Each week, we curate some of the best advice for small businesses from around the internet. We think you’ll find their advice both useful and applicable, no matter your industry or business type.
This week, these four articles caught our attention
- Jared Wade: 4 Fundamental Elements to Creating a Cool, Engaging Website
- Rhonda Abrams: Instagram, It’s Not Just for Pics Anymore
- Timothy Sykes: 6 Timeless Strategies That Drive Successful Entrepreneurship
- Small Biz Ahead Podcast Episode #100: What are the Biggest Challenges Facing Small Business Owners?
4 Fundamental Elements to Creating a Cool, Engaging Website
Your website is an important part of your business’s online presence; think of it as the hub that keeps everything else intact. Your website is the informational hub behind your online business listings on review sites and an important piece to building SEO so consumers find your business in local internet searches.
In this quick and informative read, Jared Wade delves into four factors that can help your site stand out, and bring in more business.
Our take: In the article, Jared says, “If you don’t have a striking presence online, and preferably across several channels, you may as well not exist.” We could not agree more. Each piece of your online business presence plays its own important role, and your website is a vital part. Having it tuned up will make every other aspect of your online presence work more efficiently for your business.
Instagram, It’s Not Just for Pics Anymore
Last week, it was announced that more small businesses would have access to Instagram’s new “shopping” feature. This feature allows businesses to tag products within their posts and enables their customers to begin their shopping experience directly on the company’s Instagram feed.
Our take: We have long said that a business’s online presence acts like a virtual storefront, and by the looks of it Instagram is turning into an actual storefront. We’re a fan of any new methods that can improve a small business’s ability to increase sales, and with over 200 million Instagram users visiting business profiles every day, Instagram’s shopping feature could be an additional avenue for increased success.
6 Timeless Strategies That Drive Successful Entrepreneurship
With the business climate always changing, entrepreneurs and small business owners can feel overwhelmed. The good news, however, is that there are certain strategies that always remain valid and worth your time. Timothy Sykes dives into them on Entrepreneur.com.
Our take: Whether you’re taking on a new venture, or maintaining your business’s current path, certain practices are always wise. And with the implementation of new technologies, some of these recommended strategies are easier than ever.
What are the Biggest Challenges Facing Small Business Owners?
Small Biz Ahead Podcast – Episode #100
You’ve got your business up and running, but are you falling into the common mistake of misunderstanding your role within your business? In Episode #100 of Small Biz Ahead podcast, Elizabeth Larkin and Gene Marks discuss some of the biggest obstacles facing small business owners today. These include things like finding qualified employees, managing cash flow and thriving in niche markets.
Our take: We know the average business owner tends to wear many hats. From marketing to hiring, to finance, to sales, keeping track of everything can consume a lot of time that many business owners don’t have. It’s both important and OK to ask for help.
Whether hiring additional staff to help alleviate the burden or applying technology solutions to save you time. It’s important to find the right mix that enables your business to thrive.
Extra credit: We polled thousands of business owners to rank their top concerns. What worry took the top spot? Find out here.