Starting Smart: Tips for Starting a Small Business with Success (With a Little Help from ExFed Tax)

Starting a business is exciting—but let’s not sugarcoat it—it can also be overwhelming. Between branding, bookkeeping, and building your online presence, it’s easy to overlook key details that could cost you down the line. Whether you’re launching a side hustle or diving full-time into your dream, here are essential tips for building a strong foundation:

Tip #1 - Start with Strategy

Before spending a dime, clarify your business model:Who is your customer? What problem are you solving? How will you make money?Having a clear plan helps you avoid shiny-object syndrome and stay focused. In starting ExFed Tax, I had a lot of shiny-object near misses. With different vendors showing you how "exclusive" or how "innovative with AI" - remember to start with the bare minimum of what you need. There are user-friendly options which are no to low cost to you. Our experts can help you navigate those options and create a substainable, low to no cost for continued operations.

Tip #2 - Build a Strong Social Media Presence

Social media is free marketing—treat it like the storefront of your business. You don’t need to be everywhere—just show up where your audience hangs out.

• Post consistently and authentically.

• Use free tools like Canva to create branded graphics.

• Engage with comments, DMs, and local hashtags.

You can start building your base with your "warm-market." Those are the folks you already know personally and may provide a started base of clients or customers in the future. Utilize key services like branding templates, trademarks, and personalized URLs to ensure professional vibes. The last thing you want is a crazy page name like:

www.freeURLs.com/my-new-business-page-promise-its-not-a-scam

Also think about how you can attract new folks to your site then adding services overtime to tailor to your market niche.

Tip #3 - Nail Your SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Want to show up when someone Googles your service? Then SEO matters.

• Include keywords your audience actually searches for (think “best dog groomer in Houston” not “canine hygiene professional”).

• Write blog posts, FAQs, and service pages that answer real questions.

• Optimize your Google Business Profile—photos, hours, and all.

Tip #4 - Handle Taxes from Day One

One of the biggest mistakes new business owners make? Waiting too long to bring in a tax professional. That’s where we come in.

From choosing the right business structure (LLC? S-corp? Something else?) to tracking deductible expenses and avoiding penalties, the earlier you get professional tax help, the fewer headaches you’ll have during tax season.

I will share a real life example. I was providing some consulting a few years ago (free of charge - WHAT?!). These friends described having a "side hustle" on Etsy and got an IRS Form 1099-K. They insisted they weren't making real money, but what were they supposed to be doing? Turns out - they hadn't been collecting sales tax on purchases, didn't know how to do it, hadn't registered with the State to remit any sales-tax - let's just say this was a fiasco with penalties, interest, a nice sales tax auditor visit. Also, this not real money turned into a large tax debt with a nice payment plan. I mean - learn from this story. Don't be this story. Please

Tip #5 - Hire an accountant —Seriously (see above)

DIY bookkeeping may seem like a money-saver… until you miss a filing deadline, forget to separate personal and business expenses, or trigger an audit. A trusted accountant will:

• Set up your books properly

• Help with estimated taxes and payroll

• Maximize deductions and credits

• Keep you compliant as you grow

  
  

👉 Pro tip: Partner with former IRS pros who know the system inside and out (keep reading for our pick 👇).

Need Help? We Were the IRS. Now We Work for You.

At ExFed Tax, we’re a team of former IRS professionals with over 50 years of combined experience in tax compliance, business planning, and controversy resolution. We help small businesses:

• Choose the right structure

• Stay tax compliant

• Plan for growth

• Avoid costly mistakes

  
  

Your dream deserves a strong start. Let us help you build it the right way.

📅 Schedule a consultation today at ExFedTax.com