Web based service business

Business Forum

Startup Business Basics

Business planning

Web based service business

New Topic

Post Reply

Follow Topic

Page of 1

Author
Message

MdcnMn

posts: 44

Jan 05, 2009 11:11 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

Points: 0 Vote

I`d like to start an online business, do I need to have a business name? register my business with the state? Need a business license? Now for some background.

The website I will be starting is more of a service based business model. Initially I do not plan on making any money. My year 1 goal is to market my website and build traffic. Once I have credible "traffic", I plan to sell Ad space...which will be my main revenue source...from the website that is.

As far as the website is concerned, it will be a tool for most consumers. It will allow them to save time, and perhaps money, without too much of an effort. Obviously I do not want to disclose more details at this point.

Any advice will be very much appriciated.

-------------------------

"Vinni, Viddi, Vicci"

patentandtrademark

posts: 1332

Jan 05, 2009 1:26 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

Points: 0 Vote

i`d suggest you select a name that is not overly descriptive so that it can be registered with USPTO and not as easily copied. For example, a good brand name for tissue is "Charmin" instead of "soft" since all tissue is hopefully soft.

-------------------------

James Lindon, Ph.D. Patent Attorney
Lindon & Lindon, LLC
Cleveland, Ohio
Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Pharmacy Law, Litigation
[this is not legal advice - provided for discussion only]
Intellectual Property for the Individual and Small Business: Identify, Protect, Enforce, Defend.
"Fools rush in where angels fear to tread."
http://www.LindonLaw.com

CraigL

posts: 9051

Jan 05, 2009 11:18 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

Points: 0 Vote

So if I understand this right, you want to put something together that won`t make money, that has no name, and that acts only as a carrier platform for advertising at a later date?

I guess without a name, it`ll be a bit difficult to gain visibility, right?

MdcnMn

posts: 44

Jan 07, 2009 9:21 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

Points: 0 Vote

I think I need to claify my question. I will have a business name, but my question was that since its a website, do I have to register it with the state? Or can I just simply start a website and not worry about any legal issues with the state (i.e. IRS)?

I do plan on making money, but I feel that the Ad space on the website may not hold value if I do not have any traffic.

-------------------------

"Vinni, Viddi, Vicci"

robertj

posts: 1458

Jan 07, 2009 12:29 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

Points: 0 Vote

MdcnMN,

First of all the IRS is a Federal Agency. Regardless of the name - they will expect you to account for any income. Depending upon where you reside, your State may have the same "expectation". Also, your State may be "interested" in sales tax- if you sell anything.

If you want to do business (receive money, pay bills, etc) under a name (other than your own) you will have to do something - because Banks want "proper documentation" in order to set up a bank account under a business name.

If your name is Joe Smith, you can operate a sole proprietorship as "Joe Smith Company" - using your own SS number for all tax purposes. If you want to "operate" as a sole proprietorship under any other name - you`ll need to file for a DBA. Usually this is done at the local (county) level.

-------------------------

Business Growth Masters, LLC -
Capital Catalysts for Entrepreneurs
Home of the Scalable Business Plan and QuikStart Capital Programs
http://www.bizgrowthmasters.com
info@bizgrowthmasters.com

MdcnMn

posts: 44

Jan 07, 2009 12:47 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

Points: 0 Vote

robertj -- what is a "DBA"?

-------------------------

"Vinni, Viddi, Vicci"

robertj

posts: 1458

Jan 07, 2009 1:00 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

Points: 0 Vote

DBA = Doing Business As.

CraigL

posts: 9051

Jan 07, 2009 4:57 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

Points: 0 Vote

I`m pretty sure that you don`t register a Web URL as a business. You register a domain name with the registrar, and get the hosting accomplished in some way.

But the URL itself is only a representation of your actual business name. So if the business name is "Joe Smith Company," you do what RobertJ is talking about.

However, you wouldn`t necessarily have to register www.johnsmithco.biz with someone other than the technology providers.

On the other hand, if your actual business name were to be "Amazon.com," or "JoeSmith.Biz" then yes, you`d register the actual business name.

Again, I`m NOT an attorney...just using logic.

Page of 1

Post Reply

Keep the Community Clean!

StartupNation forums should be used as a platform to learn, educate others, share stories, tips & tricks and to provide constructive feedback.
Please do not use the Forums for advertising & blatant self-promotion.
Please be respectful to other members and refrain from personal attacks and vulgar language.
StartupNation reserves the right to delete any message, reply, and/or member who violates our terms of use.

Read full terms of use

Contact Us Privacy Terms of Use Become a Marketplace Provider Advertise Local Guides Site Map Home Business Start a Business

Business Forum

Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Web based service business

Keep the Community Clean!