155 Actionable Steps

Business Launch Checklist

Every single thing you need to do to launch your business the right way. Check items off as you go — your progress is saved automatically.

⚖️Legal & Formation
32 items 💰Finance & Banking
28 items 🎨Brand & Online Presence
35 items 🚀Marketing & Launch
32 items ⚙️Operations & Systems
28 items

⚖️

Legal & Formation

32 Items

Business Structure

Decide on business structure (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, Sole Prop)LLC is the most common for small businesses — liability protection with simple taxes

Research state-specific requirements for your chosen structure

Choose a registered agent (yourself or a service)

File Articles of Organization / Incorporation with your state

Receive confirmation and official documents from the state

Create an Operating Agreement (LLC) or Bylaws (Corp)Even single-member LLCs should have one — it strengthens liability protection

Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS

Licenses & Permits

Research federal licenses required for your industry

Apply for state business license

Apply for city/county business license

Obtain industry-specific permits (health, food, professional, etc.)

Apply for home occupation permit if working from home

Check zoning requirements for your business location

File DBA (Doing Business As) if using a different name than your legal entity

Intellectual Property

Search USPTO for trademark conflicts with your business name

File trademark application for business name and/or logoStart with a federal trademark search at USPTO.gov — costs $250-350 per class

Secure domain name(s) for your business

Legal Documents

Draft or purchase a standard client/customer contract template

Create Terms of Service for your website

Create a Privacy Policy (required if you collect any data)

Draft a refund/return policy

Create NDA template for contractors and partners

Draft independent contractor agreement template

Set up a system for document storage and organization

Insurance

Get general liability insurance quotes (minimum 3 providers)

Purchase general liability insurance

Evaluate need for professional liability / E&O insurance

Look into cyber liability insurance if you handle customer data

💰

Finance & Banking

28 Items

Banking

Open a dedicated business checking accountNever mix personal and business finances — this protects your LLC status

Open a business savings account (for taxes and reserves)

Apply for a business credit card

Set up online banking and mobile app

Order business checks (if needed)

Get a business debit card

Accounting & Bookkeeping

Choose accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero, Wave, FreshBooks)

Set up chart of accounts in your accounting software

Connect bank accounts to accounting software

Create invoice template with your branding

Set up expense tracking system (app + receipt storage)

Create a system for tracking mileage if applicable

Establish a bookkeeping routine (weekly or biweekly)

Find and interview an accountant/CPAEven if you DIY bookkeeping, a CPA for tax strategy pays for itself

Pricing & Revenue

Research competitor pricing in your market

Calculate your cost of goods sold (COGS) or cost per service

Set your pricing strategy (cost-plus, value-based, competitive)

Create pricing tiers or packages

Set up payment processing (Stripe, Square, PayPal Business)

Create a pricing page or rate sheet

Financial Planning

Create a startup budget with all expected expenses

Build a 12-month financial projection

Determine your break-even point

Set revenue goals for months 1, 3, 6, and 12

Calculate quarterly estimated tax payments

Set aside a tax reserve (25-30% of profit)

Create an emergency fund target (3-6 months of expenses)

Establish a system for profit-first allocations

🎨

Brand & Online Presence

35 Items

Brand Foundation

Finalize your business name

Write your mission statement (1-2 sentences)

Define your brand values (3-5 core values)

Create your unique value proposition

Define your target audience / ideal customer profile

Write your brand story / origin story

Craft your elevator pitch (30 seconds and 60 seconds)

Visual Identity

Design your logo (primary + icon/mark versions)Canva Pro, 99designs, or Fiverr are good budget options

Choose brand colors (primary, secondary, accent — with hex codes)

Select brand fonts (heading and body — 2 max)

Create a simple brand style guide document

Design business card

Create email signature with branding

Design social media profile images and cover photos

Create branded templates for quotes/proposals/invoices

Website

Purchase and configure your domain name

Choose a website platform (Shopify, WordPress, Squarespace, Wix)

Set up web hosting if needed

Build homepage with clear value proposition and CTA

Create About page with your story

Build products/services page with pricing

Create contact page with form, email, phone, and location

Add FAQ page

Install SSL certificate (HTTPS — most platforms include this)

Set up Google Analytics and Search Console

Install Meta Pixel for future ad tracking

Optimize for mobile (test on 3+ devices)

Test website speed and optimize (target under 3 seconds)

Social Media Setup

Create Instagram Business account

Create Facebook Business Page

Create LinkedIn Company Page

Create TikTok Business account

Create Google Business ProfileCritical for local businesses — this is how you show up in Google Maps

Set up Yelp business page if applicable

Create YouTube channel if video is part of your strategy

🚀

Marketing & Launch

32 Items

Marketing Foundation

Define your marketing goals for the first 90 days

Identify your 3 primary marketing channels

Research where your target audience hangs out online

Perform basic competitor analysis (top 5 competitors)

Create your brand voice and messaging guidelines

Develop 3-5 content pillars for your brand

Email Marketing

Choose an email marketing platform (Mailchimp, ConvertKit, etc.)

Set up your email list and segments

Create a lead magnet / freebie to grow your listChecklist, guide, template, or mini-course — something your audience actually wants

Design email opt-in form / landing page

Write welcome email sequence (3-5 emails)

Create email templates for regular newsletters

Set up email automation workflows

Content Strategy

Create a 30-day content calendar

Batch create first 2 weeks of social media content

Write 3-5 blog posts or articles for launch

Create a content repurposing system

Choose and set up a social media scheduling tool

Create a hashtag strategy for each platform

Plan launch-specific content (countdown, teasers, behind-the-scenes)

Pre-Launch Buzz

Create a "coming soon" landing page to collect emails

Share your journey on personal social media

Tell friends and family and ask for shares

Reach out to potential launch partners or collaborators

Offer an early-bird or founding member discount

Line up 5-10 testimonials or beta testers

Launch Day & Beyond

Send launch email to your list

Post launch announcement across all social platforms

Personally message your closest contacts about the launch

Submit to relevant online directories and listings

Set up a review/feedback collection process

Plan your first promotional offer or campaign (week 2)

⚙️

Operations & Systems

28 Items

Workspace & Equipment

Set up your workspace (home office, co-working, or commercial space)

Purchase necessary equipment and supplies

Set up a professional phone number (Google Voice is free)

Set up a professional email address (you@yourdomain.com)

Get a business mailing address (UPS Store, virtual mailbox)

Tools & Software

Set up project management tool (Notion, Trello, Asana, ClickUp)

Choose and set up CRM softwareHubSpot Free is excellent for starting out — upgrade as you grow

Set up cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud)

Set up communication tools (Slack, Google Chat, etc.)

Set up scheduling tool (Calendly, Acuity) for client bookings

Set up a password manager (1Password, LastPass, Bitwarden)

Set up video conferencing (Zoom, Google Meet)

Processes & Documentation

Document your customer journey from first touch to purchase

Create your sales process (steps from lead to close)

Create an onboarding process for new customers/clients

Write SOPs for your 3 most important recurring tasks

Create a customer service response protocol

Set up a quality control checklist for your product/service

Create order fulfillment / service delivery workflow

Time Management & Productivity

Set your business hours and communicate them

Create a weekly schedule template (block time for key activities)

Set up time tracking if billing hourly (Toggl, Harvest)

Create a daily/weekly checklist of recurring tasks

Set up automated backups for all business data

Legal Compliance & Ongoing

Set calendar reminders for license/permit renewals

Set calendar reminders for quarterly estimated tax payments

Schedule annual LLC/Corp filing deadlines

Create a 90-day review plan to assess and adjust your business