Starting Out In Business: Part 2

In our last post we covered steps 1-5 for starting a small business. Read on for the second half of our getting started in business series.
In our first instalment of our Starting Out In Business series we covered the basic foundations that all aspiring entrepreneurs should lay. From creating a business plan to finding the perfect domain, a startup is a lot of work, but this two-part series will help you on your way. Below are the next five steps recommended by the Small Business Association, with some helpful hints from Midphase.
Step #6: Develop your brand.
This is your first step towards developing a marketing strategy. You will need a killer logo that will appear on all materials your brand produces, so it’s a big deal. You will also need to develop a tone of voice for your brand’s content, and a basic outline of the functionality of your site. Check out Midphase’s easy website builder for hundreds of great templates to get an idea of what might work best for your business. Just having a basic idea of what you are looking for will really help out in step 8 when you set out to design your site.
Step #7: Make it official.
Make sure you understand how to get tax identification numbers; register with your local community as well as the state and obtain the licenses and permits necessary for conducting business in your area. If you plan on hiring additional employees make sure to investigate all that is required for payroll, taxes and withholdings before hiring. These seemingly simple details can cause major obstacles later on down the road when your business is operational. Check with your local small business associations as well as this website to be sure that all your bases are covered.
Step #8: Design your site.
Whether you are starting a small craft business, offering a service, or just looking to provide information about your physical location, a website is a must have. Many small businesses feel that they have to hire a designer to get a website up and running, but in reality if you have the skills to find your way to this post then you also have the skills to create your own website. You could take advantage of helpful tools like our website builder or applications like WordPress that you can find in your cPanel account. Research websites that you would like to emulate, and have fun playing around with different designs.
Step #9: Get social.
Social media is the easiest and least expensive way to get the word out about your business. Linking your site to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Google+ can serve as the direct connection you need between potential customers and your business. Consider starting a blog for additional opportunities to increase your brand reputation and develop a tone of voice. Providing quality content allows you to become an expert in your field that can lead to potential sales.
Step #10: Startup for success!
All that is left now is for you to get started, and Midphase can help! From domains and superior web hosting to website design and around-the-clock support, Midphase has what you need to get your small business up and running. We take care of the technical so you can worry about important things like being the boss!

For everything you need to create an online ecommerce business visit Midphase.com today!