If you’re building a personal brand online as a coach, influencer, or content creator, you need to treat it like a real business. That means having a real business structure. And in 2025, forming an LLC is one of the smartest steps you can take to protect your brand, secure your income, and look legit.
You don’t have to be a “big” creator or coach to start thinking like a business owner. In fact, the earlier you set things up properly, the easier it’ll be to scale. This blog breaks down exactly why forming an LLC matters and how to do it step-by-step, even if you’ve never done anything like this before. Let’s get into it.
What Is an LLC?
LLC stands for Limited Liability Company. It’s a legal business structure that separates your personal life from your business life. Why is that important? If you run your brand under your personal name with no protection, you’re personally responsible if something goes wrong, like a client sues you, a brand partnership goes sideways, or you accidentally break a contract. With an LLC, your personal assets (like your savings, house, and car) are protected. It’s the business that takes on the risk, not you personally.
Why Influencers and Coaches Need an LLC in 2025
- You’re Making Business Income
Anytime you’re paid for sponsorships, digital products, coaching, or brand deals, the IRS sees that as business income. If you’re not structured correctly, you’re mixing personal and business money, which is risky and messy at tax time.
- You Want to Build a Real Brand
Whether you’re a YouTuber, IG creator, or wellness coach, having an LLC makes your brand look legit. It shows potential partners, clients, and even payment platforms that you’re not just freelancing, you’re running a real company.
- You Want to Pay Less in Taxes
An LLC allows you to write off more business expenses, like cameras, software, editing tools, travel, your home office, and more. Later on, you can elect to be taxed as an S-Corp and potentially save thousands more. But that starts with forming your LLC first.
- You’re Protecting Your Name and Content
An LLC gives you a formal business name. You can register it with the state, secure your domain, and even trademark it later on. This is especially important if you’re building a personal brand and want to avoid copycats.
- You Can Open a Business Bank Account and Build Credit
Once you have an LLC and EIN, you can open a business bank account and start building business credit, separate from your personal credit. This is how creators and coaches get access to funding, high-limit cards, and business loans without touching their personal finances.
How to Set Up Your LLC as an Influencer or Coach
Step 1: Pick a Name for Your Business
Use a name that aligns with your brand or niche. This can be your personal name or something creative. Check if the domain and social handles are available too.
Step 2: Choose Your State
Most creators form their LLCs in the state where they live. But if you want to save on state fees or taxes, some popular choices include Wyoming, Delaware, and New Mexico. Just know there may be extra paperwork if you live in a different state from where your LLC is registered.
Step 3: File Your Articles of Organization
This is the official form that registers your LLC with the state. You can do it yourself through your state’s website, or you can make your life way easier by using a registered agent service (more on that below).
Step 4: Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
This is like a Social Security number for your business. You can get it free from the IRS and use it to open business bank accounts, file taxes, and apply for business credit.
Step 5: Open a Business Bank Account
Once your LLC is formed, open a bank account in your business name. This is how you separate your personal and business finances, which helps you stay legally protected and organized.
Step 6: Set Up Your Invoicing and Taxes
Start tracking your business income and expenses. Use tools like QuickBooks or Wave to send invoices, log deductions, and make tax season stress-free. Consider working with a CPA who specializes in creators and small businesses.
Pro Tip: Use a Registered Agent Service to Save Time
If you don’t want to deal with the paperwork or make mistakes that cost you later, use a registered agent service. Here are three solid picks:
- Northwest Registered Agent – Privacy-focused, great customer support.
- Special $39 pricing to form your company
- Well-established and trusted service
- Includes free registered agent service for 1 year ($125 value)
- Privacy is guaranteed so your info stays off public records
- Fast filing and processing times
BEST OVERALL FOR BUSINESS FORMATION
- Bizee (formerly Incfile) – Free LLC filing (just pay state fees).
Starting from $0 + State Fee
Key Features
Streamlined LLC formation and compliance services
Business license registration and management
Registered agent services for ongoing compliance
Why We Recommend It
- Provides a free LLC formation service (state fees still apply)
- Free registered agent service for the first year
- Ensure that all your contracts, documents, and forms are solid without the expense of hiring a lawyer
- Fast filing process that can be completed in as little as a few minutes
Pros & Cons
- Quick and easy LLC formation process
- Comprehensive compliance tools
- Affordable pricing for small businesses
- Limited additional services compared to larger competitors
- Some services may require additional fees
- Tailor Brands – Great for creators who want logo design + business setup in one place.
- Form your LLC for $0 + get an extra 35% off
- Includes branding and tax assistance
- Access to a 24/7 priority support team
- Fast and efficient LLC filing services
- Expert guidance throughout your business journey
BEST FOR QUICK AND AFFORDABLE BUSINESS FORMATION
They’ll handle the state filing, paperwork, reminders, and compliance so you can focus on your content and clients.
When Should You Form an LLC?
If you’re making consistent money online, it’s time. You don’t need to wait until you hit six figures. Most creators and coaches start with just a few clients or brand deals, and setting up your LLC early gives you protection and credibility from day one.
Final Thoughts
Starting an LLC might sound like something only “big” businesses do. But in 2025, if you’re earning money as an influencer or coach, you are a business. And the sooner you act like it, the sooner you can grow like one.
It protects your personal assets, helps you stay legally compliant, and makes you look more professional to clients, brands, and partners.
If you’re ready to take your brand seriously this year, forming an LLC is step one. And with tools like Northwest, Bizee, or Tailor Brands, you can get it done in under 10 minutes.