Getting a business credit card is one of the first things you should do when launching a startup. In most cases, this credit card will be the primary method of paying company expenses. From daily purchases like ink or paper to flights, hotels, and your phone subscription, charging a credit card is your best option. That’s because the best business credit cards offer exceptional benefits like cash back, rewards points, and travel miles. Some company credit cards can provide purchase insurance as well as supplementary coverage for car rentals. You can even use a low-interest credit card to finance purchases if struggling to qualify for a small business loan. With so many business credit cards to choose from, it can be tough to find the best option for your startup, which is what inspired me to create this guide.
The 8 Best Credit Cards For Startups in 2020In a market flooded with hundreds of business credit cards, there are eight that I would recommend for startup companies.
I’ll highlight the top benefits, introductory offers, costs, and notable terms for each one as we continue below. Best Startup Business Credit Card ReviewsChase Ink Business CashChase Ink Business Cash is the best overall credit card for startup companies. It has exceptional rewards, benefits, and an enticing sign up bonus.
I like the Chase Ink Business Cash card because of the way its reward program is structured. You’ll get the most cash back for common startup expenses. Chase gives you 5% cash back each year on office supplies, internet, phone services, and cable on the first $25,000 spent in those categories. You’ll also get 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on the first $25,000 in combined spending each year. All other purchases earn 1% cash back with no limit. Additional features and benefits of the Chase Ink Business Cash card include:
Between these benefits, the cash back program, sign up bonus, and no annual fee, Chase Ink Business Cash should be a top consideration for any startup company. Chase Ink Business UnlimitedChase Ink Business Unlimited is nearly identical to the Ink Business Cash card. The card offers the exact same benefits from fraud protection to the auto rental collision waiver in the bullet list above.
While the benefits and card terms are the same between these two cards, the rewards structure is not. Instead of offering various cash back percentages for different categories, Chase Ink Business Unlimited gives you 1.5% cash on everything. This is a better option for those of you who don’t want limitations or restrictions on the amount of cash back you can earn. It all depends on the type of business you have. For example, let’s say you’re planning to use a credit card to purchase things like inventory or other expenses that don’t fall into the Ink Business Cash rewards categories. In this scenario, Chase Ink Business Unlimited would be a better option for you. Capital One Spark Cash SelectCapital One Spark Cash Select is another great option for earning cash rewards for all of your business expenses. The card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on everything you buy.
The card is very similar to the Chase Ink Business Unlimited credit card. Chase does offer a better sign up bonus ($200 vs. $500) for spending the same amount in three months. With that said, the Capital One Spark Cash Select card has its fair share of benefits.
For startup company credit cards, I typically lean towards cards with no annual fee. But if you want more than 1.5% cash back, consider applying for the Capital One Spark Cash card instead. This gives you unlimited 2% cash back, but comes with a $95 annual fee (waived the first year). Startups charging less money on their cards will be fine with the Spark Cash Select card. Capital One Spark MilesSome people would rather earn travel rewards instead of cash back. So if you’ll be traveling frequently for your startup company, Capital One Spark Miles is a top credit card to consider.
As I mentioned earlier, I normally don’t recommend cards with annual fees to startup companies. But this one is easy to justify if you travel often. 50,000 miles is equal to $500 in travel. Considering that the annual fee is waived the first year, the sign up bonus alone makes up for the first six years using the card. You’ll also earn unlimited 2x miles on all purchases. There are no blackout dates, seat restrictions, or minimums for redemption. Other top benefits of the Capital One Spark Miles Card include:
If you’re launching a startup that requires lots of business travel, this is the best card for you. Capital One Spark ClassicTo qualify for the best business credit cards, you’ll need to have excellent credit. But that’s not reasonable for all small business owners. If you have a low credit score but still want access to credit card rewards, the Capital One Spark Classic will be your best option.
While the card doesn’t come with a sign up bonus or low interest rates, you’ll still have access to some of Capital One’s top card benefits.
Overall, this is a no-frills business credit card. But it’s a great way to build your credit by using the card responsibly. Plus, you’ll still get 1% cash back on everything. I’d apply for the Capital One Spark Classic if you can’t get approved for other business credit cards. American Express Blue Business PlusAmerican Express has one of the best reputations in the credit card industry. For both personal credit cards and business credit cards, Amex is known for exceptional customer service. If you’re launching a startup, your company should consider the American Express Blue Business Plus card as a top option. The Amex Blue Business Plus card is great for those of you who want to earn rewards points, as opposed to cash back or travel miles. You’ll get 2x membership rewards points on purchases in any category for your first $50,000 spent each year. After that, you can earn unlimited 1x points. Amex gives you expanded buying power, with the ability to make business purchases above your spending limits without a penalty, although restrictions apply. The card comes with account alerts, online statements, a detailed year-end summary, free employee cards, and one of the best business credit card mobile apps on the market today. American Express customer service and dispute resolution are second to none. So if you prioritize great customer support, this card is perfect for you. American Express Blue Business CashIf you prefer cash back instead of reward points, consider applying for the American Express Blue Business Cash credit card. The card terms are basically identical to the Amex Blue Business Plus card. The rewards structure is the biggest difference between the two cards. With the Amex Blue Business Cash card, you can earn 2% cash back on your first $50,000 in purchases per year. After that, you’ll receive unlimited 1% cash back on everything else. Other top benefits include:
Overall, the American Express Blue Business Cash card is arguably the best free cash back business credit card on the market today. US Bank Business PlatinumSometimes a startup company needs to get creative with financing purchases. Certain small business loans have restrictions for what you can spend the funds on. Credit card financing has become an alternative solution for small business owners. But to consider this, you’ll need to find a card with low-interest rates. That’s when the US Bank Business Platinum card comes in handy. The card definitely lacks quality rewards benefits. So I’d only consider it as an alternative financing method. How to Choose the Best Credit Card For Your Startup BusinessThere are certain factors that must be taken into consideration when you’re evaluating business credit cards for your startup. This is the methodology that we used to come up with this guide. Annual FeeMost startup companies should look for credit cards with no annual fee. It’s crucial to save money everywhere possible when you’re first starting a business. Seven of the eight cards on the list above are free. The only one you have to pay for is the Capital One Spark Miles card. But the fee is just $95 per year, waived in year one, and easy to justify for frequent travelers. Exclusive business credit card fees can range above $500. While you may consider those down the road, I’d steer clear of them in the early stages of your business. Interest RatesYou should always aim to pay your credit card balance in-full each month. But sometimes cash is tight for startups, so you might have to finance a few purchases. Look for a credit card offering 0% APR for purchases in your first year. Aim to pay those off before you start incurring additional interest fees. A low-interest credit card might have cheaper rates than certain business loans. So take that into consideration before making large purchases. Credit ScoreWhen launching a startup, your personal credit score will be used when you apply for a credit card. That’s because new businesses don’t have any credit records on file. A high score will give you access to better cards with lower interest rates and top rewards. However, not everyone falls into this category. If your credit score is below average, there are certain cards that you should be applying for instead. The Capital One Spark Classic is a great example. RewardsCredit card rewards usually come in one of the following three formats:
I’d recommend cash back rewards cards for most startup companies. The cards on this list range from 1% to 5%. Some have restrictions on how much cash back you can earn, while others are unlimited for all purchases. A rewards program with miles is ideal if you need to travel often for business purposes. Otherwise, cash back is just fine. BenefitsEvery credit card has a wide range of perks and benefits. From a sign up bonus to purchase protection and fraud alerts, the list varies by card type and card company. You’ll just have to figure out which benefits are best for your spending habits. For example, no foreign transaction fees and auto rental waiver insurance shouldn’t win you over if you never rent a car and don’t make purchases in foreign currencies. ConclusionStartup companies have unique needs compared to well-established businesses. There are certain credit cards that are ideal for newer small businesses. Here’s a recap of the top eight that I’d recommend.
via Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/best-credit-cards-for-startups/
0 Comments
What makes a great bank for business purposes? In today’s day and age, your bank needs to have online banking capabilities. There are online-only banks as well as physical branches offering online banking services. While most banks today have some type of online portal, not all of these are created equal. The best business checking accounts have dozens of online features, like mobile deposits, digital bill pay, and fraud alerts. You’ll also need to consider other banking products that you can access online. I’m referring to things like business savings accounts, merchant services, credit cards, and small business loans. Whether you run a startup or a multi-million dollar well-established corporation, I’ll show you the best online business banking solutions to fit your needs.
Top 10 Online Business Banking Accounts For 2020There are hundreds of different online business bank accounts on the market today. But these are the top ten that I recommend:
I’ll highlight the type of online accounts offered, prices, benefits, and other online banking solutions for each one below. The Best Online Business Banking ReviewsNovoIf you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or entrepreneur seeking an online-only business banking solution, look no further than Novo. Novo is a modern and simple way to handle your business banking needs. Here’s an overview of top features and benefits of this online bank:
It takes less than ten minutes to apply for a Novo online business bank account. You need just $50 to open an account. Novo has an outstanding mobile app that lets you handle all of your business banking needs on the go. It integrates with business tools that you’re already using, like Slack, Xero, and Zapier. You’ll also benefit from discounts on business tools like HubSpot, Salesforce, Zendesk, Google Cloud, and Stripe. Overall, Novo is a basic online-only bank for business owners seeking simplicity. But it does lack other banking tools beyond a checking account. Axos BankAxos Bank is another top online-exclusive business bank. But unlike Novo, Axos features a suite of business banking solutions, including multiple account types and additional services.
Axos also offers treasury management solutions to streamline your payment processing. They provide additional merchant services like POS terminals, mobile commerce, and PCI compliance. You’ll need at least $1,000 to open an Axos business checking account. Your account comes with 200 free transactions per month. There are no monthly maintenance fees, and you’ll have access to a surcharge-free ATM network. Axos has everything you’d expect from an online business banking solution, including a mobile app with remote check deposit capabilities. But like any online-only bank, this isn’t for businesses that need to deposit cash. Chase BankChase Bank has some of the best business banking solutions on the market today. They have physical bank branches in addition to the online banking services. Here’s an overview of the three different business checking accounts offered by Chase. All three of these can be opened and managed online. Chase Total Business Checking
The $15 service fee is waived if you maintain a daily balance of $1,500. If you link a personal Chase checking account to your business account, the combined balance counts towards this minimum. Chase Performance Business Checking
The $30 service fee is waived by maintaining a $35,000 minimum daily balance in qualifying business deposit accounts. Chase Platinum Business Checking
Chase will waive the $95 service fee if you maintain a daily balance of $100,000 or more between qualifying business deposit accounts. As you can see, Chase has an online business checking account for businesses of all different shapes and sizes. It’s easy to determine which Chase business account is best for you based on the minimum balance requirements and free cash deposits per month. In addition to checking accounts, Chase also has some of the best business credit cards on the market today. You’ll also benefit from merchant services and online business lending solutions if you need them. TIAA BankTIAA Bank is a top option for those of you looking for an online-exclusive business banking solution. They offer checking accounts and treasury services for commercial businesses, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations. If you’re a single-owner LLC or sole proprietor, you can get a high-yield small business checking account. As of February 2020, the intro APY rate is 1.21% for the first year. Here’s a quick overview of the key features for each TIAA Business Checking account: Business Checking
Small Business Checking
Nonprofit Checking
Analysis Checking
While TIAA Bank does offer a wide range of checking account types, I wish the nonprofit monthly maintenance fee was waived regardless of the balance. The best account here is the high-interest checking account for sole proprietors and single-member LLCs. US BankUS Bank is a national chain with 3,000+ branches and more than 4,800 ATMs throughout the country. In addition its online banking solutions, you’ll be able to do some in-person banking if your business needs to make cash deposits. There are four different business checking accounts offered by US Bank. All of which have online banking capabilities. Silver
The US Bank Silver business checking account is simple and made for startups and small businesses. Gold
The Gold business checking account is for small to mid-sized businesses with moderate transaction volumes. Platinum
US Bank’s Platinum business checking account rewards business owners with higher balances. Premium The Premium account is unique. It’s an analyzed account; meaning fees can be offset by credits from your account activity. It’s unclear on the website what those fees, credits, and activity would be. But the account is made for larger organizations with high checking balances and lots of activity. You’ll need to contact US Bank directly for more information. In addition to these four online checking accounts, US Bank also provides small business loans, credit cards, and merchant services. You’ll have access to everything you’d expect from a national bank. Navy Federal Credit UnionNavy Federal is another national chain with physical branches in addition to online business banking. Business owners with ties to the US Armed Forces, National Guard, and DoD can open an online checking account with Navy Federal Credit Union. They offer business checking, business savings, and CDs. Here’s an overview of Navy Federal’s three business checking accounts: Business Checking
Business Plus Checking
Business Premium Checking
I’d recommend Navy Federal online banking to business owners who are seeking a small business loan. Navy Federal has some of the best interest rates and approval rates on the market today. So you can get your checking account and loan from the same bank while managing everything online. AzloIf you’re a freelancer or launching a startup, Azlo is a top online-exclusive business bank to consider. It’s only a viable option if you’re not accepting cash. Highlights of an Azlo business banking account include:
Azlo integrates with business tools like Square, Stripe, and QuickBooks. You can deposit checks remotely with Azlo’s intuitive mobile app. You’ll also be able to create, send, and manage digital invoices to your clients through the Azlo platform. This is ideal for clients who want to pay via bank transfer. If you’re looking for an online bank that offers loans, savings accounts, and other banking services, Azlo is not for you. Radius BankRadius Bank has a wide range of online business banking solutions. Here’s a quick list of the online services you’ll have access to with a Radius business account:
As you can see, Radius offers everything you could possibly need and more from an online business bank. One standout is the Tailored Checking account, which is made for growing businesses. Tailored accounts come with:
You can apply online in less than ten minutes without uploading any documents. Between the online services and mobile banking tools, Radius Bank is a top choice to consider. Citizens BankCitizens Bank is a top choice for business owners that want access to lots of different online banking solutions. Furthermore, Citizens has 1,100+ branches and 3,100+ ATMs (mostly on the east coast). So it’s a good option for those of you with in-person banking needs as well. Let’s take a closer look at the company’s business checking accounts: Clearly Better Business Checking
Business Advisor Checking
Citizens Analysis Business Checking
In addition to these checking accounts, Citizen offers credit cards, investing options, business benefits, healthcare banking, and a wide variety of business resources. Large organizations will have access to commercial banking solutions as well. First Internet BankAs the name implies, First Internet Bank is an online-only bank. There are three different types of banking solutions offered by this bank.
Overall, the commercial checking accounts stand out the most. Lots of online-only banks on the market today are geared towards startups and small business owners. But First Internet Bank has a wide range of banking services for large organizations and enterprises. Businesses opening a commercial checking account will benefit from features like:
Contact First Internet Bank to ask about a custom business banking solution to meet the needs of your large organization. How to Find the Best Online Business Bank Account For YouAll of the online banks on our list won’t be a viable solution for your business. You’ll need to narrow down your options based on certain factors. This is the methodology that we use here at Quick Sprout to find the best online bank for you. Business TypeYou can start by narrowing down your choices based on the size and structure of your organization. Some online banking accounts are geared towards startups, sole proprietors, and freelancers. Others are designed for small businesses to mid-sized and larger organizations. For example, if you have a small business with three locations and 30 employees, you can immediately eliminate the accounts designed for freelancers and single-member LLCs. FeesLots of online business bank accounts come with monthly fees. Some banks do offer free banking, and others let you waive the monthly fee by maintaining a minimum daily balance. Unlike personal checking accounts, business accounts typically come with monthly transaction limits. You might have to pay up to $0.50 per transaction once you exceed those limits. Regardless of your situation, you can find a way to avoid these fees by finding an account that falls within your banking activity. Checking Accounts and Banking SolutionsWhat do you want to get out of your online bank? You’ll need a checking account, at a minimum. But the day might come when you’ll need access to other banking solutions.
It’s easier to get all of this under one roof, as opposed to searching for another bank at a later time. In-Person Banking AvailabilityOnline-exclusive banking isn’t for everyone. If you have physical store locations that accept cash, you’ll need the ability to deposit those funds at a branch. Banks like Chase, US Bank, Citizens Bank, and Navy Federal Credit Union all have branches for in-person business banking. Just verify that there is a branch in your area. Mobile AccessibilityPart of being a great online bank means having an excellent mobile app. The majority of your online banking activity can be done from the palm of your hand. Mobile apps are used for things like remote check deposits. But you’ll want an app that goes beyond this basic feature. All of the banks on our list have modern and efficient mobile apps for your business banking needs. ConclusionHere’s a recap of the ten best online business banking solutions on the market today:
I purposely included banks for all types of businesses on here. From freelancers to enterprises, and everything in between, I know you can find what you’re looking for on this list. via Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/best-online-business-banking/ Hopefully, you’ll never have to use your business insurance. But just like car insurance or health insurance, protecting your business from unexpected situations is crucial. However, 44% of small business owners don’t have insurance. This statistic is shocking. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, your company could potentially go bankrupt if something goes wrong, and you’re forced to pay out of pocket. Any business with employees needs to carry workers’ compensation insurance and unemployment insurance, at a minimum. But depending on your business type and industry, you’ll also want to consider getting general liability insurance, commercial property insurance, and professional liability insurance. But finding the best business insurance goes beyond getting the right policy. Getting insured through the right company makes a huge difference.
From filing a claim to getting assistance with your agent or adjuster, service definitely varies from company to company. Some business insurance companies specialize in specific industries, such as retail, restaurants, or tech. Other companies concentrate on certain types of coverage, like commercial auto or workers’ compensation. Top 10 Best Business Insurance Companies For 2020The best business insurance policies offer a wide range of basic coverage. Ideally, you’d like to get a policy covering all of your needs under one roof. After reviewing and researching dozens of business insurance companies, we narrowed down the top ten for you to consider.
Our list is based on factors like coverage offered, premium pricing, and customer service. Use this guide to find the best business insurance company for you. The Best Business Insurance ReviewsThe HartfordThe Hartford is the best overall business insurance company on the market today. Covering businesses of all different shapes and sizes, The Hartford has everything you could possibly need. For over 200 years, this company has been providing insurance solutions to businesses across the country. They’ve also made the list of the World’s Most Ethical Companies 11 different times. The Hartford offers a wide range of business insurance policies, including:
From a bodily injury on one of your properties to stolen inventory, fires, or floods, The Hartford has you covered. It’s easy for you to bundle different types of insurance with add-ons to a single policy. You can apply online to get a quote in minutes. The Hartford is known for providing exceptional service to its business customers during the claims process. You can’t go wrong by getting a quote from an industry leader in business insurance. TravelersTravelers is another giant in the world of business insurance. The company covers a wide range of industries, including construction, finance, manufacturing, retail, technology, and more. With more than 30,000 employees and roughly 13,500 independent agents and brokers, Travelers insures businesses across the United States, Canada, Ireland, and the UK. This insurance company has been around for more than 160 years. In addition to industry-specific policies, Travelers provides lots of different coverage types. Some of the most popular Travelers business insurance solutions cover:
With that said, the workers’ compensation insurance policies from Travelers really stand out the most. More than 500,000 businesses trust Travelers for workers’ comp insurance. Whether you’re a small local business or national organization with employees across multiple states, Travelers is a top choice to consider for workers’ compensation and general liability. State FarmState Farm is typically associated with home insurance and car insurance. They are best known for providing excellent customer service at affordable rates to their customers. This service and reliability definitely applies to their business insurance plans as well. State Farm has policies designed specifically for small business owners:
With State Farm, it’s easy for you to adjust your coverage as your company grows. Your agent will work with you to understand the needs of your scaling small business. This will ensure that your coverage limits are appropriate for the business size. From the startup stage all the way until a company sale or change of ownership, State Farm has everything a small business owner needs to protect themself from the unexpected. ChubbChubb is second to none when it comes to taking care of their insureds. This insurance company has a reputation for providing “white glove” service and paying out claims quickly, without any hassle. Chubb has business insurance coverages that aren’t offered by other companies on the market today. In addition to general liability and workers’ compensation, Chubb has business insurance packages in the following categories:
As you can see, the list includes some rare and unique coverage options that we haven’t really seen from other providers in this guide. Between Chubb’s excellent customer service and wide range of coverage options, you can expect to pay a little bit more on your business insurance premiums. Chubb is best for businesses in need of international coverage. So if you’re traveling for work or making transactions outside of the US, consider Chubb for your insurance needs. ProgressiveLike most insurance companies, Progressive has several different business insurance policies and coverage types. They provide general liability insurance, professional liability, cyber insurance, workers’ compensation, and business owner’s policy. With that said, Progressive’s specialty is commercial auto insurance.
More than one million commercial vehicles in the United States are insured by Progressive. Basically, any vehicle used for business purposes can get insurance protection from Progressive. As the country’s most popular business auto insurance company, the rates are actually pretty affordable. Progressive’s average commercial customer pays $165 per month for business auto. You’ll even get 15% off if you pay your premiums in advance. In addition to the coverage provided by Progressive, the company will be there when you need them. Adding a driver, vehicle, or changing a policy is quick and easy. Progressive has 24/7 commercial auto service. Progressive’s claim experts will help get your vehicles back on the road as soon as possible to limit business interruptions in the event of an accident. If your company has vans, trucks, drivers, or any vehicles on the road for business purposes, Progressive will be a top choice for business auto insurance. Liberty MutualLiberty Mutual is another well-known name in the insurance industry. The company provides small business insurance coverage as well as mid-to-large size business protection. Liberty Mutual even insures Fortune 500 corporations. With more than 50,000 employees and 800+ offices throughout the world, Liberty mutual is a top provider of preferred property and casualty business insurance. Some of the top coverage options include:
Liberty Mutual works with a wide range of industries as well. But overall, it’s one of the best insurance providers for companies in manufacturing and agriculture. From product recalls to errors and omissions coverages, Liberty Mutual can customize your policy to protect your employees, customers, and business from unforeseen circumstances. AmTrust FinancialAmTrust Financial isn’t as well-known as some of the other insurance companies on our list. It’s definitely not a household name State Farm or Liberty Mutual. The company isn’t nearly as old as The Hartford or Travelers either. In fact, AmTrust Financial was born less than 25 years ago, in 1998. With that said, the company has grown quickly. They currently have 7,000+ employees serving over 70 countries. AmTrust Financial isn’t trying to compete with the biggest insurance providers on the planet. Instead, they are focusing on niche solutions in the following industries:
Overall, the best coverage offered is for restaurant business insurance. AmTrust understands the unique risks associated with owning a restaurant. They’ll help you get a policy to protect your workers as well as your customers. Some of the popular restaurant enhancement coverages include:
AmTrust Financial covers family-style and fine dining restaurants meeting certain eligibility requirements. They also work with delis, cafes, and pizzerias. With that said, not every restaurant will qualify for coverage. For example, new restaurants with a large bar area operating in a 25-year-old building would need to look elsewhere. Founder ShieldFounder Shield is another new and lesser-known company. They have only been providing insurance coverages for less than ten years. But similar to AmTrust, Founder Shield is carving out a niche in the world of business insurance. Founder Shield specializes in providing coverage to tech startups. Popular coverage categories include:
You’ll also find that Founder Shield offers more traditional business insurance coverage for general liability, workers’ compensation, and umbrella insurance. Founder Shield is a more modern way to get insurance. The purchasing process is 100% digital. This means there is less paperwork, and it’s easy to manage everything online. If your company is a high-growth startup in the technology industry, consider getting a quote from Founder Shield. Farmers InsuranceFarmers is an industry leader for home, auto, and life insurance. But it’s also a top choice to consider for business owners. The company has been around for nearly 100 years. So you know that you’ll be getting quality service from a well-established name. They have a network of 48,000 agents and 21,000 employees across all 50 states. Farmers Insurance provides business coverage in the following categories:
While Farmers covers a wide range of industries, I’d recommend it to business owners in retail. You’ll be able to get an affordable policy to protect you from things like theft, injuries, and loss of income. This is an ideal solution for boutique shop owners, dry cleaners, florists, and salons. AllstateAllstate is best known for offering car insurance to individuals. While business insurance isn’t necessarily Allstate’s specialty or primary focus, there are certain industries and business types that should consider this carrier. The company provides a high level of customer service with friendly agents and fully customizable plans. Allstate has coverage solutions across nearly every industry, including professional firms, healthcare, service businesses, retail goods, and food service. Top insurance coverages from Allstate include:
Since all of the policies are customized, you can add specific types of coverage to your plan when you get a quote. Needs will vary based on business and industry. Some unique standouts from Allstate include their real estate coverage and business insurance for rental services. Allstate has been providing insurance since 1931. So you know that you’re getting coverage from a trusted and well-established name in the insurance world. How to Find the Best Business Insurance Company For YouWith so many companies providing business insurance, you’ll need to learn how narrow your options down. There are certain factors that must be taken into consideration when you’re evaluating an insurance provider. This is the methodology that we use and recommend. You can use these same factors when searching for the best business insurance. Coverage TypesDetermine what type of coverage you need and find a company that can meet those policy requirements. Most insurance companies will offer the same basic types of coverage.
But some companies specialize in certain coverages. For example, Progressive is the best for commercial auto insurance. Other companies offer unique coverage for things like cyber liability, intellectual property insurance, or international services. So if your company needs rare or specialized coverage, make sure you discuss those needs with an agent. The last thing you want is to be underinsured. Company ReputationI tend to lean towards companies that have been in business for a long time. The Hartford and Travelers have been around for 200+ and 160+ years, respectively. Lots of other insurance providers on our list have been around for roughly 100 years as well. These companies have seen it all. They understand everything there is to know about the insurance industry, and your claim won’t surprise them. Plus, a well-established company has stood the test of time. You know that natural disasters won’t bankrupt them, so your policy is safe. There are some newer insurance companies, like AmTrust and Founder Shield, that provide unique solutions for niche industries. Getting a policy through one of those providers definitely has some risk. But it can still be a viable option if you’re looking for rare or specialized coverages. Claims ProcessHaving business insurance is like having a good lawyer. You hope you never have to use it. But when something comes up, you want to make sure that everything goes smoothly. The best business insurance companies have an easy claims process. Depending on your preferences, you can file a claim online or over the phone in minutes. An adjuster will be highly responsive and settle the claim as fast as possible. If one of your company vehicles is involved in an accident or a piece of equipment breaks during a flood, you don’t want operations to be stalled because of the insurance company dragging their feet. CostsPrice is obviously a top consideration when evaluating business insurance. Weigh the cost of your monthly and annual premiums against the amount of coverage you’re getting in a policy. Always shop around for business insurance. Get quotes from a handful of providers to get a better sense of the market. You can potentially use one quote as leverage to lower another one. These companies want your business, so there could be some room for negotiation. Just know that some insurance providers, like Chubb, will usually have higher prices for their policies. Customer ServiceCustomer service goes a long way in the insurance industry. Aside from renewing or updating your policy, it’s generally not good news if you need to contact your insurance provider. During these difficult and stressful times, it’s important that you receive excellent customer service. You want someone to answer the phone as opposed to going through ten minutes of speaking to a robot, followed by another 45 minutes on hold. The best business insurance companies understand your needs at every level. From the sales agent to the adjuster and claims department, great service will make your life much easier. ConclusionIf you’re shopping for a business insurance quote, look no further than these ten companies:
No matter what type of business you have or what industry you’re in, you can find what you’re looking for on this list. From startups to small businesses and national chains, these insurance providers can handle all of your coverage needs. via Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/best-business-insurance/ I’ve registered hundreds of domain names over the years. During that time, I bought a domain from virtually every platform in existence. Some experiences were great, others were awful, and the majority fell somewhere in the middle. Whether you’re buying a domain for the first time or looking for an alternative solution from your last registration, you need to understand that you have options.
Where can you register a domain name? The choices can be segmented into three categories:
I’ll show you the difference between these options and point out the top platforms within each category. Use this guide to learn the best way to buy a domain name. 1. Domain RegistrarAs the name implies, a domain registrar’s primary function is domain name registration. There are some registrars that provide additional services as well, such as hosting plans or website builders. But the best domain registrars specialize as platforms to buy a domain name. Let’s review four of the top domain registrar services on the market today. Domain.comDomain.com is the best domain registrar for first-time and experienced buyers alike. The process is simple, straightforward, and the registrar provides exceptional service. You can register a .com domain for just $9.99 per year with Domain.com. During the checkout process, this registrar gives you the ability to buy your domain for up to five years. I love this feature because you won’t have to worry about renewing every year. When you register a domain, your name and address become available to the public. Domain.com offers privacy and protection for $8.99 per year per domain. If you’re registering a domain under a company name (that’s what I do), you can skip this. Otherwise, you’ll definitely want to add the privacy and protection. Some domain registrars offer this for free, but it’s worth paying a little extra for the personal privacy. Domain.com hits with you additional upsells throughout the checkout process. This is pretty standard practice in the domain registrar industry. I’d skip the add-ons. Things like an SSL certificate and SiteLock should come standard from your web hosting provider. Registering a domain from Domain.com takes less than a minute. It’s the perfect registrar for those of you who plan to buy multiple domain names. Domain.com also has exceptional 24/7 customer support, making it a top choice for domain transfers as well. NamecheapNamecheap is another top choice to consider for domain registration. More than 10 million domains have been registered through this platform. The process is easy for someone who has never bought a domain before. Namecheap has .com domains available for $8.88 per year. They also offer free privacy and protection, which is a nice bonus since it’s something you’ll likely need to have. Like most domain registrars, Namecheap offers a wide range of upsells during the checkout process. Since you’re getting privacy and protection for free, you can skip everything else. Namecheap has an excellent knowledge base of resources if you need some assistance. Live chat is available 24/7, and their support team provides ticket response times under two hours. With a simple process, free privacy protection, and outstanding support, Namecheap delivers everything you want and need in a domain registrar. NameSiloIf you’re looking for a no-frills domain registrar, NameSilo has you covered. As you can see from the screenshot above, their website is very outdated. But this hasn’t stopped them from becoming one of the most popular domain registrars in the world. Buying a .com domain from NameSilo starts at $8.99 per year. You’ll benefit from bundle discounts if you’re registering more than 50 domains in a single order. NameSilo lets you search for up to 500 domains simultaneously. You can even upload a list of domains from your computer to save you time. If the outdated interface doesn’t bother you, NameSilo will be a top choice for those of you who want to buy multiple domains at the same time. There are barely any upsells during the checkout process. WHOIS privacy and protection is free, and ICANN fees are included in the total. You can be out the door for $8.99 per year per domain. NameSilo allows you to enable auto renew as well, so you won’t have to worry about the name lapsing if you forget to do so manually. 2. Web Hosting ProviderEvery website needs to be hosted. So once you register a domain name, the next step is finding a web hosting provider. With that said, some hosting providers let you register a domain directly from through their platform. If you’re planning to register multiple domains over time, use a domain registrar. But if you just need one domain, you can save some money by bundling your hosting and registration together. Bluehost is the best web hosting provider for domain registration bundles. It’s what I recommend the most. But if you’re set on using another hosting provider, there are a few other platforms that deliver decent deals and service for hosting and domain registration. BluehostEven though Bluehost is a web hosting provider, you can still purchase a domain directly from them without using their hosting services. However, I don’t recommend this. A .com domain from Bluehost is $11.99 per year. Privacy and protection is $11.88 per year. For the same price, I can register two domains from a domain registrar and still have change to spare. However, you can get a free domain name from Bluehost if you bundle your domain registration with their hosting services. The process is extremely simple. Just choose your web hosting plan, and Bluehost will prompt you to register a new domain. If you follow these steps, your domain will be free for the first year. You’ll still have to pay $11.88 per year for privacy and protection. Bluehost provides a free SSL certificate, one-click WordPress installs, and 24/7 support. Bluehost is the best web hosting provider on the market today, and it’s the only web host I actually recommend for domain registration. DreamhostDreamhost is another top consideration for web hosting. While it’s not as popular as their web hosting products, Dreamhost does offer domain registration services. You can get a .com domain with Dreamhost for $7.99 per year. This includes free privacy and protection. Furthermore, Dreamhost has more than 400 TLDs, with .xyz extensions as low as $0.89 per year. While $7.99 for a .com domain is definitely a great deal, there is a catch. Your domain will renew at $15.99 per year. I really can’t justify this price, especially from a platform that specializes in web hosting, not domain registration. HostGatorHostGator is another well-known web hosting provider. In fact, they rank high on my list of the best cloud hosting services. In addition to web hosting, HostGator offers a wide range of other services, including a site builder and domain registration. You can register a .com domain with HostGator for $12.95 per year. While it’s a bit high compared to the domain registrars we reviewed, it’s just the introductory offer. The price actually jumps up to $17.99 per year upon renewal. Privacy and protection is an additional $14.95 per year. So your initial registration comes to $27.90 and will renew at $32.94 per year. I could get three domains from Domain.com, Namecheap, and NameSilo, for the same price. So can you get a domain name from HostGator? Yes, the option is available. But I really don’t see any reason why you would. SiteGroundSiteGround is one of the most popular and well-known web hosting providers on the market today. The platform also has domain registration services, although I can’t say I recommend it. You can register a .com domain from SiteGround for $15.95 per year. That’s nearly double the price of Namecheap’s registration, and there’s still a catch. You’re only able to use SiteGround for domain registration if you have a SiteGround web hosting plan. So if you wanted to buy a domain from SiteGround and host your site elsewhere, that’s not an option. For those of you looking to bundle domain registration with web hosting, you’re much better off using Bluehost. With Bluehost, you’ll get a free domain for the first year, which is not available with SiteGround. 3. Website BuilderMost people don’t associate website builders with domain registration. Similar to web hosting, I normally wouldn’t recommend buying a domain from anywhere other than a registrar. But with that said, there are a handful of site builders offering domain registration services. These are some of the best website builders to consider for buying a domain name. WixWix is best known for its simple drag-and-drop website builder. If you don’t know how to code and you’re creating a website from scratch, Wix is a top choice to consider. You can’t exclusively buy a domain using Wix. You’ll need to bundle your domain registration with their website builder. With that said, there are two ways to get a free domain with this platform. Every Wix site comes with a free Wix subdomain. Without spending anything, you can have a domain in the following format: wixusername.wixsite.com/yourdomain I don’t recommend this to anyone unless you’re just experimenting with the Wix platform. Once you’re ready to take things to the next level, you’ll need to register your own domain. Wix also offers a free domain for one year with all paid site builder plans. Privacy and protection is included free as well. You could even bundle your web hosting through them, although I can’t endorse that option. SquarespaceSquarespace is another one of my favorite website builders. It’s great for beginners and people with an eye for great design. But like Wix, getting a domain from Squarespace means you’ll have to bundle it with a site-building plan. All Squarespace annual plans come with a free custom domain name for the first year. WHOIS privacy and protection is included. Additional domains can be purchased between $20 and $70 per year, depending on the extension. Those prices are outrageous if you compare them to the domain registrars that we reviewed earlier. If you need to buy more than one domain, this is not the platform to do so. I would only consider registering a domain with Squarespace if you need one domain, you’re using the site builder, and you think it’s easier to purchase everything from one provider. Just know that you could run into problems if you need to transfer your domain and website to another platform in the future. WordPressWordPress is the world’s largest CMS platform. We use WordPress here at Quick Sprout to power our website. This website builder is best for those of who are comfortable with coding and want to get the most out of your site’s content. Although WordPress does have plugins that allow drag-and-drop building capabilities. You can also use WordPress to buy a domain. The domain will automatically be connected to your website, and renewals get handled through your WordPress account. While it may be tempting to get a domain directly from WordPress, it’s not the most convenient procedure. You’ll have to go through a six-step process, which includes creating your WordPress account. Plus, the domain registration is a bit pricey. A .com domain from WordPress costs $18 per year, which is more than double the price of the cheapest domain registrars. WeeblyWeebly is a website builder geared toward ecommerce sites. Compared to some of the other website builders out there, registering a domain name with Weebly isn’t the worst idea. Two of Weebly’s premium plans (Professional and Performance) come with a free domain for one year with an annual contract. Those plans start at $12 and $26 per month, respectively. You can use Weebly to register a domain without a site builder plan. The nice part about using Weebly for domain registration is that you’ll save money by registering for longer periods of time.
But even though you can save up to 37% off with an extended registration, the ten-year price is still more expensive than NameCheap, NameSilo, and Domain.com. How to Find the Best Place to Buy a DomainWith so many options to choose from, finding the best place to buy a domain can be challenging. There are certain features and elements that must be taken into consideration when you’re evaluating a prospective platform to buy a domain. This is the methodology that we used to narrow the search. Price and Contract TermsThe price should always be the first thing you look at. If all of these platforms are basically offering the same thing, it makes sense to go with one that’s cost-effective. Don’t just look at the cheapest extensions. Always compare the prices for .com domains, since that’s what you should be registering. Look at the length of your contract. Some providers will require a minimum registration period, such as one or two years. Others will offer discounts for long-term registration. Keep an eye out for additional fees. Most add-ons you’ll be able to ignore. But you’ll definitely want to get WHOIS privacy and protection. This comes free with your registration on some platforms, but others upcharge for it. Make sure that your contract makes it easy for you to renew your domain. Look for automatic renewals or contracts giving you a grace period after the domain expires, in case you forget to renew manually. Domain TransfersIf you’re unhappy with your domain registrar, for any reason, you might want to transfer your domain in the future. You cannot transfer a domain within the first 60 days of registration. However, you’re free to do what you want with your domain after that. Just make sure that your registrar makes transferring easy for you. Platforms like GoDaddy, have a reputation for throttling down outgoing transfers. So always check customer reviews about the transfer process before you settle. The best domain registrars make transfers easy and don’t impose any extra fees. Additional ServicesAs you’ve seen from this guide, you can get a domain name from a wide range of platforms. Some of those platforms specialize in additional services, like web hosting or website builders. The ability to bundle multiple services shouldn’t sway you toward one provider over another. Most providers are better at one service compared to the other. Just because a platform is one of the best website builders, it doesn’t mean they have a flawless domain registration process. In many cases, domain registration is more expensive from website builders and hosting providers. Some of these platforms let you to buy a domain independently from their primary services, while others force you to bundle everything. Sometimes it’s worth it to go with a service bundle. For example, Bluehost gives you a free domain for one year when you sign up for a web hosting plan. Support and User ExperienceRegistering a domain name shouldn’t be complicated. If a platform is making you jump through hoops, it’s probably best to look elsewhere. Most of the time, you should be able to register a domain in a minute or two, at most. If you’re interested in buying dozens or even hundreds of domains simultaneously, look for platforms that support those needs. In some cases, you may want to request some assistance. Although this usually won’t be required unless you’re transferring a domain. In any event, you’ll want to make sure that the platform provides excellent customer service to assist you with transfers or whatever else you need help with. ConclusionThere are three main options for buying a domain; domain registrars, web hosting providers, and website builders. Within each category, you’ll have tons of different providers to choose from. Buying a domain from a domain registrar will almost always be your best option. These providers specialize in domain registration, so you’ll get the best price, quality, and customer service here. Plus, domain registrars won’t force you to bundle your registration with another service. Using Bluehost to bundle your domain registration with web hosting is the only time that I’d consider bundling services. That’s because Bluehost gives you a free domain for one year when you sign up for a hosting plan. Other providers have similar offers, but overall, they fall short in one category or the other. via Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/options-for-domain-registration/ Every business needs a checking account. Whether you’re running a startup, small business, single-member sole proprietorship, or side hustle, you’ll need to separate your business transactions from your personal finances. For the most part, a business checking account functions very similarly to a personal checking account. However, business checking accounts typically have extra fees, minimum balance requirements, and monthly transaction limits. So before you open a new account, it’s important that you find a bank that meets the needs of your business.
Top 10 Best Business Checking Accounts For 2020There are hundreds, if not thousands, of business checking accounts on the market today. From small local banks to large national chains and online-only banking, there are really only ten accounts that I would consider.
The majority of these are free business checking accounts. Some do have a monthly fee, but it’s fairly easy to get those waived by meeting reasonable requirements. I’ll give you an in-depth review of the top business checking accounts below. We’ll cover the top features, benefits, prices, and any potential drawbacks that should be taken into consideration. The Best Business Checking Account ReviewsChase Total Business CheckingChase Total Business Checking is perfect for entrepreneurs and small business owners. You’ll have access to 4,900 branches and 16,000 ATMs throughout the country. There is a $15 service fee associated with the account. But the fee waived if you maintain a $1,500 minimum daily balance or link a personal Chase checking account. Top benefits and highlights of Chase Total Business Checking include:
You can earn $200 by opening a Chase business checking account. Simply deposit $1,000 within the first 20 days, and make five qualifying transactions while maintaining that balance for 60 days. Overall, this account stands out for its outstanding 24/7 customer support to business owners. Chase has all of the tools you need to manage your growing business, including some of the best business credit cards on the market today. Citizens Bank Clearly Better Business CheckingFor those of you seeking a free business checking account, look no further than Citizens Clearly Better Business Checking. You won’t have to worry about meeting any minimum balance requirements because there are no maintenance fees. This makes Clearly Better Business Checking a top choice for business owners who maintain a lower bank balance. Other top features include:
One potential drawback of Citizens Bank is its size. While the company has more than 1,000 branches and 3,100+ ATMs nationwide, most of them are located on the east coast. So if you’ll need to visit a branch, for anything, verify that there is a Citizens Bank near your business before opening an account. Unlike other business checking accounts, Citizens does not offer a sign-up incentive for Clearly Better Business Checking. NovoNovo is an alternative to traditional banking. It’s an online-exclusive business checking account intended for freelancers and entrepreneurs. I’d recommend Novo to any business owner seeking a straightforward solution with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. You can apply for a Novo account in less than ten minutes online. These are some of the notable highlights for Novo business checking:
Novo lets you open a new business checking account with just $50. This is a modern banking solution. You can integrate your account with Zapier, Xero, Slack, and other tools that your small business is currently using. Like any online-only bank, you can’t walk into a physical branch. So if your business has in-person banking needs, then Novo isn’t for you. However, Novo will reimburse you for ATM fees imposed by other banks. So you’ll still be able to access cash from anywhere without paying an extra fee. TD Business Convenience Checking PlusYou can open a TD Business Convenience Checking Plus account with just $100. However, you’ll need to maintain a $1,500 daily balance to waive the $25 monthly maintenance fee. If you link a personal checking account to your Business Checking Plus account, TD Bank counts your combined balance between the two accounts toward the daily minimum. So this is a great choice for business owners who already have an account at TD Bank. Let’s review some of the account benefits:
While TD Business Convenience Checking Plus does have a high maintenance fee, you’ll benefit from more free monthly transactions. For comparison purposes, Chase Total Business Checking has a $15 fee for just 100 free transactions each month. Plus, it’s easy to waive TD’s $25 fee by maintaining a low combined balance between two accounts. Even though you’re limited to $5,000 free cash deposits each month, you’re only charged $0.25 per $100 thereafter. So an additional $5,000 cash deposited in a cycle ($10,000 total) would cost you $12.50. That’s just 0.13% of your deposits, which is next to nothing. TD Bank gives you access to other services, like merchant solutions, business loans, and business lines of credit. US Bank Silver Business CheckingUS Bank Silver Business Checking is 100% free. They do impose a $5 monthly fee for paper statements, but you can waive that charge by going paperless. Here’s an overview of the account benefits:
One thing that needs to be taken into consideration is the strange wording US Bank uses to limit cash deposits. The account allows 25 “units” of free cash deposits each billing cycle. After reading the fine print, you’ll learn that a unit is calculated by dividing each deposit by 100 and rounding the value to the closest whole number. Here’s an example. Let’s say you deposit $920. 920 100 =9.2 Round 9.2 down to 9, and you just used 9 of your 25 credits for the month. This credit system is a complex way of saying you’ll get up to $2,500 in free cash deposits each billing cycle. So if you’re making cash deposits on a regular basis, this account might not be the best option for you. Huntington Unlimited Business CheckingHuntington Unlimited Business Checking is a top option for larger organizations. If you have a higher monthly transaction volume, some of the other accounts on our list won’t fit your needs. The top features and benefits of Unlimited Business Checking from Huntington include:
Huntington does charge a $20 monthly maintenance fee for this account. But it’s waived with a $10,000 combined balance between all of your eligible Huntington Bank accounts. With an Unlimited Business Checking account, Huntington Bank allows you to choose one of the following bonus services as well:
This bank also has a tool called “The Hub” for business checking accounts. It comes with several digital tools for things like cash positioning and cash flow forecasting. The Hub is a great resource for managing your revenue and expenses. Navy Federal Business CheckingNavy Federal Business Checking is a top choice to consider if you or someone in your family is a member of the armed forces, National Guard, or DoD. It’s a straightforward and basic account, best for startups with a low transaction volume. The best part about this account is that it’s 100% free. You’ll never be charged a monthly maintenance or service fee. Your first 30 non-electronic transactions are free. After that, it’s $0.25 for any in-branch deposits, withdrawals, or transfers. But you can deposit up to 12 checks at the same time, and it will count as a single transaction. Another reason why I like Navy Federal Business Checking is because they have other banking solutions to meet your needs as the business grows. Once your banking activity increases, consider upgrading to:
Those accounts cost $8 and $20 per month, respectively. The Premium Checking maintenance fee is waived if you maintain a $5,000 daily balance. Axos Basic Business CheckingAxos is another online-only bank. So if you don’t have any in-person banking needs, you should definitely consider Axos Basic Business Checking. Here’s an overview of the account:
The online and mobile banking solutions from Axos are exceptional, as you would expect from an online-exclusive bank. You can deposit a check from anywhere using your mobile device. Overall, Axos Basic Business Checking is suitable for small business owners with modest banking needs. BBVA Business Connect CheckingBBVA has free banking solutions for small businesses. Sole proprietors can apply online for a BBVA Business Connect Checking account. Other business types need must apply at a branch. Here’s an overview of the account advantages and highlights:
BBVA gives you free unlimited transactions every month, sort of. You’ll get two in-branch deposits, and five in-branch withdrawals or processed checks free each month. All other transactions are unlimited at no charge. You’ll only find BBVA branches in the following states:
However, you’ll have access to a network of 55,000+ ATMs nationwide. That’s because BBVA is an Allpoint partner. There are no ATM fees at Allpoint ATMs and participating 7-Eleven locations. Azlo Business CheckingAzlo Business Checking is a bit unique compared to the other options on our list. This online-only banking solution is made for freelancers and entrepreneurs. The company is very straightforward in saying that they are not right for all businesses. Azlo doesn’t accept cash deposits or offer checkbooks. So it’s only suitable for businesses that send and receive digital payments. With that said, the account definitely has its advantages:
Azlo integrates with platforms like Stripe, PayPal, Square, QuickBooks, and Xero. Overall, Azlo is a modern way for freelancers to access their banking needs online. But it’s definitely not suitable for everyone. How to Find the Best Business Checking Account For YouAll business checking accounts are not created equally. The best choice for one business might not be ideal for yours. This is the methodology that you should use when you’re evaluating business checking accounts. I’ll explain each feature in greater detail below. FeesService fees and monthly maintenance fees are common for business checking accounts. In most cases, these fees fall somewhere in the $10 to $50 range. But there are still plenty of free business banking solutions. In fact, six of the ten accounts on our list don’t have monthly fees. While the remaining four contain fees, you can easily waive them by maintaining a minimum account balance. There’s no reason to pay these fees if you can avoid them. Balance RequirementsSome banks require a minimum opening deposit. So choose a bank with a reasonable opening deposit minimum based on your situation. If you’re launching a startup and don’t have a ton of cash on hand, you can open some accounts with as little as $50 or $100. Some banks don’t require a minimum opening deposit at all. In addition to the opening deposit requirement, some accounts will charge for you falling below a certain minimum daily balance. Make sure that your cash flow is enough to maintain your minimum requirements without getting penalized. Transaction LimitsPersonal checking accounts will rarely if ever, cap the number of transactions you can make in a billing cycle. But that’s not the case for most business checking accounts. Depending on the bank, activities like deposits, withdrawals, and transfers count toward a monthly limit. Some banks will restrict the number of in-person transactions you can make while offering free unlimited electronic transactions. For the most part, free monthly transaction limits start at 100. TD Business Convenience Checking allows for 500 free transactions per month. Other banks give you unlimited transactions, with a few contingencies. You’ll pay a small fee for each transaction over your monthly limit. This is usually somewhere in the $0.25 to $0.50 range. Mobile Banking and Online AccessibilityEvery bank offers some way to access your account online or through a mobile app. But with that said, some of these digital solutions are definitely better than others. Choose a business checking account that lets you deposit checks remotely, set up account alerts, and pay invoices automatically. I do nearly all of my business banking from a mobile app, and I’m sure you’ll want that convenience as well. Branch LocationsSome banks are region-specific, while others are large national chains. It’s important to choose a bank near your business location if you need to access a branch for anything. However, there are several business checking accounts that are online-exclusive. These banks don’t have any physical locations. But those solutions aren’t for everyone. For example, if your business accepts cash, you’ll definitely need access to a physical branch for in-person deposits. Online-only banking is very popular for freelancers and entrepreneurs working remotely and accepting digital payments. Additional Banking ServicesThis may not be important to you immediately, but it’s nice to have a bank that will provide you with additional services as your business grows. Whether it’s merchant services for credit card processing, additional accounts, or a business loan or line of credit, it’s easier to get these from a bank where you have an existing relationship. Always look at what else a bank has to offer beyond your immediate checking account needs today. ConclusionEvery business owner needs a business checking account. But everyone has different banking needs, which is why finding the best business checking solution can be difficult. These are the top ten best business checking accounts on the market today:
There’s an account for every type of business on this list. From freelancers and startups to small businesses and larger organizations with high transaction volumes, I’m confident that you can find a checking account from one of the options above. via Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/best-business-checking-accounts/ GoToMeeting ranks high on our list of the best conference call services. The platform has virtually all of the tools you’ll need to run a successful business meeting. GoToMeeting stands out for its exceptional call quality, robust features, and excellent customer service. Whether you’re a small, medium, or enterprise-sized business, GoToMeeting has conference call solutions to fit your needs. Millions of people have used GoToMeeting, including some well-known names like Make-A-Wish and Marketo. If you’re in the market for new conference call software, GoToMeeting should definitely be taken into consideration. Use this guide to learn more about its benefits, plans, and pricing, as well as any potential drawbacks.
GoToMeeting Features and BenefitsGoToMeeting has a wide range of features for different use cases. I’ll highlight some of the top advantages of GoToMeeting’s software and service. If you want to just jump right in then I suggest signing up for the GoToMeeting free trial. Conference CallsWhether you need to communicate with coworkers, customers, or prospects, GoToMeeting’s audio conference calling has you covered. Any device with Internet access can be used to host or join a GoToMeeting conference call. So whether you’re using a Mac, PC, or mobile device, you can participate from anywhere. GoToMeeting has taken the complexity out of business conference calling. From the initial setup to the call quality and meeting management features, it’s easy for anyone to use. All plans come with unlimited web audio conference calls. So you’ll never have to worry about exceeding a limit. GoToMeeting provides optional toll-free numbers for more than 50 countries. If you add-on this feature, you’ll only pay for what you use. This is an alternative solution to traditional VoIP phone services. You’ll also get custom email invitations, reservationless connections, integrated scheduling, and one-click meetings with the conference calling feature. Video ConferencesIn addition to audio calls, GoToMeeting provides HD quality video conferencing. This gives you the opportunity to host face-to-face meetings online. Up to 25 users can use their webcam at the same time with GoToMeeting. Other video conferencing platforms have confusing controls, syncing errors, and unexpected outages. But you won’t have to worry about any of these problems with GoToMeeting. The platform enables cloud collaboration for both desktop and mobile. Bandwidth is automatically adjusted for each user based on their resources and hardware, making it a seamless experience for everyone involved. Using the video conferencing feature is simple. GoToMeeting allows people using the desktop app to edit their webcam preferences. So you can change the display format before going live. Want to jump off of your camera without leaving or interrupting the meeting? No problem. GoToMeeting makes that easy to accomplish. Screen SharingOnline screen sharing with GoToMeeting will elevate the quality of your audio and video conference calls. You’ll be able to present your computer screen in real-time to meeting attendees. This is the perfect way to enhance your communication when visuals are required. Use screen sharing for things brainstorming ideas as well as team member training. You can also show conceptual designs or prototypes to your clients. With screen sharing capabilities, you can turn any conference call into a full-blown presentation in seconds. Another advantage of this feature is its flexibility. You can choose exactly what screen you want to share. Whether it’s your entire monitor or just a single app, GoToMeeting has settings to support your needs. Meeting attendees do not need to download any desktop or mobile software to access screen sharing capabilities. GoToMeeting offers screen sharing from all Chrome web browsers. This is perfect for people who are in a software-restricted environment or using an operating system where installing the app isn’t possible. These are both common scenarios for certain corporate firewall permissions. You can share your screen from an iPhone or iPad as well. You’ll even be able to switch between iOS devices seamlessly. If a meeting is running late and you need to step away from your computer, just continue on your mobile device without leaving the meeting. Transcriptions and RecordingsA common problem with virtual meetings is the ability to retain information. This is especially true for longer sessions featuring multiple presenters and participants. Hand-written notes aren’t always practical. Plus, it defeats the purpose of using technology to your advantage. GoToMeeting solves this problem with transcriptions and recordings. Simply click the record button. The presenter’s screen, along with everyone’s audio, will be captured. You can store these recordings locally or in the cloud. The Smart Meeting Assistant will also transcribe the conversation automatically. So you’ll always be able to refer back to those transcripts. There’s no reason to assign a designated transcriber to your meetings anymore. Instead of scrambling to write things down, you can actually pay attention to what’s going on. The transcriptions and recordings are also highly beneficial to coworkers or clients who were unable to attend. They can re-watch the meeting on their own time as if they were there. Hardware BundlesIn addition to providing software, GoToMeeting also has all of the hardware you need for hosting high-quality meetings. They have hardware bundles available for huddle spaces, as well as larger conference rooms. With Poly and Dolby Voice, GoToMeeting provides top of the line technology. The audio and video quality with these bundles is second to none. These out-of-the-box conference room solutions are incredibly user-friendly. Installation is easy as well. You can get the entire system set up in less than 15 minutes. There’s no reason to get your conference room hardware from a third-party provider. Bundling your solution with GoToMeeting is a cost-effective way to get top of the line equipment. Mobile ConferencingThe modern workforce is always on the go. Remote employees aren’t always tied to a desk with a computer at their disposal. GoToMeeting solves this problem by providing native mobile apps for iOS, Android, and Windows. Now you can schedule, join, or host a meeting directly from any mobile device. The mobile app still gives you all of the features and benefits that we previously discussed. You’ll be able to share your screen and record meetings as well. It works for both audio and video conference calls. Again, GoToMeeting will automatically adjust your bandwidth to ensure high quality, no matter where you are. Other Considerations of GoToMeetingGoToMeeting isn’t perfect. There are potential drawbacks that you should take into consideration before you sign up. Stable Connection RequiredIf your Internet service provider is frequently pinging your modem, GoToMeeting might give you some problems. The connection must be error-free for the software to work properly. Even brief interruptions can force a session to crash. Restarting a new meeting can be a pain, especially when there are lots of attendees. If your company experiences lots of Internet connection problems, you should switch providers before signing up for GoToMeeting. Equipment QualityThe quality of the equipment being used for hosting and attending meetings matters. GoToMeeting prioritizes the most up to date solutions but doesn’t keep up with outdated technology. If you’re using hardware that’s more than five years old, you’ll probably need an upgrade to get the full benefits of GoToMeeting. Fortunately, you can get a hardware bundle directly from this provider. Added Costs For Premium FeaturesAll features are not available for every plan. We’ll discuss the plans in pricing in greater detail shortly, and you’ll see what I mean. But the entry-level plan is not all-inclusive. You’ll have to upgrade to get the most out of GoToMeeting. Limited Chat CapabilitiesUntil recently, GoToMeeting’s chat was limited to meetings. Meaning you weren’t able to create chat rooms for on-demand instant messaging. Now they launched Business Chat, which includes this feature. However, I don’t think it’s at the point where you can use it to replace Slack or similar real-time messaging tools. Maybe this will change in the future. But for now, GoToMeeting is better for its conference calling capabilities, not chat functions. No Free PlanThere are lots of free conference call services on the market today. However, GoToMeeting isn’t one of them. They offer a 14-day free trial and provide discounts for annual contracts, but you can’t use the software for free indefinitely. Compare GoToMeeting Plans and PricesGoToMeeting has three different plans to accommodate businesses of all different shapes and sizes. I’ll give you an in-depth look at what each plan has to offer, including the price points. GoToMeeting ProfessionalGoToMeeting Professional starts at $12 per month per user with an annual contract. The month-to-month rate is $14 per month for each user. This package allows you to host meetings and conference calls with up to 150 participants, which is more than enough for a small business. In addition to the HD video, audio, screen sharing, and other benefits that we discussed earlier, GoToMeeting Professional comes with the following features:
You’ll also benefit from GoToMeeting’s 24/7 customer care team. The admin center is a robust and intuitive dashboard for managing calls, users, and your account. You’ll also have access to diagnostic reports for all of your meetings. This allows you to track the performance on an individual user level for advanced troubleshooting. Every update or change made within your account is tracked. You can view these logs with downloadable admin reports. Even with the entry-level plan, GoToMeeting gives you unlimited meetings with no time limits for audio and video calls. It’s tough to find a better entry conference call plan on the market with so many advanced features. Transcription and recording functions are not available with GoToMeeting Professional. So you’ll need to upgrade if you want those advanced features. GoToMeeting BusinessGoToMeeting Business starts at $16 per month per user with an annual contract. If you don’t want the long-term commitment, you can $19 per user on a monthly basis. This plan allows you to host calls with up to 250 participants, making it an appealing choice for medium to large-sized organizations. GoToMeeting Business has all of the features in the Professional plan, with extras like:
The meeting lock feature adds an extra layer of security to your calls. Once a meeting begins, late users need to wait until the host lets them in. GoToMeeting Business comes with Smart Assistant. This tool uses machine learning technology to detect highlights and action items in a meeting automatically. You’ll also benefit from the ability to take notes directly on the platform during a call or conference. GoToMeeting recently launched a new feature that’s available on the Business plan called “Slide to PDF.” During a presentation, you can automatically capture slides and create a sharable PDF with everything in chronological order. This is just another way to stay organized after a meeting is complete. GoToMeeting EnterpriseAs the name implies, this is an enterprise-grade solution intended for larger organizations with needs exceeding the limits of the other plans. With GoToMeeting Enterprise, you can host meetings and calls with up to 3,000 participants. This is an ideal solution for organizations with dozens of locations positioned across the country or globe. The Enterprise plan allows you to connect using your existing conference room system with InRoom Link (H.323, SIP). This provides an additional layer of security for your protection. Aside from the 24/7 customer support you’re already getting, GoToMeeting will provide you with a dedicated customer success manager. You’ll also benefit from custom onboarding, training, and quarterly reviews. GoToMeeting Enterprise pricing is customized for each organization. They provide volume discounts for extra users. You’ll need to contact the GoToMeeting sales team to get your quote. ConclusionOverall, GoToMeeting is an exceptional conference call service provider. They have solutions for small, medium, and large organizations. The plans are affordable and come with features that go beyond just basic audio or video calling. Even the entry-level plan comes with unlimited calling with no limits for up to 150 participants. Other conference calling solutions won’t give you as much out of the box. I like GoToMeeting because its technology is second to none. They are always using the most up-to-date equipment, and offer exceptional hardware bundles for businesses as well. Whether you’re hosting meetings from the office conference room, or on the go with your mobile device, GoToMeeting has you covered. While the platform does have a handful of drawbacks, I’d say the pros definitely outweigh the cons. Try GoToMeeting for 14 days with a free trial. You won’t even have to provide your credit card information, so there’s no commitment. via Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/gotomeeting-review/ Business owners need loans for a wide range of reasons. A loan can cover operating costs, purchase new equipment, buy inventory, or help with expansion. From startups to companies that have been around for decades, it’s not uncommon for businesses to seek funding at one point or another. If you need a loan and you’ve done any preliminary research, you’ll quickly learn that the market is flooded with choices. Banks, credit unions, and alternative lenders all have loan options for small businesses. While you might be tempted to visit your local bank for a loan, take this into consideration. Big banks approve just 27% of small business loan applications. This means you have just above one in four chances of getting approved. I don’t like those odds. That’s why the best business loans for 2020 come from online lenders and alternative financing options. I’ll show you the top small business loans in this guide, and explain how to find the best loan for your business.
Top 11 Best Business Loans for 2020There are hundreds, if not thousands, of business loans to choose from. But there are 11 business loans that stand out from the crowd.
I’ll review each business loan below. You can use this information to decide which loan best fits the needs of your small business. The Best Business Loan ReviewsBlueVineBlueVine is one of the first places a business owner should look for a loan. You can get approved for a loan in just five minutes, and they have interest rates as low as 4.8%. Applying online will not affect your credit score. Hard credit checks are only performed after you’ve reviewed and accepted an offer. With BlueVine, you can get a loan of up to $5 million or as little as $5,000. Unlike other lenders on the market, BlueVine has three different types of financing solutions for business owners: Line of Credit
Term Loan
Invoice Factoring
More than 20,000 business owners have used BlueVine for a loan. The company has provided more than $2 billion in loans to a wide range of business types across all industries. There are some eligibility restrictions to consider. For example, to get a line of credit, you need to be in business for at least six months, earn at least $10,000 in monthly revenue, and have a 600+ FICO score. This makes BlueVine a better choice for an established business as opposed to a startup company. LendioLendio is unique compared to some of the other lenders on our list. That’s because you won’t be borrowing money directly from them. Instead, Lendio operates as a small business loan marketplace. They have a national network of more than 75 different lenders. PayPal, American Express, and Bank of America are just a few of the many companies that you’re familiar with. You’ll even recognize some names from our list of the best business credit cards. Simply fill out an application, and you’ll be matched with the top lenders and loan terms to meet your needs. This is the best way to compare business loans from a single platform. It takes just 15 minutes to apply, and there’s no fee or obligation. Once approved, you can have access to your funds in as little as 24 hours. Lendio works with lenders providing:
Over $1.4 billion has been funded from 73,000+ loans in the Lendio marketplace. No matter what you need the capital for, Lendio is sure to have an option for you. In some cases, Lendio will request additional information or documentation after you apply, which can sometimes be a pain. But if you’re not in a major rush to get a loan, this extra step is a non-issue. OnDeckOnDeck is a global leader in business financing. The company has loaned more than $13 billion to businesses across 700+ industries. With OnDeck, you can access a term loan or a business line of credit. Here’s a quick overview of each option: OnDeck Term Loan
OnDeck Line of Credit
To qualify for a loan with OnDeck, regardless of the loan type, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
With that said, the typical OnDeck customer has been in business for more than three years, has a personal FICO score above 650, and does $300,000+ in annual revenue. There’s some conflicting information online about OnDeck. Some websites claim this is a good place for business owners with bad credit. But you’ll still need to meet the minimum FICO requirements. OnDeck does not offer funding to businesses based in certain industries. For example, adult entertainment materials, firearms, drug dispensaries, gambling services, and vehicle dealers will need to seek a loan elsewhere. You can view the full list of OnDeck restricted industries here. FundboxMore than 100,000 businesses have trusted Fundbox to finance their small business loans. Fundbox is known for its simplicity and transparent pricing. It’s a great option for small business owners who don’t meet strict qualification terms from other lenders. To get approved for a Fundbox loan, you need to meet the following qualifications:
Fundbox specializes in trade credit, which is also known as vendor credit or net terms. In these cases, your company can continue to purchase inventory and supplies directly from vendors. But the vender will be paid by the lender, and your business repays the lender based on your term agreement. You can get interest rates as low as 4.66% with Fundbox. They offer 12 and 24-week term options for repayment. Funding CircleFunding Circle is a well-known and trusted name in the small business financing world. More than $10.9 billion has been lent to 77,000+ businesses throughout the globe on this platform. It takes just six minutes to apply online for a loan from Funding Circle. Access interest rates as low as 4.99% per year. You can borrow between $25,000 and $500,000 and pay it back between six months and five years. This type of flexibility is one of the many reasons why Funding Circle is such a popular choice for small business owners. Try the Funding Circle loan calculation tool on their website. It’s a great way to calculate your monthly payments based on the amount you want to borrow and the loan term. One potential downside of using Funding Circle is that you’ll have to pay an origination fee. This fee ranges from 3.49% to 5.99%, depending on your term. Funding Circle has loans specifically for minority business owners, businesses owned by women, business debt consolidation loans, and business acquisition loans. Another reason why I like Funding Circle is because they provide excellent customer service. You’ll hear back from a personal loan specialist within an hour of applying. Once your offer has been approved and accepted, you can usually access funds the following business day. KabbageKabbage offers small business funding in the form of revolving credit. You can get a credit line of up to $250,000 from this online lender. With Kabbage, the application process is simple. You’ll get a decision within minutes of applying online. With that said, you must connect your bank account so the system can review your business performance. You have to meet the following minimum requirements to get a loan from Kabbage:
This is a great alternative for business owners who don’t qualify for stricter revenue requirements that we’ve seen from other lenders. Kabbage offers 6, 12, and 18-month loan terms with no prepayment penalties. However, you will pay a fixed monthly fee in addition to the financing rate. The monthly fee ranges from 1.5% to 10% of the principal loan amount. The good news is that there are no prepayment penalties if you want to pay your balance off early. More than 200,000 businesses have used Kabbage to secure financing. Lending ClubLending Club offers a wide range of loan options. In addition to business loans, they provide auto refinancing, personal loans, and patient solutions for healthcare bills. Altogether, over three million customers have borrowed $50+ billion from Lending Club. $28+ billion has been loaned to businesses. Lending Club is another loan marketplace, similar to Lendio, which we reviewed earlier. However, Lending Club stands out because it’s a P2P lending network. The money you borrow can come from individual investors. In general, P2P lending has a reputation for high-interest rates since it involves more risk for the investor. But Lending Club has rates as low as 4.99% for qualifying borrowers. Lending Club has business loans for:
Another reason to consider Lending Club is the loan terms. You can get all of your capital in a lump sum upfront and repay it with fixed terms for up to five years. There are no prepayment penalties. Loan amounts range from $5,000 up to $500,000. You can get funded in just a few days if you qualify. To get a business loan from Lending Club, you must be in business for more than one year and have at least $50,000 in annual sales. You must own at least 20% of the business and be free of any recent bankruptcy or tax liens. Loans over $100,000 require collateral. KivaKiva is a nonprofit organization. This allows them to offer business loans at 0% interest. Yes, you heard that right; 0%. More than 2.5 million people have used Kiva to raise $1+ billion. This platform is designed to create opportunities for entrepreneurs in the United States. Benefiting from 0% interest does come at a cost. Kiva can only be used for microloans of up to $10,000. There is also a lengthy process to apply and get funded. First, you’ll have to fill out an application that takes up to 30 minutes. Then you’ll spend 15 days getting your friends and family to lend you money “to prove your creditworthiness.” Next, you can go public on the Kiva marketplace, where your loan will be visible to more than 1.6 billion lenders across the globe. Basically, Kiva is a mix between crowdfunding and P2P lending. You’ll have up to 36 months to repay the loan. If you need fast access to large sums of cash, Kiva is not for you. But for small business owners who aren’t in a hurry to get a microloan, Kiva is the best way to avoid interest fees. SmartBizIn most instances, you’ll need to visit a bank to get an SBA loan. These are government-backed loans that give businesses access to cash at favorable rates. Fortunately, you can get an SBA loan directly from banks in the SmartBiz marketplace. SmartBiz has SBA loans for up to $5 million, with interest rates between 6.25% and 8.50%. Loan terms range between 10-25 years. These favorable rates do come with stricter qualification terms. For example, get an SBA loan between $30,000 and $350,000 for working capital or debt refinancing, you must:
SBA commercial real estate loans between $500,000 and $5 million have even stricter qualification terms:
While it’s harder to qualify, you’ll benefit from favorable lending terms. SmartBiz has other loans that aren’t SBA-backed. But I’d only consider using this platform if you’re seeking an SBA loan. Credibility CapitalCredibility Capital specializes in small business loans. All of their loans are bank-backed, which gives them the ability to provide lower rates than other financing options on our list. Loans range from $25,000 to $350,000. Each loan is paid back monthly over one, two, or three-year terms. Interest rates start at 8%. There is no application fee. However, Credibility Capital charges origination fees starting at 3%. Fortunately, there are no prepayment penalties if you want to pay the loan off early. Here are the eligibility requirements for Credibility Capital loans:
The information on their website is fairly limited. You’ll need to start an application to see more details about your financing options. CAN CapitalCAN Capital has been served 81,000+ businesses for more than 20 years. During that time, they’ve loaned more than $7 billion to small business owners. With CAN Capital, you can get access to funding quickly with minimal paperwork. Most decisions are made within a few hours of applying, and funds can be released as soon as the next business day. They offer loans from $2,500 to $250,000. In addition to short-term business loans, CAN Capital also provides merchant cash advance programs. A merchant cash advance is more flexible. The repayment schedule is based on a percentage of future credit card receivables. This is an excellent option for business owners who don’t want to be locked into fixed daily payments, which is required for CAN Capital’s short-term loans. Repayment terms range from 6-18 months, regardless of your loan type. There’s an origination fee of up to 3% on short-term loans. All merchant cash advance loans have a $595 administrative fee. How to Find the Best Business Loan For YouWith so many business loan options to choose from, finding the best loan for your small business can be challenging. Getting a business loan is a big deal, so don’t rush through this process. There are certain factors that must be taken into consideration when you’re evaluating a prospective loan or lender. This is the methodology that we used to narrow down the choices on our list. You can use the same criteria during your search. Loan TypeAll loans are not created equally. Some lenders offer a wide range of loan types, while others provide just one or two. Common types of small business loans include:
It’s important that you apply for the right type of loan. For example, certain loans can only be used for real estate. So you wouldn’t be able to use those funds to purchase inventory. Lender TypeDecide what type of lender you want to borrow money from. Certain lenders offer more flexible terms or types of loans. Lenders typically fall into one of the following categories:
Qualification terms and interest rates vary based on the lender. For example, a P2P lending platform might offer loans to business owners with poor credit, but the interest rates will be much higher than an SBA loan from a bank. Funding NeededHow much money do you need? This will have a significant impact on choosing a loan and lender. Some lenders on our list only provide microloans of up to $10,000. Others offer loans in the $500,000 to $5 million range. Make sure you choose a lending option that can provide you with adequate funding. Interest Rates and Loan TermsBefore you accept a business loan agreement, review all of the terms. Some platforms have great tools to calculate the amount you’ll pay, including interest and other fees, over the term of your loan. Shop around for the best interest rates for your loan type. If you have excellent credit, you’ll be able to get more favorable terms. Always try to get the longest loan term for the lowest interest rate. I only recommend loans with no prepayment penalties. So you can pay it off early to avoid added interest charges. Some loans come with other charges, like a fixed monthly fee or an origination fee. While a 3% origination fee might not sound like much, it gets quite expensive as you start looking at six-figure loans. Qualification RequirementsUnless you have an outstanding credit score, you probably won’t qualify for every loan. Review the qualification terms before you apply to anything. Otherwise, you’re just wasting your time. Common loan qualification terms include:
These requirements are usually easy to find on every lending website. Funding TimeHow fast do you need money? In some cases, you can fill out an application online in just a few minutes and get a decision within the hour. Other times, the application process is a bit slower. Some business loans provide same-day or next-day funding once you’ve been approved. You’ll have to wait days, weeks, or even months (rarely) in other cases to get your hands on cash from some lenders. Unless it’s an emergency, getting next-day funding shouldn’t be the deciding factor. I’d rather get a loan with lower interest rates and favorable terms, even if it takes a bit longer to get funded. ConclusionIf you’re looking for a business loan, these are the top 11 options to consider:
I’ve included something for all types of businesses here. From startups to large organizations seeking financing for virtually any business purpose, there’s a loan for you on this list. Whether you need $5,000 or $500,000, you can find a lender to meet your needs using this guide. via Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/best-business-loans/ You’ve heard people talk about marketing automation, but do you know what it is and how your business can leverage it? Having automation systems in place allows you to increase your customer size without having to grow your employee base. But are you really getting the most out of it? Or are you leaving money on the table? This post will break down everything you need to know about marketing automation, and I will show you how to leverage it. What Is Marketing Automation?If you’re a marketer, you’ve probably heard of marketing automation. We’re going to bet though, that 90 percent of you have no clue what the term means. We don’t blame you — ‘marketing automation’ is a mouthful to say, and there probably should be a better way to describe the concept. Let’s start by investigating the problem.
Marketing is the lifeblood of every brand-to-customer (or prospect) relationship. The field is also heavily integrated with sales. When companies first launch, they’re typically run by builders and sellers. Builders create the product, while sellers are out in the field forging 1:1 connections with potential customers. The sales process is marketing in its most nascent stages. As a company starts to grow, it’s impossible to maintain 1:1 relationships with everybody. At this point, it’s time to hire a marketing director who can build performance-driven, conversion-centric programs at scale. Eventually, your company’s marketing program will get so big that you can’t — possibly — manage everything via Outlook, Word, and Excel spreadsheets. You could always hire a team of marketing specialists, but eventually, you’re going to start wasting cash on redundant tasks like emailing new customers, setting up social media-to-email programs, and emailing your users every time you post blog content. That’s where marketing automation comes in. Definitions of Marketing AutomationMarketing automation is a tough concept to capture in just a few words. The best way to understand the concept is to survey the landscape. Here are the most descriptive and comprehensive definitions that we’ve found:
Separating Fact from MythIt’s common for marketers to talk about marketing automation and email marketing interchangeably. The fact is that email marketing is a component of marketing automation, but the two are far from the same thing. Marketing automation combines disparate customer acquisition and retention channels to conform to conform to your company’s conversion funnel. Yeah, that was kind of a mouthful. Here is what we mean Any company’s buy cycle will span multiple touch points. For instance, a customer may find your company through search. He may decide to ‘like’ your company’s Facebook page and then come back to your site to read a recently shared blog article. Your awesome blog content may convince him to become an email subscriber. Conversion paths are unique. Imagine trying to chase down hundreds of them – it’s impossible. That’s where marketing automation comes in.
What Marketing Automation Looks LikeWhat we want to express is that marketing automation is about software. Your goal is to grow your email list dramatically. A group of 5 people will be easy to manage, but 10? Not so much. And many companies are dealing with lists of 10,000 or more. Sometimes 10 million. We’ll walk you through one example—a platform called Act-On. Act-On is designed for:
Tip: Different marketing automation platforms are designed for different types of businesses. Act-On is just one solution. It’s critical that your business research marketing automation options—HubSpot, Act-On, GetResponse, Eloqua, MailChimp, and Marketo to figure out which one is the best fit. Most of these companies have free-trial options, so take advantage of the opportunity to ‘try before you buy’ first hand. These companies are all awesome in their own right—we’re not going to recommend any particular one to you. There is no one-size-fits all approach. You need to choose the solution with (1) the targeting features you need and (2) the analytics capabilities. Other features to pay attention to: CRM integrations, import/export features of customer data, and the ability to implement your own customizations. The platform comes with email, website visitor tracking, lead management, social media, CRM, reporting and analytics. A core value proposition is that business owners can execute their marketing from one place to (1) generate high quality leads and (2) transform those leads into sales. Here is what users see when they log-in to the Act-On home screen: Here is an example analytics dashboard where Act-On users can preview performance for all e-mail based campaigns. Notice how Act-On simplifies performance by focusing on three key metrics:
Seasonality can affect the performance of a marketing automation campaign. Two variables that marketers need to watch are performance by day of the month and by day of the week. Understanding trends bay day can help you optimize the variables that we mentioned above—open rates and click-through rates back to your website. Marketing automation programs come with integrated A/B testing software so that you can run experiments and refine your messaging to connect with your target audience: Organizations can also maintain controls over who is using the marketing automation software. Typical users will include members of sales, account management, and marketing teams. You can restrict who can send emails, who has access to reports, and who can maintain control over administrative settings. To save time and maintain a cohesive brand image, you can use your marketing automation software to create templates, email signature, and message formats. This functionality allows users to establish 1:1 connections in less time—with templates, you only need to change the form fields for names and email addresses. Marketing Automation Is More Than Just SoftwareWe’ve spent a lot of time emphasizing the value of tactics, marketing channels, and software. Keep in mind, however, that marketing automation is something more. As we mentioned in the intro—we wrote this guide to bridge a gap in the marketing automation space. We did a lot of research before we put this post together. We probably spent more time reading and testing than we did writing. Here’s what we learned: The core thought leaders in marketing automation are the software companies themselves. This is okay—we think companies like HubSpot, Marketo (and others) are awesome. We want to emphasize (and re-emphasize), however, that our guide is software-agnostic. We definitely think that software is a core part of the marketing automation dialogue, so we’re going to keep talking about it. But we also recognize how important it is to emphasize the strategic dimensions of this marketing practice. There are a lot of people out there who call themselves ‘experts’ in marketing automation. But they’re not experts in marketing automation. They’re exceptional at using software. Marketing automation starts with understanding the difference between ‘strategies’ and ‘tactics.’ Strategies are creative—yet structured—marketing frameworks. These programs start with the big picture. Marketers will then reverse engineer solutions based on goals. Tactics involve the implementation of specific marketing techniques—for instance, whether or not you want your email subject headings to contain action verbs. To succeed with marketing automation, you need a healthy mix of strategy and tactics. We’ve talked about marketing automation a lot, huh? You’re probably wondering what it means. Here is an example from the Act-On Blog : An Example US Fleet Tracking achieves $30,000 revenue in Black Friday campaign US Fleet Tracking is a provider of Internet-based GPS vehicle tracking and asset management. The company started using Act-On to expand its marketing reach into new customer segments. (using email coupled with a Salesforce integration across desktop and mobile users). The company was also looking to unify its marketing automation and sales efforts across different functions. The company decided to implement Act-On to better engage its customers. The result? 25% of email recipients requested a call back. In total, the marketing automation campaign generated $30,000. Here are the tools that the company used:
US Fleet used marketing automation software to monitor qualified leads (on an individual basis). In one instance, US Fleet was alerted to responded to a potential customer. The result? A transaction valued at $8,500. The Role of Inbound MarketingThe term ‘inbound marketing’ is something that you’ll likely hear about in tandem with marketing automation. The two go hand-in-hand, but what exactly does ‘inbound marketing’ mean, and what does it have to do with marketing automation? The terms “inbound marketing” and “content marketing” are frequently used interchangeably. The two concepts have risen in popularity—in tandem—over the last decade. Inbound marketing is a customer acquisition practice that is built on human-to-human relationships. HubSpot, a content marketing and automation platform, is one of the companies that is responsible for making this term popular. The concept has been around since 2006 and is central to the digital age. In fact, HubSpot calls it “the most effective marketing method for doing business online.” Instead of relying on outbound marketing methods of buying ads, buying email lists, and aggressively pushing audiences into become leads, inbound marketing is the practice of attracting users through quality content that pulls people toward your company and product naturally. By closely aligning your content and marketing materials with your customers’ interest, your brand is in a position to attract, delight, and engage customers over time. As defined by Hubspot, here are the biggest forces behind inbound marketing:
Marketing automation can help connect and simplify these seemingly disparate actions. Instead of reaching customers manually, you can use software to establish these 1:1 bonds. Make sure that you’re maintaining your relationships with your customers for the long-haul. Focus on more than just acquisition – embrace the art of retention. It’s easy to feel like new user acquisition is the low hanging-fruit. Keep in mind, however, that growth from within is just as—if not more—important to your marketing process. Content is the heart of inbound marketing. Here is some inspiration of tactics that connect content across marketing channels. Shopify, one of the biggest platforms for powering ecommerce websites, launched an email-to-blog content campaign. Whenever the company publishes a new blog post, subscribers receive an email. That’s not all. Shopify’s ’s blog posts are also distributed via social media: This cross-platform approach maximizes audience attention. It also creates a blog > email > social media feedback loop that facilitates engagement and sharing activity. The catch? There is none. Shopify includes zero sales messaging with this process. Of course, the brand’s ultimate goal is to convert audiences into customers. But Shopify isn’t blasting an advertising message that says “convert now.” Instead, the company is focused on nurturing brand-to-audience relationships. The idea resonates with HubSpot’s thought leadership that we presented earlier. Content is a marketing pillar. It’s trustworthy, value-driven, and compelling. Coupled with marketing automation software, content can amplify the success of your relationship-building efforts. Tip: Close the feedback loop by connecting your marketing channels together. When you send an email to distribute a blog post—don’t show the full text. Show a snippet, and link back to the original website. If there is a natural opportunity, ask readers to share your content via social media. Marketing Automation Is Driven by PsychologyAfter reading the previous section, you’re probably convinced about the relationship between marketing, sales, and technology. People live by their emotions, and they’re driven by incentives. “What’s in it for me” is the question that fuels commerce as we know it today. What’s important to keep in mind is that there are two sides to any commerce equation. If both buyers and sellers are too focused on their own goals, the critical ‘connection’ moment will never happen. Stop talking about why you’re awesome, and start focusing on why your audiences should care. That’s when you’ll see conversion success. Marketing automation should be—first and foremost—driven by value. When people talk about marketing automation, they focus on topics like analytics and A/B testing—again, probably because software companies are leading the conversations. But we’re going to emphasize another quality that isn’t covered as often—empathy. Care about your customers. Send them marketing messages that inspire delight. Always be looking for opportunities to listen to feedback. Stop thinking about “pushing” email blasts, and focus on ways to pull audiences close to your brand. Marketing automation means targeting the right users with the right message at the right time in their buying journeys. The Golden Rule of MarketingAt any moment, customers have one question running through their heads: “What’s in it for me?” Your marketing programs should answer this question directly. Sometimes, the answer will require multiple conversations. And span multiple marketing channels. Let’s think with our shopper brains for a moment. You’re shopping online, add some items to your shopping cart, and go to check out. As you enter your billing address, you realize that you left your credit card in the kitchen. It’s midnight and you’re exhausted. You decide to put off your purchase until tomorrow. Then you totally forget. You’ve contributed to the phenomenon that online merchants call “shopping cart abandonment.” Marketers, the world is working against you. There are so many reasons why a transaction won’t happen, and these reasons are completely outside of your control. These forces of nature include direct (or indirect) competitors, shopper laziness, and mismatched timing. Incentives can help you zight these external forces. Let’s go back to that example where you were shopping online but left your credit card in the kitchen. If you had a one-night-only 30% off coupon, would you have been more inclined to get up and walk to the other side of the house? If your shopping cart purchase was $20? Probably not. But if you were planning to spend $100 or more, the answer is likely to be a clear ‘you bet.’ As a customer acquisition strategy, Clarity emailed its subscriber base with the following refer-a-friend deal. Refer a friend, and get $20 to test out the platform for yourself. It’s a great way for Clarity to build its community while introducing new users to the product, for free. It’s also a sign that Clarity feels confident in its product. Incentives don’t have to be monetary. They can be white papers, guides, e-books, and free consultations. By providing resources up-front, you’ll give your customers a sneak peak into your thought process, value, intelligence, and quality. These incentives are crucial to moving your customers through the conversion funnel. Feedback LoopsMarketing automation is built around feedback loops. With every action, there’s a consumer-driven reaction. It is important to monitor these feedback loops with an objective eye. The reason? As a marketing, demand generation, or business development professional, you’re probably under immense pressure to sell. Even if you’re emailing a basic newsletter or content update, you never know how consumers will respond to your messaging. Consumers are extremely sensitive and attuned to ‘salesiness.’ That’s why it’s so important to monitor your data—unsubscribe rates, spam complaints, open rates, and click-through rates—on email campaigns. Watch every customer service complaint. Listen to everything that your customers are telling you. Here is an example reporting dashboard from a campaign in MailChimp: What you’ll learn is that abuse reports are the norm rather than the exception—it’s normal to have 1 for every few thousand emails that you send. Some consumers are sensitive to email marketing (due to years and years of abuse), and others aren’t always familiar with the opt-out process. It’s a genuine mistake — people sometimes confuse “abuse reports” with opt-out forms. If you care about your customers (and your job as a marketer), you will feel a strong emotional component with your work. Abuse reports and opt-outs of your email list will sting. A core first lesson to learn is not to take it personally. Hold on to your empathy, but let the data guide you. It’s common for marketers to be at two sides of the spectrum—some are extra sensitive to their consumers’ needs, and some don’t care at all. You need to find a point in the middle and flex between being data-driven and emotionally driven. Let the data tell you “what,” but let your emotions guide you in helping determine “why” and “how.” Some questions that you should always be thinking about with your marketing messaging:
Marketing or Sales?Marketing automation is the solution to amplifying and streamlining 1:1 relationships at scale. At times, you may feel like you’re walking the line between business development and marketing. This is exactly where you want to be. We call this process ‘marketing automation, but it is ultimately linked with the sales process. Think about it from a content creation perspective. It’s your sales team that has the window into what your audiences want. Marketing automation will give you amazing insight into the community that you’re trying to reach. Marketing automation doesn’t stop with marketing. Which brings us to our next point… Is it okay to sell with Marketing Automation?Absolutely! This is one of the biggest cognitive pain points related to marketing automation. We frequently think “content, inbound, or bust.” The marketing community is polarized—on the one side of the spectrum are the pushy folks who are driving direct sales. On the other side? The content marketers who never, ever want to sell. What you really need is a blend of both. We do want to emphasize a key point, however, before diving deeper into this guide. Marketing automation isn’t black and white. There are some instances where you will want to aggressively sell. There are some instances where you won’t want to sell—pushing more than great content will drive your prospects away. With every marketing automation decision, you’ll need to make a judgment call—and intuition won’t help. You’ll need to rely on a thorough understanding of the conversion funnel and what it means. 4 ways to grow your business with marketing automationTactic #1: Identify and target high profile leadsWhen you get leads from your website, how do you get them? Usually you’ll get them by email, and you’ll probably add them to a list with all of the other leads you get. Although it might seem obvious that you should target your best leads, you’ll be shocked to find out how often marketers not only ignore them but ignore segmentation altogether. For starters, you should segment your list to avoid sending the same message to your entire database. If you want really good engagement from your list, then segmentation is your key. But how should you segment? A pretty common way of segmenting is based upon lead demographics, interests, behaviors and lead source. For example, if you run a business that provides marketing help to companies, then you could segment based upon where a lead opted into your sequence:
Then you could look at a couple of other variables like:
Now, that’s a basic way to segment. If you want to target your high-profile leads, you need to identify them using the following six questions:
The questions will help you not only identify the ideal prospect for your product or service, but it will also help turn that prospect into a buyer. In other words, these questions will help you get the information you need to target your best prospects. If you’re wondering how to ask these questions, one option is to present it as a survey on your website. Survey Monkey or KISSinsights both provide platforms to help you gather this kind of intelligence. Once you’ve identified those high-profile leads, continue to nurture them with questions, betas and recommendations so that they are helping you craft your product to fit their needs perfectly. Tactic #2: Improve conversion late in the funnelOne of the best ways to increase conversion is to create a very focused sales funnel. In other words, you limit your prospects’ choices by giving them the exact information they are looking for and guiding them to the action you want them to take. Your sales funnel does not exist in a vacuum, so it’s easy for your prospect to get distracted and leave the sales funnel. Let’s say your prospect ended up on your landing page, subscribed to your email newsletter, responded to an appeal in one of the emails and is on the order page. At this point your prospect is primed, so you have to give them exactly what they want. But in order to sweeten the deal, you need to heighten the value in order to get them to convert this late in the game. That could be a free trial or a percentage off. Your prospect doesn’t need a bunch of options, so your funnel at this point should be restricted to one and only one choice so you can close the deal. But why do some prospects opt out? They opt out typically for three reasons:
Because of this, your sales funnel should be simple. For example, if you look at Seth Godin’s email newsletter subscription page, you see how simple it is: When it comes to closing a sale while offering multiple options, you’d want to make the decision simple…or at least seem simple by highlighting the best option. Here’s how 37 Signals does it: From the example above, it’s real clear that whichever option you choose, it is based on a 30-day trial. 37 Signals, I’m sure, tested this and found they get their best conversion by emphasizing one of the more affordable options. In the end, the key is to simplify the process, not make it more complex by cluttering it with unnecessary information. Tactic #3: Get rid of poor leads fastOn the other hand, you need to monitor your leads to identify those that are dead or worthless. Sure, you probably love seeing a large list, but digging into your analytics will tell you another story. And it won’t be good. Lots of people probably subscribed to your email list but don’t engage in any meaningful way. They are probably too lazy to unsubscribe, but they are still on your list. You need to get them out of there because when you purge your list, you actually increase the value of the entire list. You boost your deliverability rate and email reputation. So, how do you go about purging your poor leads from your marketing system? Here are some ideas:
You can also purge leads based on these three criteria:
The leads you want your salespeople to avoid are called NINAs. These are the leads that have No Influence, No Authority. These leads will waste your time and money! Let marketing nurture them. Tactic #4: Reduce losing leadsLeakage is what occurs when good leads leave your sales funnel. With marketing automation you can easily plug the hole in the funnel that causes those leads to leave. But you have to find out where the leaks are occurring. Your first step is to map out the life of a lead. Take it from cold to close, trying to identify those points in the funnel where the lead is falling off. Do you see a point where leads are pouring out? Or just trickling? Here are five ways to prevent leakage:
Constant communication between marketing and sales and a highly optimized and automated marketing system should help you plug any holes you have in your sales funnel. ConclusionIf you’ve ever fought with sales or management about certain advertising campaigns, then you know what a pain it can be to argue your point without correct data. Just implementing a marketing automation program can change the course of your business. But when you get it working in a tip-top shape, then delivering clear results is your best proof for making business decisions. It’s hard to argue with good results! via Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/marketing-automation/ A small business credit card can offer more than just a way to pay for everyday purchases. Lots of business owners use these cards as an alternative way to secure financing if they don’t qualify for a small business loan. That’s because business credit cards usually have higher spending limits compared to traditional consumer credit cards. In many instances, you don’t even need a formal business structure to apply for a small business credit card. If you’re a freelancer or entrepreneur without a registered LLC, you can still apply for cards using your social security number as opposed to a tax ID or EIN. The best business credit cards offer exceptional rewards, from cash back to airline miles and other money-saving benefits.
This guide is perfect for anyone interested in a small business credit card. I’ll show you the top options and explain how to find the best business credit card for your situation. Top 8 Best Business Credit Cards for 2020There are hundreds of business credit cards on the market today. It seems like they all claim to be “the best” for something. But with that said, there are only eight business credit cards that I would confidently recommend.
I’ll highlight the top features, benefits, costs, and any other considerations for each one below. The Best Business Credit Card ReviewsChase Ink Business CashChase Ink Business Cash is the best overall business credit card. It ranks first on our list because of its benefits and flexibility for a wide range of business purposes. That’s because Chase offers outstanding rewards on this card for things you’re already spending money on.
You’ll get up to $1,750 cash back each year if you max out those first two categories. Chase offers built-in protection for instances using your Ink Business Cash card. You can decline collision insurance offered by rental companies when you’re renting a car; Chase Ink Business Cash has you covered. The card also provides purchase protection against theft or damage to items for 120 days, up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account. It also extends qualified manufacturer’s warranties on purchases for an additional year. You can get extra cards for your employees at no cost, and set individual spending limits for each cardholder. Chase is currently offering a $500 bonus cash back bonus if you spend $3,000 in the first three months of opening a new account. There is 0% APR for the first 12 months using the card. After that, there is a 14.74% – 20.74% variable APR. The Ink Business Cash card does not have an annual fee. Capital One Spark CashCapital One Spark Cash offers unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases. The offer for new cardmembers is a $500 cash bonus when you spend $4,500 in the first three months of opening an account. There is a $95 annual fee for this card, but it’s waived for the first year. Some of the top features and benefits for Capital One Spark Cash include:
I like the fact that you can immediately lock a card from the mobile app if it’s lost or stolen. You’ll also benefit from a detailed year-end summary report that’s perfect for budgeting and tax preparation. It’s easy to integrate your purchase records with Quickbooks to simplify your accounting tasks. There is an 18.49% variable APR with this card. Capital One provides emergency card replacement, as well as emergency cash 24/7 at locations throughout the world. Not everyone will be eligible for this card. To apply, you’ll need an excellent credit score and a business registered in the US. Blue Business Cash Card From American ExpressIf you want all of the benefits associated with American Express, without paying an annual fee, the Blue Business Cash Card will be your best option. You’ll earn 2% cash back on purchases up to $50,000 in a calendar year. After that, you’ll receive 1% cash back on your purchases. Rewards will automatically be credited to your statement, so you don’t have to worry about manual redemption. One unique feature of this card is the spending capacity terms. You have the ability to spend above your credit limit with Amex’s expanded buying power. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll have unlimited spending freedom. The amount available above your limit varies based on things like your payment history, usage, and other factors. American Express offers outstanding travel and transportation benefits with this card. In addition to car rental loss and damage insurance, you’ll also have access to 24/7 services with global hotline assist whenever you’re more than 100 miles from home. This program gives you access to legal, financial, medical, and other emergency services coordination, such as helping you travel with a lost passport. Other Blue Business Card highlights include:
American Express has a long history of providing exceptional service to its cardholders. Their dispute resolution services are second to none. You can apply online for the Blue Business Cash Card from American Express and get a decision in 30 seconds. Chase Ink Business PreferredThe Chase Ink Business Preferred card has better benefits and rewards than the Ink Business Cash card that we previously reviewed. However, this card does have a $95 annual fee. It’s a better option for business owners who spend more money and prefer rewards points as opposed to cash back. Earn 3 points for every $1 spent on the first $150,000 in combined purchases on:
In short, you can earn up to 450,000 points per year if you spend money in those categories. You’ll get 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases, unlimited. If you redeem your travel points with Chase Ultimate Rewards, the points are worth up to 25% more. For example, 80,000 points will get you roughly $1,000 toward travel. You can even transfer qualified points to your favorite frequent travel programs at a 1:1 value. Chase Ink Business Preferred gives you protection for auto rental collision, cell phone protection, as well as trip cancellation or trip interruption insurance. If you miss a business trip or need to cut it short due to sickness, weather, or other situations, Chase will reimburse you up to $5,000 for prepaid, non-refundable expenses. This includes hotels, airfare, and tours. If you refer other business owners to an Ink Business Preferred card, you can earn up to 100,000 bonus points per year (20,000 per approved referral). Capital One Spark Miles For BusinessIf you’re a frequent business traveler, the Capital One Spark Miles cards will reward you with miles instead of cash or points. There are actually two options to choose here. One card is free with decent perks, and the other has a $95 annual fee with better rewards. Beyond that, the two cards are basically identical. Here’s an overview of each one: Capital One Spark Miles
Capital One Spark Miles Select
The Spark Miles Select card will best for those of you who don’t want to pay the annual fee. But if you travel often enough, the $95 is justifiable for Spark Miles card. CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select World MastercardThe CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select World Mastercard is the best business credit card for frequent American Airlines travelers. If you or your employees frequently fly with American, you definitely need to consider this card. Travel Benefits:
Rewards Benefits:
You’ll also earn an American Airlines Companion Certificate for domestic travel after spending $30,000 per year. The certificate is worth a free round-trip domestic flight for someone else on your itinerary. You’ll just have to pay taxes and fees. New card members can earn 65,000 bonus miles after they spend $4,000 in the first four months of opening an account. The $95 annual fee is waived for the first year. It’s easy to justify the annual fee is you travel with American Airlines often enough. Assuming you check a bag when flying, two round-trip tickets would normally cost $100 in bag fees. The card pays for itself right there. American Express Business GoldAmerican Express Business Gold is one of the most premier business credit cards on the market today. The card allows you to earn 4x membership points on the top two categories where your business spends the most money each billing cycle. Those categories are:
The 4x points are valid for the first $150,000 spent per year combined on your top two categories. You’ll earn unlimited one point for every $1 spent after that. American Express has an outstanding membership rewards program for redemption. Your points will transfer to the majority of popular loyalty programs. If you book a flight using American Express Travel and pay with your points, you’ll get 25% of those points back to your account. You also get all of the exceptional American Express travel perks like no foreign transaction fees, car rental loss and damage insurance, baggage insurance, and the global assist hotline. Furthermore, the Amex Business Gold card offers room upgrades and a $100 hotel credit for dining, spa, and other resort activities when you stay at a participating property for at least two consecutive nights. Amex offers a 50,000 sign-up bonus to cardmembers who spend $5,000 in the first three months of opening an account. The American Express Business Gold card has a $295 annual fee. Chase Ink Business UnlimitedThe Chase Ink Business Unlimited credit card is very similar to the Ink Business cash card that we reviewed earlier. The most significant difference between the two cards is the way rewards get earned. With the Ink Business Cash card, you’ll get a different percentage of cash back based on your spending category with certain limits and restrictions for how much can be earned in a year. The Ink Business Unlimited card is much more straightforward. You earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases; no limit. All of the other features and benefits are the same as the Ink Business Cash card. You’ll get a $500 cash back bonus after spending $3,000 in the first three months using the card. There is no annual fee for the Chase Ink Business Unlimited card. How to Choose The Best Business Credit CardNow that you’ve had the chance to review the top business credit cards, you’ll need to choose one for yourself. But the best business card for me might not be the best for you. Everyone’s situation is different. This is the methodology that we used to come up with the cards on this list. You can use the same process to evaluate the best option for your business. FeesOne of the first things you should look at is how much the card will cost you. The cards we reviewed ranged from $0 to $295 in annual fees. An annual fee is easy to justify if you’re going to be spending enough to get the most out of the perks and rewards. But if you’re a single-member sole-proprietor working out of your home office, you probably don’t need a card with an annual fee. Beyond that, look for APR, cash advance fees, foreign transaction fees, transfer fees, and late payment fees. Personally, I always pay my cards in-full each month, so the late fees and APR aren’t really relevant to me. But things like foreign transaction fees can add up quickly during international travel. RewardsWhat type of rewards do you want? Some cards offer cash back, while others offer points or miles. Cash back will likely be the best option for most of you. If you travel often for business, cards that reward you with miles should definitely be taken into consideration. Just make sure you understand how rewards get earned and if there are any stipulations. Some cards will limit the number of rewards you can earn in a year. Qualification TermsSome cards require you and your business to have excellent credit. You won’t get approved for certain cards if your credit score is below 700. You’ll also need to have an incorporated business to be eligible for certain cards. Other cards allow you to apply using just your name and social security number. Loyalty ProgramsThere are certain business credit cards that are tied to a specific loyalty partner. For example, the CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select World Mastercard is an American Airlines card. In most cases, it’s best to stay away from those airline or hotel-specific cards because you won’t be rewarded as much for purchases with another company. So you’re better off with general miles, cash back, or points that can be used with any airline or hotel. With that said, if you know that you’ll be flying a specific airline often, these types of loyalty programs will give you the most rewarding benefits. So if you fly from Chicago to Dallas once a month (both American Airlines hubs), it makes perfect sense to get a card tied to AAdvantage. Spending HabitsA business spending $10,000 per year shouldn’t have the same credit card as a company charging $100,000 per year. Your spending categories can also influence your decision when choosing a card. Certain cards offer better rewards for purchases at restaurants or gas stations. Others will give you extra benefits for money spent on advertising or your phone bill. PerksThere are dozens and dozens of potential perks that could sway you to choose one card over another. Some of these include:
The list goes on and on. Find a card with perks that align with your business and spending habits. For example, the American Express Business Gold card has a 50,000 point sign up bonus if you spend $5,000 in the first three months using the card. But if you don’t normally spend $5,000 in three months, this card isn’t for you. The $295 annual fee won’t be worth it. ConclusionEvery business owner needs a credit card. Fortunately, the credit card companies have created cards with a wide range of benefits, rewards, and perks to accommodate your needs. Here’s a quick recap of the best business credit cards on our list:
Whether you want cash back, miles, or points, I made sure to include something for everyone on this list. Some of these cards are best for larger businesses that travel frequently, while others are suitable for small business owners and sole proprietors. via Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/best-business-credit-cards/ Are you ready to launch a new website? Finding and registering a domain name is the first step in this process. For those of you who have never done this before, it can be a bit intimidating. You might not know where to start, and you’re probably hesitant to spend money. Fortunately, you don’t have to pay to register your domain. There are plenty of different ways to get a free domain name for your new website. Whether you’re starting a blog, online portfolio, small personal site, or business website, this guide will show you how to get a free domain.
How To Get a Free Domain Name Using BluehostFree domain name included with your hosting plan Bluehost is the best way to get a free domain. In addition to a domain name, you’ll also need to host your website online. Bluehost ranks first on our list of the best web hosting providers. When you sign up for hosting with Bluehost, you’ll get a free domain. You’re essentially killing two birds with one stone, and one of those birds is free. I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of getting a free domain name with Bluehost. Step #1: Go to Bluehost.comThe first thing you need to do is visit the Bluehost website. When you get here, you’ll see several different menu navigation options. One of those menus says, “Domains.” Do NOT go to the “Domains” page. This is a common mistake. Since you’re looking for a domain name, this would seem like the logical place to get it. But if you take this route, you won’t get your domain for free. Instead, click on the “Hosting” menu. Bluehost offers three different types of web hosting; shared hosting, VPS hosting, and dedicated hosting. All of these come with a free domain for one year. If you’re launching a new website from scratch, and you’re interested in a free domain name, shared hosting will be the best option for you. The other hosting types are more expensive and provide resources you likely won’t need right now. Step #2: Select a Web Hosting PlanOnce you land on the shared hosting page, you’ll still have options to choose. Bluehost has four different shared hosting plans. Here’s a look at the different price points for each of those plans: I’ll give you a quick overview of the features and benefits of each plan to help you decide which one is the best for your website. Basic
Plus
Choice Plus
Pro
For the majority of you, the Basic hosting plan will be your best option. You can always upgrade to another plan down the road as your website scales. Check out our full Bluehost web hosting review for more information about these plans. Again, you’ll get a free domain name for one year regardless of the plan you choose. Step #3: Choose a Domain NameAfter selecting a hosting plan, you’ll be redirected to the following page: From here, you’ll have three options:
If you already know what domain you want, go ahead and search for it in the box on the left side of the screen. Bluehost offers domains with different extensions, including:
In most instances, a .com domain will be the only one I recommend. There are two reasons why people consider an alternative domain extension; price and availability. Getting a .site or .tech domain is cheaper than a .com extension. But in this case, you’re getting a year for free anyways. Price aside, .com domains will be better for the long term success of your website. Another reason why people consider an alternative extension is if the .com domain is unavailable. For example, if you try to create a domain using quicksprout.com, Bluehost will give you this alert: Rather than using an alternative extension suggested below, you’re better off coming up with a completely new .com domain. For more tips on choosing a domain, review our guide on how to buy a domain name. Step #4: Create Your AccountOnce you’ve found a domain that’s available, you’ll be prompted to create a Bluehost account. As mentioned above, you can also skip the domain registration for now and go directly to this step. You’ll still get a free domain when you eventually register it. The account creation is about as straightforward as it gets. Simply fill out the form fields with the required information. This is all pretty standard stuff. You’ll be asked to fill out the same information on the checkout page of nearly any website. You cannot get a free domain without creating a Bluehost account. Step #5: Choose Your Billing TermsAs you continue scrolling on the same page, you’ll need to select the terms of your plan. The price varies based on your term length. Bluehost offers web hosting for 12, 24, and 36-month contracts. These are the price points for the entry-level Bluehost shared plan:
These rates are only valid for your first contract. Bluehost Basic renews at $7.99 per month. The 36-month contract gives you the best overall rate but requires you to pay the most upfront when you sign up. This is just a matter of personal preference. Some people would rather pay more to avoid a long-term contract. Others are happy to pay extra today for the best deal over three years. Step #6: Select Add-Ons (Optional)Before you enter your payment details and finalize the contract, Bluehost has a handful of extras that you might want to consider. At a minimum, always get the domain privacy and protection. Without it, your personal information will be listed on a public database. This includes your name, phone number, mailing address, and email address. So anyone, including spammers, can access it. With domain privacy and protection, this information is hidden from public view. You could also opt-in for CodeGuard Basic. It handles things like daily backups, automatic monitoring, and one-click version restores. These features are available through other methods as well, such as WordPress plugins. So don’t feel pressured to get it now. SiteLock Security Essential is another popular add-on. It covers added malware protection, blacklist monitoring, automated malware removal, file-level scanning, and things like that. Again, you could always get this extra security at a later time using a plugin or another service. The final step is entering your payment details. Bluehost lets you pay with a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express) or via PayPal. Once you agree to the terms of service, your hosting account will be set up, and you’ll have a free domain name for one year. Bluehost has a 30-day money-back guarantee. So you can get a full refund on your hosting costs if you change your mind during that time. Other Ways to Get a Free Domain NameWhile Bluehost is definitely the best way to get a free domain name, it’s not the only way. I’ll show you some alternative methods for getting a free domain. Use a Free SubdomainLots of website builders and other services offer free subdomains. For example, if you use a free website builder like Wix to create your website, you won’t have to pay anything for a domain. However, your site will have a subdomain in this format: yourusername.wixsite.com/yoursiteaddress Here’s what that would look like if your Wix username was “My Stunning Website 123” and the domain you wanted was “myblogsite.” This is obviously not ideal. No credible website has a domain like this. The only time I would consider using this method for a free domain is if you were just experimenting with the free features of the website builder. But overall, this isn’t a viable long-term strategy. WordPress is another popular option for a free subdomain. It’s not as invasive as Wix. The format for a free WordPress subdomain is: yoursitename.wordpress.com You can get away with this for a while if you’re using WordPress to run a small blog or personal site. But you’ll eventually want to ditch the subdomain if you want to establish any sense of authority online. Domain Registrar Ad Programs (Not Recommended)There are plenty of domain registrars that will give you a free domain in exchange for running ads on your website. While there is normally nothing wrong with having ads on your site, this is not the best way to do it. In most cases, you won’t have any control over the ads and their placement. This will not only hinder the experience for your website visitors, but it will also damage your SEO ranking. Plus, what if your website got one million views? You wouldn’t see a dime from those ads. All you get is a free domain. If you want to run ads on your website, do it through a legitimate advertising network, like Google. Don’t exchange ads for a free domain. Free ccTLD Services (Not Recommended)The web is full of free TLD (top-level domain) services for different country codes (cc). This refers to the extension after your domain name. So you can register your domain with country codes like:
You can get these from services like Freenom or Dok.tk. But I strongly advise against it. Saying this is a sketchy way to get a free domain is an understatement. If you look up reviews on the web about these services, you’ll find nothing but criticism. From malicious ads to adult content and randomly removing the domain, you won’t have a pleasant experience. ConclusionBluehost is the best way to get a free domain name. Just sign up for a web hosting plan, and they’ll give you a free domain for one year. There are other ways to avoid paying for a domain, like using a free subdomain or joining an affiliate program. But I personally wouldn’t recommend the majority of alternative options. If you’re thinking about getting a free domain using a random country code from some island in the South Pacific, don’t do it. Saving a few dollars isn’t worth the cost of running a spammy website. Stick with Bluehost, or check out the best domain registrars for paid alternatives. Free domain included with hosting via Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/how-to-get-a-free-domain-name/ |
Sean BrianWhile radishes deter certain insects naturally, they require similar growing conditions as carrots. Although the crops both have roots, radishes grow and germinate quicker, allowing carrots to continue growing in the soil space available when the radishes are harvested, Archives
April 2023
Categories |