Starting a business is exciting — but the setup steps (and costs) add up fast if you don’t plan for them.
This checklist covers the essentials: legal, money, email, website, branding, signage, and insurance — without getting overwhelming.
1. Register Your Business Properly
Apply for an ABN
You’ll need an Australian Business Number to invoice clients and trade.
Cost: Free (when applying directly via the Government).
Register your business name
If you’re trading under a name that isn’t your personal legal name, register it.
Cost (approx.): Link
- 1 year: $39
- 3 years: $92
Optional: Register for GST
If you expect to earn over $75,000 per year, you must register for GST.
Cost: Free (but bookkeeping needs to be accurate).
2. Set Up a Professional Email Address
Avoid Gmail/Hotmail for your business. A professional email builds trust instantly.
Instead of: yourbusiness@gmail.com
Use: hello@yourbusiness.com.au
How it works:
You buy a domain, then connect it to an email service like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.
Cost:
- Email hosting: $8–$15 per month per user
3. Buy a Domain Name
A domain is your website address (e.g. yourbusiness.com.au).
Keep it short, easy to spell, and as close to your business name as possible.
Cost:
- $20–$40 per year (typical .com.au range)
4. Website Hosting (What Is Hosting?)
Hosting is where your website “lives” online.
No hosting = no website on the internet.
Two common options:
Option 1: All-in-one platforms (simpler)
These typically include hosting, security (SSL), and performance features.
Cost:
- $30–$70+ per month depending on plan
Option 2: WordPress + separate hosting (more moving parts)
Cost:
- $10–$40 per month hosting
- plus plugin/theme costs (varies)
5. Website Design & Development (The Part People Forget)
Buying hosting is not the same as building a website.
Hosting is the “land”. The website build is the “house”.
Typical ranges:
DIY website (template builder):
- $0–$500
Freelancer basic website:
- $2,000–$5,000
Custom professionally built website:
- $7,000–$15,000+
Ecommerce or complex builds:
- $10,000–$25,000+
Internal link idea: “How much should a website cost in Australia?”
6. Accounting Software (So You Don’t Fall Behind)
Avoid running your business in spreadsheets long-term.
Use accounting software from day one.
A common option in Australia: Xero
It helps with invoicing, expenses, bank feeds, and BAS prep.
Cost:
- $29–$70 per month depending on plan
Accountant (recommended):
- $1,000–$3,000 per year depending on complexity
Internal link idea: “Xero setup checklist for small business”
7. Business Bank Account
Open a separate business bank account immediately.
Mixing personal and business money becomes a mess fast.
Cost:
- Often $0–$10 per month (varies by bank)
8. Branding Basics (So You Look Legit)
You don’t need to overcomplicate it early — just be consistent.
Minimum essentials:
- Logo
- Colour palette
- Font selection
- Email signature
Cost range:
- DIY: $0–$200
- Professional branding: $2,000–$6,000+
Internal link idea: “Branding essentials checklist”
9. Signage & Physical Branding (If You’re Client-Facing or Mobile)
This is a common surprise cost after launch.
Common signage items:
- Vehicle signage
- Shopfront signage
- Window decals
- Pull-up banners
- Corflutes (site signs)
- Office/clinic signage
Typical cost ranges:
Basic vehicle decals:
- $500–$1,500
Full vehicle wrap:
- $3,000–$6,000+
Shopfront signage:
- $2,000–$10,000+
Pull-up banner:
- $250–$500
Corflutes:
- $50–$150 each
Note: signage usually has two costs: design + production/installation.
Internal link idea: “Signage checklist (what to order first)”
10. Business Insurance
Insurance protects you if something goes wrong.
Depending on your industry, you may need:
- Public liability insurance
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Product liability insurance
- Workers compensation (if you hire staff)
- Cyber insurance (if you handle client data)
Some clients and suppliers will require proof of insurance before working with you.
Internal link idea: “Business insurance basics (what applies to you)”
11. Basic Legal & Compliance
Before you start trading:
- Make sure you have any required licences or permits
- Set up basic terms and conditions for quotes/invoices
- Add a Privacy Policy if you collect enquiries through your website
Internal link idea: “Small business legal basics checklist”
Realistic Startup Cost Breakdown (Year 1 Estimate)
Item
Approx Cost
ABN: Free
Business name: $39–$92
Domain: $20–$40/year
Email hosting: $120–$180/year (per user)
Website hosting: $360–$840/year
Website build: $2,000–$15,000+
Accounting software: $350–$800/year
Accountant: $1,000–$3,000/year
Branding: $2,000–$6,000+
Signage (if needed): $1,000–$15,000+
Realistic first-year range:: $7,000 – $50,000+ depending on industry and how custom you go.
Final Advice
Get the foundations right early: ABN, bank account, accounting, domain, professional email.
Then build the public-facing pieces (website, branding, signage) to match the level you want to charge.
