Everyone is tired of their boring 9-5 dreams of starting a business. And clearly, it’s a great way to make a change in the world while earning a decent income. Sure, you need investments to start a business, but there are business ideas you can start with nothing in your wallet. But here’s the hard-hitting truth: almost 80% of businesses don’t survive even the first year.
And it’s not because they ran out of money, but because they started without a business plan. Writing a business plan is one of the most significant parts of the business, and without it, a business can’t survive for long.
For those who are still reluctant to have a written plan and asking, “What is the purpose of writing a business plan?” We’ve got your answer, plus four more. Learn these reasons as well as how to write a business plan.
Before you even consider the website, begin the
product launch, or get that first customer, you need a plan. More specifically, a business plan. And if you’re asking what the purpose of writing a business plan is, here’s your short answer: direction. That simple. A business plan gives you something solid to steer by.
But there’s more to it than just “getting your thoughts down on paper.” Let’s break it all down in plain English.
Why Writing a Business Plan Is Important?
Every business needs a roadmap. Whether you’re starting from scratch or scaling an existing venture, your business plan is what turns ideas into action.
It helps answer questions like:
- What’s the goal here?
- How are we going to make money?
- Who are we selling to?
- What’s our unique edge?
- How will we fund this thing?
What is the One Purpose of Writing a Business Plan with Four More?
When you’ve got answers to those, you’re no longer just dreaming, you’re building something real.
If you’re still wondering what is one purpose for writing a business plan? Let’s dig into them, plus offer you four more.
1. It Gives You Direction (And Keeps You on Track)
Without a business plan, running a business can feel like sailing without a compass. You’re working hard, but are you heading anywhere? A business plan defines your mission, vision, and key milestones so you stay focused.
And if your team grows? Everyone’s reading from the same playbook. No crossed wires. No wasted energy.
2. It Helps You Secure Funding
Whether you’re approaching a bank, angel investor, or crowdfunding community, your business plan is your pitch. It shows that you’ve thought things through, run the numbers, and have a strategy in place.
In other words, it tells potential backers, “You can trust me with your money.”
And yes, investors absolutely expect SMART goals. That’s:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-bound
Let’s say you’re launching a skincare brand. Instead of saying, “We want to grow fast,” a SMART goal would be: “We aim to acquire 1,000 customers within 6 months through Instagram ads and product sampling.”
That kind of goal belongs in your business plan, and it makes your entire approach more focused.
3. It Keeps You Accountable
A great business plan isn’t just for show. It becomes your reference point when decisions get murky or priorities clash. If you’ve ever wondered how to write a business plan that actually gets used, it’s all about building in benchmarks, targets, and accountability.
This isn’t just about impressing lenders. It’s about being honest with yourself. Are you on schedule? Are you hitting your numbers? What needs tweaking?
That level of clarity is how businesses stay alive and thrive.
4. It Clarifies Your Offer and Audience
You might know your product inside out, but can you explain it to someone else in a sentence? Your business plan forces you to define your value proposition, your competitors, and your ideal customer.
This is where marketing starts—not with a Canva graphic, but with clarity on what you’re selling and who you’re speaking to.
5. It Lays Out Your Operational Plan
How are you going to deliver your product or service? What tech do you need? Who’s handling what?
These nuts and bolts matter, and writing them out brings all the fuzzy ideas into focus. If you’ve ever thought about hiring someone or outsourcing tasks, this section will tell you when, why, and how.
What Should You Include in a Business Plan?
If you’re learning how to write a business plan, here’s a quick guide to what goes in:
- Executive Summary – Snapshot of your business vision.
- Business Description – What you do, why it matters.
- Market Research – Target market, competition, trends.
- Organisation Structure – Who’s involved, what’s their role?
- Product/Service Line – What you’re selling and why it stands out.
- Marketing Plan – How you’ll reach customers.
- Operations Plan – Day-to-day logistics.
- Financial Plan – Forecasts, costs, funding requirements.
You can get as detailed as needed, but the aim is clarity, not jargon.
SMART Goals: A Quick Breakdown
Let’s zoom in on those SMART goals again, because they really are a game changer.
Say your business plan includes a goal like: “Grow social media presence.”
Too vague. Instead, go SMART:
“Gain 5,000 Instagram followers and reach 3,000 monthly newsletter subscribers within the next 9 months.”
This kind of precision helps your team stay aligned, and it makes it easier to evaluate success.
Why Getting a Pro Involved Matters
Look, we get it. You could spend hours pulling your business plan together on your own. But if you’re serious about getting funding or scaling up, there’s real value in bringing in professional support.
At Lincoln Writes UK, we offer tailored Business Plan Writing Services that combine strategy, clarity, and persuasion. We don’t do cookie-cutter plans. We work with you to build something that reflects your unique vision, values, and goals.
Especially if you’re applying for grants or pitching in a competitive field, getting it done right the first time saves time, stress, and missed opportunities. Whether you’re based in London, Manchester, or anywhere across the UK, our team understands the local business landscape and the level of polish investors expect.
Final Thoughts
Still wondering what is one purpose of writing a business plan? It’s to give your ideas direction, and the fuel they need to grow.
A good business plan doesn’t just sit in a drawer. It moves you forward. It gives your team clarity, your investors confidence, and your future a proper launchpad.
You’ve got the vision. Now give it the structure it deserves.