Hoping to set up a home based business? Here are a few things to bear in mind before getting started, so you can go about things in the right way, and maximise your chances of success.

Get Registered

First things first, when you’ve decided to take the plunge and set up your home based business, you’ll need to get registered. It’s easy this day in age, all you need to do is fill in a few forms and send any additional information requested through the post. In the UK this would be to the HMRC, in the US, it’s the Inland Revenue. It ensures that you’re registered to pay the correct taxes, and from there you just need to fill in a tax return each April.

Find Your Niche

This is something so many small businesses get wrong. They have an idea of what they want to do, but the idea lacks focus. For example, you might want to start a business selling clothes online. But think about who will be buying your clothes, what kind of clothes shop will you be? Will you be selling luxury clothes or budget clothes? Will you specialise in mens, womens or childrens? Will you be catering for a certain kind of style, eg, punk rock clothes? Having this focus allows you to find your niche. It’s this that will attract your customers, who will be searching for something specific and a little bit different from any old clothes shop which they can find anywhere. What makes you unique, special, how can you cater to your customers specific needs?

Set up Your Home Office

Your home office is such an important space when you work for yourself. It’s a room you spend a lot of time in, so it needs to be comfy and cosy while also allowing you to stay productive. Redecorate, consider light neutrals which won’t be distracting and will make the room look more spacious and airy. Invest in a good desk and a comfy chair, so that you’re not ruining your back.

Consider Outsourcing What You Can’t or Won’t Do

Just because you run a business and work for yourself doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone. We all only have so many hours in the day, you need to work out how yours are best spent. For jobs you cant (or just don’t want to) do, outsource to third party companies. From accounting companies to deal with your tax to a marketing agency to promote and advertise for you. Click here for managed services, from building websites to running your domain and more.

Building up a home based business from scratch is hard work, but it could end up being one of the best things you’ve ever done. Do your research before jumping in so you’re able to avoid silly mistakes.