How To Start A Business in 30 Days

An overview and quick start guide for starting a business in 30 days

Ever dreamt of being your own boss? There’s no better time than now to make that dream a reality. Believe it or not, you can start a business fast – in just 30 days.

We’ve put together a step-by-step guide to take you from aspiring entrepreneur to business owner in just a month.

Table of Contents

• Finding a Solid Business Idea
• Day 1-7: Market Research and Business Planning
• Day 8-14: Business Registration and Legalities
• Day 15-22: Setting Up Your Workspace
• Day 23-30: Launch and Marketing
• After the 30 Days: Evaluation and Next Steps

Finding a Solid Business Idea That You Can Start In 30 Days

The first step in your journey to start a business fast is to pin down a solid business idea. A compelling idea isn’t just a product or service you’re passionate about—it’s a solution to a problem or need that exists in the market. Identifying this requires self-reflection on your interests and strengths, as well as a keen eye for opportunities. 

You’ll Need To Choose Something That is Achievable In A Short 30 Day Time Frame

Not every business can be started in 30 days. If you’re launching a new physical product, like a new stereo, or countertop appliance – it will probably take a lot longer to design, source and develop a physical product.

But many many business such as online businesses and service-based businesses can easily be started very quickly.

Check out our post on How to Find a Solid Business Idea for more information and ideas.

If you have a potential business idea, try using our free Business Idea Evaluation quiz for a more comprehensive guide.

Day 1-7: Market Research and Business Planning

Once you have your idea, it’s “go time” 🙂

The first week of your 30-day plan should focus on market research and business planning. Market research involves identifying your target customers, understanding their needs and behaviors, and analyzing your competition.

The data you gather will inform your business plan, which outlines your business goals, the strategies you’ll use to achieve them, and your financial projections. Need help conducting market research on a budget? We’ve got you covered in our market research guide.

Day 8-14: Business Registration and Legalities

With a robust business plan in place, your second week should focus on getting your business off the ground legally. This includes registering your business name, obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and setting up your tax information. Don’t forget to decide on your business structure: will you be a sole proprietor, or do you plan to start an LLC or a corporation? Legalities might not be the most exciting part of starting a business, but they’re crucial for avoiding headaches later on. Our guide on What a Small Business Needs to Start can help you navigate this phase.

Day 15-22: Setting Up Your Workspace

By week three, it’s time to set up your workspace and prepare for operations. If you’re starting a home-based business, this might mean organizing a home office. If your business requires a physical location, you’ll need to secure a site. Additionally, you’ll need to gather all necessary supplies and equipment, set up your business phone and internet, and prepare your inventory if applicable.

For online businesses, setting up your workspace also means setting up your website and online presence. Need to choose a platform for your website? Check out our post on Wix vs Shopify vs Squarespace vs WordPress.

Day 23-30: Launch and Marketing

Finally, in the last week of your 30-day journey, it’s time to launch your business and start marketing. Create a launch plan to generate buzz and attract your first customers. Start selling through your chosen channels, whether it’s an e-commerce website like Shopify, Squarespace, or even Wix. After your website is up and running, it’s time to market your business. Use social media platforms, email marketing, and SEO to reach your target audience. Remember, marketing is not a one-time task but a continuous process. Check out our online marketing basics guide to get started.

After the 30 Days: Evaluation and Next Steps

Congratulations! You’ve successfully started a business in 30 days. But the journey doesn’t end here. After launching, it’s important to evaluate your business performance regularly and make necessary adjustments.

Give your business some time to grow

You’ll need to give it some time, and continue to look for ways to improve and adapt your efforts.

Continue marketing your business, seek customer feedback, and keep an eye on your competitors. The road to success is a continuous journey of learning, adapting, and growing. Need to avoid common pitfalls? We’ve got you covered in our post on Top Mistakes New Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them.

Starting a business fast might seem difficult – and it sort of is – BUT, with the right approach and resources, it’s completely achievable.

Remember, the aim is to start small, learn fast, and scale. You’re now equipped with a 30-day plan to kickstart your business journey. Good luck new business owners!