Below is a guest post from Amy Collett, personal branding enthusiast and owner of bizwell.org.
Take it away, Amy…
Starting a home-based business is less complicated than ever thanks to resources and technology that didn’t exist even ten years ago, but it’s still an involved process.
There’s a lot to think about, including how to garner a client base and how to stay productive when you have all the distractions of home surrounding you.
No matter what kind of business you’re in, it pays to have a solid plan from the beginning. ClearBrand wants to see you succeed, so read on!
Consider All Your Legal Options
Starting a business usually begins with some legal details, even if you’ll be working out of your home.
Obtaining a business license is key, and you’ll also want to think about forming an LLC, or Limited Liability Company.
There are plenty of benefits that come with an LLC, including a separation of your personal and business-related debts and finances, and if you file the Certificate of Formation yourself, you can avoid the usual legal fees.
Colorado LLC regulations may be a bit different than in other states, so do a little research and make sure you understand the process.
Lastly, make sure you’re allowed to run a business from where your home is located. Houston Chronicle points out that zoning laws are meant to protect communities from concerns like noise and traffic, so even if you’re currently prohibited from running a business at your home, you can appeal for permission to do so.
Attract A Customer Base
Because your business is based at home, customers will have a hard time finding you if you don’t advertise, network, and create a clear plan to attract them.
Social media is a great place to start; set up pages dedicated to your business, with professional photos and language targeted at the clients you want.
You can also network on social media sites. Follow businesses similar to yours and introduce yourself to the owners to form useful connections.
Create A Website That Sells
You should also create a website that offers information about you, your company, and the products or services you offer, and include an email signup link so you can send out info about sales or promotions.
Setting up your own site is a breeze with ClearBrand’s DIY website template. Our Website Template for WordPress makes it simple even for those who have never dabbled in web design to create an attractive online presence for your business in three easy steps:
● Set up WordPress
● Add your content using our simple instructions
● Implement your work to build your company’s customer base
A great website will help new and existing customers find you online and learn about your company, so it’s a must-do for home-based business owners!
Give Yourself The Right Tools For Productivity
Working from home is a dream come true for many; ideally, it allows for more flexible hours and more time spent with family.
However, many individuals find that starting a home-based business leads to working more hours because there’s no time clock, or because they face so many distractions that they have to catch up at the end of the day.
Giving yourself the right tools in the beginning will help you avoid those traps. Make sure your office or workspace has a door, and that your family understands the rules about disturbing you when it’s closed.
Remember that while working from home might make things feel a little more casual, as Fast Company points out, trying to balance personal and business tasks at the same time will likely only lead to frustration and procrastination.
Don’t forget the physical tools of the trade: a laptop with a strong internet connection, a printer/scanner, and reliable bookkeeping software are all necessary components of a home-based business.
If you are simply too busy to bother, you can also hire a freelance admin assistant or bookkeeper on an as-needed basis. Sometimes the small investment is worth it to free you up to focus on your business projects.
Running a business takes quite a bit of planning, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get organized.
Having the right tools and resources will ensure that your home-based company is a success right from the start and will prevent frustration as you learn the ins and outs of becoming an entrepreneur.
Be sure to connect with ClearBrand for a high performance website that sets you head and shoulders above the competition!
Photo via Pexels
