FounderIgnite Blog

Practical guides on starting, marketing, and growing a service business — plus insurance explainers in plain English. New posts weekly. Subscribe to get them first.

Business Jun 2026
How to Turn a Skill Into a Business: 8 Steps

8 steps from skill to profitable service business.

Marketing Jun 2026
10 Marketing Ideas for Service Businesses That Actually Work

Proven strategies ranked by ROI for contractors, cleaners, DJs, and beauty pros.

Marketing Jun 2026
How to Market a New Service Business With No Budget

8 completely free strategies that work before you're ready to spend on ads.

Marketing Jun 2026
How to Get Your First 10 Clients as a New Service Business

The fastest path from zero to your first real paying customer base.

Marketing Jun 2026
How to Ask for Reviews and Referrals (Scripts Included)

Proven scripts for asking after every job — for reviews and for referrals.

Marketing Jun 2026
How to Build a 5-Star Google Review Profile

A systematic approach to building the review count that generates clients on autopilot.

Marketing Jun 2026
Platform vs. Independent: Rover, Angi, GigSalad or Your Own Brand?

When to use platforms and when to go your own way — the real math.

Marketing Jun 2026
How to Get Commercial Clients for Your Service Business

Commercial clients pay more and book more consistently. Here's how to win them.

Business Jun 2026
How to Start Taking Bookings Online as a Service Business

Set up online booking in a weekend — reduces no-shows and saves hours every week.

Marketing Jun 2026
How to Build a Website for Your Service Business

A simple professional website without hiring a developer.

Insurance Jun 2026
7 Insurance Mistakes Small Business Owners Make

The 7 most expensive insurance mistakes self-employed founders make.

Insurance Jun 2026
What Is General Liability Insurance?

What GL covers, what it doesn't, and whether your business needs it.

Insurance Jun 2026
How Much Does Small Business Insurance Cost in 2026?

Real rate ranges by business type — from yoga instructors to roofers.

Insurance Jun 2026
What Does 'Additionally Insured' Mean?

Why clients and venues ask for it, and how to add them in 2 minutes.

Insurance Jun 2026
BOP vs. General Liability: What's the Difference?

When a Business Owner's Policy makes sense vs. a standalone GL policy.

Insurance Jun 2026
What Is Professional Liability Insurance (E&O)?

Who needs it and what it actually covers — vs. what GL covers.

Insurance Jun 2026
How to Get a Certificate of Insurance (COI) in 5 Minutes

What a COI is, who asks for it, and how to get one instantly.

Insurance Jun 2026
Surety Bond vs. Liability Insurance: What's the Difference?

They protect different parties and do completely different things.

Insurance Jun 2026
What Is Workers' Compensation Insurance?

If you have employees, you almost certainly need it. Here's how it works.

Insurance Jun 2026
Home-Based Business Insurance: Does Your Homeowner's Policy Cover You?

Almost certainly not. Here's what you actually need.

Business Jun 2026
LLC vs. Sole Proprietor: Which Is Right for Your Service Business?

The honest comparison — costs, protection, and when each makes sense.

Business Jun 2026
How to Price Your Services for the First Time

A formula-based approach that stops you from guessing — and undercharging.

Business Jun 2026
How to Raise Your Rates Without Losing Clients

A proven approach to increasing prices — and keeping the clients who matter.

Business Jun 2026
How to Handle a Difficult Client: 6 Strategies

From disputes to bad reviews — professional strategies that protect your business.

Business Jun 2026
5 Business Licenses Most Service Businesses Need

The most common licenses and permits — and how to get each one.

Business Jun 2026
How to Write a Simple Service Contract

8 things every service contract must include to prevent disputes.

Business Jun 2026
When to Hire an Employee vs. a Contractor

The real cost difference and the IRS rules that matter.

Business Jun 2026
How to Prepare Your Service Business for the Slow Season

Financial prep, diversification strategies, and what to do with the downtime.

Contractors Jun 2026
5 Things Contractors Should Do Before Storm Season

Insurance, licensing, equipment, and client intake prep for storm work.

Cleaning Jun 2026
How to Bid a Commercial Cleaning Job: Step-by-Step

Walk-through to signed contract — with the pricing formula that protects your margin.

Events Jun 2026
How to Write a DJ Contract: 10 Things to Include

Protect every booking from cancellations, scope disputes, and non-payment.

Finance Jun 2026
How to Separate Business and Personal Finances

The single most important financial foundation for any self-employed founder.

Finance Jun 2026
Do You Need to Pay Quarterly Taxes When Self-Employed?

If you expect to owe $1,000+, yes. Here's when, how much, and how to pay.

Finance Jun 2026
How Much to Set Aside for Taxes as a Self-Employed Person

The simple rule that prevents tax-season surprises forever.

Finance Jun 2026
How to Track Business Expenses Without an Accountant

A simple system that takes 5 minutes a week and saves thousands at tax time.