If there has to be one location in the whole wide world that is the best place to start a business, Texas would be it! Our guide on how to start a business in Texas walks you through everything required to fulfill your entrepreneurial dreams in a meaningful and fulfilling way. From setting up your company to putting together your SEO or hiring a Weatherford SEO like myself and creating a complete marketing strategy, here is to get started on your own company in Texas. Learn how to Build a Startup in Texas.

How much money do I need to start a small business in Texas?

This is a tricky question to answer. But I am sure it is the first question that comes to mind, how much. You can really start with nothing, but this all depends on the type of business. 

I have never spent more than a few thousand to get a business off the ground. Sometimes as little as a few dollars for a DBA and a domain name!

Do I need a business license?

Some business types require particular licenses, so that will be something you will want to find out.

An example of the process of starting a lawn care company in Weatherford Texas

Let us say you want to start a lawn care business in Weatherford, Texas. But, first, I will walk you through a bit of it.

This is pertinent to starting almost any business in Texas, not lawn care, but for the most part, a lawn care company would be an example of a super easy business to start. So read on to learn the basics that almost every business has to start with.

How to come up with a business name

Your business legal business entity; this is where you learn how to be creative. You can integrate your name into it, or call it whatever you like. If you want to be “Weatherford Lawn Care” do some searches and make sure that isn’t already taken, then run with it.

I will tell you one important tip in coming up with a business name that most people don’t think about. If you can, include the town you service, and include your service type. This is very helpful with marketing. It will make it easier for people to find you online after you start your SEO marketing.

To avoid trademark infringement issues, you should complete a federal or state trademark search online to make sure your new name does not match a name used previously.

Sales Tax Permit from the Texas Comptroller

First, you will want to get a sales tax permit. This is actually much easier than it sounds and can be done online, and is free. This is letting the state of Texas know that you are going to be receiving money for goods or services. This is required for almost every large or small business in Texas. So do not take the risk and think because you are a small business owner that you can do it later. You must get one for every business location with a physical address as well.

If your business model requires sales tax, then you must collect and pay taxes on it.

They will let you know if you need to tax your customers and what percent if so. They will also let you know when it is time to report your numbers and pay the state their portion.

Decide your Texas Business Structure

How serious are you about your business structure? Now you need to decide who all is going to be part of your company and how to establish that. Are you starting your business as cheaply as possible? If so, then you might consider starting as a sole proprietor and get a DBA.

Get a DBA in Texas; this is your business name.

Then you will want to get a DBA. It stands for “Doing Business As” this is your assumed name or business name. This is around $30, and you can get it at the Weatherford County Clerk’s office or in your own town or county clerk’s office. You have the option of getting an LLC instead, which is going to be more expensive.

Advantage of an LLC in Texas

While I believe most sole proprietors go the DBA route, it is not unusual for a small business to create a limited liability company, or c corporation, or any other for profit corporation.

Just know that you can still be a successful business in Texas with just a DBA. An LLC stands for Limited Liability Corporation. This can be a good option for self-protection. Several online services can take care of all the filing of your liability protection. You just pay them to file the personal liability protection LLC and the filing fee. You tell them what kind of business and other details such as your business structures which will be the registered agent.

An LLC is a type of business in the US. It protects people who own it from getting in trouble for the company’s debts. An LLC is like a partnership or sole proprietorship, but with some added protection. So make your decision on if you want to be a limited liability company.

Selecting the corporation option does take more, though, such as your formal business structure and who will be the registered agent? Registered agents are the ones that take responsibility for the most part.

You also need to figure out your corporation’s formal and informal business structure.

Open a business bank account.

This isn’t a necessity, but it is if you want to take checks written out to your business. You will go to your bank and give them your tax ID and DBA, and they can get you set up with a business bank account.

Most banks today are so competitive that it is typically free to open personal and business accounts. Most of them also have free business debit cards, and you might even get business credit accounts or a business credit card.

Get a Website for my new business.

Now that you have all the other fun stuff done, it is time to start the marketing plan. The reason I do this step next is it takes time to start getting found online.

So remember when I told you the business name being descriptive would help? This is where you can apply that tip as well. First, you do not want a super long name, but keywords are your friend in the name. Think about your business name it might make a perfect name for your website!

Think Simple for the website name

Think simple, like WeatherfordLawncare . com go to domains.google and start trying different names that sound good and see if they are available. Or if you hire me to do your Weatherford SEO, then I can help you with that. I even help with other business advice along with getting your business online.

Branding and Marketing your Business in Texas

After creating a successful company, you must get the word out. Write a marketing strategy for your product or service to target your ideal customer.

You can learn more about branding and marketing your business on this Weatherford SEO website, or you can hire me for a day or a month to do all of this for you. It can be as simple as scrolling to this page’s bottom and sending me an email or a text. I am local to the Weatherford, Fort Worth, Azle area.

Hire a Local SEO Expert

This is what I do. As an SEO Expert, I can take your business idea and brainstorm with you, and I can find you a good domain and register it for you. Then I can create your business email, your business website, and get you listed on the map. You might not even have a physical location, but you will still want to do this, even if it is your home address.

I can also get your social media off the ground along with your business website. Along with all of this the most important thing that I do, is make your business information easy to find so you can make your new business a success.

Next, figure out what equipment and supplies will be needed for your new business

In our example, you can assume you will need a mower and a weedeater. And you will need a way to transport that to your customers. If you are starting without much money, you can bootstrap this operation with the least possible. Then as your new Texas business is growing, you can upgrade and add more.

Are you really determined to be a Texas Entrepenurer? Welcome to Business ownership

It is time to decide at this point, are you really determined to take this leap? Ready to join me in owning a business in Texas? If you are not too scared to be your own boss, then keep reading. It is a crazy ride, but it is so worth it. If you are focused and determined then it will not be too hard, business promoting will come naturally.

So now let’s move on from the example and go into more depth about things. As small business owners should do, now you can mind your own business! Sorry, a little joke, but seriously, if you are determined. Then stay focused!

Choose a business idea

Take into consideration your own interests and skill set, your resources, your availability, and the reasons for starting a business. Consider your potential success in your community based upon your town’s needs and interests. Then, start figuring out your companies plan to make a profit.

Research your competition

I would look at every business around you that does what you want to do. First, find out if they seem to be staying busy, do they have plenty of work. You can also check their ratings, are they doing a good or bad job? How are their prices? These and many more things can be learned with a simple search.

Conduct Market Research

This is where you need to figure if there is a market for your business. It would help if you also considered customers likely need for your service or product, and their ability to pay for it. You can find out a lot of this by looking at the competition. And don’t be scared if there is a lot of them, it usually means plenty of customers too.

Just do thorough market research. This is another service that I can help you with. It can be fun and exciting during the target market research for your new Texas Business. As a Weatherford SEO, I have been self-employed most of my adult life, and I enjoy helping my clients. Remember, my goal for my clients is their success.

Apply for Texas business licenses and permits

Before you get to this point, I am sure you already found out if you need a particular license for your business. If you do, find out what you need and start the Texas license application process. As far as myself, I do not need a special license to do Weatherford SEO (Search Engine Optimization).

Although I own a Weatherford Pest Control Company, I have to get my license from the state of Texas. The Texas Department of Agriculture handles my business license for that.

Pick a business location and check Zoning Laws

You might not need a physical location, but consider your customers’ needs and whether your business could benefit from foot or road traffic. Also, take into consideration business owner fees including rent and utilities.

If you intend to start a business at home, check your local zoning law. Next, consult your lease or association rules if applicable, both of which may ban some or most businesses. Finally, pick a good office location if you need one.

This is tricky depending on what type of business you are starting and how much of a budget you have. When you get a dedicated business location you have to be ready for the overhead of your business to take a piece of the profits constantly.

What is business overhead?

Overhead is what it cost you to operate your business. Plain and simple, how much money do you need your business to make to break even of the cost, that is the cost overhead.

If you shut down for some time, figure out how much do you have to pay out whether you are open or not. So figure out your personal and business expenses and determine if you can afford everything with your personal assets. If not then you can decide if you can adjust your business plan to make it work better.

Or you might decide to see about checking with your bank or even the small business administration to see about a business loan, or any small business grants. With everything going on in the world it might not be difficult to get small business loans right now.

Step 1 – Write your business plan down

Get a pocket-sized notepad, or use your phone, but have something handy for every idea that you or your friends have about your business. You think you will remember everything, but when you start a business, it is easy to get wrapped up in the details that you will forget. Try to organize the notes as well. I have started several small businesses and I learned this the hard way. Sometimes you have the best ideas in the beginning.

Step 2 – Choose your business location

Choose the location of your business depending on the type of business you are operating. For example, are you working from home or do you need a different location? Assess how easily it will be for your customers to find you, park, and come in if it is that type of business. Is your business a type that is going to get deliveries on big trucks with pallets? Examine the zoning regulations of the locality as well.

Step 3 – Finance your business

The money that will be used for your new business isn’t always from your personal assets. It might be available from friends or family. You could also be granted a bank loan or microloan, secured by the federal government. Other alternative funding includes crowdfunding, angels, or venture capitalists. The SBA offers a guide on funding your business.

Get business insurance

Business insurance can cover anything involving a vehicle, product, and possibly service liability. A reasonable insurance package can cost as little as a few hundred a year and gives you a high added protection.

Know your legal responsibility

Accounting and tax filing; you need to keep track of your money. But, when it comes down to tax time, the average small business might need an extra few hours to work through the extra forms of the Internal Revenue Service.

People will exaggerate the difficulty of this, and after your first time, you can too! However, it really isn’t that hard with the software out there, as long as you keep a record of all business income and expenses.

Manufacturing or distribution?

This is one of the first things you will need to figure out. If you want to sell something, consider your options for manufacturing it. Know what all goes into making the product you are selling and how much it costs, then ask yourself if people would buy said product enough times for it to be worth it.

Buy wholesale to resell

If you are planning to sell a retail product and buy it wholesale, you first need to choose a wholesaler that sells quality products. This is just as important as the last step of determining your costs. It all ties together because if people do not like your product, it’s either going to be too expensive or they won’t want to buy it.

Regarding the cost of your product, you will know better than most if they are too high or not. If they are too high, then re-evaluate whether your target market is willing to pay that much for the product. Also, consider what else is out there on the market and how this new product stacks up with those already.

How long could it take to get the wholesale inventory?

It should not take long, but each wholesaler varies. This is especially true if you are buying in bulk to sell it by the case (such as if you are going to become a distributor). They may need to order it and receive it from the warehouse. It might even need to be inspected upon arrival by someone that works there.

You also have to consider if it is coming from overseas. There is a lot that we purchase here that is not even made in America. Some shipments from Asia could take months.

In conclusion, there are many factors to think about when you start a business. The most important thing is having the passion and creativity to do it. If you want it bad enough, you can make it work no matter what. In fact, if your idea is good enough people will hear about it on the internet before you even go live with it. You can do it!