The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on the way we do business. With so many people working from home, there has been a corresponding increase in the number of home-based businesses. There are now about 15 million home-based businesses this year, and that’s expected to grow in the coming years. These businesses range from sole proprietorships to full-fledged companies with multiple employees. If you’re thinking of starting a home-based business of your own, there are a few things you need to know.
Planning
The first step in starting any business is to develop a plan. This is especially true for home-based businesses, which come with their own unique set of challenges. When planning your home-based business, you must consider certain factors. Here are some of them.
Zoning Regulations
You must follow specific regulations if you want to run a home-based business. In most cases, zoning regulations limit the number of employees you can have working from a single house. For example, you may only be allowed to have a maximum of two full-time employees working from home. If you intend to hire more than this, you need to look into zoning regulations in your area. You will also need to file for permits if your business isn’t in compliance with local laws.
Tax Implications
The IRS treats home-based businesses much like conventional ones. You will have to pay income taxes and file them correctly. You’ll also need to collect sales tax if you sell products. Many online resources can help you with these issues, so don’t hesitate to use them.
Insurance Requirements
Some types of insurance are mandatory for home-based businesses. For example, you’ll need health insurance for your employees and yourself if your business is considered a small group in your state. You’ll also need to consider business liability insurance and property insurance, as these can protect you from a wide range of risks.
Promoting
Once your home-based business is up and running, you must promote it. Traditional marketing techniques, such as print advertising and direct mail, can be effective and expensive.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to promote your home-based business for free or minimal, like social media.
Social Media
One of the best ways to expand your reach is through social media. It’s estimated that about 90% of the U.S. population is on at least one social media site, including Facebook and Twitter. These sites are great for reaching new customers both locally and nationally.
You can create a basic business page on your favorite social media platform. Then, you can create posts showcasing your business, from product or service updates to special offers. You may also want to reach out to local influencers who can help promote your business and attract new customers.
Google Business Page
You can also create a free business page on Google, which makes it possible to show up in local searches. When someone searches online for a particular service or product you offer, they’ll see your business near the top of search results.
To create a Google Business Page, you must verify that you’re your business owner. This can be done by mailing a postcard to your business, calling a toll-free number, and entering the verification code. Then, once you’ve created your page, you’ll need to fill out as much information as possible, including hours of operation, services offered, and photos of your location or products.
Running It Efficiently
One of the challenges of running a home-based business is staying organized and keeping on top of everything that needs to be done. There are a few different ways you can go about doing this.
Construct a Dedicated Office
If you want your business to run smoothly, it’s essential to have a dedicated office space. This will give you ample room to work and help create a professional image for your business. If you can’t do it yourself, consider hiring an experienced home remodeling contractor near your place. These contractors should be able to determine if you have a suitable space for your business, get the permits required, and set it up for you.
Have Separate Utilities Installed
It’s also important to consider having separate utilities installed in your office. Getting dedicated utility services will ensure uninterrupted power and internet if you’re working with sensitive data or materials that may cause problems if disrupted.
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a surge in home-based businesses. If you’re thinking of starting your own home-based business, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Following these tips can set your home-based business up for success! It can give you a competitive edge and help you become an industry leader in no time.
