You Do Not Need to Do
Everything at Once.
Everything at Once.
This is a progression — not a race.
We start with just one action, the one that creates the big impact. Lean into this by doing one thing at a time — and watch how it builds.
These Are the Bones of Business Setup
Level 1
Claim Your Brand
Preparation + Ownership
Level 2
Make It Official
Business + Legal Protection
Level 1
Claim Your Brand
Preparation + Ownership
- ✓ You've decided to go from hobby to calling.
- ✓ You want to build a handmade business.
- ✓ You want to secure your digital real estate before someone else does.
Your Level 1 Steps
Step 01
Check Your Name Availability
Before you fall in love with a brand name, make sure no one else owns it. Check availability across domains, social handles, and trademark databases in one place.
Check Name Availability →Step 02
Secure Your Domain
Your domain is your home address on the internet. Get YourBrandName.com before someone else does. This is non-negotiable for a scalable business.
Buy Your Domain →Step 03
Secure at Least 1 Professional Email
A branded email instantly builds trust. [email protected] looks professional and gives buyers and brands confidence that you're the real deal. We recommend using your domain provider.
Get Your Branded Email →Step 04
Secure Social Media Handles
Claim handles that match as close to your brand name as possible — across TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Threads. Even if you're not active everywhere yet, claim your name now.
TikTok
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Pinterest
Threads
Level 2
Make It Official
Legitimacy + Legal Protection
- ✓ Level 1 is done — your brand name is claimed and protected.
- ✓ You're ready to separate your business from your personal life.
- ✓ You want legal protection and to look official to customers, brands, and banks.
Tap each category to expand
Category 01
Business Structure
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Business Entity (LLC or Sole Prop)
An LLC separates your personal assets from your business. If someone sues your business, they cannot come after your personal bank account or home. A sole proprietorship is simpler but gives you zero separation. Most craftpreneurs should aim for an LLC.
Priority: High
EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Your EIN is your business's Social Security number. You need it to open a business bank account, file taxes as a business, and work with wholesale suppliers or platforms that require a tax ID. Get it free at IRS.gov in about 10 minutes.
Priority: High
Business Bank Account
Never mix personal and business money. A dedicated account makes taxes cleaner, shows professionalism to brands and banks, and helps you see your actual profit clearly. Most banks require your EIN and LLC paperwork to open one.
Priority: High
Business Credit Card
A business credit card tracks expenses automatically, builds business credit separate from personal, and often comes with cashback on business purchases. Start building your business credit score from day one.
Priority: When ready
Category 02
Legal Protection
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Trademark Your Brand Name + Logo
A trademark gives you the exclusive legal right to use your brand name and logo in your industry. Without it, anyone can copy your name and you have limited recourse. File through USPTO.gov or hire a trademark attorney. Priority once you have traction.
Priority: Once you have traction
Written Contracts
Any time you collaborate, take on custom orders, or work with another brand, you need a written agreement. Handshake deals go wrong. Contracts protect both parties and set expectations on payment, delivery, and intellectual property ownership.
Priority: Before any collaboration
Website Terms, Conditions + Privacy Policy
If your website collects any data including email addresses, you are legally required to have a Privacy Policy in most states and countries. Terms and Conditions set the rules for how customers interact with your business. Use a generator or hire an attorney.
Priority: Before launching your site
Copyright Your Original Work
Your original designs, photos, and content are automatically copyrighted when you create them, but registering with the U.S. Copyright Office gives you stronger legal standing if someone steals your work. Register through copyright.gov.
Priority: For your signature work
Category 03
Financial Foundation
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Accounting System
Track every dollar in and out from day one. Tools like Wave (free), QuickBooks, or even a simple spreadsheet are better than nothing. Clean books mean less stress at tax time and a clear picture of what your business actually makes.
Priority: Day one
Sales Tax Registration
If your state has a sales tax and you sell physical products, you may be required to collect and remit sales tax. Requirements vary by state. Note: Etsy collects marketplace-facilitated tax in most states, which simplifies this for Etsy sellers.
Priority: Before first sale
Quarterly Estimated Taxes
As a business owner you pay your own taxes quarterly, not just in April. Set aside 25 to 30% of every payment you receive and submit estimated taxes each quarter to the IRS to avoid penalties at year end.
Priority: As soon as you earn income
Category 04
Insurance
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Important for Handmade Sellers
Your homeowner's or renter's insurance does NOT cover your business activity. If a customer claims your product harmed them, or your supplies are stolen, you could be completely on your own without proper business insurance.
General Liability Insurance
Covers claims that your business caused bodily injury or property damage to someone else. If a customer slips at your booth or claims your candle damaged their home, general liability covers you. Most craft fairs now REQUIRE this to participate.
Priority: Before your first market
Product Liability Insurance
Covers claims that a product you made or sold caused harm. Critical for handmade sellers, especially candles, soaps, food items, children's products, and anything applied to skin. Often bundled with general liability for handmade businesses.
Priority: High for physical product sellers
Home-Based Business Insurance
If you operate from home, add a home-based business endorsement to your existing policy or get a separate in-home business policy. This covers your business equipment, supplies, and inventory if damaged, stolen, or destroyed.
Priority: If working from home
Intellectual Property Insurance
Covers legal costs if someone claims you infringed their trademark or copyright, or if you need to defend your own IP against copycats. Most relevant once you have a registered trademark and a recognizable brand identity.
Priority: Once you have a trademark
Level 1 Checklist
The Foundation
If you have these, you have a brand.
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✓Name availability checked
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✓.com domain purchased
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✓Professional email set up
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✓Website builder selected
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✓Social media handles claimed and aligned