At 19, Moziah “Mo” Bridges already has a resume many would envy. After trading bow ties for rocks on the playground, Moziah started his own fashion company — at the age of nine. His strong fashion sense and supportive family led him to start Mo’s Bows and selling his products …
Venture capital funding, while essential to the startup growth ecosystem, is a funding source that makes its way into only a small percentage of companies seeking critical startup and growth funding. The companies that get venture capital fill a narrow band that meet certain strict criteria, leaving many other highly …
As a startup founder, you might be wondering how you can take advantage of the recent craze surrounding non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Perhaps NFTs can be used to protect your startup’s intellectual property without spending the time and money to secure more formal IP protection. After all, NFTs can be an …
If you were planning to register for Expand 2021 but never got around to it, the time is now. This free virtual event for web designers, developers and other digital pros runs April 27 and 28, with a schedule packed with knowledgeable experts — including pros from Google, WooCommerce and …
This post was originally published on Oct. 11, 2018, and was updated on Sept. 17, 2019 and April 9, 2021. If you have a brick-and-mortar shop, you should have one major priority when it comes to your online presence — showing up in local business searches. It doesn’t matter if …
Are you looking for a way to bring in extra income with a side hustle? If so, you’re in luck. There are countless opportunities for those who are ambitious enough to take on one or more gig roles. The thing is, the sheer number of possibilities can make it hard …
The Graziadio Business School of Pepperdine University has opened entries to its fourth annual competition, Pepperdine Most Fundable Companies, to identify America’s Most Fundable Companies. All U.S.-based startups with less than $10 million in revenue are invited to participate. Participants in the Pepperdine Most Fundable Companies competition receive a comprehensive …
Success is not something that is delivered on your doorstep; it’s something you have to constantly chase after. In an oversaturated market, crowded with bright ideas and aspiring entrepreneurs, it can be difficult for a new business to break through and reach a dedicated customer base. Today, it takes more …
Kevin Abrams operates Digital Renegades, a web design agency based in Orlando, FL. Catch up with him on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. The who: Given a business name is so central to a brand, we tend to put a lot of importance on it. How did you arrive at a …
On this morning’s Business Beat, Jeff shares findings from a recent Borrell Associates study, indicating that small businesses are making bold moves to stay relevant and capture market share. One third of local advertisers said they plan to spend more on local advertising in 2021, and 70% will add more …
This post originally appeared March 15 on the Skyverge blog. The checkout flow on your WooCommerce site (or the sites you build and manage for your clients) is one of the make-or-break parts of the entire online shopping experience. After all, checkout is where the final conversion happens. It’s where …
The racial and gender wealth gaps remain a major source of inequity in the United States. Three entrepreneurs in the finance technology space are choosing different paths to solve these issues by using digital tools and data to improve financial inclusivity. Learn how each are creatively fighting to close gaps …
Have you ever felt like you didn’t really measure up to the assumptions that others have made about you? Do you wonder if your success may be the result of luck and timing, rather than your intelligence or hard work? Have you ever worried that at some point, everyone is …
Customer pain points refer to problems that shoppers experience that prevent them from making a purchase. For example, a customer may be interested in your product, but limited payment options may deter him or her from following through and making a purchase. Meanwhile, others may be discouraged from making a …
One of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face is how to market their products or services. On today’s Business Beat, Jeff welcomes Ignite Social Media president, Deidre Lambert-Bounds, who shares her expertise about making social media marketing work for your small business. Tune in to the Business Beat, below, to hear …
The pandemic’s effect on business has been staggering: In 2020, 163,000 businesses closed on Yelp during the first six months of the pandemic alone. On the flip side, many more businesses made it through, and a lot of those actually thrived. To be successful last year (and to continue that …
What is the first thing you do when you need new SEO ideas? Our guess: Google. Yes, maybe you reach out to a referral network or a trusted colleague, but at some point, we’re willing to bet that there’s some search going on within that discovery process. Around 93% of …
You’ve gotten your PPP loan, spent it properly and hopefully qualify for full forgiveness. Congratulations! What’s next? StartupNation exclusive discounts and savings on Dell products and accessories: Learn more here Here are six steps you can take now, after receiving and spending your PPP loan, to help ensure your business continues …
Opening your own franchise is a smart decision if you’re an ambitious entrepreneur. Being the owner of a franchise offers the flexibility to be your own boss, yet with the security of owning an already established brand. Like with any business, though, the costs of starting up can be pretty …
As we move further and further away from the epicenter of the pandemic of 2020, it’s becoming clearer which changes the pandemic caused that will be here to stay long into the future. On this morning’s Business Beat, Jeff discusses click and collect, a distinct consumer behavior in which customers …
On this morning’s Business Beat, Jeff discusses results from a recent Piplsay study on the impact of brand activism and social issues. Of those consumers surveyed, 22 percent report that brand actions have impacted both their buying behavior and brand impression. Tune in to the Business Beat to learn more …
Gamers acknowledge that Super Mario Bros. is the most beloved franchise in video game history. This year marks 40 years since Mario’s debut as “Jumpman” in Donkey Kong in 1981. For many web developers and designers, the love of tech began behind the controller of a cartridge-based console. Maybe your …
As a web designer or developer, your goal is to deliver results. If your clients want to sell products online or increase sales, these tips and tricks are designed to help increase product visibility using WooCommerce. The combination of WooCommerce and WordPress is a powerhouse of eCommerce goodness. Get started …
This article was first published on Feb. 8, 2017, and was updated on Feb. 27, 2018, Feb. 11, 2019, Feb. 24, 2020, and March 4, 2021. Wondering if crowdfunding platforms might be a boost for your new business venture? Companies that are just starting out sometimes need a financial step …
If you’ve ever aspired to start your own business, you know how exciting the idea can be. It’s easy to get carried away thinking about all of the possibilities of a business you’re passionate about, and how you can develop that business to make those aspirations of running your own …
Grant programs offering free money are hard to come by, which is why many entrepreneurs frequently end up applying for small business loans or try crowdfunding to start or expand their companies. However, many organizations have recently created grants in an effort to assist companies that have been negatively impacted …
Building and scaling a business isn’t easy, and reality quickly settles in after the initial excitement of launching your product or new business venture. Navigating this next phase of the entrepreneurial journey is difficult and creates more questions than answers. I believe author Scott Belsky summarized it best by calling …
Are you finally ready to follow your dreams and be your own boss? Do you have an incredible idea for a business that can really help solve a problem that you just know many consumers face? Becoming an entrepreneur is exciting and you probably want to jump right in now. …
We built the Hub by GoDaddy Pro to streamline workflows and shave time off tasks that typically eat up a workday. But we aren’t done yet. You can keep track of our progress here, as we regularly publish our updates to this platform custom made for web designer and developers. …
Partner with Dell Technologies for a custom recommendation on your next IT project. From laptops and desktops to servers and storage, our Small Business Advisors can fit you with the best tech solution for your business. Visit www.Dell.com/StartupNation to save up to 48% off, or call to speak with an …
On this morning’s WJR Business Beat, Jeff discusses the importance of having an omnichannel approach in business. What does that mean? It means that in order to succeed, business owners must meet their customers where they are, and that requires both in-person and online interactions. According to a new study …
The pandemic has changed consumer habits in a number of ways, including what we drink and even how much. According to the Spring 2021 National Coffee Data Trends (NCDT) survey conducted by Dig Research, COVID-19 drove record coffee consumption at home. Grab a hot cup of coffee and listen to …
“Sharing our passion is really important. I think that if you have the ability to make it a career, then why not?” ~Lizzy VanPatten, She Moves Mountains Many Americans spend their days working at jobs that don’t fulfill them, but there are a select few brave enough to chase adventure …
If there were a formal education for budding web designers and developers, it would need to include something like that cringey class we all had to endure as teenagers. You remember… diving into the facts of life? In the web professional curriculum, World Backup Day would be a particularly important …
More businesses are being started up online than ever before, and with that, a new study conducted by the American Express Company, Accertify, indicates that these businesses face an ever-growing threat of payment fraud. A certified survey to 105 respondents from merchant companies in December 2020 found that 38% of …
As we start 2021, ecommerce is going to lead the way this year, as the pandemic continues to drive a boost in online shopping. In fact, ecommerce sales from April to May have already exceeded sales during the 2019 holiday season by 7%. With record-breaking online shopping expected to continue …
The day I became a franchisor, the ceiling collapsed. Literally. I was at Kidville headquarters in New York City and had just signed the final documents. The phone rang, and the CEO answered it. He handed the phone to me and said, “This is your problem now.” A heavy truck …
If you’re like most web freelancers who’ve been around the block, you’ve done plenty of small freebie jobs for clients, friends and family, and maybe even for former clients. In fact, you may even have built entire websites for free. I’ve been there, done that, and bought the T-shirt. We …
So, you’ve got a startup idea. The first major challenge you’ll need to overcome is achieving product-market fit. So why do so many entrepreneurs leave this up to chance? Creating a product that solves a real problem starts even before you launch your business. This is the process of customer …
Structuring your business is one of the first—and most important—decisions you make in your entrepreneurial journey. Your business entity impacts everything from taxes to daily operations. But if you’re just starting out, you might not know what to look for in a business structure, and that’s OK. We have your cheat …
As we continue to move through 2021, Websites + Marketing continues to grow and gain new features along the way. In this guide, we’re going to cover these updates and show you how they can help your business grow as well. What’s new in Websites + Marketing Ecommerce Here’s a …
The following is excerpted from the book “Why Startups Fail” by Tom Eisenmann. Copyright © 2021 by Tom Eisenmann. Used by permission of Currency, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. All rights reserved. StartupNation exclusive discounts and savings on Dell products and accessories: Learn more …
Content Marketing Is Thought Leadership Worth It? Your Questions Answered David Tile, Founder & Director @ Article-Writing.co Posted On: March 29, 2021 Have you heard the term thought leadership tossed around and don’t feel it applies to you? Often, exceptional industry experts don’t recognize their potential to inform and inspire …
This post was originally published on March 27, 2015, and was updated on March 29, 2018 and March 29, 2021. Spring has sprung. And with the COVID pandemic in its second year, I’d wager that spring is looking a little different for all of us this year. However, one thing …
Information about tax changes the Biden administration is considering have recently leaked, creating some big headlines in media. “First major tax hike since 1993,” according to Bloomberg. As a fractional CFO, my first reaction to any tax reform is: what does this mean for small business? Although we do not have an official …
No question, the pandemic has taken its toll on a lot of small restaurants over the last 12 months. For a lot of them, because of the way the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was structured, they didn’t get the help they needed. The American Rescue Plan includes the Restaurant Revitalization …
Often, one of the first pieces of advice an entrepreneur receives when they start a business is to incorporate or form a limited liability company (LLC). When you incorporate a business, you are able to select an entity formation that provides structure to the business. This ultimately impacts everything about …
We asked IT decision-makers what would drive them to deploy private 5G. In the process, we discovered that many are already exploring this nascent technology. To take the pulse of technology and business trends, Dell Technologies has been regularly surveying 800 IT decision-makers (ITDMs) across six countries (U.S., U.K., France, …
In case you missed it, you can still watch a recording of the MoneyMaker webinar, featuring FAQ from the community. The Reseller team was open and candid while providing our answers and feedback, and it seems like you all liked it! If you have any outstanding questions that you want …
Take advantage of your exclusive StartupNation savings with an extra 5% to 10% off during Dell’s Premium event on solutions from Dell Technologies, where exceptional tech meets maximum productivity. Visit Dell.com/StartupNation to access these savings, or call 855-900-5548 to chat with a Small Business Advisor today. StartupNation exclusive discounts and …
When it comes to succeeding online, small business owners know it takes more than a website to grow. They need to be where their customers are – whether that be on social media or in their inboxes. But being everywhere takes time, especially when trying to manage and maintain multiple …
Based in Denver, Terra Walker focuses on helping clients get the most from their experience with WordPress. Find her on Twitter. The who: Given a business name is so central to a brand, we tend to put a lot of importance on it. How did you arrive at a name, …
If you think you’ve missed out on the e-commerce boom and should have started an online business long ago, here is some reassuring news: the industry’s rapid growth isn’t slowing down any time soon, and selling your products online has never been easier. Online sales were increasing steadily before the …
On today’s episode of StartupNation Radio, Jeff chats with three entrepreneurs working to make a huge difference in the business of music. First up, Jeff chats with Jonathan Hayman and Cassie Alexe, co-founders of the Michigan Music Business Club. Hayman and Alexe are both are juniors in college at the University …
Company values are more than just meaningless words on your company website or in your handbook. Company values are your organization’s ingrained beliefs and principles. They are one of the basic building blocks of your startup’s DNA, intertwined with your company mission and vision, that not only provides a blueprint …
Let’s talk about how to create great-looking pages that highlight products and sales on a WooCommerce website — barebones, no artificial flavor, color or preservatives. We’ll only be using WordPress, WooCommerce, the WooCommerce Storefront theme and its default widgets. And yes, it can certainly be made to be beautiful. Let’s …
Being a business owner is one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences I’ve ever had the opportunity to embark on. The endless cycle of personal and professional growth and learning makes for a truly life-changing experience. But surviving a global pandemic can quickly become one of the most stressful …
“We always say unapologetically: we’re here to win, we’re here to win big, and our opportunity is big.” That was Lori Coulter, CEO and co-founder of Summersalt, speaking at the State of the Midwest Startup Community 2020. There’s no denying that women have made many strides in closing the gender gap …
Starting a new business is exciting. For many entrepreneurs, nothing is more thrilling than building a business that solves a big problem in a unique way. Startup founders have to make many decisions in the days, weeks and months after starting a business. One of the most important decisions comes …
You’ve decided to take the plunge and start your dream business. You’ve decided what your new company is going to do and have formulated your overall strategy. StartupNation exclusive discounts and savings on Dell products and accessories: Learn more here Now it’s time to complete a checklist of necessary tasks …
When you’re searching for a product or service online, do you often make a purchase from a company you’re unfamiliar with? Like most shoppers, you probably don’t do so very often. Trust is a crucial element of every successful business, as a reported 81% of consumers buy based on trust. …
Starting a family-run business is a great way to build a legacy and earn money based on your own terms. The impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on American job loss has more individuals ditching the standard corporate 9 to 5 and seeking out entrepreneurship opportunities where they have more …
Inspired by the book “Half the Sky” by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, FFFL (pronounced “full”) is an awareness campaign and movement that encourages women and their allies to choose companies that are Female Founded & Female Led (FFFL). Their mission is to bring visibility to, increase the numbers of, …
On this morning’s WJR Business Beat, Jeff shares results of Ring Central’s 2021 State of Hybrid Work report, which predicts that the future of work is likely to be a combination of remote and in-office work. Tune in to the Business Beat to learn more about the future of hybrid …
On this morning’s WJR Business Beat, Jeff shares progress as it relates to women in venture capital and discusses the importance of diversity in the venture capital field. Tune in to this morning’s Business Beat to learn more about women in venture capital: “We all benefit when there is diversity …
If you’re looking for Pinterest tips that will explode your traffic, you have landed in the right place. If your new website is struggling for traffic, it’s time to leverage this powerful marketing tool. Most people don’t realize that Pinterest is a place where shoppers go to find things to …
To build successful businesses, entrepreneurs must fall in love with solving customer problems more than their own ideas. Entrepreneurs often rush to build and test their ideas using the lean startup methodology. They are taught and believe that they should “fail fast.” Unfortunately, most entrepreneurs do a great job failing. …
The following is excerpted from “Seize the Yay.” Copyright 2021. Reprinted with permission from Murdoch Books, an imprint of The Quarto Group. The many new beginnings Nic and I have embarked on over the past few years, including not only Matcha Maiden, but also more recently, writing this very book, …
If you’re interested in garnering visibility for your business now, or in the future, you’ll want a press kit. Alternatively referred to as a media kit, press kits can be one of the most valuable resources that you invest time and money into, as they consist of elements that you …
The pandemic has recast our view of internet connectivity for all as a critical component to an equitable society. Yet many rural and low-income communities around the world, including those in large urban areas, lack reliable, affordable internet access. Learn what needs to be done now to close this digital …
This article was originally published on Feb. 14, 2018, and updated on March 17, 2021. Whether you want to start a business, are planning on becoming a social media influencer, or just hope to have a really nifty social media handle, you should grab your coveted name now — even …
As we enter the second year of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, the global landscape looks much different than it did in early 2020. Startups and small businesses continue to pivot and adapt their operations to meet both the changing demands of shoppers and the near constant evolution of local regulations. …
The growth of social media, the internet and the freelance economy has created a wave of excitement around entrepreneurship. More people are becoming entrepreneurs due to the unpredictable job market and the fact that technology has made it easier and more accessible to a larger group of people. There are …
This post first appeared Feb. 12, 2021 on the Media Temple Blog. Tax time can definitely be one of the more joyless parts of being self-employed. It’s probably no surprise that a Lending Tree survey from 2020 found that 54% of people don’t look forward to filing their taxes. It’s …
When selling products in WooCommerce your clients will need to deliver products to their customers. There are a few settings that will need to be tweaked even if products are digital or if the store offers local delivery and/or pickup. It takes some experience to get WooCommerce standard shipping setup …
Like most homeowners who rely on their homeowner’s insurance to cover their liability in the event of an accident or some other unforeseen liability, many businesses rely on general liability insurance for the same type of protection. StartupNation exclusive discounts and savings on Dell products and accessories: Learn more here …
On this morning’s WJR Business Beat, Jeff shares Forbes’ list of “The Worlds Best Employers,” which compiled survey data from more than 160,000 full-time and part-time workers from 58 countries. Which three companies topped the list? Tune in to the WJR Business Beat, below, to find out! Tune in to …
The following is adapted from “Fireproof” by Mike Morse Not many people enjoy taking tests when applying for a new job. They aren’t used to it, and assessments, whether for IQ, behavioral tendencies, cognitive skills, or more, are time consuming and stressful. On the other side, many firms avoid giving tests …
Gamers acknowledge that Super Mario Bros. is the most beloved franchise in video game history. This year marks 40 years since Mario’s debut as “Jumpman” in Donkey Kong in 1981. For many web developers and designers, the love of tech began behind the controller of a cartridge-based console. Maybe your …
On this morning’s WJR Business Beat, Jeff discusses Mindshare’s COVID-19 tracking study, which indicates the sentiment of American consumers, providing interesting and valuable insights. Tune in to the WJR Business Beat segment, below, to learn more about the study’s findings: “So much of consumer sentiment is driven by perspective, and …
The deadline for S Corporations to file their annual tax returns is March 15, which means businesses with an S Corp election need to file Form 1120S and Schedule K-1. These forms, respectively, outline the financial activity of the S Corp in the last calendar year and detail the share …
Ann Arbor is perfectly positioned to be one of the best cities for tech jobs. Not just in the Midwest, but in the country. It’s home to a world-class university, developing cutting edge research as well as top tech talent. It’s an affordable place to live, unlike coastal cities like San …
This post was originally published on Nov. 29, 2016, and was updated on March 10, 2021. In the wild world of entrepreneurship, it’s easy to get caught up in the chase of customers and dollars. Everyone is ready and willing to tell you what ads you should be running or …
On this morning’s WJR Business Beat, Jeff shares results from a recent Digital Consumer Trends Index 2021 conducted by Cheetah Digital in conjunction with Econsultancy study on the incentives that work best to engage customers and drive more sales. Among the study’s findings: Discounts are still the biggest incentive, as well …
The following is excerpted from “The Entrepreneur’s Paradox“ by Curtis Morley (Mango Publishing, March 16, 2021). Language is one of the most powerful tools in our personal arsenal to change our future. A single letter S can help you transform fear into power. Evaluate these two phrases: What if… What is… …
PayPal is a dinosaur when it comes to internet payment gateways, having been established in 1998 — an exceptionally long time in internet terms. That being said, it has undergone a lot of changes over the years, leaving an ever-widening trail of documentation for potentially tricky procedures, like setting up …
On this morning’s WJR Business Beat, Jeff highlights several new studies that indicate the importance of building a purpose-driven brand. He then provides three expert tips for ways entrepreneurs and business owners can share their company values with customers. Tune in to the WJR Business Beat, below, to hear Jeff’s …
This post first appeared March 8, 2021 on The Tsohost Blog. Meet Sarah Townsend. Sarah is a successful freelance marketing copywriter. She is the author of the #1 Amazon bestseller, Survival Skills for Freelancers. Sarah is a freelance speaker. A mentor and consultant. Sarah is also a woman in business. …
Over the course of the past year, COVID-19 shutdowns and the rapid transition to online business has brought about many challenges for entrepreneurs. Despite the hardship, entrepreneurs with an online presence persevered—in fact, a recent survey found that websites were vital to business success, particularly during the first couple months of …
Today is International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. This year’s theme is #ChooseToChallenge. The official website for International Women’s Day explains the campaign, stating: “A challenged world is …
Major General Darren L. Werner has not only achieved the rank of General in the U.S Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM), been awarded Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and Army Commendation Metal, to name a few, but he has also succeeded at managing thousands of people worldwide and a …
This article was originally published on March 1, 2017 and updated on March 8, 2021. In 2020, Fortune reported that the number of women running America’s largest corporations had hit a record high. There are now 37 women CEOs leading Fortune 500 companies, increasing from 33 women CEOs in 2019. …
Have an idea for a great mobile app? One of the key things that you’ll want to look at right away are the development costs. As a startup, you’ll want to get great value for your money without compromising on quality. Development costs vary widely, but in the blog post …
There’s an interesting story behind every business name. Ask any company founder how they came up with their business name, and you are bound to learn more about the company and the founder within their answer. And their stories can help you learn how to come up with a business …
Gone are the days when the founder of a company was completely faceless and unknown. Over the last decade or so, there has been a greater call for transparency in the way businesses operate. The individuals who start and run these businesses, regardless of industry, are being called into the …
Once I build the client’s site, I’m done. I don’t offer maintenance — it’s a huge hassle, clients break the site all the time, and the money is not nearly as good. Back in my freelance days, I steered clear from ongoing site maintenance contracts; it was simply too much …
Streamlined workflows designed to make WordPress run faster and more securely — so you can sidestep routine admin tasks and focus on building your sites. All the power and simplicity, even less effort With hosting environments built specifically for the world’s most popular CMS, Managed WordPress has the tools you …
The following is excerpted from “From Suck to Success: A Guide for Extraordinary Entrepreneurship” (Tulip Media, February 26, 2021). StartupNation exclusive discounts and savings on Dell products and accessories: Learn more here Branding yourself When I work with entrepreneurs about building stronger, more successful businesses, one of the first concepts …
Once a website gets launched, security can be an afterthought. According to a report last year from Sucuri, about 15% of people who build websites for clients don’t ever mention website security. Some 6% don’t bring it up until after the site gets published. Recommending website security can fall by …
Business owners who have mastered networking already know the value of it. We attend networking meetings, Chambers of Commerce events and business after-hours events. We’ll even talk to complete strangers in coffee shops. That’s because good networking done properly can lead to new opportunities and new friendships. I’ve been a …
This article was created in partnership with Percy. Thank you for supporting the partners who make SitePoint possible. Visual testing is the automated process of ensuring your user interface looks correct in different browsers and at different screen widths. Most development teams rely solely on unit and integration tests. While …
Snippets That Recreate Board Games in the Virtual World – We’ve put together a collection of online homages to some popular board games. Gmail Classic CSS – Simple CSS file for reverting Gmail back to the Classic Theme. Slate.js – A new completely customizable framework for building rich text editors. …
One of the truly cool and powerful features of WordPress is the ability to run a Multisite network. Install WordPress, create a network and you’ll be able to manage any number of websites within just one place. Each website within that network can have its own users, themes and plugins. …
This post was originally published on May 18, 2016, and was updated on October 25, 2019. With so many things to think about when starting a business, it can be tempting to go the path of least resistance, or what seems like the easiest option when choosing a business structure …
