- Business Growth & Optimisation
Starting a New Business? Here Are Some Tips to Help You Succeed
It’s an exciting moment when you decide to finally take the leap, but how do you actually start a business?
With technology advancing rapidly and markets evolving, it's essential to lay the right foundation to set yourself up for success. Here are some practical steps for starting a business in Australia.
1. Research your market deeply
Thoroughly understanding your customers and competition is arguably the most important piece of the business puzzle. Take the time to conduct robust market research to identify demand, pricing trends and gaps in the market that your business can fill. Engage with your target audience early to gather feedback and refine your offerings. Once you’ve done that, the next step is to create a solid business plan.
Top tip: Don’t rely solely on the feedback of friends and family. While their encouragement can be crucial during the early stages of your business, it’s important to also get the opinion of people who are truly impartial.
2. Leverage the latest technology
In 2026, staying competitive means embracing solutions that allow you to maximise output and efficiency. From cloud-based finance software, to cutting-edge AI-powered solutions to e-commerce platforms and modern payment solutions, in 2026 you have access to more business tech than ever before.
Whether you're automating tasks, improving customer experience, or utilising real-time analytics, the right technology will save your business time and money as you grow.
Top tip: Start small using tools that align with your needs. You can always scale your tech stack as your business grows.
3. Build a strong, consistent online presence
What’s the first thing you do when you hear about a new restaurant? You Google it, check the reviews, skim the website and make a judgement, all in a few seconds.
That’s the same approach customers will take when deciding whether they’re interested in what your business is offering, so you want to make sure your first impression is a good one.
Having a strong online presence involves much more than just a good website. Every detail matters—from your Google search ranking and customer reviews to consistent wording and design across social media, and accurate listings on platforms like Google My Business and industry-specific directories. Together, these elements build trust and increase your visibility online.
Building an engaged community on social media can definitely take time, but many businesses find it’s one of their best opportunities to drive revenue – well worth the effort.
Top tip: Provide clear, up-to-date information about your hours, location, and contact details, and consider investing in SEO and content marketing to help customers find your business organically.
4. Plan your finances wisely
As the saying goes, proper preparation prevents poor performance, and nowhere is this truer than when planning the financial side of a new business. Creating a detailed budget that outlines startup costs, ongoing expenses, and revenue projections is paramount. Ensure your business is set up with a financial solution (like Zeller) that combines all of the necessary things you need – like transaction accounts, cards, expense management, invoicing and ways to accept payment – in one convenient place.
Top tip: Zeller Transaction Account offers far more functionality than a traditional business bank. You can open an account online within minutes, it integrates seamlessly with Xero and you can add unlimited debit cards to your account.
5. Find a mentor
Like in almost every other aspect of life, success in starting and growing a business hinges on two seemingly contradictory things – consistency and the ability to adapt to change. When you hit a bump in the road, how do you know if you should stay the course or switch gears? You ask someone who has been there before.
A good mentor offers guidance, shares valuable insights, and helps you see challenges from a fresh perspective. Their experience can be a compass when navigating unchartered territory, giving you the confidence to make informed decisions.
Top tip: While your mentor doesn’t necessarily have to be from the same industry as you, you should seek out someone who has been successful in starting and growing their own business. Learning from their firsthand experience can help you overcome challenges, seize opportunities and navigate the myriad complexities of entrepreneurship.
Starting a business this new year? Contact the Zeller Sales Team today on 1800 935 537 to discover how our industry-leading financial solutions can help your business thrive in 2025 and beyond.
Starting a business this year?
Contact the Zeller Sales Team today on 1800 935 537 to discover how our industry-leading financial solutions can help your business thrive in 2026 and beyond.
