Starting a new business is exciting and a chance to gain independence, follow your passion, and build something of your own! Whether it’s a side hustle expansion or a full-time leap into entrepreneurship, planning is key to long-term success.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to getting your new business started the right way in Australia.
Create a Focused Business and Marketing Plan
Even if you start with a 1 pager, mapping out a business plan and a separate marketing plan will help you set achievable goals.
- Who are your primary customers, and how will you reach them?
- Who are your competitors, and what differentiates you from them?
- What are your financial targets?
- What is your work capacity and resources – what people, skills and software can support you and your work structures to improve time and efficiency?
- How will you market your business, and how much budget can you allocate to promoting your new business?
Considering competitors, analyzing business metrics, and client retention strategies are key!
Choose the Right Business Structure
Your structure affects taxes, liability, and operations. In Australia, the main options include:
- Sole Trader – Simplest structure, operating under your name or a business name.
- Partnership – Two or more people share responsibility.
- Company – A separate legal entity with more compliance obligations.
- Trust – Assets held by a trustee for the benefit of beneficiaries.
If you need help determining which business structure is right for you, consider consulting a professional or visiting the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) for more guidance.
Choose a Business Name and Check its Availability
- Australian businesses need to choose a business name if they are not using their name as the trading name.
- It’s an essential decision because the business name is how customers will recognize it across various platforms.
- Owners can choose to register their business for 1 or 3 years, and this provides national coverage, meaning you don’t need to register a business in each state.
- Registration fees are applicable.
Tip: Checking if a matching domain name is available before selecting a business name is highly recommended, as having both match can save future headaches associated with compliance rules for .com.au domains.
If you are looking for inspiration to create your new business or product name, explore unique and available ideas and domain names using our AI name generator!
Register Your Business Name and Get Your ABN
- If you operate under a business name other than your own, you must register it with ASIC, which can be done through the Business Registration Service (BRS).
- You’ll need an Australian Business Number (ABN), an 11-digit number that distinguishes your business from others, helping to avoid confusion and establish a professional image.
- Having an ABN enables your business to operate within the GST system, allowing you to collect GST on sales and claim GST credits on purchases.
- You may want to appoint directors and officeholders and obtain written consent from individuals who agree to serve in these roles, usually in the form of an employment contract.
- Directors must be at least 18 years old, and the business owner(s) will also need to pay the initial registration fee and obtain an ABN regardless of the business structure.
Check for Licences & Ongoing Obligations
Depending on your industry (e.g., hospitality, construction, healthcare), you may need specific licenses or permits.
You’ll also need to:
- Maintain accurate records
- Renew registrations
- Pay annual fees
- Comply with employee and tax regulations
Help.com recommends consulting with a lawyer or accountant to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Choose your Ideal Domain Name and Web Hosting Plan
It may seem like a lot of paperwork and administration to get your business registered and official, but the process is usually straightforward and much of it can be achieved online.
The next step is to choose your website domain name, which, depending on availability, can be the same as your business name or, if not available, a similar name or a shortened version of your registered business name.
For tips on choosing the ideal domain name and securely registering it, check out our blog How to Register Your Domain and Choose the Best Web Hosting Service for Small Businesses.
Help.com’s three web hosting plans are designed to suit a wide range of business needs. From students to medium-sized business owners, we have you covered!
Build your Brand & Market Your Business
Coming soon: Help.com’s instant website builder, perfect for new ventures that want to get online quickly.
It’s essential to plan your digital marketing and branding strategies to establish trust with your customers. Brand storytelling is a great way to connect, share your vision and journey, and set up your new venture.
Once your website is live, focus on branding and marketing:
- Share your story to connect with customers.
- Start creating content (blogs, social media, video).
- Host a virtual or in-person launch event.
- Set up your social profiles and register for Google Business.
Help.com is here to support your journey. From domain names to web hosting and our upcoming website builder, your future business is just a few clicks away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What business structures are available in Australia?
There are four primary business structures in Australia. A sole trader is the simplest structure, allowing business owners to trade under their name or a business name. A partnership requires two or more individuals who share responsibility for the business. A company is a separate legal entity with additional compliance obligations, while a trust involves assets held by a trustee for the benefit of its beneficiaries.
What web hosting plans does Help.com offer?
Help.com offers three primary web hosting plans to support your website domain. Our student plan is ideal for students, hobbyists or start-ups requiring an initial smaller website functionality. Our sole trader plan is ideal for start-ups or small businesses with up to ten staff members. Our small to medium-sized business plan is ideal for growing businesses with up to 50 staff, or those requiring higher functionality, such as e-commerce and multiple domains. Each web hosting plan comes with email accounts, web hosting guarantees, security features, and super-fast loading speeds.
Why is having a website essential for new start-up businesses?
Having a website is essential for new start-up businesses because it serves as your digital storefront—available 24/7 to customers, partners, and investors. In today’s online-driven world, potential clients will often look up your business online before making a purchase or inquiry.
A professional website enables you to showcase your products or services, communicate your brand values, and provide essential information such as your location, contact details, and business hours. It also supports marketing efforts by acting as a hub for your digital campaigns, blog content, and social media activity.
Even a simple, well-structured website can help you appear in search results, collect leads, and build trust with customers, so for startups, it’s not just a good idea—it’s a foundational step toward long-term visibility, growth, and success.
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