I’ve had some recent experience with setting up a small business (specifically, web design) and the goal has been to achieve as much of the setup process as possible for free or cheap. Thanks to Google, this was a very reasonable goal! Here are some insights into the process of setting up a business using Google’s amazing set of services:

Phase 1

Hash out your skills, products and/or services and decide what market to target. Research others in your field and in your geographic area in order to come up with a unique product angle, then plan, plan, plan, and prepare to launch! This includes:

• Creating and applying a brand
• Setting up contact methods (via website, Facebook, email and phone)
• Deciding on the exact products and services to provide and estimating prices
• Setting up a portfolio webpage
• Creating starter templates and other products
• Researching/discovering potential clients
• Researching the competition and finding a competitive edge
• Handling legal considerations including business license and status, customer contracts, invoice forms and payment options
• Researching and creating a sales/elevator pitch

Thanks to Google Apps, Voice, Drive, Calendar, Gmail, and Marketplace, you should be able to do the vast majority of this easily and quickly online, for free! Sure, they use your search history to pick your advertisements, but who can beat a home business rendered nearly startup-cost free thanks to Google?