Here at Epik, we love that you dream of being your own boss. Of building a future where you get to do do what you love. Of enriching your community.
No matter where you find yourself on your business journey—whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect domain or weighing the benefits of an LLC—we’re here to lend a hand.
Here’s our (epic) step-by-step guide to starting your business off right.
1. Create a business plan.
You’ve landed on a smart business idea (something you’re confident you won’t get tired of doing day after day) and the timing feels right. It’s time to start planning. This step can feel daunting, but it doesn’t need to be.
You probably don’t need a lengthy document right off the bat. Start with a concise, one-page overview that distills the ins and outs of your business:
- Who is your ideal customer?
- What are you selling, and how?
- How much will you charge?
- What’s your mission? (Why do you do what you do?)
- What sets your business apart from competitors?
- What are your startup expenses?
Use your answers to the questions above as guideposts as you launch your venture. Your mission statement can serve as motivation when the going gets tough—and sharing your business plan with a few trusted friends can help identify any weak spots.
2. Choose a business name and domain name.
Choosing the right name for your business is equal parts creativity and research. It’s thinking of a name that perfectly encapsulates your brand—and being ready to go back to the drawing board if that name is already taken.
Here are a few rules of thumb:
Your business name should be easy to spell and pronounce. It should be flexible enough that your brand can grow over time. It should evoke your brand’s vibe or clearly convey what you do—or both.
- Your business name should be easy to spell and pronounce.
- It should be flexible enough that your brand can grow over time.
- It should evoke your brand’s vibe or clearly convey what you do—or both.
If you’re starting an LLC or corporation, your official business name will also need to include an identifier—like LLC, Ltd., Inc., Corp. or Co. Check your Secretary of State’s website for specific naming requirements in your state.
Secure your business name
Once you have a business name in mind, start digging. Still have the tab open on your Secretary of State’s website? Good—you’ll want to conduct a free business name search to see if your potential name is already registered to another business in your state. After that, head over to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to make sure it isn’t trademarked.
If your ideal business name is available, act fast. Most states allow you to reserve a business name for a fee—a wise move if you’re not quite ready to launch, but want to be sure your name will still be there when you need it.
Claim a domain
Next up is choosing a domain name for your website. Use our domain search tool to search for your business name, and see how close you can get.
Your website address doesn’t have to perfectly match your business name. That said, keeping these names aligned can help customers to remember your brand—and let them know they’re in the right place.
Keep in mind that there are many, many domain extensions beyond .com, so if the .com version of your business name is spoken for—you still have options.
Get your business name and domain squared away in one go—when you hire Epik to start your LLC or corporation.
3. Decide on a legal business structure.
You know what your business is going to do, and you know what you’re going to call it (half the battle won!). Now it’s time to decide what kind of legal structure will work best for you.
If you’re selling products or services as yourself—without a formal business structure of any kind—you’re already a sole proprietor. Congrats!
If you’re looking for more separation between your business and personal assets, forming an LLC or corporation is probably the right move. Let’s compare your options.
Sole proprietorship
A sole proprietorship is your business’s default structure if you operate under your own name, without forming a legal entity like an LLC, corporation or non-profit. With this informal setup, your business is essentially an extension of yourself.
Sole proprietorships offer simplicity and flexibility. There’s no paperwork to file with the state, unless you plan to do business under a different name (in which case you’d need to submit a DBA or “Doing Business As” filing).
The biggest downside of sole proprietorships is the personal risk that comes from transacting business in your name. In the event of bankruptcy or legal action, there’s no separation between your business and personal assets—putting everything you own up for grabs. That’s why, as sales start to increase, most small businesses opt to start an LLC.
LLC
The Limited Liability Company (LLC) is the small business-friendly middle ground between more formal structures like corporations—and simpler ones like sole proprietorships and partnerships.
To start an LLC, you’ll file a document called Articles of Organization with your state and pay a one-time filing fee. In your Articles, you’ll need to provide a few details about your business—like your official business name and the name and address of your registered agent (more on registered agents in the next section).
LLCs are known for their flexibility. You can opt for taxation as a sole proprietor or corporation, and decide between a hands-off (manager-managed) or hands-on (member-managed) approach to management. But the key benefit of LLCs is the way they create a clear line between you and your business, protecting you from liability.
If you’re considering an LLC for your business, Epik has you covered. We prepare and submit your paperwork (with an error-free guarantee), safeguard your privacy, and include one year of registered agent service through Registered Agents, Inc.
Corporation
The corporation has a longer history than the LLC and offers a fixed, predictable structure (and perpetual life!) which can be assets if you plan to seek outside investment. But even if you’re not courting investors, starting a corporation can boost your credibility with leads and clients. Corporations evoke professionalism, longevity and stability.
Like LLCs, corporations offer their owners limited liability protection. But it’s important to note that they also require more paperwork and record-keeping than limited liability companies—and taxation options are less flexible. Before you decide to incorporate, think about whether being taxed as a corporation makes sense for your business, and make sure you’re comfortable with a bit of extra paperwork.
4. Appoint a registered agent (if you’re forming a business entity).
To operate as an LLC or a corporation, you’ll need a registered agent in every state where you do business. This individual or entity acts as your business’s official point of contact for important legal mail—such as service of process (lawsuits) and correspondence from the Secretary of State.
When you file your Articles with the state, you’ll be required to identify your registered agent by providing their name and address. This information then gets added to the public record—which is why so many business owners hire a commercial registered agent service, rather than listing themselves as the agent.
Acting as your own registered agent, while completely legal, will require you to always be available during regular business hours. It also comes with risks, like a loss of privacy and an influx of spam.
The bottom line is you need a registered agent you can trust. We’ve got your back. Epik’s registered agent service includes same-day mail scans, the use of our business address to protect your privacy, and peace of mind from day one.
5. Register your business with the state (if you’re forming a business entity).
Once you’ve decided on the best legal structure for your business (LLC or corporation), and you’ve found a registered agent you can list on your forms, it’s time to file your formation paperwork with your state. This involves paying a one-time state fee, providing information about your business, and waiting for confirmation that your application was successful. If you’re a DIY-er, you can file your LLC or corporation paperwork yourself—we’re here to help with any questions along the way. Or, if you’d rather save yourself time and trouble, you can enlist our help to file your paperwork for you.
Epik’s LLC and incorporation services include one free year of Registered Agent service and a free trial of our Odyssey package—including a business phone number, email, and more.
6. Set up communication and marketing channels.
Good communication is crucial when you’re trying to grow a business from scratch. As you prepare to launch your business, think about the main ways you’ll connect with leads and clients, as well as how they’ll reach out to you with questions and concerns. A dedicated business phone number, professional email address, and active social media presence will all be assets.
Business phone number
Having a dedicated business phone number is important—it shows professionalism and keeps your personal number private. Many small business owners are now opting for virtual phone service: affordable internet-powered numbers that work on your existing devices. Epik’s Phone Service is designed with small business owners in mind, providing you with a affordable, local business number you can list on your website and put to use right away.
Professional email address
Email is another indispensable tool. It’s the preferred method of communication for many customers, so having an email address that matches your domain, looks professional, and instills confidence is key. Your email can also play a major role in building excitement for your business launch, especially with the help of a newsletter and mailing list.
With Epik’s Odyssey package, you get Business Email included, helping you secure a professional email address that reflects your brand and enhances your credibility.
Social media
Love it or hate it, social media has become a key way for brands to connect with their audience, initiate conversations, and drive traffic to their websites and storefronts. Engaging on social platforms is not just an option—it’s a necessity for businesses aiming to build a customer base.
Beyond securing social media handles that align with your domain and business name, you need to engage. Regularly posting content, responding to comments and questions, and replying to direct messages are all essential ways to leverage social media to your business’s advantage.
7. Launch your website.
The last step in setting up your business is getting your online presence up and running with a website. For most small businesses, shared web hosting is the way to go—it’s beginner-friendly, cost-effective and powerful enough for most small-to-medium websites and blogs.
Your website doesn’t need to be overly complex from the start. Just a few key pages will do. Think about showcasing your products or services, introducing yourself and your business with an “About Us” page, and making it easy for visitors to reach out to you on a “Contact” page.
With shared hosting, you can dive right in using free publishing platforms like WordPress. At Epik, we help you get online fast, with a free trial of Shared Hosting for every new domain registration. We’ll even lend a hand in building your website and connecting it to your domain name.
Even better? We use open-source software, so you own your website and all its content. If you ever want to switch providers, your website is yours to take with you.