4 Steps To Bootstrap Your Business To Success

critical steps to bootstrap your business to success bootstrapping lean startup

Ditching the corporate life cubicle and starting your own business is exciting, rewarding, and a bit stressful. There are a lot of working pieces involved in going from idea to operational business. From legal requirements to marketing, the list of to-dos is definitely a bit overwhelming. And knowing where to start in order to ensure business success is the first hurdle. 

“But even with all these uncertainties, people are still attracted to the startup world,” Mike Templeman explained in an Entrepreneur article. “There are just as many, if not more reasons to take the leap and go start your own business.” Bootstrapping is one of the top ways to do start your own company on a frugal budget.

Bootstrap A Big Business

The good news is that bootstrapping your business to success can be slightly easier than you may think. You simply need a little nudge in the right direction. The following four critical steps can serve as your road map to get your new business off to a pleasing start. Let’s dive in! 

1. Get Your Legal Ducks In A Row 

When you are bootstrapping a business, you may overlook a few essentials like taking care of the legal requirements needed to own and operate a business legally. This is pretty common, but you shouldn’t be one of these business owners. To start, you need to get your new business entity formed in your state. This can be done a number of ways, but going the Limited Liability Company (LLC) route is most traveled. 

You can get most of the LLC processing done using an affordable company that specializes in doing just that. Check out IncFile LLC services to get an idea of what is available to help you register your business legally. Once that is done, you need to get your business banking, tax forms, and EIN taken care of. This allows you to stay in good standing with the state and federal governments and reduce your financial risk, which could be catastrophic if you are bankrolling the entire company yourself. 

2. Develop A Website That Google And Your Customers Will Love 

Even if you have a small store in a small community, you need to have a strong online presence. In today’s digital age, if you are not online, you don’t exist. This makes having an optimized website that Google loves to rank, and that your target audience loves to engage with a top priority. How do you do this? It is actually pretty simple. Here is a website checklist: 

● Signup w/ web hosting provider giving you a free domain name 
● Choose a paid WordPress theme that is mobile-friendly 
● Design your website with SEO in mind 
● Provide a good user experience for your website 
● Create a lot of informative content for each web page 
● Use a lot of images and videos on your web pages 
● Sign up for Google Analytics and track website metrics 

3. Register Your Website With Google My Business 

Google My Business allows businesses to get a ranking boost locally, and provides a place for customers to leave reviews and ratings to help build your business’ brand. It’s also pretty easy to register. First, ensure your website is launched and then register your business. 

You will then get a code in the mail (real mail) and enter it in your Google My Business account. Or you could do it by phone as well. That’s pretty much it for GMB. After that, start netting a lot of reviews and ratings to give your business a competitive edge. This is free, so bootstrapping business owners should take advantage of this free marketing opportunity. 

4. Create A Social Media Marketing Campaign And Start Selling 

Social media is a great way to reach customers 24/7. You need to have a strong social media presence. The rise of smartphones has pretty much given business owners unprecedented access to consumers, since everyone has their social media alerts on always. As a bootstrapping business owner, it would be foolish not to take advantage of the free social media networks available. However, don’t just start posting wildly on them. You need to have a social media marketing strategy. 

First, identify the social channels your target audience uses. For example, if you are a B2B business, LinkedIn and Twitter are potentially better to focus on. If your target audience is mainly females, Pinterest and Instagram could have more value than other social networks. 

Identify them and begin sending value via posts in a very strategic sales funnel. First post is awareness, second, evaluation, and third is for conversions. 

Bootstrap A Better Business

The above important steps to bootstrap your business to success are only the tip of the iceberg. But they are a great place to start, giving you direction for the future. Not to mention they are all affordable or free. This is music to the bootstrapping business owner’s ears. Do you have a bootstrapping business tip? What has helped you to bootstrap your own business on a budget?


I hope you enjoyed this blog post about the critical steps to bootstrapping your business to success and longevity.

Interested in more articles about bootstrapping businesses?

Read Related Resources:

Why New Businesses Need To Invest In SEO

New Contracting Businesses To Start This Year

More Bootstrap Business Blog Below 

Engine Wear And Tear: How Engine Oil Comes To The Rescue

top engine oil

Imagine your car as a living, breathing entity, tirelessly serving you through thick and thin. It is a relationship built on trust and reliability. But even the most dependable companion needs a little TLC to keep running smoothly. Enter engine oil, the unsung hero of your vehicle's mechanical world. This slippery savior is not just a lubricant; it is the lifeblood of your engine, ensuring every part moves harmoniously with the next. Let's delve into how engine oil, specifically 5w30 engine oil, can be your engine’s best friend in tackling wear and tear. 

Understanding Engine Wear And Tear 

Think of your engine as a symphony orchestra. Every component, from pistons to crankshafts, plays a crucial role in creating that beautiful hum of a well-tuned motor. But just like musicians need practice to stay in harmony, your engine needs proper maintenance to avoid discord. Over time, friction, heat, and contaminants can take a toll, leading to wear and tear. This is where engine oil comes to the rescue, acting as the conductor that keeps everything in sync. 

Engine oil forms a protective layer between moving parts, reducing friction and minimizing wear. It also helps in dissipating heat, preventing components from overheating. But how do you quantify the effectiveness of engine oil? It is like trying to measure the love between lifelong friends—intangible yet undeniably present. However, regular oil checks and timely changes can offer a tangible measure of your engine’s health, ensuring it performs optimally for years to come. 

5w30 Engine Oil: A Versatile Protector 

When it comes to choosing the right engine oil, 5w30 engine oil often stands out. But why is it so popular? Its versatility makes it suitable for a broad range of temperatures, providing excellent lubrication regardless of the climate. Whether you are starting your car on a frosty morning or cruising on a scorching summer afternoon, 5w30 engine oil maintains its consistency, ensuring your engine remains protected. 

Picture it like this: you are trying to control a group of energetic puppies, each eager to run in different directions. The right engine oil acts like a firm yet gentle hand, guiding them back to order and preventing chaos. It controls the chaos within your engine, ensuring each component functions smoothly without unnecessary friction or heat build-up. 

The Role Of Engine Oil In Contaminant Control 

Your engine is a complex ecosystem, constantly exposed to potential contaminants like dust, debris, and combustion by-products. These intruders can wreak havoc if not kept in check. This is where engine oil plays another crucial role—controlling contaminants. 

Engine oil contains detergents and dispersants that capture and neutralize these harmful particles, preventing them from accumulating and causing damage. It is akin to having a vigilant neighbor who keeps an eye out for any suspicious activity in the adjacent houses, ensuring your community remains safe and sound. 

Choosing The Right Engine Oil For Your Vehicle 

Selecting the correct engine oil is akin to choosing the right partner. It requires understanding, compatibility, and a bit of intuition. While 5w30 engine oil is versatile, it is essential to consult your vehicle’s manual or a trusted mechanic to ensure you are making the best choice for your specific engine type. 

Remember, the wrong oil can do more harm than good, leading to increased wear and tear instead of preventing it. So, take the time to understand your vehicle’s needs and choose wisely. Your engine will thank you for it, rewarding you with years of smooth and efficient performance. 

The Emotional Bond Between You And Your Engine 

Your car isn’t just a mode of transportation; it is a trusted companion on life’s journey. Whether it is the countless road trips, the mundane commutes, or the spontaneous adventures, your vehicle has been there through it all. And at the heart of this enduring relationship is engine oil, quietly ensuring your car remains reliable and ready for whatever lies ahead. 

Much like a good friend who always has your back, engine oil is your engine’s steadfast ally, protecting it from the inevitable wear and tear that comes with time. So the next time you pop the hood, take a moment to appreciate the unassuming hero beneath, working tirelessly to keep your adventures on track. 

In the end, taking care of your engine is about more than just maintenance; it is about preserving the bond between you and your vehicle. Keep your engine well-oiled, and it will continue to serve you faithfully, mile after mile. By understanding the crucial role of engine oil, particularly the benefits of using 5w30 engine oil, you are not just maintaining a machine—you are nurturing a partnership built on trust, reliability, and shared journeys.

Official Bootstrap Business Blog Newest Posts From Mike Schiemer Partners And News Outlets