Just registered a company? Your first-month online checklist

Registering a company takes minutes. Getting it properly set up online takes a little longer, but most of it is quick, cheap and only needs doing once. Here is the list we give to new businesses.

1. Buy your domain name

Get a .co.uk that matches your business name, and the .uk version too if it is free. Make sure it is registered in your name or your company's name, not your web designer's. It costs around £10 a year.

2. Set up a business email address

An address like hello@yourbusiness.co.uk looks far more professional than a Gmail or Hotmail account, and it is cheap to set up. Use one address for the public and keep your own for logins and accounts.

3. Create your Google Business Profile

It is free, and it is how you appear on Google Maps. If you visit customers rather than having premises, you can hide your address. We have a step-by-step guide.

4. Get a website live, even a simple one

A single page with what you do, where you work and how to contact you is far better than nothing. People check you exist before they ring. You can build it out properly later.

5. Put your company details on it

UK limited companies have to show certain details on their website, including the registered company name, company number, where it is registered and the registered office address. Put them on your emails and invoices too.

6. Grab your social media names

Even if you do not plan to post much, claim your business name on the platforms your customers use, so nobody else takes it.

7. Check whether you need to pay the ICO

Most businesses that hold customer details need to pay a small annual data protection fee to the Information Commissioner's Office. The ICO website has a quick self-assessment to tell you if you do.

8. Add a privacy notice

If your website or emails collect people's details, you need a short notice explaining what you keep and why. It does not need to be long or full of legal language.

9. Tell Google your site exists

Set up Google Search Console and submit your sitemap. It is free and helps Google find your pages sooner.

10. Ask your first customers for reviews

The first few reviews are the hardest to get and make the biggest difference. Ask every happy customer, every time.

Your accountant will cover the tax side, such as registering for Corporation Tax. If you would like the online side handled for you, our Starter package covers the website, your Google Business Profile and the basics above.

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