Deciding who to use to develop your business website can be confusing.

While you can build your own website, hiring expert help comes with advantages, such as allowing you to focus on running your business.

When you might need a website professional

You are likely to need a website professional when:

• starting a new business
• you want to generate leads or sales for your business through your website
• creating a complex website, offering services such as online shopping or booking systems
• your website will be your primary way of engaging with customers
• you have limited or no experience in online development

How a website professional can help you

The right website professional can:

• help you clarify your digital marketing goals
• provide advice and guidance on what platforms will best suit your needs
• suggest features, functions and design elements that ensure your website will achieve your business objectives
• save time (and often money) in the long term
• create a more complex site with added features
• create a site with a unique design and functionality rather than using a standard template
• assist with ongoing maintenance and support packages if needed

How to find the right website professional

1. Be clear about the aims of your business, whether you actually need a website and, if so, what it should achieve for your business. There are many options when it comes to website functionality, including shopping carts, blogs, booking forms and news feeds. The features of your website will depend on your business needs and how you wish to interact with your market.
2. Identify what you want from a website professional. Do you know exactly what you want and just want someone to build it? Do want advice and guidance on the features, functions and design elements of your website? Do you want marketing advice so the website performs as a useful marketing tool?
3. Seek recommendations from friends, industry colleagues or from businesses with websites you like. Also ask for recommendations through our Facebook group I’m a small business owner in Western Australia. Select websites you like and find out who designed and built them (the developer is often listed at the bottom of the website). Check how the site appears on mobile devices: it’s essential that your website is mobile responsive.
4. Create a clear, written brief of what you expect from a website professional and use it to obtain between three to five quotes before hiring. Download and complete our Build a Website booklet to capture your requirements and understand exactly what your quote includes, for example, who will supply the imagery, written content and other assets for the website?
5. Understand the difference between web designers, web programmers/developers and digital marketers. A web designer will design the look and feel of the site but not build it. They may not have the specialised marketing experience or the knowledge required to entice and compel website visitors into action. A Web programmers/developer’s role is to build a website’s functionality and features. A digital marketer can provide advice and guidance on what features and elements the website needs to compel and entice visitors to take action.
6. Understand that many people in the web design industry use different terminology (such as web designer, web developer and digital marketer) to describe what they do. While traditionally these jobs have different skill sets, you need to ensure your website professional has the skills and experience to deliver the result you are looking for, if that is a fully designed, coded and launched website. If you are relying on your web professional for best practice advice, ascertain how much they know about marketing, ‘calls to action’, targeted messaging and search engine optimisation.
7. Make sure that your contract states that you own the copyright to the entire website, except for any stock photos or graphics. You should also confirm that you own the domain name, especially if the website professional registered it for you and ask for answers to your questions to be confirmed in writing and keep a copy in case of future concerns.
8. Ask your website professional what website platform they develop with. Consider whether an open source content management system (CMS) like WordPress, which can be extended and added to in the future but may require additional hosting charges and maintenance, or a software as a service (SAAS) option like Squarespace, which includes hosting and maintenance but may have less extendibility, would suit your business best. Check you have all the necessary user names and passwords to access your site.
9. How much does your web professional know about marketing? Do they understand ‘calls to action’ and targeted messaging?
10. Attend one of our practical small business workshops to help you develop your digital, sales and marketing skills. 

Establishing positive and mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers is crucial to the success of your business.

The key to solid supplier relationships is having well-defined expectations in relation to quality, delivery and payment terms.

When you might need suppliers

You are likely to need suppliers when:

• starting a business
• you need products or services that you can’t provide yourself

How to find the right suppliers

• Use industry databases, journals and association websites to find lists of local suppliers. Also search online business directories and attend expos aimed at your industry.
• Ask for personal recommendations of good suppliers from other business owners. Review online forums to seek feedback about their standards of service, and ask for recommendations through our Facebook group I’m a small business owner in Western Australia.
• Create a shortlist of companies and rate their services against your priorities (quality, reliability, returns policy, price, location, speed of delivery and terms of business).
• Talk with sales representatives to check their product knowledge and understanding of your business needs. It’s important to establish a good relationship so they will keep you updated about new products or services and special deals.
• Do a credit check on potential suppliers to protect your company and reduce its exposure to risk. There are a number of trade and industry specific credit reporting bodies that can undertake credit checks and risk ratings on potential suppliers and customers.
• Set up long payment terms with suppliers, for example 30 days, and short payment times from your customers of seven or 14 days. Follow a structured payment routine (weekly is good) and pay on time.
• When placing an order with a supplier, ensure your order is confirmed in writing and that the terms and conditions of sale are clear to both parties.
• Don’t rely on a single supplier for products or services that are essential to the operation of your business. Always have a back-up plan if your main supplier lets you down.

A lawyer can help you to review and negotiate your lease, contracts and other documents, ensure your business is legally compliant, and assist you in protecting your long term business interests.

When you might need a lawyer

You are likely to need a lawyer to ensure you comply with legal requirements when:

• buying or selling a business
• negotiating and developing business contracts
• reviewing and negotiating a lease for business premises
• filing a patent for an innovative idea or product
• determining your business structure
• developing a succession plan
• dealing with disputes

How to find the right lawyer

• Be prepared for your first meeting. Give the lawyer a clear picture of your situation by preparing a summary, and specify what you hope to achieve. Take all the relevant documents and write a list of questions to ask. A lawyer’s services are expensive, so use the time productively. Speak to one of our business advisers first, so that they can help you prepare for your appointment to gain the most benefit.
• Communication with your lawyer should be clear and easily digestible - ask them to use everyday language. Your lawyer should be able to explain your legal position in a way that is easy for you understand.
• Seek referrals from other small business owners in your industry. Ask them about lawyers they have used and how satisfied they were with their experience.
• Ask your lawyer to confirm their advice in writing. Keep a copy for future reference.
• Make sure you’re comfortable with the lawyer’s style — they will be acting as your advocate. Do you trust them with your business?
• Contact the Law Society of WA for a referral to a lawyer who practices in the legal area you are seeking advice.
• If you are in financial distress, pro-bono and low cost services are available. Contact Law Access, Subiaco Community Legal Service or the John Curtin Law Clinic to find out how they can assist. The John Curtin Law Clinic offers eligible small businesses free professional legal advice and assistance. Advice is prepared by law students and reviewed by qualified and experienced legal practitioners.

An industry or business association (or group) brings together like-minded people who are connected by industry, profession or geographical area.

The role of associations is to protect and promote the interests of their members and provide access to industry-specific information and training. Industry associations differ from chambers of commerce and business associations, which represent the interests of businesses within a particular region, usually across different industries.

When you might need an association

You are likely to need an association when:

• starting a business
• seeking information on the latest trends and regulations impacting your industry
• you want to meet and network with people in your industry

Benefits of being part of an association

• being part of a larger network of people and businesses
• being able to access services that would be difficult or expensive to do on your own
• being part of a group that may influence government decisions
• helping you to stay abreast of the latest industry news, trends and developments
• providing access to membership directories which can increase your exposure to new markets and potential clients

Tips when choosing an association to join

• Undertake research and choose your association carefully. Some industries may only have one association, while others may offer a number of organisations, each with a slightly different focus.
• Be clear on what you want to gain from your membership. Most associations have fees; don’t pay for services or information you won’t use. Joining several associations can become expensive, so make sure you are receiving real value for money.
• Seek opportunities to actively participate and contribute to the association so that both you and your industry can benefit.
• Ensure they provide plenty of networking opportunities to enable you to maximise your business presence and make new contacts.
• Make sure the lines of communication within the association are open and that they actively seek information and feedback from members.

Part of starting out is finding the money required to turn your idea into a business.

Sources of finance can range from banks, financial institutions and crowd funding, to family and friends. In deciding how you will finance your business, regardless of source, there are some key aspects to consider.

When you might need a financial lender

You are likely to need a financial lender when:

• starting, growing or buying a business
• purchasing inventory, plant or equipment
• covering a lack of initial cash flow to pay your bills

How to find the right financial lender

• Seek advice from your accountant or business adviser to help you make sound business decisions before sourcing finance.
• Carefully consider the type of finance you require as it could affect your tax obligations and cash flow.
• Be clear about the amount of money you need. Work out the costs you need to cover before you even begin selling your product or service. Completing the calculation overleaf will highlight how much you may need to borrow to get started.
• Understand the terms of your loan contract and what happens if you default.
• Document any gifts or loans from family and friends, and plan to pay them back.
• Be prepared to actively ‘sell’ the feasibility of your proposed business to prospective lenders. There are three key documents you need to show why it is a sound decision to invest in your enterprise.
  1. Business plan: This should be a comprehensive document outlining the products or services your business will offer, an overview of your operation, and how you differ from your competition. Use a template provided by the lender - it will tell you what they want to know. If they don’t have one, download and use our free business plan template. Also, attend our How to Write a Business Plan workshop.
  2. Marketing strategy: This is how you’ll convert your identified target market into customers. To understand how marketing could work for your business and how to write a marketing plan, read our marketing and promotional strategies information of attend one of our marketing workshops. 
  3. Financial plan: Consider the timeframe you’ll need to repay the loan and if your business will generate sufficient funds to repay loans and interest. Our Understanding Business Financials workshop can assist you to make informed financial decisions about your business. 
• Shop around and compare different loan options and interest rates. Many banks and financial institutions have specialised services for small businesses. Financial comparison websites can help you compare financial products based on your business requirements, such as Canstar.
• Invest borrowed money in parts of the business that will generate profit and positive cash flow, to help reduce the need to borrow in the future.
• Make sure the financial lender you choose is registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
• Once you have secured a financial lender, review your relationship with them annually to ensure you are getting the best terms.

How much do I need to borrow?

When applying for business finance it’s important to apply for sufficient funds to cover your business for the first six to 12 months of trading.

Complete the following steps to work out how much money you need to start or buy a business. If the money you need doesn’t match the money you have, you will need to finance the difference.

How much money do you have to invest?

To calculate your total start-up funds, calculate the total of:

• Owner's savings, plus
• Loans from family/friends, plus
• Other

How much money do you need to start or buy the business?

To calculate your total start-up cost, calculate the total of:

• Business purchase price (if applicable)
• Professional advisory costs (eg. lawyer, accountant)
• Expenses related to leased premises (eg. bond deposit)
• Licences, permits and registrations (eg. business name and domain name registration)
• Fit-out costs and signage
• Initial stock
• Advertising and promotion (eg. business cards, flyers)
• Computer equipment
• Website development
• Graphic design fees
• Plant equipment and tools
• Working capital (two months)
• Staff costs

Once you have this total cost, it's good practice to add on a 20 per cent contingency on top.  

Total amount required

Total start up cost - total start-up funds = total amount required

Finding the right accountant while you’re setting up your business can be crucial to its success.

It’s important to find someone who suits the needs of your business and who you can develop a good working relationship with.

When you might need an accountant

Seeking the advice of an accountant is beneficial at many key points in starting and running a business. You are likely to need an accountant when:

• starting, buying or selling a business
• expanding your business
• you have problems with creditors or debtors, or managing finance, expenses or stock
• you employ staff

How an accountant can help you

The services of an accountant are essential to ensure:

• your business is financially sustainable
• you receive qualified advice before making financial decisions
• you can meet financial compliance requirements

How to find the right accountant

• Find an accountant before you start or buy a business so you have the right advice and structure in place to ensure a smooth business launch or takeover.
• Create a shortlist of accountants and rate their services against your priorities, like quality, reliability, price, location, and terms of business.
• Understand that only registered tax agents can lodge returns on your behalf with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Check if your accountant or their firm is registered on the Taxation Practitioners Board. Likewise, only Australian financial services (AFS) licence holders can provide financial planning advice. You can find licence holders at asic.gov.au
• Ask for recommendations from family, friends and other small business owners. Also research online, including asking for recommendations through our Facebook group I’m a small business owner in Western Australia.
• Help is also available through the Curtin Tax Clinic where eligible small businesses can access free tax advice and assistance from students, under the supervision of experienced tax practitioners.
• Make a list of the services you want from an accountant. Do you want your annual accounts and tax returns completed, help with your business structure, or regular advice?
• Keep looking and interviewing until you find someone you feel comfortable with.
• Don’t rely on your accountant for everything. As a business owner, you need to understand the financial basics of your business and have the necessary checks and balances in place so you know what’s going on in your business’s financials.