space On The Web\"],[\"handling\",\"Handling Legality And Financials\"],[\"setting\",\"Setting Up Your Daily Operations\"],[\"hiring\",\"Hiring Your Team\"],[\"growing\",\"Growing Your Business\"],[\"support\",\"Need Support Getting Your Business Off The Ground?\"]]","hide_toc":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[12840],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27419","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-marketing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.3 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How To Start a Business: Complete Guide - DreamHost<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Get practical advice on planning, launching, and managing your new venture effectively in our guide on how to start a business.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/how-to-start-a-business-guide\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How To Start a Business\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Have a dream? 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