Getting Your Local Community Business Off the Ground

by Kristen Louis

If your dream is to start a small business in your local community, you might not know where to begin. Here, Seattle-Organizers.com offers a quick overview of what it takes to get your new company off of the ground.

Establishing Your Small Business

Officially forming your small business is one of the most important steps you’ll take as you prepare to launch your company. In most cases, you’ll need to handle the following:

  • Choose your company name
  • Select a business structure
  • Register with your state
  • Prepare for tax requirements
  • Secure local licenses and permits

If you aren’t sure which business structure is right for you, consider an LLC. LLCs let you reduce your liability, which is crucial if you want to safeguard your personal assets. Plus, there’s less paperwork, more flexibility, and some tax advantages.

You can also avoid hefty lawyer fees by using a formation service or filing yourself when you prepare to file. In either case, the process is very straightforward. Just make sure you take a moment to review local state laws regarding LLC formation, as the rules do vary by state.

Marketing Online

Honing your digital presence is essential for every small business. By getting online, you can connect with customers directly and organically. Plus, it can make your marketing efforts more affordable.

Often, your website is the foundation of your online marketing efforts. Once you secure your domain name, it’ll be time to build your site.

While you can certainly use a DIY website builder to create your site, hiring a freelance web designer is a better option if you want high-quality results quickly. Head to job boards to learn more about the available web designer freelancers. You can read reviews and learn about delivery timelines. Just be aware that while the average cost (freelance web developer) vary from area to area, those with more experience will have higher rates.

Another crucial step for boosting brand awareness is creating your logo. While you could hire a designer for this as well, you can opt to design logo online free if you’re on a budget. With the online logo maker, you simply pick a style, choose an icon, and add text. Then, you can see a bunch of customizable results, allowing you to tweak the colors and fonts until it’s exactly what you want.

Once that’s done, you’ll need to get your business on social media. Try to make your social media handle the same on every site. That way, it’s consistent on every platform, making it easier for customers to find your profiles.

Connect With Your Community

Small businesses like Seattle-Organizers.com are boon assets to our communities, offering residents a variety of benefits. Your company may create new jobs for locals. Plus, it can bring more money into the area, boost local tax revenue, and help revitalize downtown neighborhoods. Finally, your company might have products or services that were not easy to find locally or accessible in your area.

Your company can only benefit your local community if it succeeds. As a result, you want to spend time connecting with area residents. That way, they are aware of your offerings and that you care about the town or city.

If you aren’t sure where to begin, volunteering for local organizations and attending community events is a great place to start. You’ll have a chance to engage with others in person. Plus, you’re making your commitment to the town and its residence clear, boosting your company’s appeal.

Continue reading “Getting Your Local Community Business Off the Ground”

Thinking of Running Your Small Business from Home? Consider These Important Steps for Success

by Kris Louis

Despite the many setbacks from the COVID-19 crisis, home-based small businesses are growing. Nationwide, it is estimated that there are 38 million home-based businesses—proof that small businesses play a big role in both local and national economies.

No matter your industry or size, home-based businesses often share a common challenge: creating the right space to get work done. Are you starting a small business or moving your current business into your home? Not sure how to get started? Take a moment to read these tips for setting up your home-based business office.

Need to turn your home office into a productive workspace? Partner with the skilled experts at Seattle Organizers! Book an appointment today!

Zoning Regulations

Depending on your location, your city, county and even the Homeowner’s Association may have zoning regulations that can impact how you operate your home-based business. Generally speaking, most communities are content as long as your business doesn’t disturb your neighbors or cause difficulty with parking. But it’s still important to understand the specifics.

If the zoning laws in your current home aren’t agreeable for running a business, you may need to consider buying. Discover suggests looking at things like whether you’ll be able to install signage for your business and how affordable the property is. Be sure to consider a separate entrance if you’ll be meeting clients—good for therapists, accountants, yoga and fitness instructors. Tour homes that will give your business some space and privacy from your home life, so you can limit daily distractions and focus on a healthy work-life balance.

Workspace

Small business owners and entrepreneurs need plenty of space to work. While a writing desk looks sharp and stylish, you’re probably not going to have enough space for your computer, paperwork and other equipment. And if you need to store inventory or have a place to meet with clients, you’ll want to have the space to scale. When it comes to creating the most productive workspace, you may want to look into renovating your attic, garage or spare bedroom.

If you haven’t already, consider forming a limited liability company so you apply for loans and credits that can help you finance these important upgrades. An LLC grants you access to tax breaks and means you have to file less paperwork at the end of the year, and you might even be able to use business funds to purchase property. The regulations and formation process can be a little daunting for some, but there are companies out there that can process the paperwork for you.

Organization

Just as with any business, you’ll need to figure out a design and organization that helps you focus and work productively. It’s easy to rush out at the end of a long day (and most days are long for small business owners) without first tidying up. Consider designing your home office with an organizational system tailored for you. Furniture that doubles as storage is a great way to start. And keep all your office supplies in your office so you don’t have to go hunting them down in other areas of the home.

You will want a layout that isn’t too cozy, but also makes you feel at home. Plenty of natural light and green plants will keep your mind and the air clear. A neutral color palette is calming and very inviting for clients and customers. And if your small space has big storage needs — look up! Vertical shelving can help you keep inventory close by without feeling crowded.

When it comes to creating a productive workspace, your best bet is to call on an expert Professional Organizer from Seattle Organizers to organize your space!

Before running your business from home, consider your area’s zoning regulations and your workspace needs. If you’re ready to elevate your home-based business into a new and vibrant space, talk with an experienced realtor.