30/09/2020
HOW TO SECURE YOUR BUSINESS IDEA and start a business!
So, you are thinking of starting a business.
You are aware that you will need to spend lots of time researching, but you have a good idea or a really cool name that you need to lock in for when you are ready to take the plunge.
There is a few things that you should secure as soon as you can.
Hint: choose a business name that is easy to spell and as short and memorable as possible. This is harder than it sounds!
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👍 1. TEST YOUR BUSINESS NAME on ASIC but don’t register it just yet!
https://connectonline.asic.gov.au/RegistrySearch/faces/landing/bn/SearchBnRegisters.jspx?_adf.ctrl-state=5ipr54egs_4
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đź‘Ť 2. SOCIAL MEDIA - CHECK AND SECURE / MODIFY
Now that you have a name, visit Instagram and Facebook and test your business name availability.
Don’t be upset if it’s taken. This is a process.
Go to your personal Instagram profile and click the + at the top and add an account.
You can choose up to 5 names to hold for future use on Instagram. Claim as many options as you can and think aboutwhat you might use now or in the future - it’s free.
Try to separate your words with full stops rather than underscores if possible. Or don’t use any.
Eg, the.big.leap, one.big.leap, big.leap.industries, thebigleap etc. Or If that fails use underscores, e.g the_big_leap.
Try to use each account occasionally. Follow a few people and upload a few photos. This will stop Instagram claiming unused names back from you until you have a better idea of which ones you will use.
Now do the same on Facebook. I believe you can only claim up to 2 business accounts for FB. Once again, it is easiest to use your personal profile and add a business page off it.
This will allow you to move forward with your chosen business name and tweak it until you can get all the handles to match across Instagram, Facebook and your domain.
You might find that your name is taken, but you can get them all to match by changing a certain word.
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👍 3. DOMAIN - CHECK BUT DON’T PURCHASE YET
See if your domain name is available; e.g. thebigleap.com.au
I’d recommend reading some reviews on Reddit to find a good host - avoid the cheaper ones. Find one that is well reviewed and professional. I’ve been using these guys and can’t complain:
https://netvirtue.com.au/domain-names/domain-registration/
If you can also get a .com as well as a .com.au then you are one lucky fish.
A .com might matter more if you are seeking global customers. If not, it can help to filter extra customers to your site. But most are taken and this isn’t a huge deal.
🤫 YOU’VE NOW DECIDED ON YOUR NAME! 🤫 Shhh don’t post anything about your name on social media or someone might scalp it to you.
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đź‘Ť 4. APPLY FOR AN ABN, ACN AND NOW REGISTER YOUR NAME
If you don’t have one already, you will have to do this first before you can buy a .com.au domain.
https://register.business.gov.au
If you can also get a .com as well as a .com.au then you are one lucky fish. A .com might matter more if you are seeking global customers. If not, it can help to filter extra customers to your site. Most names are taken and this isn’t a huge deal. Keep trying!
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đź‘Ť 5. PURCHASE YOUR DOMAIN NAME
Use your ABN to register your .com.au domain. It’s pretty cheap (usually around $15 for a year).
If you know you will want a website then you may be able to include hosting in the cost. But it will most likely just save you the hassle of doing another sign up. Rather than any substantial savings. It also makes billing easier when you’re dealing with one hosting company.
Even if you don’t want a website or landing page just yet, I’d recommend securing your domain and these handles for your future plans. It costs bu**er all and name availability is becoming more scarce.
Well done!
The Pigeon
