Launching a New Business? Here’s What to Do First: A Practical Checklist for Success
Starting a new business is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming. From registering your business to creating a strong online presence, there are a lot of moving parts. At GoClearcut, we help startups and small business owners build their digital HQ the right way from the beginning, with strategic website design, SEO, and ongoing digital support.
Whether you’re still brainstorming your big idea or ready to take the plunge, this guide will walk you through the first essential steps to launching your business, with a focus on getting your brand seen and set up for growth.
The Ultimate New Business Launch Checklist
1. Choose and Register Your Business Name
Your business name should be:
Memorable
Reflective of your brand and offering
Available as a .com.au domain
👉 Tip: Use ASIC’s business name register to check availability and register your business.
2. Secure Your Domain Name and Email Address
The moment your name is locked in, secure the domain name. It’s the foundation of your digital presence.
At GoClearcut, we help you:
Secure your domain name
Set up professional email addresses (e.g. hello@yourbusiness.com.au)
Integrate seamlessly with G-Suite or Microsoft 365
3. Set Up a Business Bank Account
Keep your finances clean and compliant with a dedicated business bank account. This is essential for:
Invoicing
Managing expenses
Bookkeeping and taxes
4. Register for an ABN and Business Structure
Choose the right structure (Sole Trader, Partnership, or Company) and apply for your ABN (Australian Business Number) through the ATO. This is critical for:
Tax purposes
Invoicing
GST registration
5. Create a Strategic Business Plan
A business plan helps clarify your vision, goals, audience, and unique value proposition.
We recommend outlining:
Mission & vision
Ideal customer profile
Marketing strategy
Budget & startup costs
Digital goals (Website, SEO, Social Media)
6. Build Your Website — Your Digital HQ
Your website is your most important marketing tool. It needs to be:
Fast, mobile-optimised, and SEO-ready
Easy for customers to navigate and trust
Scalable as your business grows
👉 GoClearcut specialises in building websites for startups using Squarespace or Shopify that are:
Fully branded
Designed with SEO and user experience in mind
Built to convert
We don’t just build a website — we help you plan for growth.
7. Create Your Brand Identity
Your brand is more than a logo. It includes:
Colours and typography
Voice and messaging
Brand story and positioning
If you're not sure where to start, we can help guide you with logo refinement, messaging, and brand tone, so your business launches with a cohesive identity from day one.
8. Set Up Your Social Media Channels
Socials are key to growing visibility and trust.
Start with the platforms your customers are using:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
TikTok
Google Business Profile (a must for local visibility)
Need help? GoClearcut offers content strategies, post creation, and profile setup.
9. Get Google-Ready
This includes:
Setting up Google Analytics to track website traffic
Creating a Google Business Profile
Connecting your site to Google Search Console
We handle this as part of our setup to ensure your site is indexed and visible.
10. Plan Your Marketing Funnel
Marketing isn’t a one-off — it’s an engine.
From the start, think about:
Lead generation strategies
SEO-driven blogs
Social proof and reviews
Email marketing setup
With GoClearcut, we can help you create the structure and strategy from Day One.
Ready to Launch? Give GoClearcut a go!
Starting a business doesn’t need to be overwhelming. At GoClearcut, we support you at every stage — from strategy and setup to building a high-performance, scalable website that grows with you.
Whether you're launching a brand-new business or finally making your side hustle official, let us help you:
✔️ Secure your digital foundations
✔️ Design and build a beautiful, functional website
✔️ Create a digital marketing strategy that works
📞 Let’s Build Your Digital HQ
Visit www.goclearcut.com.au or book a discovery call today to talk about your business idea, and let’s bring it to life — clearly and confidently.