Starting a business solo? Welcome to the wild ride of entrepreneurship — where you’re the CEO, the janitor, the marketer, and the tech support team… all before lunch.

While it’s easy to get caught up in the shiny stuff (logos, fancy tools, the “perfect” domain), the truth is most new business owners skip the critical groundwork. This checklist is here to change that — a no-fluff, step-by-step guide built from hard-earned experience.

Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Clarity Comes First

Before filing paperwork or setting up a website, get crystal clear on three things:

  • Who is your ideal customer?
  • What specific problem are you solving?
  • What is your product, service, or solution?

If these answers feel vague or loaded with buzzwords, slow down. Clear positioning is the foundation for everything that follows — from your messaging to your marketing.

Step 2: Legal & Administrative Setup

This step might not be fun, but skipping it can cause big headaches later:

  • Choose your business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, etc.)
  • Register your business name with the proper authorities
  • Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS (if in the U.S.)
  • Open a business bank account to keep personal and business finances separate

Tip: In some countries, not all steps are required (e.g., Canadian sole proprietors may not need a business account), but professional separation helps with taxes and recordkeeping.

Step 3: Basic Tools & Systems

Before diving into an ocean of apps and automations, start with the essentials:

  • Purchase a custom domain and business email (avoid using personal Gmail accounts)
  • Set up a simple task manager (Notion, Trello, Airtable — pick your flavor)
  • Connect payment processors like Stripe, PayPal, or Square
  • Write short SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for repeat tasks like client onboarding, invoicing, or social media posting

Creating systems early saves time (and sanity) later when your business starts to grow.

Step 4: Create a Clear Offer + Simple Website

Don’t overcomplicate your launch with a full-blown website right away. Start lean:

  • Define one clear offer — make it specific and valuable
  • Build a basic landing page that explains what the offer is, who it’s for, and how to buy/book it
  • Include a simple contact form or call-to-action like “Book a Free Consultation” or “Request Info”

Even free tools like Notion, Carrd, or Google Sites work just fine to start. What matters is clarity and usability, not design perfection.

Need help making that landing page convert? Check out this step-by-step landing page guide.

Step 5: Launch (Yes, Even Softly)

It’s tempting to delay your launch until everything’s “ready.” But done is better than perfect.

Here’s a simple launch plan:

  • Pick a soft launch date and stick to it
  • Share your offer with your personal and professional network
  • Ask for feedback — what’s confusing, what’s missing, what could be clearer?
  • Iterate and improve as you go

Remember: feedback from real people beats months of internal guesswork.

Bonus Tips From Seasoned Solo Entrepreneurs

  • Talk to real potential customers early. Don’t build in a vacuum.
  • Selling physical products? Understand your fulfillment model (dropshipping, POD, inventory), pricing (include shipping and fees), and returns.
  • Check your tax requirements. This varies by location and structure — especially if you’re outside the U.S.
  • Social media matters. Create a basic presence on platforms where your audience hangs out.

Final Thoughts

This checklist isn’t a silver bullet, but it is a solid roadmap. Whether you’re starting a coaching business, launching a product, or freelancing on the side — structure matters more than style, and action matters more than perfection.

Start small, stay consistent, and build as you go.

Having problems with a business partner? Read Co-Founder Just Ghosted? Do This First — it might be useful for you.