Editorial Guidelines
At Step By Step Business, our brand depends on the quality of our content. We know that if our articles fail to maintain the highest editorial standards of accuracy and integrity we risk losing the trust of our loyal readers.
All of our writers are trained to create accurate, original, and engaging content that is impartial and free of bias. Our entire editorial team understands that they are responsible for building and ensuring our reputation.
Fact-Checking
Accurate information and fact-based recommendations are of the utmost importance to Step By Step. Our brand, and our readers’ success, depend on it.
Our writers and editors rely on respected and relevant sources to create accurate content that provides useful detail and context to our readers. All of our articles are thoroughly reviewed and fact-checked by our editorial team, which rigorously evaluates accuracy, relevance, and impartiality.
Starting a business is a process that requires the following of certain legal procedures. We aim to provide readers with accurate information on the latest business laws and tax requirements.
All of our articles are for U.S. businesses only, so we only use information released from the U.S. government and state governments. An example of a source that we start with is https://www.usa.gov/business, which provides links to various government agencies. If the information can not be found on the state and federal government websites, we take the time to find other sources to make sure all the information we provide is accurate.
We always provide links to our readers to direct them to the appropriate documents or online processes so that they do not have to conduct these searches on their own, freeing them up to run and grow their businesses.
Many legal requirements for businesses are at the state level, so we link directly to the websites of the appropriate offices such as the Secretary of State. We provide the state-specific information and links that our readers need to stay in compliance with the law.
When we write about specific business types, such as a food truck business, for example, we describe the necessary steps and information for that specific business. All of our content is fully customized to provide the most relevant information on that particular business.
When we provide information and resources, we take into consideration current trends in the economy and the industry based on what is happening at any given time. For example, if the industry has been affected by the pandemic, our guidance reflects that reality.
We include links to insightful market research reports and industry analysis on products, services, companies, markets.
Corrections Policy
Step By Step Business is committed to correcting any factual errors found in our content, investigating how they were made, and improving our editorial process to avoid further mistakes.
Please feel free to report possible inaccuracies to [email protected]
Reviews and Recommendations
Our service reviews are independent and based on our own research. We never receive any compensation or extra consideration for the content of our reviews. In the event of cases that may risk a conflict of interest — such as reviewing an affiliate partner — we are fully transparent and acknowledge our relationship with the subject of the review.
How We Test and Review the Services
We are a team of entrepreneurs and business experts who have vetted, researched and even used the services we recommend. Our experienced team examines each service and determines which offer the best products and prices for our readers. Our goal is to provide invaluable guidance and support to those who are starting businesses.
The integrity of the information and recommendations we provide is of paramount importance to us. Our main objective is helping aspiring entrepreneurs achieve success.
When we do service reviews, we review the website and services thoroughly, from the details to the pricing and all service offerings. We purchase a specific service and test it, so that we can see how the service works and whether they deliver on their promises in terms of products and turnaround times.
We test all of the customer service options including chat, email, and phone support. We provide screenshots of responses from the service in our review when possible.
In addition, we look at what actual customers are saying about their experience with the service. We scour the reviews and ratings with the Better Business Bureau and Trust Pilot. We also look for social media posts about the service.
Finally, we compare the service to competitors to see how they stack up in terms of products, pricing, and customer reviews. This helps us to develop the pros and cons of the service.
We use different approaches when reviewing different types of services. Our goal is to look at the service from a customer’s perspective so that we can provide the most complete, honest, and helpful review we possibly can.
Originality
Step By Step Business publishes only original and unbiased content. All data and statistical information must be verified, attributed, and free of libel or copyright infringement. We expect our writers, editors, and contributors to maintain the highest standards and abide by all relevant laws, standards, and journalistic practices.
Disclaimer
Our goal is to guide aspiring entrepreneurs through the step-by-step process of starting a business, from choosing a business structure and getting licenses to launching a website and ringing up that first sale. Our content includes considerable insight and details, such as state-specific requirements and links, along with many additional resources.
We are a team of entrepreneurs and business owners, which means that many of us have been through the processes described in our content, including starting and running LLCs. Our joint, hands-on business experience is vast, running from online businesses to education, research, media and consulting firms.
This combined experience and education enable us to provide the most relevant, accurate and insightful information to help you start your business and achieve success.
Step by Step Business’ content is for informational and educational purposes only. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional legal or tax advice. For legal questions, you should speak to an attorney or contact your state or local officials. We can direct you to the correct office, if needed.
Advertising Disclaimer
We do not take our responsibility lightly. Whenever we make service recommendations, we have done our due diligence, examined all the relevant offerings and determined that this service is among the best on the market.
We make our editorial decisions and recommendations choices internally, with no input by any third parties. Our recommendations include service providers in areas such as banking, web hosting, credit cards, and business formation.
When a visitor on our site chooses to do business with one of our recommended service providers, we get a referral fee. We receive no compensation for recommending these services — only when our readers hire that service.
We are of course unable to review every single service and product offered by these service providers. We review the ones that are most relevant to our readers. As a result, we cannot and do not vouch for all of these service providers’ offerings.
We will never mislead our readers, such as recommending one service while promoting another in order to receive compensation. Our reviews are honest and unbiased, and our recommendations based on significant research and strong positive experiences.