I'm probably getting ahead of myself here, but I've noticed some affiliate websites ask for your ssn which I'm kind of hesitant to give. Do any of you have corporations or llc's as a name and number for your affiliate marketing and hosting contracts? Any pros or cons to either? Thanks.
Create a business entity or use personal info when starting out?
- Thread starter cooch
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Lot of people start off as "individual" entity and use their SSN when they apply to the networks. If you are low on money and just starting off this route is probably better. It will keep you focussed on your goals rather than getting distracted forming an LLC and dealing with the formalities involved.
I am planning to start a LLC only after I start making money consistently.
Good luck.
Nasha
I am planning to start a LLC only after I start making money consistently.
Good luck.
Nasha
I'm not sure how it works in the US but here you just fill up a form at the government's enterprise registrar, pay the $35 fee and you can do business under the name you registered. It's still considered being a freelancer but you don't have to use your real name.
You can definitely start a business on the cheap here in the US as well, especially as a Sole Proprietor.. But (and this is important) let's say you run an offer, and you use logos on your landing page for the "as seen on" section. Well, one of the companies gets pissed that you used their logo without permission, and you end up with a lawsuit on your hands. As an individual or a Sole Proprietor, you risk ruining yourself financially. If you're registered as an LLC (think about what it stands for.. Limited Liability Corp.) the plaintiff can only sue the company. At worst, the company goes bankrupt. Your personal finances, unless you did something criminal, are safe. Do you really want to do business in this kind of industry without that protection?
If you're starting out, I'd "do business as" (DBA) and put your company name on everything. To the networks, you're a company, however you are really a sole proprietor.
After several months if everything is going okay and you think you can keep doing this long-term, register as an LLC.
Oh, and what SilentPen describes very rarely happens, and they usually just send you a DMCA notice to stop using the ad. Only if you really fucked up and tarnished their name by how you were advertising, or kept on after multiple DMCA's would you ever get into a lawsuit. Even then there's a settlement they are after. They don't actually want to go to court.
After several months if everything is going okay and you think you can keep doing this long-term, register as an LLC.
Oh, and what SilentPen describes very rarely happens, and they usually just send you a DMCA notice to stop using the ad. Only if you really fucked up and tarnished their name by how you were advertising, or kept on after multiple DMCA's would you ever get into a lawsuit. Even then there's a settlement they are after. They don't actually want to go to court.