Starting A Business? The Top Online Resources To Help You Get Started

How much is an hour of your time worth? Eighty-six percent of small business owners said an hour of their time is worth $50, according to a recent Google study—and 12 percent said it's worth a whopping $500. With that kind of value on time, it makes sense to use the best online resources when starting your own business. We've got the top tools that help you manage everything that needs to be done in the startup phase.

Domain Registration & Web Hosting

You will need to register your domain name and find a dependable Web host. GoDaddy is one of the most popular choices, and there are others, too. Whichever registrar and hosting service you go with, make sure it provides tools for website enhancements as well as secure e-commerce functions. GoDaddy offers dozens of helpful tools, such as a quick website builder and custom email addresses. Taking ownership of your custom domain name is a satisfying step in the right direction.

Content Management System

A content management systems (CMS) keeps track of all the sections of your website's content. This software is designed to catalog such data as photos, documents, text and videos, so you don’t have to. Joomla offers a free CMS that keeps track of all your important website information. The service offers users extensive options and a variety of ideas for website functionality.

Business Formation

To get a feel for the type of business formation you would like to pursue, visit LegalZoom. This site assists new business owners in determining the right type of of business they should create, such as LLC, C Corporation or S Corporation, and guides you through the legal process.

Data Backup & Security

Data protection is essential to business safety, and this could be the most important phase of building a company. Lost files can critically harm any business, no matter how small. More than monetary loss, reputation is at stake when financial records or personal information is lost. MozyEnterprise is one of the most trusted names in data backup and protection. Offering daily, weekly or monthly scheduled backups, Mozy eases the mind of business owners looking to concentrate on company growth rather than continuous manual backup. This cloud-based service also offers file sync and mobile access.

Logo Design

Branding is a key element to the success of your marketing efforts, and the first thing you'll need when developing a branding strategy is a logo. LogoGarden is a do-it-yourself logo design service offering logo designs for new and small business owners. They also provide customers an option to purchase marketing materials (such as business cards, T-shirts and coffee mugs) with the company logo.

Though you might be eager to roll up your sleeves and jump right in to the new business of your dreams, it is imperative that you find as many resources as possible to help create and keep your dreams alive. Business ownership can be a fulfilling, rewarding career, so know precisely what your options are.