This just scratches the surface of business expenses, but there are definitely a few items on this list that I didn’t think about even a year into starting my business, so I hope it helps you!

1. Registration/filing fees. Register your business with your state to be legal. LLCs are really common but research what is best for your business.
2. Domain purchases. Make sure a good domain is available for your business name and buy it asap. You don’t want to miss out and see someone else profiting off of your dream name! 
3. Branding identity design. You can create your own to start, but investing in a professional brand design can give you a leg up against competitors and give you clear direction as you build your brands presence and positioning. 
4. Trademarks. Especially if your business name/logo isn’t your personal name, you might want to pay to trademark the logos so no one else can use them. This seems small now, but if you don’t do it in the beginning, it could really be a pain later.
5. Website hosting. While a domain name is important, it means nothing if  you don’t actually build a website for it. Common website hosting companies include Squarespace, Wix, and Showit. I recently switched to Showit from Squarespace and prefer it for service based businesses. 
6. Professional web design. Just like with brand identities, professional websites can get you far. A combination of strategy (aimed at conversion and discovery) with appealing design will give your visitors an enjoyable experience they will want to return to. to.
7. Packaging and shipping. If you are selling a product, you will need to buy boxes, packing materials, and pay for shipping. Don’t forget to include these costs in the price of your product if you don’t charge separately for it!
8. Packaging design. This is something you can add on to your brand identity development if it is in your budget. Quality packaging makes your products feel special and turning heads can turn into more sales. 
9. Paying a tax professional/accountant. I love my tax guy and do not want to do my own taxes. For me, it is beyond worth it to pay him once a year to make sure I spend tax season stress free!
10. Accounting software. I have used QuickBooks Self-Employed but I know there are many other options and with great banking apps and with an accountant, you might not need to invest in any software.
11. Anti-virus software. 10/10 recommend. You don’t want a cyber attack to grind your business to a halt. What is it they say about an ounce of prevention? Some software also includes a VPN which is great if you plan to use public wifi or coworking spaces. Read my other blog post on 11 Cyber Security Tips for Small Businesses to learn more!
12. Business insurance. This can cover any number of bases and is just like all the other insurances we have to buy, like…
13. Health insurance. Speaking of insurance, if you are self-employed and/or employing others, you need to budget for health insurance. A full-time job elsewhere might have provided it for you, but now you are on your own. Yay!
14. Payment processing fees. When you sell goods online or in person, or accept invoice payments with credit cards, you will be charged fees on every transaction. When I was selling $20 earrings it didn’t feel like a big deal, but 4% on each $4,000 project that you complete in a year is no joke… Nowadays, I prefer good ole fashion checks (when from a trustworthy source) or ACH bank transfers, which usually don’t require a fee. 
15. Miscellaneous monthly subscriptions. This varies for everyone, but it’s worth making a spreadsheet to see what you are actually spending on business things as well as personal things. Cut back where you can, consolidate with a friend or family member, or switch to an annual plan to save a few bucks a month. It all adds up!
    

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