Blockchain services provide a public ledger for companies who want a better way to organize their projects, finances, and information. While it’s most commonly associated with cryptocurrency, the blockchain can be used for practically every type of business transaction there is.
Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? We recommend forming an LLC as it is the most affordable way to protect your personal assets. You can do this yourself or with our trusted partner for a small fee.
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Start a blockchain services business by following these 10 steps:
- Plan your Blockchain Services Business
- Form your Blockchain Services Business into a Legal Entity
- Register your Blockchain Services Business for Taxes
- Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
- Set up Accounting for your Blockchain Services Business
- Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Blockchain Services Business
- Get Blockchain Services Business Insurance
- Define your Blockchain Services Business Brand
- Create your Blockchain Services Business Website
- Set up your Business Phone System
We have put together this simple guide to starting your blockchain services business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.
Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.
STEP 1: Plan your business
A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:
- What will you name your business?
- What are the startup and ongoing costs?
- Who is your target market?
- How much can you charge customers?
Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.
What will you name your business?
Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Blockchain Services Business Name Generator
If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.
When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:
- Your state’s business records
- Federal and state trademark records
- Social media platforms
- Web domain availability
It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.
What are the costs involved in opening a blockchain services business?
Theoretically, you only need the cost of computers and internet to develop your initial prototype if starting on your own. You’ll need liability insurance as well, which will vary in costs based on your chosen limits and the services you offer. Finally, you should likely invest in advisors who can give you the right perspective on how the blockchain is changing, both in the legal space and public sphere.
What are the ongoing expenses for a blockchain services business?
Labor is generally going to be the biggest expense for blockchains because the business needs skilled people to design and sell the platform. You’ll also need to account for electricity, insurance costs, and the direct cost of the space you’re using.
Who is the target market?
Practically any industry can use the blockchain, even though it’s most commonly associated with cryptocurrency transactions. Essentially, the blockchain makes it nearly impossible to hack into a company’s information, which is increasingly necessary as virtual fraud continues to rise. But more than this, the blockchain also provides a way to communicate at a level we’ve never seen before through the use of smart contracts. These special if/then statements are so versatile that it can be applied to industry projects in ways we can’t yet imagine.
For example, the construction industry can use the blockchain to make it easier to work with multiple vendors. When all action can be seen in the ledger it virtually eliminates confusion about who’s responsible for what. The real estate industry is already using it to coordinate sales and even make investment easier. The blockchain can work with extremely small numbers, meaning a person could buy 2 mm of a property if they so chose!
How does a blockchain services business make money?
Blockchains will typically either set up a SaaS model or charge a one-time project fee. They may also charge to verify transactions across their network. One of the biggest advantages of blockchains is that they can successfully handle micropayments. These transaction fees are typically done via cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or Ethereum.
How much can you charge customers?
The blockchain is new enough that owners are still puzzling out how to charge for their services. For example, transaction charges have ranged from less than $1 to over $50! If you have direct competitors, look to see what they’re charging to figure out your own pricing. If you’re doing something relatively new, consider calculating how much a blockchain can save a client over time in terms of labor and direct expenses, and then price your blockchain based on these numbers.
How much profit can a blockchain services business make?
Blockchains can be extremely profitable, so long as they can scale their technology to meet the public demand. If you charge $50,000 per project at a profit margin of 25%, you’d need to sell 8 projects to make $100,000 in profits a year.
How can you make your business more profitable?
Consider branching out to new industries to increase business. You can also potentially offer more programming services, such as back-end software to allow businesses to accept cryptocurrency.
Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!
STEP 2: Form a legal entity
One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your blockchain services business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.
This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.
In practice, this means that if your blockchain services business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.
More than 84% of our readers opt to collaborate with a professional LLC formation service to kickstart their venture. We’ve negotiated a tailored discount for our readers, bringing the total down to just $29.
Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).
STEP 3: Register for taxes
You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.
In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!
You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?
There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.
STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card
Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.
When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.
Open a business bank account
Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:
- Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
- Makes accounting and tax filing easier.
Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.
Get a business credit card
Getting a business credit card helps you:
- Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business’ expenses all in one place.
- Build your company’s credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.
Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.
STEP 5: Set up business accounting
Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.
Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.
STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses
Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.
State & Local Business Licensing Requirements
Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a blockchain services business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.
Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.
Certificate of Occupancy
A blockchain services business is generally run out of a office. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.
- If you plan to lease a location:
- It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
- Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a blockchain services business.
- After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
- If you plan to purchase or build a location:
- You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
- Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your blockchain services business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.
STEP 7: Get business insurance
Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.
There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.
Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.
Find out what types of insurance your Blockchain Services Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Blockchain Services Business.
STEP 8: Define your brand
Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.
If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.
How to promote & market a blockchain services business
Concentrate on the innate benefits that a blockchain can offer to businesses of every variety. If you’re selling your blockchain platform to retail businesses, highlight how the blockchain cuts down on fraud. The best way to get started may be in your very own neighborhood, though you may also want to network on a global scale at the many blockchain conferences held throughout the world. Internet advertising through paid Google ads can also make it easier for potential clients to find your specific services.
How to keep customers coming back
Customers need a platform that consistently works and functions without hiccups. Clients also want simple program so they don’t have to spend months getting everyone up to speed. Offer excellent support to clients should they have questions or need emergency assistance.
STEP 9: Create your business website
After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.
While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.
Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:
- All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
- Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
- Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.
Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.
Other popular website builders are: WordPress, WIX, Weebly, Squarespace, and Shopify.
STEP 10: Set up your business phone system
Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.
There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.
Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com
Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.
Is this Business Right For You?
People who understand just how revolutionary the blockchain can be. This invention is being compared to the invention of the internet — and for good reason. The blockchain provides a safe, decentralized way to cut down on fraud, verify huge amounts of data, and speed up communication between multiple parties.
Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?
Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!
What happens during a typical day at a blockchain services business?
The majority of the day will likely be spent programming and perfecting the blockchain. Owners will also spend time marketing, networking, and developing new ways to serve their customer base.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful blockchain services business?
Ideally, owners will either be programmers or business-savvy individuals who can manage programmers. It can also help to have some knowledge of project management. It can also help to have some background in sales. Blockchain businesses have to sell technical services to people who may not be very familiar with the overarching concepts.
What is the growth potential for a blockchain services business?
The blockchain is exploding, and it’s only likely to keep going. No matter how experts feel about cryptocurrency, the underlying technology is only getting more popular. As it becomes more universal, it’s not unlikely that we’ll start to see practically everyone switching over to this revolutionary platform!
Take the Next Step
Find a business mentor
One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.
Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.
Learn from other business owners
Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.
Resources to Help Women in Business
There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:
- Funding
- Events
- Guides
- Support
If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a blockchain services business?
The blockchain is so hot right now that putting the word blockchain into your name can make sales soar. You can use this to your advantage so long as you have a viable product underneath the hype. One of the best things that you can do is identify your market immediately. Starting with just one industry can make it easier for you to narrow down your promotional tactics, but you also run the risk of getting pigeonholed.
You can also try thinking outside the box too. For example, the blockchain gives families a way to record their heritage in a logical and indelible way. Or you can look outside traditional business ventures to government ones. Cities such as Berkeley are now turning to cryptocurrency to fund city projects rather than relying on federal funding.
Consider launching a crowdfunding venture to get your business started. While ICOs are the clear choice for crowdfunding, you may be able to garner interest even if you’re not planning to start your own cryptocurrency to go with it. Just remember that your efforts will likely be affected by the state of the current market. When crypto is generally up, you’ll have a better time securing funding.
How and when to build a team
It’s possible to get started on your own, but you likely be able to do it alone for very long. Look for staff members with the technical prowess to build the platform from the ground-up. You should have marketers, legal help, and administrative employees who can tie up loose ends, find new clients, and keep your financial information organized.