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Be the Boss!
Start Something New!
Virginia's most comprehensive startup guide helping entrepreneurs launch successful businesses through strategic branding, professional website design, marketing, advertising, and expert business resources.
Get your complementary startup checklist
Follow this step-by-step process to Start Something New and let your entrepreneurial spirit soar!
1. Start with the Business Idea
Define Your Business
Before filing paperwork, answer these questions:
- What problem does your business solve?
- Who is your ideal customer?
- What products or services will you offer?
- How will you make money?
- What makes you different from competitors?
Create a Simple Business Plan
Include:
- Business description
- Target audience
- Pricing strategy
- Startup costs
- Revenue projections (be realistic and optimistic)
- Marketing plan
2.
Choose a Business Name
Brainstorm a Unique Name
Your business name should be:
- Easy to remember
- Easy to spell
- Relevant to your services
- Available as a domain name
Verify Name Availability
Check:
- Virginia business registry
- Domain name availability (try Namecheap.com, Godaddy, Squarespace or other domain providers
- Social media username availability
- Trademark conflicts
Secure Your Digital Assets
Register:
- .com domain
- Facebook page
- Instagram profile
- LinkedIn page
- YouTube channel
- TikTok account
3.
Choose a Legal Business Structure
Common Virginia business structures include:
1
Sole Proprietorship
- Simplest option
- No liability protection
2
LLC (Most Popular)
- Personal liability protection
- Flexible taxation
- Easier administration
3
Corporation
- Best for larger growth plans
- More complex compliance requirements
4
Partnership
- Multiple owners
- Shared responsibilities and liabilities
Consult an attorney or accountant to determine the best structure for your situation.
4.
Register Your Business in Virginia
File Your Business Formation
Depending on your business type, register with the Virginia State Corporation Commission.
Obtain Required Licenses
Depending on your industry, you may need:
- Local business licenses
- Professional licenses
- Contractor licensing
- Health permits
- Food service permits
5.
Apply for an EIN
Obtain a Federal Tax ID Number
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is often required for:
- Opening business bank accounts
- Hiring employees
- Filing taxes
- Establishing business credit
6.
Open a Business Bank Account
Separate business and personal finances.
Prepare:
- EIN
- Business registration documents
- Operating agreement (for LLCs)
Benefits include:
- Easier bookkeeping
- Professional appearance
- Simplified tax filing
7.
Set Up Accounting & Taxes
Establish Financial Systems
Consider:
- Accounting software
- Expense tracking
- Payroll systems
- Sales tax collection
Work With a CPA
A qualified accountant can help:
- Maximize deductions
- Avoid tax issues
- Set up proper bookkeeping
8.
Obtain Business Insurance
Common policies include:
- General liability
- Professional liability
- Commercial auto
- Workers' compensation
- Cybersecurity coverage
Insurance protects your business from unexpected losses.
9. Build Your Brand
Create a Professional Identity
Every startup should have:
- Company name
- Logo
- Brand colors
- Typography
- Brand voice
- Tagline
Develop Brand Guidelines
Consistency builds trust and recognition.
10.
Build Your Website
Your Website Is Your Digital Storefront
A professional website should include:
- Home page
- About page
- Services page
- Contact page
- Lead forms
- Testimonials
- Portfolio/gallery
- Mobile-friendly design
Essential Features
- SSL security
- Fast loading speed
- Search engine optimization
- Google Analytics
- Call-to-action buttons
| Rank | Agency | Best Known For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Martin Agency | International creative powerhouse; clients have included GEICO, UPS, Oreo, Old Navy, and major national brands. Widely considered Richmond's premier advertising agency. |
| 2 | River City Advertising | A Richmond staple offering full-service branding, website design, SEO, social media, graphic design and digital advertising focused on small and midsize businesses. |
| 3 | 93 Octane | Healthcare marketing, branding, web development, and advertising. |
| 4 | Burford Advertising | One of Richmond's longest-established agencies specializing in media buying and branding. |
| 5 | TrailHead Creative | Brand strategy, storytelling, video production, nonprofit and tourism marketing. |
11.
Set Up Google Business Profile
Create and verify your profile with Google Business Profile.
Benefits include:
- Local search visibility
- Google Maps listings
- Customer reviews
- Increased credibility
12.
Establish Social Media Presence
13.
Create Marketing Materials
Every startup should have:
- Business cards
- Email signature
- Brochures
- Sales sheets
- Presentation templates
- Vehicle graphics (if applicable)
14.
Build a Lead Generation System
Many startups launch a website and expect customers to appear automatically.
Successful businesses actively generate traffic through:
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Local keyword targeting
- Content creation
- Technical optimization
Google Ads
- Immediate visibility
- Lead generation
Social Media Advertising
- Audience targeting
- Brand awareness
Email Marketing
- Customer nurturing
- Promotions and updates
Networking
- Chamber memberships
- Business associations
- Community involvement
- BNI
- 212
- Synapse
- Richmond Chamber of Commerce
Resources & Recommended Experts
River City Advertising (Social Media Advertising, Email marketing)
15.
Get Your First Customers
Leverage Your Existing Network
Reach out to:
- Friends
- Family
- Former coworkers
- Industry contacts
Build Your Contact List Early
Add your clients and your networking partners to your mailing list. Always be sure to ask if it's OK to opt-in.
Collect Reviews Early
Positive reviews create trust and improve local search rankings.
Ask for Referrals
Referrals often become the highest-converting leads.
Listen to this River City Podcast to learn more about networking and making every connection count.
16.
Build Credibility
Customers want proof before they buy.
Add to your website and marketing:
- Customer testimonials
- Case studies
- Before-and-after examples
- Certifications
- Awards
- Professional memberships
17.
Create Ongoing Growth Systems
A business is never truly "finished."
Successful companies continually:
- Update their website
- Publish content
- Improve SEO
- Run advertising campaigns
- Collect reviews
- Analyze performance metrics
- Refine their branding
Ready to Start Something New?
River City Advertising helps Virginia startups launch with confidence by providing professional brand management, website design, on-site SEO, social media design, advertising, and ongoing marketing support—all under one roof.
