Setting Up a Legitimate Business Can be Quick and Easy

If you know what you need and how to do it. This section will show you the steps you will need to take to set up your online business to be legitimate so that you can make legitimate money quickly and easily. Review the following overview, then keep reading for indepth information.

· Business Name
· Domain Name
· Know Your State and Local Legal Regulations

Business Name
Keep in mind that you are not the first to start a business and the ideal name you would like for your business may not be available. When naming your business, keep in mind that there are some names that are trademarked. It is always best to do a quick search so that you don't run into trouble later. When naming your business, try to keep it simple. Pick a name that accurately portrays what you do. You can pick something clever, but be sure that customers will not feel misguided when they come to you. Also, stick to a short name of 1 to 3 words and make sure that the business name that you pick also conveys the correct tone for your business. For example, don't pick ABC Enterprises if you are selling auto parts, or Baskets and Bows if you are a wedding planner. Again, the best way to start is to brainstorm. Come up with at least 3-5 possibilities and do a trademark search on each of them.

Now, after you have done a trademark search and picked a suitable name, test it. Use a popular search engine, such as Google, and type in your business name. The search should provide thousands of websites that appear under your business name. Look at the domain names that are under the main links. Are any of them using your business name as their domain name? Visit some of the links and see if any of them are using the same exact business name. You will find many businesses that have not trademarked their name since it can be a lengthy and complicated process. If you do find the business name you picked is already being used, you should choose another one. Go through your list and weed out what you can use and what you cannot. You may have to start from scratch and come up with a completely new list of possibilities. To be successful in business, you must be persistent. Don't let this step stop you. Work through your lists quickly and just make sure you find a name that you can be happy with and that accurately describes your business in the right tone. Remember that you will be branding your business name as you market your business.

Domain Name
Just as you carefully picked the right business name, you also need to use the utmost care in choosing the right domain name. As part of your research when choosing your business name, also do searches for available domain names. Again, many times your ideal domain name will already be taken. Be creative, think outside of the box! Shorter is always better for domain names. Try variations and abbreviations of your business name. If that doesn't work, try a name that involves the product or service you are selling. Many times, when your chosen domain name is not available, the domain hosting company will automatically provide you with 10-20 variable domain names that are available. This is a great way to brainstorm ideas and you can usually find a good match.

There are many different domain registration companies that want your business. You need to decide first if you need a combination domain registration and website hosting package, or if you want to use one company to register your domain name and another company to host your website. Register.com has been in business for many years and is very reliable. They offer several packages for online businesses so that you can choose exactly what services you need. Also good at a lower cost is WebsiteSource. They also offer several packages. I would not recommend this site for beginners, however, although they do have templates. You should have at least some knowledge of website design and optimization if you choose this company. Once you have your domain name ready, proceed with the next steps FIRST before registering.

Know Your State and Local Legal Regulations
Most state and local governments have their own set up rules as to what you need to legally do business within their jurisdictions. If you are truly small and just getting started, you might be able to hold off on this step for a short time. However, make sure you know what the law says in regards to zoning, taxes, etc before you start so that you are not surprised. Make it an integral part of your plan to become a legal business in your city and state as soon as possible. Many times it can be as simple as obtaining a business license, a resale tax license, and paying for a permit to work out of your home.

Visit the website for the SBA at http://www.sba.gov/index.html for resources on setting up your business legally. Once you have decided on your legal business name, have it registered (or a plan to), you need to think about logistics. Do you have a telephone setup? Do you have a business address? Even if you do not want to publish these on your website or marketing materials, you will need to supply this information whenever you sign up for a service. Services such as a website, domain name, email, etc. all require your name, phone and address. If you are comfortable using your given name and information, you can. However, having a professional business name, dedicated phone line and a house or PO Box address are helpful in building trust in your customers and vendors. Once you have these logistics figured out, you should act quickly and register your domain name before it is taken.