What you'll learn
  • All 50 steps to launch a small business — in the right order
  • Organised into 5 clear phases so nothing gets missed
  • Which steps to prioritise if you're starting with limited time
  • The free downloadable checklist to track your progress

How to use this checklist

Starting a business is one of the most exciting things you'll ever do — and one of the most overwhelming. This checklist organises every step you need into five clear phases, in the right order.

Download the checklist

This article is also available as a free downloadable PDF. Download it here, print it, and tick off each step as you go.

Phase 1 — Idea and research

  1. Define your business idea in one clear sentence
  2. Identify your target customer (age, needs, budget)
  3. Research your top 3 competitors
  4. Identify your unique selling point (USP)
  5. Validate demand: talk to 10 potential customers
  6. Check if your idea is profitable (price vs cost)
  7. Choose your business model
  8. Research legal requirements in your country
  9. Choose a business name and check availability
  10. Register your domain name

Phase 2 — Business foundations

  1. Choose your business structure
  2. Register your business officially
  3. Apply for any required licences or permits
  4. Open a dedicated business bank account
  5. Set up basic bookkeeping
  6. Define your pricing strategy
  7. Write a one-page business plan
  8. Set a 12-month revenue target
  9. Identify your top 3 startup costs
  10. Secure your initial funding

Phase 3 — Brand and online presence

  1. Design your logo
  2. Choose your brand colours and fonts
  3. Write your brand tagline or slogan
  4. Build your website
  5. Write a compelling about page
  6. Set up a professional email address
  7. Create a Google Business Profile
  8. Set up 2–3 social media profiles
  9. Write your first 3 social media posts
  10. Install Google Analytics on your website

Phase 4 — First customers

  1. Define your sales process
  2. Create your first offer or product listing
  3. Set up a payment method (Stripe, PayPal)
  4. Reach out to your first 10 potential customers personally
  5. Ask your existing network for referrals
  6. Join 2 online communities where your customers hang out
  7. Create a simple lead magnet to capture email addresses
  8. Set up an email list (Systeme.io or AWeber)
  9. Send your first newsletter to your list
  10. Make your first sale

Phase 5 — Operations and growth

  1. Write a simple operations checklist for daily tasks
  2. Set up customer support
  3. Collect your first customer testimonial
  4. Review your finances at the end of month 1
  5. Identify what's working and what isn't
  6. Set goals for months 2 and 3
  7. Automate one repetitive task
  8. Explore one new marketing channel
  9. Join a local or online entrepreneur community
  10. Celebrate your first milestone — you did it

The bottom line

Starting a business doesn't require genius or luck. It requires following a sensible sequence of steps, one at a time, without skipping the uncomfortable ones.

Print this checklist. Work through it in order. The only step that matters is the one in front of you right now.