Starting a business is so exciting! We are fortunate to work with start-ups and solopreneurs looking to create their very first website. During the initial conversation, we find that often, the pre-website preparation has not been done. Through no fault of their own, they did not realize what needs to come first before you get the fun part.
Have you secured your business name and filed the appropriate documents?
The first question, of course, is about your company’s name. Have you engaged with an attorney or accountant and determined the type of company you will be forming? Selecting a cool and dynamic name is exciting, but the legal and financial aspect is critical.
- Is your business a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or an “Inc.”?
- Have you filed the necessary paperwork with your state corporation department?
These questions are essential because you will soon be selecting your domain name, and it should match the entity name. The company name and the domain name are the queries your customers and prospects will be searching.
It is good to check with a domain provider before filing the company’s legal documents.
LLC LLP S C Corp New Business Choices
Have you registered your domain name/URL?
Ok, so you have secured the name and are purchasing the domain name. Never let anyone register your domain name for you. When clients ask us to do this for them, we politely refuse and explain why. We were building a website for a fantastic business, and when it came time to release the new website, she did not have access to her account and, worse yet, had difficulty locating the right party. Always ensure you are the contact and owner of the domain name.
Do you have a logo?
Your logo will set the stage for your website design, color, and tone. Logo design does not have to be done at the start but should be very close to the project’s start. Please give it some thought at the beginning of the website design process. It will all come together soon after! (We promise.)
What does your company do?
In other words, let’s build your website menu and navigation. Yes, the navigation tells the website visitor what you do. The layout, language, and function we will do together, but the heavy lifting comes from mapping out the services you provide or the goods you sell.
How are you going to sell your goods and services?
This question significantly impacts the website design. We have resources and colleagues within our network that can help assist you with these website tools.
- Are you selling goods and services through an online store? Which eCommerce platform will you use? How will you manage inventory? Have you spoken with an accountant about collecting sales tax, if appliable?
- Do you need a Pay Now option, and if so, how are you going to accept payment? PayPal, credit cards, Venmo?
- If your business will utilize a calendar of events, do you have any preferences for a website calendar tool?
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Please don’t be! We can help.
Designing and building your new company’s website can be overwhelming and intimidating. We are here to guide you through the process and offer support. The questions mentioned within this blog are here as food for thought. Together we will design the perfect website for you and your new business. Schedule a free 30-minute consultation now.
Author’s note: Resources are available from SCORE. SCORE will match you with a mentor, free of charge, to help guide you as you begin your business, create goals, and mentor you through the process. Your local Chamber of Commerce also provides start-up programs for new businesses. Here is the link to the Capital Region Chamber, Entrepreneur Boot Camp.
We provide website design and content writing services for our client’s websites, articles, press releases, and blog posts. Our written product should not be mistaken for legal or financial advice. It is best to consult with a professional for legal or financial counsel.
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