Your Pre-Launch Checklist

Launching is exciting and overwhelming in equal measure. Things get missed. This checklist covers the fundamentals — the things hardest to fix after you have paying customers.

Legal & Formation

Choose and register your business structure. Obtain your EIN from the IRS (free at irs.gov, takes 10 minutes). Open a dedicated business bank account — never mix personal and business money. Apply for any required business licenses or permits.

Financial Setup

Set up business accounting software (QuickBooks, FreshBooks, or Wave). Establish a system for tracking all income and expenses from day one. Set aside 25-30% of net profit for taxes. Apply for a business credit card to build business credit.

Operations

Document your service or product delivery process. Set up invoicing and payment collection. Establish client communication standards. Get the insurance your business requires before serving customers.

Marketing & Online Presence

Purchase your domain name. Set up your website. Create and verify your Google Business Profile. Set up your primary social media profile. Create an email address using your business domain.