Starting a small business is a massive step to take; it involves becoming your own boss, being liable for the success or failure of that business, and potentially taking responsibility over new employees. However, it is also an incredibly exciting time in your life, as you move forward towards achieving your goals and making dreams come true.

Once you’ve reached this point, you don’t want anything to stand in the way of your business being a success, or to derail you when you have come this far. With this in mind, there are certain steps every small business must take to ensure you don’t run into trouble down the line. You may or may not have considered these before, but now is definitely the time to get your houses in order and prepare for everything that running a business can throw at you!

With this in mind, there are particular contacts, companies and software that will be invaluable in helping you track your growth, manage your business and troubleshoot any problems with confidence and ease.

SEO

The first thing your business will need is exposure. Search Engine Optimization software will boost your website in search engines such as Google or Yahoo, making you easier to find and boosting sales and engagement. All the big companies use it – and use it well – so don’t find yourself disappearing out of the competition before you have even begun. SEO Pro Hub is a well-reviewed company who work with small businesses, or find a list of the best options here.

Website Hosting and Design

Once your business has been discovered, you need to present it in the best light possible. Building your own website has become increasingly popular through sites such as Squarespace, but to really stand out from the crowd it’s important to invest in a website builder and designer like eSterling. With a partnership like this, you will receive more appealing, more ergonomic design, as well as a relationship with a company who can help you adapt and troubleshoot your website in the long-term.

CRM

CRM, or Customer Relationship Management, is an essential way to keep track of engagement, sales and data analysis, helping you to target and grow your business efficiently. There are some great options out there specifically for small-to-medium businesses,

Legal Advice

You might think you’ll never need it, but the world of business can be full of unexpected pitfalls, from employee injury claims to suing over trademarks and perceived copyright claims. Attorneys such as Tully Rinckey offer consultations and advice before entering any legal process with you. It’s a good idea to do your research now, and know exactly which attorney you would trust to help you move through any difficulties.

Accountancy

Finally, before long you will have to start thinking about your business tax return. The best way to feel secure and comfortable with this, and to avoid any potential trapdoors, is to develop a relationship with an accountancy firm. They can take care of the time-consuming nature of your taxes, make sure you’re doing everything by the book – and if you keep working with the same firm, they will be brilliantly placed to understand and manage growth through the tax years. Xero has some great further advice on when and how to hire an accountant for your small business needs.