How to Start a Software Business 1-2-3
Software Business Start-Up Checklist
Start with a business plan. If you've never written a business plan, the task can seem overwhelming and
time-consuming. It doesn't have to be. New software programs enable you to complete the job yourself, and in
minimal time.
You can save money also, and still come out with a professional plan which can help you obtain funding and
lead your business in an organized direction. Bplans has several sample business plans that you can view online
for free.
Here is a sample software business plan which you
can look at to help you start putting together your own plan.
You'll also need a business license. The SBA.gov website can provide information for your local area and
type of supply business at their website. You can enter your zip code and business type, and you'll receive
information on licensing requirements as well as permits, tax documentation and contact information that is
very helpful.
Doing business or selling your software by a name other than your personal name? Register your fictitious business name with the county clerk (contact your local city or
county office for instructions), or incorporate your software company.
Set up a business bank account. It is important to keep business and personal finances separate -
and it will save you many work hours at tax time.
Meet with an accountant to discuss tax strategies and ways to maximize your business tax deductions. If you need the name of an
accountant, talk to local business owners whom you know. They may have some recommendations of people you can
trust.
Meet with an insurance agent to discuss insurance options. The IIABA (Independent Insurance Agents &
Brokers of America) is a good place to start. You can also get free quotes online for business insurance
A professional, dependable and trustworthy reputation can get you far in the software development field.
Get a professional logo designed or design one
yourself using low-cost online tools. A logo that displays your company's personality can also help attract
clients with like personalities. Use your logo on business cards, stationary, brochures and other company literature to give your software
company a consistent brand image.
A phone call may be the first impression you make on a client. You can set up your business phone system to impress - whether you
choose a toll-free 800 phone number, a
multi-line phone system, background music or a "follow-me" system that enables you to be reached anytime.
Set up a simple website for under $50/year to
advertise your software products. Help people find you in the search engines: get listed in 20 search engines for free or in
300 search engines for $4.
Local Search
is becoming more and more popular. People are many times using online search instead of the traditional yellow
pages to find local businesses. Local Search sources that are affordable and receive substantial traffic
include: Google Local, Yelp, Super Pages and Insider Pages.
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T I P : How to
Build a Software Company
 With minimal operating costs, the
software business is a high-profit field. However - you need to have a desirable software
idea and a cost-efficient way to build it.
Software Developer Benjamin Prater has developed dozens of software applications over
then last 10 years and knows what it takes succeed. He attributes software business success to
3 basic steps - including a time-tested blueprint for building software (no, you don't need to
go it alone). This guide shows how to start and profit with a new software business -
without even having to know computer code. Learn more
at Ben's site
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Software Business Resources:
How to Sell Your Software
Upload.com is a CNET site where you can promote your software and gain exposure in over
200 different countries. You simply create an account and upload your software to the site. They also
provide promotional packages that can help you increase the revenue you generate through the site.
You can list and sell your software through websites like PayLoadz.com. Besides selling
software, you can sell other downloadable items such as ebooks, music, manuals, forms, certificates, etc.
They operate using payment systems PayPal and Google Checkout, and the digital product is automatically
delivered to your customer when they submit payment. This means instant gratification for customers and much
less work for sellers. Use their service for free the first month.
See also Trade Bit and Share-it! by Digital River.
Software Business Associations
- Business Software Alliance
BSA is the largest and most international IT industry group, with policy, legal and/or educational programs
in 80 countries.
- Educational Software Cooperative
ESC (Educational Software Cooperative) is a non-profit corporation bringing together developers,
publishers, distributors and users of educational software.
- International Game Developers Association
The International Game Developers Association is the largest non-profit membership organization serving
individuals that create video games.
