Think starting a business takes forever? Think again. Whether you’re launching a side hustle or building your dream company, you can lay the groundwork in just 72 hours.
This guide breaks it all down into 25 easy steps—no jargon, no fluff. Just the momentum you need to get moving, fast.
How to Build a Business
Pick a Business Idea
Choose something you genuinely care about that solves a specific problem. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel—just start with something you believe in and can refine as you grow.
Define Your Customer
Think clearly about who you’re serving. What do they want? What problem are they facing? Sum it up in a short description that you can keep referring back to.
Check the Market
Look up similar businesses and offerings—are people paying for this already? If yes, there’s demand. If not, see if there’s a better way you can fill the gap.
Name Your Business
Pick a name that’s short, memorable, and relevant to what you do. Say it out loud—does it sound good? Then check that it’s not already taken.
Buy the Domain
Snag a matching domain as soon as you can from GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains. Prioritize .com, but .co or .io work well too.
Lock Your Social Handles
Secure your name on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn—even if you won’t post yet. This protects your brand and gives you room to grow.
Outline Your Offer
In one clear sentence, explain what you do and why someone should care. Focus on the benefit or transformation your product or service provides.
Set a Simple Price
Choose a reasonable starting price based on your offer and audience. You can always adjust later—what matters is that it’s clear and easy to say.
Make a Logo
Use a free tool like Canva or Looka to create a clean, basic logo. Aim for simplicity—something that looks good small and stands out just enough.
Write a Tagline
Craft a short, catchy phrase that explains what you do or the result you deliver. It should make your business easier to understand at a glance.
Create a 1-Page Website
Use Carrd, Squarespace, or Wix to make a fast site with your offer, pricing, contact info, and a clear call to action. Keep it straightforward and mobile-friendly.
Set Up a Business Email
Use your domain to create a professional email address (like you@yourbiz.com). Services like Google Workspace make this quick and easy.
Open a Business Bank Account
Separate your personal and business finances by setting up a dedicated account. Many online banks let you do this in minutes.
Form an LLC
Register as an LLC to protect yourself legally. It’s usually quick and affordable through your state website or a filing service.
Get an EIN
Apply for a free Employer Identification Number from the IRS. You’ll need it to open bank accounts, pay taxes, and hire contractors.
Draft a Basic Business Plan
Write 1–2 pages explaining what you offer, who it’s for, how you’ll reach them, and your revenue goals. It’s a working plan, not a final one.
Outline Your Sales Funnel
Think about how people will discover you and become paying customers. Map it out: awareness → interest → purchase → follow-up.
Collect Testimonials or Social Proof
Ask for feedback or quotes from people you’ve helped—even friends or early testers. Display them on your site or socials to build trust.
Set Up Payments
Get paid easily with Stripe, PayPal, or Square. Make sure the payment process is quick, easy, and looks trustworthy.
Create a Simple Contract (if needed)
If you offer services, use a contract template to cover expectations and payment terms. It doesn’t need to be fancy—just clear.
Map Out a Week of Content
Plan 5–7 simple posts or emails that share value, tell your story, or explain your offer. Use these to stay visible and consistent.
Tell Your Network
Let friends, family, and contacts know what you’re launching. A simple message or post can lead to unexpected support or referrals.
Reach Out to First Customers
Message 5–10 people directly who could use your product or service. Make it helpful, not salesy—focus on how you can solve their problem.
Set a 30-Day Goal
Choose one measurable goal to aim for this month (like 10 sales or 100 email signups). Use it to stay focused and track progress.
Keep It Moving
You’ve launched—now keep showing up, sharing, learning, and improving. Progress beats perfection, and momentum will carry you forward.
Additional Tips and Tricks for Business Success
How to Keep Costs Low
Staying frugal in the early days is key to long-term success—these tips help you avoid common financial pitfalls while making every dollar count.
- Track recurring expenses diligently: Set up a simple financial calendar to remind you of all monthly subscriptions and maintenance fees so you never face an unexpected bill.
- Monitor every small purchase: Use a free budgeting tool or spreadsheet to record even minor costs, ensuring that no expense escapes your notice.
- Set realistic revenue expectations: Base your budget on conservative income forecasts and include a buffer for unexpected expenses, reducing stress during slow periods.
- Leverage free and low-cost tools: Take advantage of free software trials and platforms like Trello, Canva, and Wave before investing in paid versions.
- Outsource selectively: Hire freelancers for specialized tasks instead of committing to full-time salaries, so you pay only for what you need.
- Opt for a virtual business address: Enhance your professional image without the high overhead of leasing physical office space.
- Stick to a strict marketing budget: Begin with organic social media and content strategies, testing paid ads only after you’ve identified what drives results.
Equip Your Business Toolkit
Building the right toolkit can streamline your processes and boost productivity without breaking the bank—here are essential tools to run your business smoothly.
- Use a virtual mailbox service: Manage your business mail online to maintain privacy and professionalism, all at a low monthly cost.
- Adopt communication platforms: Utilize apps like Slack or Microsoft Teams to keep your team connected and collaborate in real time, regardless of location.
- Set up a dedicated workspace: Create a productive environment at home or in a shared space with reliable Wi-Fi, ergonomic furniture, and good lighting to boost efficiency.
- Invest in accounting software: Use cost-effective options like Wave or QuickBooks to accurately track income, expenses, and cash flow without the need for a full-time accountant.
- Leverage digital marketing tools: Platforms like Mailchimp and Hootsuite allow you to craft campaigns and schedule posts affordably, ensuring your message reaches the right audience.
- Implement project management solutions: Tools such as Trello, Asana, or Notion help organize tasks, set priorities, and track progress on multiple projects from one central hub.
- Protect your data and devices: Install reliable cybersecurity software and set up regular cloud backups to safeguard your digital assets and maintain business continuity.
And You’re Off—Now Let’s Keep the Ball Rolling!
Congrats! You’ve just launched your business in 72 hours. While there’s still plenty to do, you’ve taken the most important step: getting started. Keep in mind that success doesn’t happen overnight, but consistency, learning from your mistakes, and staying flexible will keep you moving forward.
As you grow, don’t forget to revisit your goals, track your progress, and stay connected with your customers. Focus on building a business that not only survives but thrives. Remember, the best time to start was yesterday, but the second-best time is right now. Keep the momentum going—after all, the world is waiting for what you have to offer!
