10 Steps to Make Your Freelance Marketing Business Legit in 2025
Everything you need to turn your side hustle into a real business
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Heads up: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to use them — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I personally use and trust.
If you’re making money as a freelancer — congrats, you already are a business.
Now it’s time to start acting like one.
Whether you’re running paid ads, closing high-ticket retainers, or just starting to scale, this quick-start checklist will help you set up a real, protected, and professional freelance business in 2025.
Follow these 10 steps, and you’ll be operating like a pro in no time.
✅ The 10 Steps:
1. Form an LLC
Separate your personal life from your business. An LLC protects your assets, looks more professional, and opens up legit tax perks.
2. Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
This is your business’s version of a Social Security number. You’ll need it for taxes, business banking, and more. Apply for free on the IRS site after you've formed an LLC.
3. Open a Business Bank Account
Stop mixing personal and business expenses. Use a dedicated business account so you can track income, pay taxes, and stay audit-safe. Provide your local bank your EIN number to open a business bank account.
4. Apply for a Business Credit Card
Earn points on ads, tools, and subscriptions while building your business credit.
5. Set Up a Proposal + Invoice System
Use a tool like HoneyBook or Bonsai to send pro proposals, contracts, and invoices.
6. Sign a Legit Freelance Contract
Never start work without a signed agreement. Use a proven freelance contract that covers scope, payments, and liability.
(Link to your contract template or future lead magnet)
7. Track Your Income + Expenses
Use tools like QuickBooks, Wave, or Notion to track revenue, expenses, and profits — and make tax time easy.
8. Choose a CPA or Tax Software
Stop winging it with TurboTax. Either hire a CPA (recommended if you’re making $80K+) or use software built for self-employed pros. I used Collective for years until I got to $500k+ a year and needed a dedicated CPA.
9. Get Business Insurance
Especially important if you manage ad budgets. It protects you in case something goes wrong with a campaign or a client gets litigious.
10. Build Your Referral System
Referrals = your secret weapon. Create a system to ask for them consistently. Start with past clients, agency partners, or colleagues in adjacent niches.
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