When you decide to launch your own business, it shouldn’t be a short term “thing.” You shouldn’t be launching it just to help you get by. Real entrepreneurs do it for the long run. It’s not simple, nor is it easy, but entrepreneurs need to run a business without a hitch.

Here are 5 reasons why it’s important to legitimize your business:

1. There’s no risk of getting caught. This is the main benefit. If your business is hiding behind the law, you can get caught at any point – which means you have to work on constant alert, which can be stressful as well as dangerous. And what if you get caught? There will be penalties that will cost you a huge buck.
2. It builds your identity and makes you influential.  When your business is legitimate, you have a greater chance of landing better projects because you’ll be in the market of “legit” business operators. Also, you’re not afraid to put yourself out there and can be proud of your business, so you have free reign to spread the word about your brand.
3. It saves time and money. You may complain about taxes or registration fees and the time it takes to authorize your brand, but those securities keep you away from penalties, which will cost you even more should you neglect them.
4. It makes bringing in customers and hiring employees easier. Customers and employees want to feel safe, and they value being protected and assured by the brands they subscribe to or work for.
5. In the case of an online shop, it improves your SEO. Search engines like Google give ranking boosts to sites with secure URLs.

After you register your business

In order to legitimize your business, there are a few steps you can take, but more importantly there are some habits you can develop, which you will have to live by to make sure you stay authentic throughout your business’ lifespan:

• Have an original brand name and logo. Save yourself the trouble of being rejected by business registration offices, and establish a brand that’s unique at the same time.
• Register your business and acquire all necessary permits. This should go without saying, but unfortunately not all businesses do it. Don’t forget that there are added perks to registering your business too, like establishing your brand name, improving your reputation, having corporate rates for services, and enjoying special deals for businesses.
• Pay your taxes. Again, this should be automatic. Nobody likes a tax evader. (Plus, it’ll cost you less if you just pay your taxes. I once missed a tax deadline and the penalty is as big as the tax amount. I never missed a deadline since!)
• Double-check your products. Make sure they are (1) tested and safe, (2) registered, (3) in good and saleable condition, and (4) well taken care of by your staff. Remember, customers will only come back if they’re satisfied with what they bought. This is especially true when it comes to your marketing. People want to see that you are able to promote truth and honesty above all else. And while it’s possible to use a SaaS marketing company or use PPC (Pay Per Click) marketing tactics to get your business high up the search engine results, it’s only worth it if your products walk the walk as much as they talk the talk!
• Convert your HTTP site to an HTTPS.  This secures your site and boosts your SEO.

More tips on how to prove your legitimacy

Globe myBusiness looked at online gadget store YouPoundIt, studied how they not only created but proved their legitimacy, and found some good examples you can follow:

• Have testimonials to convince potential customers that your business is trustworthy. Once your business is actually genuine, it won’t be hard to convince people they can trust you with their money and their word.
• Be accessible. Show customers you have nothing to hide, and that you’re always happy to help. That way they’re more confident in your service.
• Offer more. When you own an authentic business, you’re not afraid to offer services like warranties, returns and exchanges, which are added perks that customers will certainly appreciate.
• Prioritize being hassle-free. Not only are customers annoyed by seemingly avoidable hassles, these hassles also give your brand a very bad name and can mean lots of negative feedback for your products.

For more tips and advice straight from industry experts, visit the Globe myBusiness website and subscribe to myBizKit.