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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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.
➡️ Start your LLC in 10 minutes
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.
➡️ Compare the top 5 cards for freelancers
5. Set Up a Proposal + Invoice System
Use a tool like HoneyBook or Bonsai to send pro proposals, contracts, and invoices.
➡️ Check out our top pick for proposals
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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