The Ultimate Checklist for Starting a Business (Don’t Forget a Memorable Phone Number!)

Starting a business is exciting—but it’s also overwhelming. There are a hundred details to think about, and missing just one can slow down your launch. That’s why having a simple checklist can make all the difference.

At RingBoost, we know that success isn’t just about having a great product or service—it’s about making sure people can find you, remember you, and contact you easily. A memorable phone number plays a big role in that.

This checklist will walk you through the essential steps of starting your business, from legal basics to marketing tools—ending with the one step too many entrepreneurs forget: securing a phone number that sticks in your customer’s mind.

1. Clarify Your Business Idea

Before filing any paperwork or building a website, you need clarity on what you’re offering. Ask yourself:

• What problem am I solving?
• Who is my ideal customer?
• How will I stand out from competitors?

Writing down your answers will make every other step easier, from branding to marketing.

2. Write a Business Plan

A business plan is your roadmap. Even if you’re starting small, it keeps you focused. At minimum, your plan should include:

• Executive summary: What your business does and why it matters.
• Market research: Who you’ll serve and how big the opportunity is.
• Products/services: Clear descriptions of what you’re selling.
• Marketing and sales strategy: How you’ll attract and keep customers.
• Financials: Budget, pricing, and projections.

It doesn’t need to be fancy—but it needs to be clear.

3. Choose a Business Structure

Your structure determines how you’ll be taxed and what legal protections you’ll have. Common options:

• Sole proprietorship: Easiest to start, but no liability protection.
• LLC (Limited Liability Company): Flexible and offers liability protection.
• Corporation: Best for raising money from investors but more paperwork.

Talk with an accountant or attorney to decide what’s right for you.

4. Register Your Business and Get Licenses

Once you know your structure, you’ll need to:

• Register your business name.
• Get a federal EIN (Employer Identification Number).
• Apply for state or local business licenses.

Skipping this step can lead to fines and headaches later.

5. Open a Business Bank Account

Never mix business and personal finances. A dedicated bank account:

• Makes bookkeeping easier.
• Builds credibility.
• Protects your personal assets.

Most banks also offer small-business credit cards, which can help establish your credit profile.

6. Set Up Your Branding

Branding is more than a logo—it’s how people perceive your business. Key steps include:

• Choosing a name that’s unique and easy to spell.
• Designing a logo and consistent visuals (colors, fonts).
• Defining your brand voice (friendly, professional, playful, etc.).

Your branding should make you memorable—and trustworthy.

7. Build Your Online Presence

Today’s customers expect to find you online. Make sure you have:

• A professional website: Simple, mobile-friendly, and clear.
• Social media accounts: Start with 1–2 platforms your customers use.
• Google Business Profile: Crucial for local search visibility.

Remember: your website doesn’t need to be complex. Focus on clarity, easy navigation, and how people can contact you.

8. Set Up Communication Channels

Here’s where many new business owners stumble. Customers want multiple ways to reach you:

• Email: A professional address (not Gmail or Yahoo).
• Chat or messaging: If relevant to your industry.
• Phone number: This one is critical.

A phone call is still the fastest way to build trust. But not all numbers are created equal—let’s dive deeper.

9. Get a Memorable Phone Number (Your Secret Marketing Weapon)

Here’s the step too many entrepreneurs overlook. You wouldn’t launch without a website or logo—so don’t launch with a forgettable phone number.

A toll-free number (like 1-800-MOVE-NOW) or a memorable local number makes it easy for people to call you, remember you, and recommend you.

Benefits of a memorable number:

• Brand recall: Customers remember you faster.
• More calls = more sales: Studies show numbers that are easy to recall get more inbound calls.
• Local credibility: A local number helps you look part of the community.
• Scalability: You can route calls to any phone, even as you grow.

At RingBoost, we make it simple. You pick the number that fits your brand, we help you set it up, and you can start using it right away.

👉 Imagine two roofing companies advertising on a billboard:

• One lists (914) 842-1289.
• The other lists 914-ROOF-NOW.

Which one are you more likely to call—or remember tomorrow?

Exactly.

10. Establish Marketing and Sales Channels

Once your foundation is in place, it’s time to attract customers. Checklist items:

• Website SEO: Optimize for keywords your customers search.
• Paid ads: Google Ads, Facebook, or Instagram depending on your market.
• Networking: Build partnerships and attend events.
• Referrals: Encourage happy customers to spread the word.

Pro tip: Put your memorable phone number on everything—business cards, ads, website, vehicle wraps, and even your email signature.

11. Set Up Accounting and Bookkeeping

Money management is where many businesses stumble. Make sure you:

• Use accounting software (QuickBooks, Wave, or FreshBooks).
• Track expenses and income from day one.
• Set aside money for taxes.

Even if you hire a bookkeeper later, you’ll thank yourself for starting organized.

12. Build Customer Experience Systems

Customer service isn’t just answering the phone—it’s creating a system so every customer feels valued. Consider:

• Setting up a CRM (customer relationship management) tool.
• Training staff (or yourself) on handling calls and emails.
• Having follow-up processes after a sale.

And yes—having a phone number that people enjoy calling is part of this experience.

13. Protect Your Business

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Safeguard your business with:

• Business insurance (general liability, property, etc.).
• Contracts for clients and vendors.
• Data security measures if you handle customer information.

14. Stay Flexible and Keep Learning

Launching your business isn’t the finish line—it’s the starting line. Be prepared to adjust your offerings, pricing, and marketing as you learn more about your customers.

The best businesses evolve, and your communication tools (including your phone number) should evolve with you.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Skip the Phone Number

Starting a business involves dozens of steps, but the little details often separate the businesses that thrive from the ones that struggle.

A website is expected. A logo is obvious. But a memorable phone number? That’s the difference between being just another business and being the one people actually call.

At RingBoost, we specialize in helping entrepreneurs and business in all industries like you stand out. Whether you need a toll-free vanity number or a local number that makes your brand unforgettable, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to make your new business memorable? Contact us today at RingBoost.com and cross this vital step off your startup checklist.