The First 7 Things You Should Do Online When You Start a New Business

Written By Tyler Huckabee

Starting a new business is a whirlwind, and in today’s digital world, getting online quickly and smartly can make all the difference. Whether you’re a service provider, retailer, or a product-based company, these 7 steps can help you build credibility, get discovered, and potentially connect with your first customers.

1. Secure Your Domain Name

Before doing anything else, buy your business’s domain name—even if you’re not ready to build a website yet. Use registrars like Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Google Domains.

Tip: You can also grab common variations and misspellings to protect your brand if applicable.


2. Create a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business)

This is essential for local businesses. It’s free and allows you to appear on Google Maps and local search results.

Steps:

  • Visit Google Business Profile

  • Add accurate info: address, hours, services, contact info

  • Upload photos and you can even encourage customer reviews


3. Claim Your Social Media Handles

Even if you don’t plan to use them all right away, claim your brand name across platforms like:

  • Instagram

  • Facebook

  • LinkedIn

  • X (formerly Twitter)

  • TikTok

  • YouTube


4. Develop a Website or Landing Page

Even a one-page site with your value proposition, contact info, and call-to-action can be powerful. Use a beginner-friendly platform like SquareSpace which is great for startups on a budget!

Pro Tip: Add a lead capture form (email signup or contact form) from day one.

5. Set Up Google Analytics and Search Console

Track how people find and use your website. Even if you're not a data nerd, this info will be valuable later.

  • Google Analytics: for website traffic and behavior (INTERNAL LINK TO GOOGLE ANALYTICS BLOG POST)

  • Google Search Console: to monitor your site’s performance in search (INTERNAL LINK TO GOOGLE SEARCH CONSOLE BLOG POST)

6. List Your Business on Key Online Directories

In addition to Google, list your business on:

  • Yelp

  • Bing Places

  • Apple Maps

  • Nextdoor (great for local service providers)

Ensure your business contact info is consistent across listings.


7. Create a Business Blog or Start Posting Content

Even one blog post a month can build your SEO and showcase your expertise. If blogging isn’t your thing, start by posting helpful content on LinkedIn or Instagram that answers common questions or solves problems for your audience.


Final Thoughts

The internet offers an incredibly powerful toolkit to get your business off the ground. Start with

these 7 steps, stay consistent, and adjust as you learn what works best for your audience.

Bonus Tip: Explore Paid Search to Accelerate Visibility

Once your basic online presence is set up, consider running a small Google Ads campaign to

jump-start traffic and visibility. Paid search marketing (SEM) allows you to target specific keywords your potential customers are searching for—and appear right at the top of the results.

Tyler Huckabee
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