7 Things You Must Do Before Launching Your Small Business
Starting a business is one of the most exciting — and overwhelming — things you’ll ever do.
But before you throw open the (virtual) doors, there are a few critical steps you need to take to set yourself up for success.
Here’s your pre-launch checklist to make sure you’re ready to roll!
1. Get Clear on Your Business Model
It’s not enough to have a good idea — you need a plan for how your business will actually make money.
Ask yourself:
Who exactly am I serving?
What specific problem am I solving?
How will I deliver my product or service?
What will I charge — and why?
The more clearly you can answer these questions, the easier it will be to market yourself, price your offerings, and grow sustainably.
2. Choose the Right Legal Structure
Your legal setup matters — for taxes, liability, and credibility.
Most small businesses choose one of these structures:
Sole Proprietorship (simplest but no liability protection)
LLC (Limited Liability Company, offering personal protection)
S-Corp (a tax election you can make for growing LLCs)
Choosing the right structure early protects your assets and saves you major headaches later.
(And if you’re not sure? That's exactly where we come in!)
3. Set Up a Business Bank Account
Mixing personal and business finances = fast track to a bookkeeping nightmare.
Even if you’re just starting out, open a dedicated business checking account and use it exclusively for business income and expenses.
This makes your life easier at tax time — and makes your business look more professional from day one.
4. Create a Basic Bookkeeping System
Speaking of money — don’t wait until you’re “bigger” to get your financial house in order.
At minimum, you need:
A way to track income and expenses (spreadsheet, QuickBooks, or a bookkeeper!)
A system for saving and organizing receipts
A plan for setting aside money for taxes
Good bookkeeping isn’t just about compliance — it’s the foundation for smart, confident business decisions.
5. Build a Simple Online Presence
You don’t need a complicated website to start — but you do need somewhere people can find you.
At launch, you should have:
A clear, easy-to-navigate website (even a one-page site works!)
Updated social media profiles where your audience hangs out
Clear ways for customers to contact you or book your services
Tip: Focus on clarity over perfection. You can always upgrade later!
6. Get Insurance in Place
Business insurance might not feel exciting — but it’s essential.
Depending on your industry, you might need:
General liability insurance
Professional liability insurance (especially for service-based businesses)
Business property insurance (if you have equipment, inventory, or a physical location)
Insurance gives you peace of mind so that a small mistake doesn’t turn into a big problem.
7. Create a Simple Launch Plan
You don’t have to spend six months crafting a huge marketing campaign — but you do need a plan for telling people you’re open for business.
Your launch plan might include:
Sending a personal announcement email to your network
Posting consistently on social media
Offering a launch special or early-bird deal
Tip: Remember, you don’t need to reach everyone — you just need to reach your people.
Final Thoughts: Start Smart, Grow Strong
Launching your small business is a huge milestone — but preparation makes all the difference. Take the time to lay a strong foundation now, and you’ll save yourself time, stress, and money down the road.