Still Thinking This Through: LLC or Not?
Short answer: No.
Longer answer: Maybe. Especially if money ever enters the picture.
One of the reasons I’ve been poking at this legal-structure question is because I know myself. I have a long history of diving headfirst into new platforms, realizing halfway through that it’s not quite the right fit, pivoting to something else, and repeating that cycle until I land somewhere that works. Most of what I know about tools, formats, and strategies has come from exactly that: mess, repeat, refine.
But what nudged me to start seriously researching LLCs wasn’t this blog. It was watching a friend’s YouTube channel take off.
What Sparked the Question
A good friend of mine recently launched a YouTube channel focused on helping veterans navigate the VA system. It started small, simply sharing hard-to-find information. But very quickly, it grew into an incredible resource, especially for people overwhelmed by where to even begin. He’s clear, no-fluff, and honest. I’ve been cheering him on from the start.
About six months in, he casually mentioned that he’d just formed an LLC. That told me a few things:
- He’s gaining traction.
- He’s probably planning for more than just casual content.
- He’s probably monetizing.
And that made me pause. If this blog ever evolves into services, products, partnerships—what structure would I need? What would I wish I’d set up earlier?
Why I’m Considering an LLC (But Not Rushing)
Right now, this blog is a creative outlet. While I’ve added some affiliate links, I’m not actively building it with a goal to monetize. But I want to leave room for it to grow if that happens. An LLC (Limited Liability Company) isn’t required to start writing or even to earn some money. But there are potential advantages I’m keeping in mind:
- Separating personal and blog finances
- Setting up a business bank account
- Receiving affiliate or partnership income cleanly
- Simplifying future services or product offerings
- Protecting personal assets from any business-related liability
I’m not forming one yet, but I’m gathering the information now so that if I do shift gears later, I won’t be starting from scratch.
Monetization Paths I’m Exploring
Even if your blog isn’t monetized yet, it’s worth thinking ahead. Some basic structure now can save you cleanup work later. Here are a few possibilities I’m keeping on my radar:
Affiliate Programs
- Awin (which includes ShareASale)
- Amazon Associates
Service-Based Income
- Custom travel planning
- Tailored garden plans
- Templates or planning support
- Consulting
Digital Products
- Worksheets and checklists I’m already making for myself
- Downloadable tools and resources
Tip: You don’t have to monetize today. But prepping the framework now makes it easier to expand if that day comes.
Do You Need an LLC? A Quick Self-Check
These are some of the questions I’m asking myself:
- Am I earning income (ads, affiliates, services)?
- Do I want separate personal and business finances?
- Will I need business banking or payment processing?
- Do I expect to work with brands or clients?
- Am I concerned about personal liability protection?
- Do I want to secure a legal business name?
- Am I prepping for future offerings (downloads, consulting, services)?
- Would having an LLC signal professionalism?
- Am I investing significantly in tools or subscriptions already?
If you start answering yes to several of these, it might be worth exploring an LLC sooner rather than later.
Legal Structure Options: The Quick Comparison
| Structure | What It Is | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorship | The default for anyone earning income without a formal structure | Simple, easy to start, full control | No liability protection, personal assets at risk, harder to separate finances | Small side projects, hobby income, early testing |
| LLC (Limited Liability Company) | A legal entity that separates personal and business finances | Protects personal assets, allows growth, flexible management, greater credibility | Formation costs, paperwork, self-employment tax applies to profits | Blogs with multiple income streams, client work, growing potential |
| S Corporation Election (for LLCs or corporations) | A tax status option that may reduce self-employment taxes | Tax savings potential, keeps liability protection | More compliance rules, stricter ownership limits, more paperwork | Higher-income businesses where tax savings justify the complexity |
Getting Started: If You Decide to Form One
If I do decide to form an LLC, these are the steps I’d follow (and that I’m researching now):
- Review state requirements (starting with the Secretary of State’s website)
- Choose and register a business name
- Consider using a formation service (ZenBusiness, LegalZoom, etc.)
- Set up a dedicated business bank account
- Draft a simple operating agreement, even as a solo member
The Bottom Line (At Least So Far)
You don’t need perfect legal structure to start writing or even to earn your first affiliate dollar. But if you’re planning for growth, or if you’re someone like me who likes to build stable foundations early, it’s worth starting the research now.
The key is matching your structure to your actual situation, not your aspirations.
Start simple. Leave room to grow.
Hi, I’m Kathi
I tend to research things a little early. This blog may not need a business structure today, but if it ever grows into something more, I want to know where the next steps might lead. Thinking things through ahead of time gives me room to focus on the work itself.
Threads Not Yet Pulled
- How affiliate income changes your tax footprint
- Tools that simplify LLC formation (and when to DIY vs hire help)
- Business banking for bloggers and side projects
- When does “just a blog” become a business?
- The hidden cost of waiting too long to build structure