Starting a business is a big leap — but it doesn’t have to be a blind one.
Whether you’re dreaming of a side hustle or launching a full-time gig, having a clear roadmap makes all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through 12 essential steps to help you go from idea to action — from building your offer to getting paid, we’ll cover what really matters so you can start strong and keep moving forward.
And yes, we’ll show you how tools like JIM can make things easier — especially when it’s time to collect your first payment.
1. Define your business idea
Every successful business starts with one thing: a solid idea.
But that idea needs to solve a real problem or fulfill a genuine need.
Don’t worry about making it perfect — focus on making it useful.
Find a problem worth solving
Start by asking: What do people struggle with that I can help fix?
Whether it's faster delivery, better service, or something completely new, solving a pain point is what creates value.
Validate your idea early
Before you build anything, test your concept, talk to potential customers, run a quick poll.
Even a few honest conversations can save you months of missteps.
Keep it simple
Your idea doesn’t need to be big — it needs to be clear.
Instead of planning for every possible feature or service, focus on the core offer that people will pay for.
Document it
Write down your business concept in one sentence — if you can’t explain it simply, it’s time to refine it.
This one-liner will become the anchor for your brand, marketing, and pitch.
2. Research your market
Knowing your market isn’t optional — it’s survival.
Good research helps you understand who your customers are, what they want, and how you can stand out.
Understand your audience
Who are they? What do they need? What are they already buying?
Build a clear picture of your ideal customer so you can speak their language and meet them where they are.
Study your competitors
Look at businesses offering similar products or services — what are they doing well? Where are they falling short?
This isn’t about copying, it’s about finding gaps you can fill.
Dig into demand
Is there room for your offer in the market?
Use search engines, social media trends, or tools like Google Trends to gauge interest.
You want to launch into a space that’s active — not oversaturated or too niche.
Use feedback to refine
Don’t be afraid to tweak your offer based on what you learn.
Good market research isn’t a one-time thing — it’s something you keep coming back to as your business grows.
3. Build a simple business plan
Forget the 50-page doc — what you need is a clear, action-focused plan that helps you stay on track and make smart decisions.
Start with your why
Why are you starting this business? What problem are you solving? This will guide everything from your branding to your pricing.
Outline what you’re selling
Be specific: what are your products or services, how do they work, and how are they delivered?
Clarity here prevents confusion later.
Define your pricing
Set your prices based on costs, competition, and value.
Remember to factor in transaction fees, time, and any tools you’ll need to operate.
Choose your channels
How will you reach and sell to customers? Social media, marketplaces, a website, or in-person?
Pick the channels that match how your audience shops.
Keep it lean
This isn’t a document for investors — it’s a roadmap for you.
One page is enough if it covers the essentials: make it clear, make it useful and update it as you grow.
4. Take care of the legal stuff
This part isn’t the most exciting — but it’s non-negotiable.
Getting the legal basics right protects you and builds trust with customers.
Choose your business structure
Are you a sole proprietor, LLC, or something else?
Each has pros and cons depending on liability, taxes, and how you plan to grow.
If you’re unsure, it’s worth talking to a local accountant or advisor.
Register your business
Once you’ve picked a structure, register your business name with your state or local government.
This makes it official — and sometimes, it’s required to open a business bank account or get licenses.
Apply for the right permits and licenses
Depending on your location and industry, you might need specific permits to operate legally.
Check your local regulations so you don’t run into surprises.
Set up a business bank account
Keep your business and personal finances separate.
It makes tracking income, expenses, and taxes way easier (and if you're using a payment platform like JIM, linking to your business account can simplify how you access your funds.)
5. Set up your finances
Money in, money out — it’s not just about making sales.
Setting up a simple system from the start helps you stay in control and avoid future headaches.
Track every dollar
Use tools that help you monitor your income and expenses daily — even a basic spreadsheet works at first.
The goal is to know where your money’s going.
Plan for taxes
Set aside a percentage of every sale for taxes.
It’s tempting to spend it all, but future-you will thank you. Some apps and platforms even help you track what you owe.
Simplify how you get paid
If you’re selling in person, JIM turns your iPhone into a payment terminal — no extra hardware needed.
Accept cards, wallets, and get paid in seconds after each sale with a transparent 1.99% fee.
Separate personal and business spending
Open a dedicated business account or prepaid card.
Keeping things separate makes bookkeeping cleaner and helps you look more professional — especially if you plan to scale.
6. Create your brand
Your brand isn’t just a logo — it’s how people feel when they interact with your business.
It’s what makes you memorable, trustworthy, and worth choosing over the competition.
Choose a name that fits
Pick something clear, easy to say, and easy to remember — make sure the domain and social handles are available (bonus points if it tells people what you do).
Design your visual identity
Even a simple logo and color scheme go a long way.
Use free tools like Canva or work with a designer to create a look that feels true to your business.
Craft your tone of voice
Are you friendly and casual? Professional and direct?
Decide how you want to sound so your brand feels consistent across emails, websites, and social media.
Tell your story
People connect with people: share why you started, what you believe in, and what customers can expect from you.
Real stories build real loyalty.
7. Build your online presence
Even if you’re not selling online, your customers are looking for you online.
A strong digital presence builds credibility and opens the door to new sales.
Create a simple website
It doesn’t need to be fancy, just make sure it clearly says who you are, what you offer, and how people can reach or buy from you.
Tools like Squarespace, Shopify, or even a Linktree can get you started fast.
Claim your social handles
Choose the platforms your customers actually use.
Whether it’s Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, or Facebook — pick 1-2 and be consistent.
Set up Google Business (if local)
If you have a physical location or serve a specific area, create a free Google Business profile.
It helps people find you in search and maps — and makes your business look legit.
Optimize for mobile
Most people will discover you on their phones, so make sure your site loads fast, buttons are easy to tap, and checkout is smooth.
8. Choose how you'll sell
How you sell matters just as much as what you sell.
Whether you’re online, in-person, or both, choose a setup that fits your style — and your customers’ habits.
Selling in person? Keep it mobile.
Pop-ups, markets, meetups — if your business goes where your customers are, you need a way to accept payments on the go.
JIM makes life easier: turn your iPhone into a card reader and get paid in seconds.
Selling online? Pick the right platform.
From Etsy to your own website, choose a platform that fits your product and audience.
Focus on ease of use, customer experience, and fees.
Offer multiple ways to pay
The easier it is for people to pay, the faster you get paid.
Credit cards, Apple Pay, digital wallets — use tools (like JIM) that support all of them in one place.
Keep it simple
Don’t overload yourself with systems.
Pick one or two tools that do the job well and grow from there.
9. Promote your business
You’ve built it — now let people know it exists.
Promotion doesn’t have to mean big budgets, it just has to reach the right people, at the right time.
Start with your circle
Friends, family, coworkers — your first customers might be closer than you think.
Ask for support, feedback and referrals.
Use social proof
Post customer reviews, testimonials, or before-and-after shots.
Seeing others trust you builds trust for new buyers.
Run simple campaigns
Launch promos, bundle offers, or “first customer” discounts to create urgency.
Use tools that make it easy to track payments and earnings — like JIM, which shows your sales in real-time.
Be consistent
You don’t need to go viral, you need to show up.
One post a day or even a few times a week keeps your business on people’s radar.
Measure and adjust
What gets attention? What drives clicks?
Track performance, double down on what works, and drop what doesn’t.
10. Deliver a great customer experience
Getting a customer is one thing, but keeping them — and turning them into a repeat buyer — is where the magic happens.
Set clear expectations
From pricing to delivery times, be upfront.
People don’t mind waiting or paying a bit more — what they hate is being surprised.
Communicate often (but don’t spam)
Let customers know what’s happening with their order, respond quickly to questions, and be easy to reach.
Make payments effortless
The smoother the checkout, the better the experience.
JIM helps here — whether it’s a tap-to-pay on your phone or fast access to funds right after a sale.
Customers get speed, and so do you.
Ask for feedback
Check in after a purchase: a quick message asking “How did we do?” can uncover small improvements that make a big difference.
Fix issues fast
Things happen, but what matters is how quickly and clearly you handle it.
Own mistakes, offer solutions, and turn a bad moment into a loyalty win.
11. Monitor your progress and adjust
Your first plan won’t be your last — and that’s a good thing.
The best businesses grow by staying flexible and learning as they go.
Track your key numbers
Keep an eye on revenue, costs, and profit.
You can use a simple dashboard or app to monitor performance week by week.
JIM, for instance, offers real-time sales reports to help you spot trends without spreadsheets.
Listen to your customers
What do they love? What’s confusing?
Customer feedback is your best business coach, and tools like Google Forms make it easy to gather it quickly.
Review what’s working
Not every offer or product will be a hit, that’s normal.
Drop what’s dragging, and double down on what’s driving growth.
Update your plan
Every few months, revisit your business goals.
Adjust your pricing, tools, or marketing if needed.
Business is fluid — your strategy should be too.
12. Stay consistent and keep going
Starting a business isn’t about overnight wins — it’s about showing up, solving problems, and stacking small wins over time.
Stick to your routine
Even 30 minutes a day can move things forward.
Set work blocks, track your goals, and treat your business like it matters — because it does.
Celebrate small wins
First sale? Celebrate.
First returning customer? Celebrate.
These milestones build momentum and remind you why you started.
Don’t go it alone
Connect with other entrepreneurs, join local or online groups and ask questions, share struggles, and trade lessons.
The journey is easier with community.
Keep learning
Business changes, so will your tools, your market, and your customer needs.
Stay open to learning, and your business will stay ready for what’s next.
Use tools that grow with you
From payments to cash flow, using the right tools makes staying consistent a lot easier.
JIM was built for business owners on the move — so you can keep selling, tracking, and getting paid with less friction.
Accept contactless payments on your phone with JIM
Starting a business takes grit — but staying consistent gets a whole lot easier when your tools work as hard as you do.
With JIM, your phone becomes a full payment terminal — no card reader, no extra devices, no monthly fees.
Just 1.99% per sale: flat, transparent, and built for businesses that need to move fast and stay lean.
Whether you’re selling at a pop-up, a studio, or your living room, JIM lets you accept cards and digital wallets in seconds.
Track your sales, manage your cash flow, and access your earnings — all from one place, right in your pocket.
So as you take these 12 steps and start building your business, remember: you already have what you need to get paid.
Your phone is your new card reader and your business is ready to grow.
