Building a Directory to Simplify LLC Formation for Entrepreneurs—Need Your Feedback!
I’m excited to share my MVP, HowStartLLC, an online directory designed to help new entrepreneurs navigate the tricky process of forming an LLC. I noticed that many first-timers and non-residents struggle with hidden fees, aggressive upsells, and not knowing exactly what they need (e.g., registered agents, EIN assistance, or virtual addresses). It’s a stressful process, and I wanted to make it easier by creating a platform that compares top-tier LLC formation services—like pricing, features, and user reviews—in one place.
I’d love your feedback to make it even better. Check out the site here: https://howstartllc.com/. Specifically, I’d like to know:
Does this solve a real problem you’ve faced when forming an LLC (or helping someone else) especially when there are many LLC formation services, at the beginning you do not know which one to choose?
Are there any features or filters you’d want to see in a tool like this?
What’s your first impression of the site—any suggestions for improvement?
I’m all ears for your thoughts, critiques, or ideas! Thanks in advance for taking a look.
Hi Max, Love the idea of making LLC formation easier, especially for people unfamiliar with the process.
From my own experience, opening an LLC in the U.S. wasn’t too complicated, even as a non-resident ( I Live in South America) But what did feel tricky was everything after figuring out what documents to keep, annual maintenance, tax deadlines, that kind of stuff. Maybe that’s something worth exploring?
Being myself a UI Designer I always see things that could be improved visually, but honestly, I think the most important thing right now is getting real users and feedback.
One small UX suggestion: making the register button accessible in one click instead of having to click “Sign In” first and then finding the hyperlink to register. Not a big deal for now, but something to streamline when you fully launch.
Daniel
Hey Daniel, thank you for your feedback. I agree on the part that post opening LLC part is more tricky. But i really want to focus on the thing that new entrepreneurs face, a lot of LLC formation services aggressively upsale new entrepreneurs. Also, many LLC formation services have hidden fees, thats really frustrating.
For example, I am a non-US resident myself, living abroad, And the challenge I faced is you cannot open a US bank account unless you have US residential address, which is tricky, most LLC services say that they can open US bank accounts, but they do not specify that the service is for residents only. Just few services really can help to open bank account for non-residents.
So I really want to explore services deeply, read a ton of Google and Trustpilot reviews, identify patterns and challenges people face when dealing with different services and display it on my website.
I really think it can help new entrepreneurs save time, money when they have really valuable information which service and package to use for general or specific need.
Talking about UX, I completely agree about "Sign in". The button is basically only for those who wants to leave a review. I think 95% of users won't use the button. But yes, later I will improve it. Thanks for the suggestion. I appreciate your overall feedback 🤝