10 Step Guide to starting a new Aussie business, from a designer and fellow small business owner

5 Mar

FROM START-UP TO SUCCESS

“While launching a new business is never a linear process, there are some things you can do to help the process of setting up your new gig feel a lot smoother.”

First of all, let me say congratulations! If you’ve landed here, I’m guessing it’s because you’re getting ready to start your new business.

As someone who has helped a number of businesses get off the ground with branding, websites and more – as well as someone who has started a number of my own – I know this is an exciting time, and also a little (read: a lot) overwhelming.

What business structure should I use? Do I need a website? What’s a domain name? How in the world do I get my name out there?

All valid questions that have probably crossed your mind at some point already (and if they haven’t, they will).

One thing that has always helped me cut through the noise and chaos of launching something new, is a plan. I’ve been in your shoes, and I know it can be hard to know where to start. And while launching a new business is never a linear process, there are some things you can do to help the process of setting up your new gig feel a lot smoother!

With all my small business and design experience in tow, I thought I would share this practical 10 Step Guide on what steps to take and when, to try and help you avoid common mistakes and make the experience of getting your new biz setup as seamless as possible.

1. Speak with a professional

Before you dive into all the fun stuff like logos and websites, talk to an accountant or business advisor.

BORING, I know. But they’ll help you decide on important business foundations including:

The best business structure for you (sole trader, company, partnership)
Whether you need to register for an ABN and/or GST

Getting this right early will save you money, stress and restructuring later.

2. Decide on a name

Choosing your name is definitely one of the more exciting parts of starting a business – but it’s important to be strategic and ensure you have both the access and legal right to use it.

Before you commit to one:

Do some competitor research
Conduct a trademark search
Check if it’s available to be registered with Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
Check if the domain is available for your name
Added tip for social media: check if your name is available as a clean Instagram handle

You’ll want to confirm all of the above before spending any money on registrations. There’s nothing worse than designing a brand around a name you can’t secure legally and online.

3. Apply for an ABN

Once you’ve locked down your business name, now you can really start making some tangible progress.

Whilst an ABN is not strictly required for generating income as a business in Australia, 9 times out of 10 it will be necessary for one reason or another.

You can confirm your individual requirements with your accounting or business expert, and if needed, apply through the Australian Business Register.

4. Register your business name

As of 2023, you are legally required to register your business name in order to trade under that name in Australia (if it is different to your own).

Once you’ve confirmed availability and run a trademark check, you can register your trading name with ASIC, and apply for a trademark if necessary.

5. Purchase your domain name

Now we’re really getting into the fun stuff! I know I’m not the only one who gets a little hit of dopamine when securing a domain for a new business.

While it’s not necessary to complete this step at this stage – and it could even save you money if you wait until you setup your website – I find it’s worth the peace of mind to take the ~$20 hit to your hip pocket and secure your domain name as soon as possible, especially if you’ve already spent the money on registering your business name.

You can search available domains on sites like Squarespace Domains to find one that best matches your business trading name.

Handy hint: I’d recommend choosing a domain name that ends in .com.au or .au to help distinguish you as an Australian business to people visiting from other countries, while helping Aussie customers trust in where you’re operating from.

6. Create your brand (not just a logo)

Operating a business in this day and age is near on impossible to do without digital touchpoints – and those touchpoints are going to require more than just a single logo.

In addition to a logo, your brand encompasses colours, typography, positioning, messaging and so much more – all backed by strategy that works to attract and convert your target audience.

When your branding is done properly from the beginning, everything else – your website, social media, packaging – becomes easier and more cohesive.

This is where working with a professional designer (like me!) can elevate your business from day one. What’s that saying about first impressions?

7. Lights, camera, photography!

Photography plays an important role in building your brand, and it’s going to be essential if you’re planning to promote your business with a website and social media channels.

Stunning visuals not only make your website and content look amazing, they add credibility to your business and build trust with potential customers.

Depending on the type of business you’re starting, you might want to consider:

Product photography
Brand photography
Team headshots

Your trusty iPhone can be a great way to DIY your photography if you’re just starting out, but if you have the budget to invest from the get-go I would highly recommend it – luckily I’m here to help!

8. Build your new home, AKA your website

Once you’ve laid all the legal and branding foundations for your new business, it’s time to give it all a home. Behind your branding, this is the second-most important investment to you can make when setting up a new business.

In my opinion, there’s almost no business that doesn’t benefit from having a website in 2026. The first thing most customers will do if searching for your business, products or services is head on over to Google (or dare I say it, ChatGPT) – and if you don’t have a website, there is a 0% chance they will find you.

Your website should:

Clearly communicate who you are and what you do
Be accessible and easy to navigate
Work seamlessly on all devices, including desktop and mobile
Talk to search engines like Google through appropriate SEO
Support enquiries or sales
Reflect your brand properly
Provide you with valuable data

When it comes to websites, strategy and accessibility matters just as much as design – a poorly designed website could hinder your business more than it helps it – that’s why working with a professional designer (you guessed it, me again!) is so important.

9. Get listed on Google

Whether you’re operating a business online or with a physical shopfront, a free Google Business Listing is a powerful tool to help you reach potential customers through Google search and maps.

This helps with:

Local visibility
Getting reviews
SEO
Building trust

10. Get the word out there

Well, you’ve made it. The very last step in setting up your new business. You’ve created all the foundations for a successful modern business, now it’s time to get the word out about it.

There’s an infinite number of ways to market yourself in 2026. Consistency trumps being present on every single platform or billboard, so it’s important to choose your marketing channels strategically.

These could include:

Social media (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)
Business cards
Custom business email on your domain
Email marketing
Blogging
Pinterest
Paid advertising, such as:
- Social Media Ads
- Google Search & Display Ads
- Traditional Media, e.g. Newspaper or TV Ads
- Sponsore Editorial Content
- Flyer Distribution

Starting a new business in Australia involves more than getting an ABN and opening an Instagram account. The businesses that grow sustainably are the ones built on strong strategic foundations — legally, visually and digitally.

This guide is by no means foolproof (mistakes and setbacks will happen – it’s all part of the process), but I hope it provides a solid starting point you can follow as you embark on this new small biz journey of yours.

If you’re ready to take those first steps and want support with branding, web design, or photography, I’d love to help you build something that not only looks beautiful – but works behind the scenes too. Get in touch with me today to learn more about how I could help bring your business to life.

On that note, go on and get started: you’ve got this!

Take note: any information contained in this article is general in nature and provided as a guide only based on my personal and professional experience. While I’ve made every effort to ensure the information is accurate at the time of publication, you should seek independent legal and professional advice relevant to your individual circumstances before making any business, legal or financial decisions.