Dreaming of starting a legit-looking business right out of the gate?
As entrepreneurs, we all want to build startups that customers and investors take seriously. The problem is…most businesses look amateur.
Out of a garage.
Down a rabbit hole.
And that’s a problem.
Clients care about how you look.
When handing out contracts and checking references, most customers base their decision on how trustworthy and legitimate your business appears to be.
If you look like a fly-by-night startup on day one, you’re already starting from behind.
The solution? Startups today have access to tools that make your new business look incredible online and on paper…without emptying your bank account.
Here’s What You’ll Learn:
- Why looking professional from day one is so important to your startup’s success.
- The digital tools that every new founder should use.
- Why virtual addresses are the most game-changing tool of all.
- How to build trust without a physical office.
Why Looking Professional Matters for Startups
We live in an age where startups can launch anytime, anywhere.
Entrepreneurship is booming in the US. Businesses filed 5.2 million new applications to open businesses in 2024. That’s a whopping 48.6% increase year-over-year from 2019.
That’s crazy growth.
With more businesses launching than ever before…
Standing out from the crowd is only getting more difficult. And while you used to be able to “fly under the radar”, looking like a professional operation has become the norm, not the exception.
Ask yourself:
Would a client sign their life savings over to a business with a Gmail address and an apartment complex on their website?
Or would they rather work with the competition who uses a professional business email address and lists a prestigious virtual address in an iconic business district?
Hint: We know the answer.
Looking legitimate is non-negotiable these days.
A service like https://ipostal1.com/washington-dc-virtual-address will allow founders working from their garages to look like a well-established small business with an office in Washington DC.
Here Are the Digital Tools Every Startup Founder Needs:
Launch like a pro without spending much at all. There are digital tools every founder can use to game the system and make their new venture look like a long-running business success.
Here’s what you need to know and use from day one…
1. Professional Email
Drop Gmail for good.
Business email hosting is an absolute must. A professional email address tied to your brand’s custom domain (think: [email protected]) is instant credibility for your brand.
Google’s free business email works, but does not look professional. Spend a few bucks a month to host your own email addresses with your domain provider. It’ll be worth it.
2. Sleek Website
You need this as well.
You don’t need “the shiniest website in the galaxy.” But you do need something that looks like a million bucks. Stick with website builders like Squarespace or Wix and keep it simple. Business customers care most about readability and user experience.
A quick word…
“If your business doesn’t have a website, your customers think you’re not real.” –Jeff Bullas
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
3. Virtual Phone System
Desktop phones are so 2005.
Quit buying into the hustle and get yourself a virtual phone system. Services like Google Voice or Grasshopper will give you a virtual phone number with all the features you need: voicemail, call forwarding, even an auto attendant. And it runs through your phone.
Life-changing.
4. Cloud Storage/Workspace
Welcome to remote work.
According to recent data, 25% of businesses in the United States operate as fully remote or flexible.Small business employees are even more likely to work remotely.
Keep all of your files in the cloud with tools like Google Workspace or Dropbox and your business will be organized for growth (and collaboration) from day one.
Let’s talk about virtual addresses.
Okay, let’s nerd out about virtual addresses.
When starting a business, you’re going to hear about these magical online tools called “virtual addresses.”
Need to receive mail for your business? Use a virtual address.
Do you want to look like you run your business from the Lincoln Financial Building in Center City Philadelphia? Use a virtual address.
A virtual address will set you up for success right out the gate.
Here’s why.
When starting a business, most entrepreneurs give their home address.
It’s wht people do. It’s convenient. And if you run a business from your garage, it makes total sense.
But here’s the thing. Using your home address comes with a lot of drawbacks.
Not only does it look unprofessional, but it can create privacy concerns for you and your family. Not to mention, is your home technically zoned for business?
Virtual addresses give you the business perks of using a home address without any of the downsides.
Instead of giving your home address on business registration documents, email signatures, marketing materials, etc. you can use a virtual address.
With a virtual address, companies are provided with a real street address (not a PO Box) in the business district of their choice. Your mail is then handled by the virtual office company and forwarded to you, or scanned and uploaded to your portal.
Why does this matter?
Use a virtual address when…
- Registering your business and filing your LLC paperwork
- Printing business cards
- Setting up your Google Business Profile
- Building trust with your early customers
There are a ton of virtual addresses to choose from. Many startups will use places like New York City, LA, or San Francisco to stand out as believable tech companies. My personal favorite is Washington DC. Having a reputable virtual office in DC will allow you to look like you run your business out of downtown DC.
Trust me. Once you use a virtual address, you’ll never look back.
How to Build Trust Without an Office
Working from home is the future.
Remote work is nothing new to the startup world. In fact, remote businesses have been saving themselves tons of money on rent, utilities, and commute times for years.
But here’s the catch.
Just because you work from home doesn’t mean your customers and clients know it.
Running a remote business lets you hire the best talent anywhere in the world. All while wearing your cozy pajamas.
But customers still have to know that they can trust you. Without an office building to build initial credibility, here are some tips to prove to customers that you’re the real deal.
Present a Professional Brand Image
Make sure that your branding is consistent across all platforms. Use the same logo, color palette, fonts, and messaging everywhere your business shows up online.
If you look like a brand new startup on your website, then customers will assume your business is just starting out.
Showcase Testimonials, Reviews, and Clients
Show off your previous work. Whether it’s client testimonials, helpful product reviews, or case studies.
Let your current customers sing your praises.
Communicate Professionally
Move quick to respond to inquiries. And when you do respond, make sure you proofread your emails!
Simple things like spelling and grammar are easily overlooked, but are noticed by your potential customers.
Make Contacting You Easy
When customers can find your contact information easily, you instantly gain credibility in their eyes.
Make sure your website has your phone number displayed. And as we mentioned above, make sure you’re using a professional business email address and virtual address.
You’re not trying to trick customers into thinking you’re an enterprise-level company…
Helping your business look the part means you’re showing customers that you’re legitimate and prepared to do business.
Conclusion
Don’t forget the basics.
Running a professional-looking business from day one is easy with the digital tools we talked about above. Use them to your advantage and never look amateur again.
Running a startup is tough enough as is. Don’t make it harder by looking like a hobby project.
Build your brand’s credibility from day one and start knocking those customers out of the park.
