What You Need to Do to Legitimize Your Business
Scammers and frauds make it hard for new businesses to build their reputations.
The public is skeptical of new businesses and needs you to prove that you are trustworthy. Having a professional presence makes you appear reliable and attracts a larger audience.
And a large social media following is not enough to garner the trust of your audience.
Establish a respectable business by utilizing tried and true business setup tools. Discover a few tips on how to legitimize your business.
Professional Business Setup
Come up with a memorable business name that is relevant to your services. Use your business name to form business contact information and social media pages.
Business Social Media
Create business social media accounts so you can promote your services. Social platforms offer tools to business owners to help boost their engagement.
Business Website and Email Address
Check if your business name is an available domain name and buy it. Set up a business email account so you can easily respond to all business inquiries.
Build a simple static website that lists your services and business contact information.
Good Business Practices
The public will tarnish your image if they are dissatisfied with your product. Practice good business etiquette to preserve your reputation.
Quality Product
Do not cut corners to try and make a quick buck. Customers will return for a quality product, so focus on delivering a solid product.
Ask For Client Reviews
Ask your clients to write a review or give a testimonial about your product. Add these statements to your website or business social media accounts.
Newsletters
Stay in touch with your customers through newsletters. Let them know what they can expect next from your business.
Business Structures
Choose a business structure so you can access grant opportunities and investment support. A business structure makes your business a legal entity in your state.
Sole Proprietorship
Sole proprietorships are for single-owner businesses. Filing taxes is easy because the company is not considered separate from the owner.
Partnership
File for a partnership if you have a business partner. You would follow the tax filing requirements of a sole proprietorship.
Corporation
Corporation structures are for businesses that want to raise capital through shareholders. But you have to file a separate tax return for your business.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
LLCs are a combination of a partnership and a corporation. You can include your profits on your personal tax return, and you can raise capital.
Business Setup Requirements
Create a business plan and register for an employer identification number (EIN) on irs.gov. You need these two pieces of information for your business structure application.
Register Your Business
Register for services like Google business verification to get your business listed online. Customers will be able to Google your business for reviews and contact information.
How to Legitimize Your Business
Learning how to legitimize your business helps your business to thrive. And you will win the support of clients who will vouch for your services.
Check out the Business section for more helpful tips to grow your business.
