Starting a trade business can be exciting but requires careful planning. Use this checklist to guide you through the process.

1. Business Registration

• Register for an Australian Business Number (ABN)
  Your ABN is essential for invoicing and conducting business. Apply for your ABN here. Most startups start as a Sole Trader and change to a Company when they scale with employees.
  

• Register Your Business Name
  Make sure it’s unique and reflects your services. Check and register your business name here.
  

Do I have to apply for GST?

You need to register for GST (Goods and Services Tax) in Australia if your business has an annual turnover of $75,000 or more. Once registered, you’ll need to add 10% GST to your sales prices and lodge regular Business Activity Statements (BAS) to report and pay the GST you collect. If your turnover is below $75,000, registering for GST is optional, but you may still choose to do so depending on your business needs. Learn more about GST here.

2. Legal, Financial, & Payment Setup

• Apply For A Licence If Your Trade Requires It - Find out if you do here

• Open a Business Bank Account
  Keep your business finances separate from personal ones. Learn more here.

• Insurance
  Protect your business with the right insurance. Consider public liability (required), worker’s comp, and tool insurance.

• Accounting Software
  Set up a system for tracking income, expenses, and taxes from day one (MYOB, XERO, etc)

• Payment Systems (POS and Invoicing)
  Ensure you’re ready to take payments by setting up a Point of Sale (POS) system for card payments and an invoicing system like Tradie Hub. These systems will make it easy for you to manage transactions, keep track of invoices, and get paid on time.

• Scheduling System

  Stay organised and keep track of jobs and appointments with a professional scheduling system. This helps ensure you never miss a booking and manage your time effectively.
  

3. Branding & Logo Creation

• Choosing Your Company Name
  Pick a name that’s easy to remember and scalable. Avoid using personal names if you plan to sell the business one day.

• Logo Design
  Your logo is a key part of your brand identity. Use tools like Looka to create a professional logo that’s scalable across various platforms.

• Brand Colours
  Choose colours that reflect your brand’s personality. Be mindful of their impact across both digital and print mediums.

• Font Selection
  Stick to easy-to-read fonts, especially in print marketing. Complex fonts may look great online but can be difficult to read elsewhere.

4. Domain and Website Setup

• Register a Domain Name
  Your domain is your online storefront. Choose a name that’s short, memorable, and reflective of your brand. Find and register your domain here.

• Website Hosting & Development
  Set up a simple, professional website that you can scale as your business grows. Make sure it’s mobile-friendly and responsive across devices.

5. Marketing Setup

• Create Social Media Accounts
  Start with platforms where your customers are active, like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

• Google Business Profile
  Register your business on Google so leads can easily find you and customers can review you.

• Email Marketing Setup
  Begin building your email list early to stay connected with potential clients.

• SEO and Website Optimisation
  Invest time into search engine optimisation (SEO) so your website ranks well on Google. This will help you attract customers in your area.

When the Time is Right for Marketing…

Invest in Professional Help

Once your business is established, consider working with a digital marketing agency to develop advanced marketing strategies like PPC, content marketing, and SEO.

PS.... When you’re ready to grow your business, book a call with our team. We can create a tailored strategy to help you achieve your business goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it for me to pay for marketing, or should I do it myself?

If you’re strapped for time or unsure about how to market effectively, professional marketing is worth the investment when you’re ready to grow. If you decide to DIY in the early stages, start small with manageable tasks like social media and reviews.

How do I scale my business if I don’t have a marketing budget?

Focus on gathering customer reviews and referrals to build brand trust and awareness. Also, take advantage of free or low-cost marketing tactics, such as email campaigns, referrals, posting on social media and listing your business on Google My Business, until you can afford a larger marketing investment.

I have no clue or time for email marketing – where do I start?

Using AI tools can assist with writing compelling content to engage your audience. Even if you’re pressed for time, building and engaging with an email list early helps you stay connected with potential clients for future opportunities. You can always outsource email marketing when your business grows.

I don’t understand SEO – is it really necessary?

Yes, it’s necessary, but you don’t have to be the expert. SEO helps your website rank higher on Google, which means more customers will find you. Professional help can significantly improve your visibility when you're ready to invest in it.

I am bad with finances - I am scared about running my own business.

You're not alone! Financial management is a common challenge for many business owners. Start by getting the book Profit First for Tradies from Profit First for Tradies. Consider investing in financial coaching down the line to help you feel more confident and in control.

We’ve Got the Perfect Solution for Your Trade Business!

Starting and growing your trade business doesn’t have to be complicated. We offer a complete package that includes:

• Microsite Completed in 2 Weeks – With done-for-you, professionally written copy tailored to your services.

• CRM to Capture Leads – Keep track of your leads and customer data effortlessly - on desktop or the Mobile App.

• Cloud-Based Business Phone Number – Say goodbye to using your personal number for business and get a dedicated business line.

• 2-Way Communication – Easily manage phone calls, texts, and emails all from one platform.

• Missed Call Text Back - Turn missed calls into instant SMS conversations.

• Review Requests in 2 Clicks – Request feedback from clients quickly and improve your online reputation.

• Quick Start Course to get you comfortable using the system.

All this for just $197/month (Incl. GST, Australian Dollars)

Ready to make your life easier? Get Started Today!