Do I need

[Mitri's Mommy]

Do I need a business license and/or to register my business name before building a website and advertising for myself?

I'd like to start my own business of making customized party banners. (I've posted a similar question before but no one answered the part if I NEED the license or to be registered - I was just given help on where to go and how to get it).
Anyway, I'm sure you've all seen the "Happy Birthday" banners at stores, but I'd like to make them customized, maybe a specific pattern, or for baby showers have it say for instance "Baby - Demitrius" or "Baby - Hernandez" (If the baby's name is still unknown) and of course to connect the two words I'd have a baby cutout between the two, or maybe a baby bottle or what not.

Thank you so very much! Also, do you have a business license and is your business name registered?

Thank you, thank you I think that is all I need to know before getting started.

Sorry, I forgot something. What exactly is a domain name and do I need one of those too? I'm still trying to educate myself before starting.

[AllanJames]

Originally Posted by Mitri's Mommy

Do I need a business license and/or to register my business name before building a website and advertising for myself?

[snip]

Thank you so very much! Also, do you have a business license and is your business name registered?

Thank you, thank you I think that is all I need to know before getting started.

Sorry, I forgot something. What exactly is a domain name and do I need one of those too? I'm still trying to educate myself before starting.

Regards the business name registration, it depends on the country you're a resident of - here in New Zealand most start off as a 'Sole Trader' and only have to let IRD know.

A Domain Name can be thought of as your online address (where your website lives) ie www.StartBusinessMentor.com is the address of one of my sites, and you're probably familiar with the well known Domain Name www.Google.com

If you are going to start your own website, yes, you will need a Domain Name, and there are various other reasons (very complicated) for having one, or more of them.

It sound to me that you would be well advised to pick up one of the inexpensive 'newbie' training courses out there, and you will need a suite of tools to build and to market your site, track your advertising and to keep in email contact with your customers. I can put you in touch with a comprehensive free suite of marketing tools I've used for about three years if you wish - just PM me for details

[lindastacy]

What's required for licensing for me, might not be the same for you. Some states and many counties or cities and towns have their own licensing requirements (and zoning laws may also apply). A town or county clerk is often a good resource to find out what you need in your area.