How-To Guides
One job per guide, start to finish. Open the guide, do the thing, close the tab.
A how-to guide has one job: get you to the end of a task you have never done before, without a detour. So each of these covers exactly one thing. Not "everything about marketing" - how to set up the Google listing, specifically, including the verification step that catches people out.
We write them after doing the task, which means you get the version with the annoying parts left in. Where a government form is involved we tell you what the free official route is before we mention anything paid, because for most of these tasks there is a free official route and plenty of sites would rather you did not know.
If a step depends on your state, your industry or your business structure, we flag it instead of giving you a single answer that is wrong for half the people reading. When something genuinely needs a professional, we say that too.
44 guides published
EIN Number: What It Is, Why You Need One, and How to Get It
What an EIN is for, when you are required to have one, and how to get it free from the IRS in about ten minutes.
How to Set Up a Google Business Profile That Ranks
The free listing that brings local customers in - set up properly, including the parts most people skip.
Social Media Marketing for Small Business: A Playbook
Which platforms are worth your time by business type, and a posting routine you can keep up alone.
Dropshipping Explained: How It Works and Is It Legal
How the model actually works, the margins nobody advertises, and the legal and tax side.
Free Bill of Sale Template (Vehicle, Boat, and General)
Free bill of sale templates for vehicles, boats, and general property. Learn exactly how to write one, what to include, and when to notarize.
EIN Number Lookup: How to Find Any Business's EIN
Learn how to do an EIN number lookup fast. Free ways to find any business's Employer Identification Number using IRS, SEC EDGAR, and public records.
How to Make a Website for Your Business (No Code)
Learn how to make a website for your business with no code. A step-by-step guide to choosing a builder, domain, design, and going live fast.
How to Write a Business Plan Step by Step (2026)
Learn how to write a business plan step by step in 2026. A clear, section-by-section guide covering summary, market, financials, and funding.
Letter of Recommendation Template and Examples
A free letter of recommendation template plus real examples. Learn the exact structure, what to include, and how to write one that actually helps.
Print on Demand: How to Start a POD Business
Learn how to start a print on demand business step by step: pick a niche, choose a POD platform, design products, and launch a profitable store.
How to Make Money Online for Beginners (Legit Ways)
A practical, no-hype guide to how to make money online for beginners. Real methods, honest earnings, and the first steps to start today.
Markup Calculator: Price Products the Right Way
Use our free markup calculator and formula to price products the right way. Learn how to calculate markup percentage, plus the markup vs margin difference.
Overtime Calculator: Figure Out Overtime Pay Fast
Use our overtime calculator method to figure out overtime pay fast. Step-by-step FLSA formula for hourly and salaried workers, with examples.
Resignation Letter Template: How to Quit Professionally
Copy-paste resignation letter template plus a step-by-step guide to quitting professionally: what to include, notice periods, and mistakes to avoid.
ROI Calculator: Measure Return on Any Investment
Use our ROI calculator and the simple ROI formula to measure return on any investment. Learn how to calculate ROI, read the result, and avoid common mistakes.
Ecommerce Business Guide: From Idea to First Order
How to start an ecommerce business, from picking products and platforms to legal setup and landing your first order. A practical step-by-step guide.
Gantt Chart Template: Plan Projects in Sheets or Excel
Learn how to make a Gantt chart with a free template in Google Sheets or Excel. Step-by-step build using the stacked bar chart method, no add-ons needed.
Google Sheets Budget Template for Small Business
Build a small business budget in Google Sheets in minutes. Free template, step-by-step setup, and formulas that keep your numbers accurate.
Hold Harmless Agreement: Free Template and When to Use It
What a hold harmless agreement is, the three types, when to use one, and a free template you can copy for your business contracts.
How to Calculate Sales Tax (With Free Calculator)
Learn how to calculate sales tax with a simple formula, worked examples, a free calculator, and 2026 state rates for online and in-store sellers.
Free Receipt Template: Create Receipts in Minutes
Grab a free receipt template and learn how to make a receipt in minutes. Fields, formats, and step-by-step instructions for any small business.
To-Do List Template: Free Printable and Google Sheets Versions
Get a free to-do list template to print or open in Google Sheets - daily, weekly, and priority layouts plus quick setup steps.
What Is an EIN Number and Do You Need One?
What is an EIN number, and does your business need one? A plain-English guide to who requires an employer identification number and how to get it free.
How to Find My EIN Number: 5 Ways to Look It Up
Lost your EIN? Here are 5 reliable ways to find your EIN number fast, from your IRS confirmation letter to a quick call to the IRS Business line.
How to Get a Business License: State-by-State Guide
Learn how to get a business license step by step: check federal, state, and local rules, apply, and see how much a business license costs.
How to Get an EIN Number for Free (Fast IRS Method)
Learn how to get an EIN number for free using the fast IRS online method. Step-by-step application, timing, and what you need before you start.
Small Business SEO: How to Rank Without an Agency
A practical small business SEO guide to rank on Google without hiring an agency: keyword research, on-page basics, local SEO, and links that work.
How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC? State-by-State
How much does it cost to start an LLC? State filing fees run $35-$500. See a state-by-state breakdown plus hidden costs like annual fees and registered agents.
How to Accept Credit Card Payments as a Small Business
Learn how to accept credit card payments as a small business - in person, online, or on your phone - plus what processing fees actually cost.
How to Open a Business Bank Account (Checklist)
How to open a business bank account, step by step: the exact documents banks require, an LLC checklist, and how to get approved on the first try.
How to Sell on Shopify: Store Setup to First Sale
Learn how to sell on Shopify step by step - from picking a plan and setting up your store to launching products and landing your first sale.
How to Start an LLC in Texas: Step-by-Step (2026)
How to start an LLC in Texas in 2026: name it, appoint a registered agent, file Form 205 ($300), get an EIN, and stay compliant. Step-by-step.
How Much Does a Business License Cost?
How much is a business license? Most cost $50-$400, with a ~$200 average. See fees by type, state, and industry, plus renewals and hidden costs.
How Much Is My Business Worth? Free Valuation Calculator
How much is my business worth? Use our free calculator and step-by-step SDE and EBITDA method to estimate your company's value in minutes.
How to Do Payroll for a Small Business (Step by Step)
Learn how to do payroll for a small business step by step: EIN setup, W-4s, tax withholding, paychecks, and filing - done right and on time.
How to Get a Business License in California
Learn how to get a business license in California step by step: local tax certificate, seller's permit, state registration, costs, and timelines.
How to Get a Business License in Florida
Learn how to get a business license in Florida: local business tax receipts, state registration, sales tax, and industry permits explained step by step.
How to Hire Employees: A First-Timer's Guide
Learn how to hire employees step by step: from EIN and job posts to W-4, I-9, payroll, and onboarding. A practical guide for first-time employers.
How to Register a Business: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to register a business step by step: pick a structure, name it, file with your state, get an EIN, and secure licenses. Clear, up-to-date guide.
How to Start an LLC in California: Step-by-Step (2026)
How to start an LLC in California in 2026: name search, registered agent, Articles of Organization, the $800 tax, and Statement of Information.
How to Start an LLC in Florida: Step-by-Step (2026)
Learn how to start an LLC in Florida in 2026: name search, registered agent, Articles of Organization, EIN, and the $125 filing fee explained step by step.
How to Start an LLC for Free (or Close to It)
Can you really start an LLC for free? Here's what you can skip, what states charge, and how to get as close to $0 as legally possible.
Email Marketing Campaigns: How to Build One That Converts
Learn how to run email marketing campaigns that convert: build a list, segment, write, send, and measure. A practical, step-by-step guide for businesses.
Professional Letter Format: Structure and Examples
Learn the correct professional letter format, block style structure, and each part of a business letter - with clear examples you can copy today.