There’s a lot to take into consideration when you’re designing a website. You have to create the layout, set up the site architecture, place calls to action (CTAs), and pick your domain name, just to name a few things. But all too often a website’s color scheme is an afterthought. So many site owners put little to no thought into picking their website color palette, let alone a trending color scheme. They think, “How important could my website’s colors really be?” Well, the color choices on your website have a bigger impact on visitors than you might realize. They invoke specific feelings and can be a powerful way to motivate the choices your visitors make. In fact, research shows that people judge products within 90 seconds of exposure — and 90% of that judgment is based on color alone. Choosing the right colors impacts how your readers perceive your website and brand. Do it well and it can enhance your content’s readability, increase comprehension, and improve learning. Colors are one of the most important elements that add credibility to your website. According to HubSpot, nearly half of people rank the design of a website as the number one factor in determining the credibility of a company. The University of Toronto conducted an interesting study on colors and how they are perceived by individuals. They determined that most people prefer combinations of simple colors. In most cases, just two or three colors were perceived as appealing. That’s why sticking to a color palette is so important to the success of your site, and ultimately your business. But there are more than 10 million colors to choose from. That’s overwhelming, to say the least. How can you determine which website colors are the best for your brand? Whether you have a new site that you’re designing from scratch or an old website that needs a facelift, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will show you which color palettes are trending so you can find the colors that best fit your website’s brand and those that match how you want your customers to feel. We’ll look at examples of real sites and list some of the exact color codes for your reference. ![]() 1. Soft TonesSoft tones are definitely trending in 2020. Creations Namale is a jewelry brand based in Canada. Here’s a screenshot from the 2020 look book on the homepage of their website: ![]() The colors are muted, classy, and very appealing. It’s a perfect choice for a brand in the fashion industry selling jewelry. The simple tones work well with each other and help the images of jewelry stand out. In addition to the simple color scheme used on this site, the layout takes the same approach. The white space lets the page breathe. Throughout this guide, you’ll see that the use of negative space is just as important as the colors you use. As you can see, there is minimal text. They’re a jewelry brand after all. They don’t need to rely on a bunch of text to get their message across—and their audience doesn’t want that anyway. The muted colors give off a sense of class and refinement. It’s not in your face. Rather than trying to cram as many products as possible onto one page, this site takes the approach of just one at a time. That gives visitors a chance to experience each product one at a time. The colors help that by supporting the images and highlighting them, rather than distracting from them. Creations Namale is using desaturated versions of green and brown (two earthtones). Desaturation just means taking common colors and mute them. This helps this brand send the right message and not distract from their products. If you’re interested in using these colors on your website, the color codes are below. ![]() 2. Simple Gray, Off-White, and a Pop of RedYou don’t always have to choose a bunch of different colors either. Website color palettes that use shades of gray with the occasional primary color to highlight something are less distracting and allow your audience to focus on what’s important to them. Check out this page from Tareq Ismail’s Portfolio. Tareq is an experienced designer, so it’s only natural that he chose a powerful yet simple design and color scheme for his own website. ![]() There is more text on the page, but it’s still simple and easy to read. Rather than using a pure white tone, Tareq chose a slightly off-white color to blend with his gray and red color palette. This off-white works particularly well since he’s wearing a white shirt in the image on this page. The subtle hints of red in the text really complete the look, taking a page that would be otherwise boring and making it pop. These are the color codes used on Tareq’s site. ![]() This is a great option to consider if you’re looking for a color palette that’s professional, simple, and works well with pages that have a bit more text. 3. Blue and Green Gradients with White TextStripe is a popular payment processing software option for ecommerce companies. As a technology brand, Stripe needs to stay up to date with all of the latest tech trends. But they also have a website color scheme that’s trendy as well. Before we look at what their website looks like today, take a look at what their site looked like six years ago, back in 2013: ![]() Is there anything wrong with this design? On the surface, it just looks a little bit boring and dull. There’s nothing about it that’s really visually appealing. But Stripe made adjustments. Its current color palette uses a technique that’s been growing in popularity—gradients. Take a look for yourself: ![]() This page blends vibrant blues that fade into a nice bright cyan with a hint of seafoam green to provide a dynamic background for the white text to jump off of. By using a gradient scale, Stripe takes a very simple blue color and blends it with different tones to create more texture in the background. The difference between the 2013 site and the 2020 site is like night and day. Even if you’d seen the two homepages without knowing the years they were live, you’d have been able to identify the newer one. If your website is currently outdated and looks more like the Stripe site from 2013, try adding color gradients to give your palette a more modern look. 4. Throwback Orange and Red tonesRetro color schemes are making a big comeback in 2020. Lots of top brands are using popular colors from the 1970s, ‘80s, and ‘90s on their websites. But they are putting a modern twist on them. By incorporating retro elements with modern tastes, they’re able to give new life to old trends. They’re also able to evoke specific and familiar feelings in their audience no matter when they grew up. It’s a bit of an oxymoron. How can something be retro and modern at the same time? Let’s look at the Spotify homepage. ![]() These warm orange and red tones have a throwback vibe to them, but the design itself is very trendy and uses gradient scales to blend the colors. You can use generational marketing to segment your target audience. It’s important to make sure you understand who you’re trying to target with your website color schemes. This goes far beyond just picking pink designs for women and blue designs for men. Spotify chose these colors because they knew some of their audience included those who grew up in the ‘70s and ‘80s. They also know there’s a trendiness to these colors that younger generations love. 5. Soft Pink, Bright Pink, and Jet BlackCowboy differentiates its brand by selling electric bikes on a modern—and slightly pink—website. Typically, the words “cowboy” and “pink” don’t normally go hand in hand, but the sleek and trendy design of this website is perfect for what they’re selling. ![]() The soft pink tones in the background makes the jet black bike stand out and become the center of attention. By adding the brighter pink accents in subtle locations around the page, Cowboy Bike nails the trendy and modern color palette. Despite a feminine connotation with pink, Cowboy targets users of any gender. Instead, they evoke feelings of enjoyment, trendiness, and social buzz when used with black. If you like this design and think that the modern feel would work well for your website, you can use these color codes as a reference when you’re choosing your color scheme: ![]() 6. Gray, Soft Yellow, and Deep BlueThe QED Group is an organizational development firm based in the Czech Republic that is keen to apply concepts in psychology and behavioral economics. QED Group knows company culture and empowerment, so it makes sense that they have a sleek website that uses unique color combinations in a smart way. ![]() At first glance, the color palette of their home page is a bit busier than some of the other examples that we’ve looked at so far. But they still pull it off well with this trendy design. Normally you would think that yellow, blue, and purple tones would be difficult to read and hard on the eyes. By using lighter and dull gray tones in the background, they are able to add brighter contrasting colors to the middle silhouette. If you like the modern look of these soft yellow tones paired with gray and deep blue, check out these color codes: ![]() 7. A Very Light Touch of Earth Tones![]() Konstantopoulos S.A.’s “Olymp” label sells Greek olives. Hence, earth tones—especially shades of green that hew close to the color of olives—make sense for its website. The layout and design of this homepage are very simple. The main color choice here is olive green, of course. But as you can see, it’s used very sparingly. It’s a fresh take on a classic, but effective color scheme. Rather than going overboard with wall to wall saturation of dark greens, the soft gray background helps the images, text, and colors pop. Look closely and you’ll see muted green leaves in the background. This helps highlight the green text and logo, and draw your eye to them. For businesses that deal in healthy foods, plants, and agriculture, the earth tones color palette is a great choice. Refer to these green, gray, and light brown color codes to get a similar look on your website. ![]() You can do something similar if your product has an identifiable color. Start with the light gray background and darker gray copy color and add your accent color in sparingly. This is a good launching point for simple, not-too-busy color schemes that provide a quick facelift with just an identifying main color and a complimentary accent color. 8. Lots of Red, Balanced with Muted TonesIf you look back at all of the trending website color schemes we’ve covered so far, you’ll notice a popular color that’s rarely used—red. That’s because red is one of the most powerful but challenging colors to use on a website. It can be overwhelming since red easily draws a reader’s attention. But when used right, it can be a great way to add excitement to your website. One way to effectively use red is to use a light touch to give a pop of color to something as small as a few key words in the text (remember Tareq Ismail’s portfolio in #2?). Another way is to pair more muted colors with red. This is a more advanced color scheme tactic than what we saw on Tareq’s website. ![]() A while back, the creative branding agency five/four swung for the fences by using a bright red color on a huge portion of their website, paired with tan and a muted bluish-green. ![]() The red here is doing a lot of the heavy lifting, with the muted blue-green supporting it as an accent color. If they had decided to go with bright yellow, light blue, and bright orange in addition to this red color, it would have been way too much. But these soft colors pair perfectly with red. This red works really well for the brand, too. It’s bright, bold, and draws lots of attention to the theme of creativity. So, for those of you who want to go modern and bold with your color scheme, consider using these color codes with red on your website. Just make sure you don’t go too big with the red. You want to be certain that you have enough of the softer tones to let your page breathe, while still capturing a trendy appearance. 9. Futuristic Pastels and PrimariesThis list wouldn’t be complete without an example of Anton & Irene. These are professional designers based in New York. They specialize in all aspects of design, including digital products. And they put on an absolute masterclass on pastels and primaries. ![]() One of the best parts about this website color scheme is the futuristic feel about it. The outfit choices of Anton and Irene are pretty far out. It’s a bold choice–but sometimes, the boldest choices pay off the most. Here they use flashy combinations without it ever descending into gaudiness. While this site uses more colors than some of the other examples we’ve seen so far, they are used sparingly, so the page isn’t messy or unappealing. This is reflected in the image they use too: Anton wears contrasting purple and orange while Irene wears blue and yellow. They’re imperfect opposites (blue’s opposite is orange, and purple’s opposite is yellow), but they work together well as a whole. If you’re looking for an artistic spin for your website color scheme, try using different combinations of these exact colors. ![]() 10. Black on Black on BlackWe’ve seen some black on nearly every website that we’ve looked at so far, but always used pretty sparingly. It’s usually reserved for text, as opposed to being one of the main colors or background. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t use heavy blacks in more abundance for your website color scheme. Doing so helps showcase feelings of class, luxury, and professionalism— especially if you use different black tones like these: ![]() Check out the JY BH homepage. By combining different shades of black, you’ll get the gradient effect, which you saw earlier with some of our other examples. The heavy black gradient gives the site a mysterious, bold look. ![]() This company is a French clothing manufacturer that sells luxury garments and accessories for both men and women. Just like in fashion, black is a timeless color for web design. It’s been popular for years, and will continue to be popular in 2020 and beyond. But if you’re going to go black on your website, use different shades to add depth and texture, like the example above. Just one black will look flat and basic. More Resources on Website DesignOf course, your brand is much more than the color scheme you choose. The way those colors interact with your overall website ultimately impacts your conversions, credibility, and the success of your brand. To help you create the best website you can, here are a few of our very best resources to serve as guides on your design journey:
ConclusionIt’s 2023. That means it’s time for you to ditch the color scheme you were using years ago. It’s important to switch it up because color schemes can impact sales on your website. Using these color palettes as a launching point, you can create a modern, trendy, and unique website. You can even use some of the exact color codes that we showcased. You’ll likely find that choosing the right website color palette doesn’t have to be hard. Most CMS tools like HubSpot’s free CMS allow you to change your website color schemes with just a few clicks. And when you do it, you give your brand the shot in the arm it needs to draw in new visitors and excite old ones too. via Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/trending-website-color-schemes/
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Want to jump straight to the answer? The best invoice factoring company for most people is OTR Solutions or Resolve. Unpaid invoices are part of running a business, no matter the size. But for small business owners, it’s an especially frustrating reality with potentially devastating consequences. If your business has unpaid invoices and you’re low on cash, invoice factoring can be a solid solution. The 8 Best Invoice Factoring Companies of 2022
![]() Below you’ll find an in-depth review of each company that made my list. The reviews are followed by a brief guide that highlights the key criteria you should be thinking about as you assess your options. Choose the one most suited to your needs, and start getting paid for the work you did instead of spending time chasing people down. Best Invoice Factoring Companies ReviewsOTR Solutions — Best for Freight Companies
OTR Solutions, formerly OTR Capital, offers invoice factoring designed specifically for freight companies. You can expect rapid, respectful, and straightforward service from a company that’s been helping businesses in transportation since 2011. Owner-operators, fleets, and freight brokers will be able to get paid on outstanding invoices quickly. OTR Solutions offers true non-recourse factoring, which means no chargebacks and same day funding. Working with OTR Solutions doesn’t change your existing relationships, they just work on the back end to get you working capital when you need it. ![]() OTR Solutions also offers a range of relevant services that general factoring companies do not. The Capital Fuel Card, for example, is accepted at more than 8,000 locations across the United States, and saves truckers up to $1.70 per gallon. You can also use the fuel card to withdraw money from ATMs, which is great for paying lumpers and dealing with unforeseen expenses on the road. This flexibility is great for owner-operators, and OTR Solutions provides additional features and controls for fleets that need multiple cards. Some of their other services include:
Unlike other businesses that provide invoice factoring, OTR Solutions is truly dedicated to understanding and serving the needs of transportation companies. So when you call in with a question, you are always going to be speaking with someone that understands the specific challenges faced by truckers and freight companies.Secure the service, tools, and support you need today. Get started with OTR Solutions. Compare Quotes From The Best Invoice Factoring Companies Get matched up with an invoice factoring company that fits your needs. Resolve — Best for offering net terms to business customers
Resolve is a unique non-recourse invoice financing company that helps B2B merchants, wholesalers, and distributors offer net terms and assumes the payment risk for its customers. They currently work with more than 1000 companies, including Linus Venice, ConEquip, and Zark LED. Resolve calls itself net terms-as-a-service rather than a traditional factoring company. Unlike other non-recourse factoring services, Resolve takes on the risk of your customer’s non-payment. With their “quiet” credit check process that does not affect business credit scores, it promises your business will not be on the hook for open invoices. ![]() Resolve makes decisions on net terms and credit limits quickly so your business can keep moving. And offering net terms often allows for larger orders, while your credit line can go up to $1 million. Resolve offers immediate payment for up to 90% on approved invoices (within 1 day!) while allowing their customers to give 30, 60, and 90-day net terms to all of their customers, which helps the company expand sales and grow their businesses. To get advance payment, there is a list of criteria the company and invoice must meet:
Customers can make payments through Resolve’s white-labeled (your branding) online payment portal via credit cards, ACH transfers, wire transfers, and even checks. And as the customer, you get an easy-to-use accounts receivables dashboard to see what is happening at any time. Plus Resolve integrates with QuickBooks, Magento, and WooCommerce. Resolve is transparent in its fees, which are a flat 2.61% for 30-day net term invoices with a 90% advance. You can try Resolve before committing with a 14-day free trial. eCapital Commercial Finance — Best Non-Recourse Invoice Factoring
eCapital Commercial Finance provides a wide range factoring solutions and lending services for varying business needs. They offer invoice factoring in addition to freight factoring, payroll funding, asset-based lending, lines of credit, and more. But what makes this organization unique compared to other factoring companies on the market is its non-recourse invoice factoring options. ![]() With non-recourse factoring, you’re not completely on the hook to pay back the loan if the customers fail to pay the invoices. eCaptial Commercial Finance assumes the risk. This means your personal credit score and credit history won’t be considered in the approval process. Instead, the approvals are based on the creditworthiness of your clients with outstanding balances. This is the perfect solution for any organization that wants to get funding without assuming the liability of uncollected bills. Keep in mind, it’s not always easy to qualify. Your business must earn a minimum of $30,000 in sales per month to be considered. This qualification criteria is a bit higher than other options on the market. eCapital Commerce Finance also has solutions for purchase order financing and working capital loans for government contractors. Get started here to learn more. altLINE — Best for Low Fees
>> Compare Quotes altLINE is a reliable and trusted invoice factoring service that stands out for their low fees. They’re especially unique because they’re a direct source of funding, not a middle man. As a division of the Southern Bank Company, altLINE doesn’t need to charge additional borrowing costs like third-party providers. Business owners can benefit from these savings because they won’t nickel-and-dime you with fees. There’s also no application fee, which means you save even more money when using their service. ![]() In addition to invoice factoring, altLINE offers accounts receivable financing. While the two terms are often used interchangeably in the world of small business lending, they are not the same. Invoice factoring offers great flexibility for business owners. Accounts receivable financing has stricter guidelines related to the credit profile. With that said, AR financing will usually provide businesses with preferred financing terms. altLINE will deliver up to 90% of qualified unpaid invoices for factoring. Common industries for invoice factoring with altLINE include:
As a federally regulated bank, altLINE is 100% transparent about their fees and term structures. Factoring rates start at just 0.50%. You’ll also benefit from a fast approval process without an application fee. In addition to invoice factoring and accounts receivable financing, altLINE also has asset-based lending for businesses. This is another way to borrow money against your receivables. >> Compare QuotesTriumph — Best for Construction and Transportation
>> Compare Quotes Triumph, formerly Triumph Business Capital, is a factoring company that’s preferred by construction and transportation companies—and it’s no surprise why. Triumph understands the complexities of construction timelines, project funding, freight brokering, working capacity, and how cash flows throughout their businesses. ![]() Triumph’s great service led to them being awarded the Preferred Provider status by the Transportation Intermediaries Association. It doesn’t matter if you’re a solo operation or if you have a fleet of hundreds of trucks—they provide you with a straightforward and speedy process to get money in your hands as soon as possible. A few other services that they cater to include:
Another standout feature is their easy-to-use web portal. The dashboard and process is a simple way to manage your funding. You can always stay up to date with your account and information, no matter where you are. You’ll also have direct access to support from the Triumph team. They also offer a wide range of financial services along with invoice factoring:
Think of it as your financial one-stop shop. >> Compare QuotesBreakout Capital — Most Flexible Payments & Qualifications for Small Businesses
>> Compare Quotes Breakout Capital offers a very flexible invoice factoring solution that’s great for new and small businesses alike. More specifically, they offer a very flexible payback schedule that gives small businesses more wiggle room when it comes to when they have to pay Breakout Capital back. These come in the form of daily, weekly, or monthly scheduling options. Not a lot of invoice factoring companies do this. ![]() They also offer a great service called “FactorAdvantage.” It’s a customized solution for businesses that don’t meet qualifications from other lenders and factoring companies. That’s great for startups. Think of it as a combination between invoice factoring and a small business loan. Here are some of the top advantages of this service:
Breakout Capital is perfect for startups since the approval process is dead simple. There’s no minimum FICO score required, no minimum monthly revenue requirement, and no minimum time in business. With all of that said, Breakout Capital’s invoice factoring rates are a bit higher than some of the other companies we’ve reviewed. Invoice factoring starts at 1.25% per month. For startups that want to borrow up to $500,000 using unpaid invoices, Breakout Capital is a top company for you to consider. FactorAdvantage is unlike any other product I’ve seen on the market today. >> Compare QuotesTCI Business Capital — Best for Month-to-Month ContractsTCI Capital is great for businesses looking for flexible monthly contracts. That’s because the amount they charge you changes month-to-month depending on the volume of your invoices. That means if you sell more and you have more invoices, you get cheaper factoring fees. While some other companies do this too, TCI Capital stands out for doing this monthly as opposed to other companies that might only change your rates once a year. ![]() B2B organizations that use TCI Capital for invoice factoring typically fall into one of the following categories:
TCI Capital adds a personal touch to their invoice factoring services. They encourage you to talk to a representative that will help you find the best solution for your current situation and needs. TCI Capital also ensures that the solution works well for your customers. Like most companies, TCI Capital’s factoring fees are based on volume. So it’s a better option for those of you with higher volumes if you want access to preferred rates and fees. The TCI Capital website has an awesome tool to help you calculate your factoring costs. Choose your desired advance rate of 70%, 80%, or 90%, and enter your average monthly sales. Select your customer payment terms (net 30, 60, 90, or 120), and the tool will automatically calculate your fees. For example, let’s say you average $10,000 per month with net 60 terms on your invoices. If you want 90% of cash in advance, the factoring fee is $200. With TCI Capital, you’ll get fast approvals, simple onboarding, and month-to-month terms. They offer high advances and same-day funding to provide you with reliable cash flow. >> Compare QuotesRiviera Finance — Best for Guaranteed Credit
>> Compare Quotes Riviera Finance is another great non-recourse invoice factoring service. Where they stand out though is their credit guarantee. They offer a credit management service that guarantees the credit on all of your factored invoices. That means if an invoice is unpaid, Riviera Finance becomes the credit manager and assumes the risk. ![]() They’re also great if you need cash quickly. Riviera offers some of the quickest turnaround rates in the industry, with guaranteed 24-hour funding. Depending on your business type, industry, and clients, Riviera Finance will fund up to 95% of qualified invoices. You’ll have complete flexibility for funding on-demand. As a result, no debt is created on your end and the company protects you from bad debt on all of the invoices that they factor. Riviera Finance has an exceptional receivable management system as well. They can handle the following AR tasks:
You’ll benefit from instant access 24/7 to all of your account receivable information through an online account dashboard. >> Compare QuotesHow to Choose the Best Invoice Factoring Company For Your BusinessInvoice factoring can be a solid solution for your business to help overcome cashflow issues caused by late paying customers. By getting your money quickly, you’ll be able to reinvest that income and maintain an emphasis on growth. But it’s important that you find the right invoice factoring company to meet the needs of your business. There are certain factors you should look for when you’re evaluating an invoice factoring service. This is the methodology I recommend for narrowing down your options. Compare Quotes From The Best Invoice Factoring Companies Get matched up with an invoice factoring company that fits your needs. Fast FundingA good invoice factoring service gets cash back in your pocket quickly and painlessly. The best services provide quick approvals and turnarounds. Many invoice factoring companies boast approvals “as fast as 5 minutes” upon receiving a qualified invoice. Other factoring services such as altLine take a little bit longer—around four days to complete. That can be a looonng time in certain circumstances. Depending on where you are with your company, you might want money quicker in order to address short-term needs or lucrative investment opportunities. You also want to check with the factoring company to see how long it takes for funds to be available. Ideally it will be within a day of approval, but sometimes can take up to three days. Remember that you’re factoring because you want cash quickly. So be sure to check to see how long the approval and funding process takes with each factoring service. Industry-Specific FactoringSome invoice factoring companies specialize in specific industries. These can be lucrative as they know the proper procedures to obtain payment from your unpaid invoices. These factoring companies understand your industry and business. They’ll help the factoring experience go as smoothly and optimally as possible because of that. For example, Triumph Business Capital helps small and mid-sized businesses in transportation (e.g. trucking and freight brokers), energy (e.g. oil and gas), and government (e.g. contractors). TCI Capital is another great factoring company that focuses on B2B organizations such as telecom, manufacturing, utility, and staffing. Look for a factoring company that knows your industry to ensure the best experience. Factoring FeesA lot of business owners see the short-term benefits of invoice factoring (i.e. upfront cash). But they overlook the fees that go with it. Some invoice factoring companies lure you in with low factoring fees, but then hit you with additional fees like:
I recommend an invoice factoring company that offers transparent pricing. You should only have to pay the factoring fee, without any of these additional charges or hidden fees. Recourse vs Non-Recourse FactoringWhat happens if one of your customers fails to pay an invoice to the factoring company? Depending on the company you choose, you could be responsible for this debt. That’s because invoice factoring comes in two forms:
It’s important to note that using non-recourse factoring does not completely absolve you from potential risk. You need to fully understand situations where the factoring company accepts the risk and where you remain on the hook for the risk. For example, if you are dealing with a client that has a poor credit rating, the factoring company may leave the risk with you. If the factoring company is putting significant stipulations on when it will accept the risk, you may want to stick with recourse factoring and avoid paying the extra fees when you are taking on the majority of the risk. No matter what, you want to make sure that the invoice factoring company you choose does everything that they can to try and attain payment from your client. You don’t want them sitting on the invoice, making no attempt to reach out, and then ding you when your client doesn’t pay. When researching companies, verify what steps they’ll take to collect. Make sure their outreach is polite (you don’t want your customer to hate you, after all) but firm. Factoring FlexibilityFlexibility on the requirements and types of invoicing is great when it comes to these companies. As such, you’ll want to find a factoring company that doesn’t try to lock you into a strict contract while also giving you the credit you need. Some of you may only want to factor one or two invoices. Doing this on-demand is known as “spot factoring.” You’ll have complete control over which invoices are factored and when it happens. You’ll also have more of a say in your term length, which is always nice. Some invoice factoring companies require “whole ledger factoring.” In this case, you won’t have as much control. Generally speaking, spot factoring is the preferred choice for business owners. StabilityIf you’re looking for an invoice factoring company that you can trust to help turn your unpaid invoices into cash ASAP, then you’re going to want to limit your search to companies that are established. The best way to verify whether a factoring company is legitimate is by choosing one that is affiliated with the International Factoring Association (IFA). ![]() As members of IFA, the companies must abide by the association’s strict code of ethics and practices. You can quickly and easily search for a potential invoice factoring company’s name on the IFA website. The Top Factoring Companies in SummaryInvoice factoring helps businesses turn unpaid invoices into cash today. Top invoice factoring companies like OTR Solutions and Resolve will help you get paid as soon as possible. Don’t let your non-paying customers get in the way of growing your business. Act now, and take control of your cash flow. Compare Quotes From The Best Invoice Factoring Companies Get matched up with an invoice factoring company that fits your needs. via Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/best-factoring-companies/ Hiring a bad apple can cause all kinds of problems for any company. That’s why employers use sites like HireRight to vet candidates before hiring them. If you’re the hiring manager for a medical practice, for example, a HireRight criminal background check can help you weed out candidates who could pose a risk to your company—and your patients. But there’s value in running a background check on companies that provide background checks. That’s why we’ve taken a deep dive into the pros and cons of HireRight. ![]() HireRight ComparedHireRight did not land a spot on our list of the best background check companies. Instead, we suggest GoodHire as the best choice for SMBs because of its quick, reliable, and wallet-friendly services. Run your first background check with GoodHire for just $29.99.
Learn more about each of these excellent services in our list of the best background check companies. About HireRightWhether you’re looking for driving record checks, criminal background checks, drug screenings, or even financial background services, HireRight does it all. The company advertises its services to a variety of industries, from hospitality and manufacturing to government and financial services—and more. It also claims to be ideal for self-serve, small, midmarket, enterprise, and global clients. The HireRight resource library comes with a variety of articles that delve deeper into the way background checks can help you navigate the hiring process in different industries. HireRight Health and StabilityIn October 2021, HireRight officially became HireRight Holdings Corporation, a publicly traded company on the NYSE under the stock symbol HRT. The company has been around in some form or another since about 1990. Along the way, HireRight merged with background screening company General Information Services (GIS) and acquired PeopleCheck, J-Screen, and BackTrack. These acquisitions have likely helped HireRight widen its pool of services offered. But mergers and acquisitions are stressful events for employees and company leadership alike, and they can affect company stability and decrease shareholder wealth. In total, HireRight has acquired five companies—three of them within the years since 2018. Still, the company’s been around for several decades, and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. HireRight PricingWhen it comes to pricing, we appreciate businesses that make it easy for customers to find pricing information. Unfortunately, HireRight does not make it easy to know the costs of its services. We did some digging and found some pricing information, but not nearly as much as we’d like. HireRight Pricing StructureHireRight doesn’t list its prices anywhere on its website. If you want to use one of HireRight’s services, you have to select the service and fill out the appropriate form to get in touch with HR’s sales team. For HireRight’s self-serve background screening services through Backgroundcheck.com, pricing for a one-time package begins at $33.15 for a criminal record check, SSN validation, and sex offender registry check. Results are instant. For a county-level search in addition to these searches, you’ll need to pay $49.95 and can expect results within one to three days. A multi-county search costs $69.95. HireRight Pricing ComparisonA criminal background check, SSN validation, and sex offender registry check in your local county costs $49.95 with HireRight’s Backgroundcheck.com service. This is close to the same price as GoodHire’s mid-tier package, which costs a one-time fee of $54.99. However, GoodHire gets you more features for your money: an SSN trace, sex offender registry search, global watchlist records check, national criminal records check, and criminal search in as many counties as you want. Accurate’s mid-tier AccurateNow package, meanwhile, costs $62.05 per report plus a one-time $25 setup fee. You get an SSN trace, address history, 7-year criminal history, a national criminal check with county verification, a global watch check, and a national sex offender registry search. So while HireRight costs slightly less than competitors, it offers fewer features for the mid-tier price. HireRight Trials and GuaranteesHireRight has no free plans, free trials, demos, or customer guarantees. In addition, it has no refund policy—something that has contributed to some of its negative customer reviews. HireRight Background Check Company ReviewWhether you need an extensive criminal history or a driving background check, HireRight offers both of these services and more. You’ll need to reach out to the HireRight sales team for most of these services but you’ll get to enjoy them at the enterprise level. SMBs can benefit from HireRight’s sister site, the affordably priced Backgroundchecks.com. While HireRight offers an impressive suite of services, it may have bitten off more than it can chew. Our research unearthed a worrisome amount of negative customer reviews. For options with more reliable services, see our top list of the best background check companies. What Makes HireRight Background Check Company Great![]()
Where HireRight Background Check Company Falls Short![]()
HireRight Background Check Company ComparedWe believe there’s potential in HireRight’s services, but it’s not our top recommendation for a background check company—that title goes to either Intelius or GoodHire for both companies’ reliability, speed, and affordable pricing.
Final VerdictHireRight helps companies vet their employees and volunteers, offering an array of services from criminal background checks to drug screenings. The company’s wide range of services is admirable, and with time, we may see HireRight emerge as a top player in the future. For now, however, we do not recommend HireRight. Instead, we recommend checking out the five companies on our list of the top background check services. via Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/hireright-review/ Our recommendation for most people is WordPress with Hostinger because it’s easy to set up and there are no limits to what you can do. Host your WordPress site on Hostinger for $1.99 per month. Building a great blog starts with choosing the right platform—and there are only a handful truly worth considering. Here are the best options, complete with in-depth reviews and a guide to help you decide which works best for you. The Best Blogging Platforms and Blog Sites for 2022
![]() If you want to turn a profit on your blog, use WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace. You’ll be in complete control of your site and everything that’s on it. For people who want to blog with WordPress, we recommend using Hostinger as a web host to keep your speed high and costs low. We’ll also cover options like Medium and LinkedIn that are great for hobby blogs and making connections–but not blogs for making a living. They are free, but you don’t get to choose how your blog looks, and adding your style is half the fun. What makes these blogging platforms great? Where could they be better? To find out, we interviewed active users of each platform about where these platforms excel, and where they are falling behind. WordPress with Hostinger – Best OverallWordPress is the best overall blogging platform because it’s free, easy to use, and customizable without limitations. Get started now for free. WordPress is the most popular blog platform out there—for starters it’s free, you just have to pay for hosting. We recommend Hostinger for WordPress hosting because it’s the best price for a simple setup. You’ll have a WordPress site in a few minutes with Hostinger. It’s a highly customizable content management system (CMS) for bloggers who want to build out a site for their business. It’s also great if you plan to scale your blog for profit. The reason? WordPress is open source. That means they don’t keep their source code a secret. Developers can go in and create widgets, plugins, and other tools to customize WordPress blogs—so you can create any kind of blog you want. One user on our panel, who has stuck with WordPress for four years, describes the CMS as “blogger-friendly” with plenty of SEO features baked in. Their experience is echoed by many of our other users. That said, there is a bit of a learning curve. To get the most out of WordPress in terms of customizability, you’ll need to be more hands-on with the plugins and widgets you choose and how you manage the backend. However, even this is fairly straightforward in WordPress—and it didn’t take long for our users to learn the ropes at all. “With no knowledge of WordPress when I started, it was a bit of a steep learning curve but I figured everything out quickly enough,” said one user. “WordPress is very intuitive and if you can’t figure something out, you just have to Google it or check on YouTube and you will likely find an answer.” Another echoed that sentiment. However, they also said that “it’s fairly easy to use” after blogging on the platform for a few days. ![]() The tradeoff is well worth it, as you’re able to get a fantastic website fully customized to your exact specifications. That’s what makes it perfect for creating a website that’s primed for audience growth and profit. One user was also able to promote items for third parties in order to generate even more revenue. “I was able to monetize my blog using affiliate marketing, along with info products like ebooks and minicourses once my audience got big enough,” they said. They were also able to leverage plugins to help them build their audience—and generate revenue growth. “One thing that helped with that was creating an email subscriber list and a newsletter using the Mailchimp plugin,” they added. “It’s a must-have if you really want to monetize your blog.” With the sheer number of plugins and the ability to customize your site, you will be able to find any option you want to include on your site. As your blog and audience grow, you can continue adjusting your site to accommodate it in whatever direction you want to go. Blogging with WordPressConfession time: WordPress is actually the CMS we use here at Quicksprout—so we’re a bit biased. In fact, we’re very biased. If you plan on building out a blog that draws in thousands or even millions of readers—not to mention monetizing it—we can’t recommend WordPress enough. But the users are right when they say it’s a bit tricky to learn at first. At first blush, the blog dashboard for WordPress seems more complex than most. But once you jump in, it’s fairly easy to wrap your mind around. And you’ll get used to it relatively quickly. The WordPress Gutenberg editor makes the blogging and editing process very straightforward. You really don’t have to know HTML unless you want to get crafty. All the fundamentals you need to publish a blog are point and click. Sure, it’s not quite like the drag-and-drop functionality as Wix and Squarespace have since you can’t edit the entire page—but it’s pretty darn close. ![]() I’ve also found WordPress to be incredibly scalable. No matter what you want to build or how big you get, the platform will grow with you as long as you choose the right plugins. A quick tip: Don’t make the rookie mistake of downloading a ton of plugins and widgets. It’s easy to think you need everything—but sometimes, less is more. Plus installing a ton of plugins is an easy way to sloooooooow down your page’s loading speed. One plugin we do recommend you get is the Yoast SEO plugin. This is an incredibly popular WordPress plugin that helps you set up your posts to be as SEO-friendly as possible with a few guided steps. It’s honestly a must-have if you’re using WordPress. You can check out our guide on the best WordPress plugins for more recommendations. And if you really want, you can start changing the code yourself. Since WordPress is open-source, that means you can do whatever you want with it. If you know PHP or are willing to hire a developer, you can change WordPress however you like. One user put it best: “WordPress gave me everything I needed to create the blog I wanted. It gave me an easy interface to post my blogs, as well as everything I needed or wanted in my blog: a subscription box, an author area; just the look I wanted and the flexibility to change things as needed.” Choosing a HostTo build your own site using WordPress, you’ll need to buy a domain name, get web hosting, and set up your account. There’s more information on our posts about the best web hosting and the best web hosting for WordPress, which is about selecting a managed host that’s designed for WordPress. The quick answer: Go with Hostinger. ![]() Hostinger is one of the most popular web hosts, especially for WordPress users. That’s because they run servers that only have WordPress sites on them–this allows Hostinger to configure servers specifically for WordPress security and performance. This means–with no extra work on your part–you can have a faster, safer WordPress site simply by signing up with Hostinger. With just one click, you’ll be able to get your WordPress site up and running within minutes. I’m serious. You simply select WordPress as your desired CMS during the signup process, and it’s automatically installed for you. The price was a big factor for most of the users we spoke with. Hostinger comes in at the very low end price-wise, yet it’s jam-packed with features to help you grow. Starting at $1.99 per month, you’re going to get the ability to:
If you want to create additional sites or email people from a professional address @yourdomain.com, that’s going to cost extra with some of the other platforms. Another helpful aspect of going with Hostinger is the 365/24/7 support via live chat. Most of your WordPress-related questions can be answered with a simple Google search–as the world’s most popular blogging platform, there’s a ton of info out there. Cons of Blogging with WordPressThe user panel gave me varying feedback about WordPress’s beginner-friendliness. Some said that it was easy enough, while others pointed out that it was tough on novices at the beginning. “I don’t like how it does take a bit of a learning curve to use,” said one user. Their thoughts showed that WordPress won’t be the easiest option, especially when building your first site. “Sometimes I’d like to have my hand held more through the blog creation process rather than having to look up a bunch of YouTube how-to videos to learn how.” After testing and building sites myself using WordPress, I can say that it takes a bit to get the hang of it—but once you do, you’ll be glad you put the work in. But even if you’re uncomfortable with it at first, it’s still the best option if you’re willing to learn and grow into the role of managing your website site. Another flaw that one of our surveyed users mentioned is that WordPress lacks comprehensive customer support. “I wish there was a help desk that you could contact either by email or by chat,” one user told us. That is one other good aspect of signing up with Hostinger. There is someone you can reach out to via live chat any time of day or night. Their support teams handle a lot of common WordPress questions and may be able to help you out. Final Thoughts on WordPressAlong with performing very highly across all criteria, WordPress with Hostinger is a great place to start if you really want to build a blog that will grow with you no matter how big you get. This is especially good if you plan on monetizing your blog and optimizing it for traffic/growth. Eventually, you’ll need to add more resources some other platforms might not be able to offer you. WordPress and Hostinger can do that. Some WordPress users had minor issues with the platform’s learning curve, they all said that they were able to create their ideal blog once they got the hang of it. They especially liked WordPress’s level of customization — with some of them monetizing their websites using the site builder’s many plugins and widgets. Bottom line: Building a WordPress website takes more time than a Wix website. However, the tradeoff is your website is much more customizable (and powerful). And Hostinger makes it easy to host your WordPress site. As such, we highly recommend this combination for bloggers who want to really grow their traffic and/or profit margins. Wix – Best for Beginners Building a Professional BlogWix is perfect for beginners because it doesn’t require any coding skills and you can start a new blog in minutes. Sign up for a free Wix account today. Wix gives beginners a way to make it look like professionals designed their blogs—all without needing to learn code or web development. In fact, one user told me, “I think it’s as straightforward as it can get for people with no coding background.” They created their site with ease without running into any stifling restrictions. Another user called out the drag-and-drop editor’s intuitive UI and its tools to create individualized layouts and designs. We jumped in and tested it out for ourselves and found they were right. You can create a blog in just a few minutes. Wix even walks you through the entire process step-by-step if you need it. ![]() They offer hundreds of templates across many different categories of websites. For example, they have templates for travel blogs, simple portfolios, or photography galleries. We love how you don’t need to have any coding knowledge to move assets around and create the blog you want. Another user agreed that Wix offered a very intuitive blog-building experience while adding, “If I’m unsure about a certain topic, it’s quick to find it via their support.” Wix offers both live support via a 24/7 callback service (if you’re in the United States) and a massive knowledge base with articles to help beginners out when they’re stuck. But you can also just let Wix’s ADI builder handle most of the dirty work entirely. This tool leverages artificial intelligence to help you build the exact website you want by just answering a few questions. And, if security or reliability is a concern, Wix nails both with a robust 99.98 percent uptime rate and a team of security professionals on the job 24/7 monitoring the Wix ecosystem for potential cyber threats. All this protection lets you focus exclusively on creating great blog content. Blogging with WixWix’s blog manager is indeed simple and intuitive, with analytics and SEO built right in. It’s simple to add the basic features you might want on your blog, too—elements like social tools, likes, comments, hashtags, categories, and subscriber forms. ![]() There’s a blog template category, which is a great place to start. Once you have your template selected, I suggest updating the font, colors, and logo to personalize your template and help it stand out from the rest. Writing a post is as simple as clicking Create a Post, writing your copy, and adding images. You can save drafts or even give other contributors writing privileges for your site. This is all just as easy from a mobile device as from a desktop—no app required. The blogging process is as intuitive and easy to use as folks described—but there were also some other additions that surprised me. ![]() You can easily add alt tags to images and nofollow tags to links without getting into the HTML. This stuff is really important for ranking high in search results, and with Wix, you don’t have to know a whole lot to get your SEO ducks in a row. All your posts automatically get a read-time count to show readers roughly how long it’ll take to go through your post (something Medium also offers) and is a great feature to have for readers. We also like the ability to use live chat to interact with your readers in the Wix app. If you build a real community in your blog or are open to answering reader questions in real time—say, about an online course you’re offering or a webinar that’s coming up—then it’s a cool feature. Most Wix blogs tended to look great across mobile, tablet, and desktop—something our users said helped them draw in readers. “Since my website runs very smoothly on any device,” said one user, “it made it easier for an audience to browse through my work and contact me immediately.” Cons of Blogging with WixThere are a few downsides to Wix — but even from our panel of users, it seemed their major complaints boiled down to a couple of points. The platform sometimes doesn’t play well with mobile devices if you’re trying to do more ambitious scrolling designs, like parallax scrolling. One user said that “my scrolling effect cannot be achieved on mobile so I had to make a simpler version [of my website] separately.” There’s also the matter of the subscription fee that—while fairly affordable—could cause some burgeoning bloggers to cringe (especially if you plan to be more bootstrap). If you plan on recouping some of that money with their ecommerce tools, you’ll still have to account for paying for a pricier plan for that functionality. The panel of users rated Wix fairly low on monetization too—but that’s not to say it can’t be done. Occasionally Wix will feature stand-out blogs that use their platform, and that can lead to new opportunities as was the case with one of our users. “Being featured on Wix did get me some freelance opportunities, and ultimately landed me my full-time job,” they said. Ultimately, we think that despite the downsides, Wix is absolutely worth it for the platform’s ease of use and out-of-the-box blogging features. Final Thoughts on WixWix offers the best blogging platform for beginners. It offers a wide array of themes that’ll fit any type of blog and website you want to build. You’ll also be able to easily change the look and feel of those themes to make your blog look the way you want it to—no coding knowledge needed. The users we talked to praised Wix’s ease of use and the ability to customize their blogs on the platform. Our own hands-on research verified that. We could create a great-looking blog with zero experience with Wix in literal minutes. Imagine what you could do with more time. And if you really want to take the guesswork out of designing your website, you can even let Wix take care of it for you by answering a few questions and letting their advanced AI take care of the rest. Bottom line: We highly recommend Wix to beginner bloggers who want to easily build a great-looking blog that’s both reliable and secure. Even experienced website builders will find there’s a lot they can get out of Wix. And with tools like its ecommerce functionality and Wix email marketing, you can grow and shape your website to optimize for things like profit and audience growth. For even more insights, refer to our in-depth Wix review to see how it works and how to get started. Squarespace – Best Blog Builder for Artists and DesignersSquarespace is ideal for creative professionals because it has stunning designs and built-in tools for monetizing blogs. Sign up now to start your free trial. The first thing I notice whenever I go onto a Squarespace blog is how gorgeous it typically looks. Photography and graphic designs seem to leap off the screen. The blog owners themselves seem to always be artistically-minded like illustrators, photographers, graphic designers, home decor experts, and more. Our panel was no exception. They were made up of a website design expert who teaches readers how to make stunning sites, a gardening influencer who frequently showcases mouth watering photos of his homegrown vegetables, and an interior designer who likes to flex their room designs off in gallery posts. And there’s a reason they all chose Squarespace as their platform. The trio rated Squarespace very highly across the board. Many of the users had glowing words to say about its ease of use and designs. “I think I had my blog up and running within a day,” said the user who runs an interior design blog. Their site frequently showcases captivating photographs of eclectically designed rooms. “Squarespace offers clean, beautiful templates that you can easily tweak.” Their claims are backed up by my own research of hundreds of Squarespace blogs. Each of the platform’s templates is created by their team of exceptional designers—and they all look stunning. ![]() Blogging with SquarespaceEditing your blog—from the contacts page, to the about page, to the home page, to your portfolio, to the actual blog itself—is very easy with Squarespace. Like Wix they have a drag-and-drop tool. And unlike WordPress, users don’t have to deal with an occasionally confusing backend editor. “They have a great What You See Is What You Get builder,” said one user. “That means when you’re building the page, you see what the page will look like as you’re building it.” That user is also known as Paige Brunson. She discovered the wonders of Squarespace years back and loved it so much she created a thriving career helping other people design on it too. She believes that Squarespace’s backend editor is superior to that of WordPress because you can see changes as you make them. “Sometimes, like in WordPress, you’re editing your site in the backend, but then you have to go to the front end to see what it’ll look like when you’re finished,” she said. “With Squarespace, as you’re building the blog post, you’re seeing the changes happen at the same time. And I think that’s really, really useful. That’s one aspect that makes it really easy to use.” ![]() Squarespace also gives you tools to add an ecommerce portion to your blog along with a newsletter integration. That can really help you scale and transform your blog for profitability and audience growth. “There are quite a few built-in features in Squarespace to build your business the way you want like a shop, integrated email marketing, a members area and podcast support,” said another user. “Plus they have many resources on their website about every feature and how to use them.” Cons of Blogging with SquarespaceWhere our panel of users found Squarespace lacking can be boiled down to one word: Customization. While the platform does offer ways to add email marketing, ecommerce, and membership functions to your site, it’s still relatively limited when it comes to overall customization when compared to a CMS like WordPress. “Custom CSS is only available in the Business Plan,” said one user. “It’s doable for my website, I found some great tutorials on the internet for extra CSS customization and I had to buy a sidebar plugin because it wasn’t integrated in my template. For more complex websites this might be a problem.” While Paige is an evangelist for Squarespace, she believes that it could be better when it comes to its mobile customization. “The mobile editor is the thing which my students find the most annoying,” she says. “With Squarespace, building a website takes time [on desktop], and then you have to literally go build the thing a second time [for mobile]. It’s just a lot more time consuming of a process.” Another user also had minor issues with Squarespace’s intuitiveness saying, “It could be more obvious what to perform certain actions. Sometimes you have to hunt and click here and there. Every now and then I’ve accidentally deleted a blog because I’ve clicked the wrong button.” Final Thoughts on SquarespaceSquarespace users had extremely positive things to say about the platform’s stunning templates and overall usability. Users might be turned off by the platform due to its lack of features. You also can’t access tools like the Yoast SEO plugin from WordPress. On top of all that, you need to pay a higher price for access to custom CSS. It will cost you a bit more to maximize Squarespace’s ecommerce capabilities, as you need to opt into a more expensive plan. If you’re interested in this blogging platform, check out our step-by-step guide on getting started with Squarespace. Bottom line: Squarespace offers great looking templates, easy drag-and-drop designs, and an opportunity to show off your art, photographs, and more. Give Squarespace a try today. LinkedIn – Best for NetworkingLinkedIn offers a simple way to share your industry expertise and become a thought leader directly from your profile. Start blogging on LinkedIn with a free account today. LinkedIn gives you a built-in audience of over 740 million business professionals. The audience comes from all stripes, including HR, digital marketing, finance, tech, and more. Many of them are highly active on the site, frequently sharing thought leadership and articles with one another via their LinkedIn feed. So if you’re interested in establishing yourself as an influencer or thought leader in your business space, the audience on LinkedIn is your bread-and-butter. The platform has a ready-made culture and set of expectations that a business blogger would dream of creating on their own site. The challenge for you is creating compelling and share-worthy content to build a following. ![]() After all, LinkedIn is a social network. Your influence grows in proportion to the size of your network. The more posts you publish, the more connection requests and followers you’ll attract. Since it’s a social network for industry professionals, that makes it a great channel to access prospects and get quick feedback from peers on your B2B-style articles. You have an opportunity to put your thought leadership in front of everyone from potential clients and customers, to recruiters, to influencers in your field. And, you can turn your audience into partners and customers. Each of the users on our panel leveraged LinkedIn blogging to make key networking connections and develop an audience. “So far, I have experienced getting higher-quality clients through LinkedIn by blogging and writing content on the platform,” said one user I talked to. It might seem painfully obvious, but not a lot of people realize that the platform can be incredibly lucrative if you’re in business. The folks on LinkedIn are typically high-earners. They’re C-Suite executives. They’re industry movers and shakers who want to innovate and build lasting businesses. And they’re willing to pay a premium to the right person who will get them there. Said one user, “I can probably make $1,000 or so from LinkedIn every month indirectly if I really tried.” Blogging on LinkedInCreating a blog on LinkedIn is very simple and just requires a profile, which is free. From there, it’s just a matter of clicking on a Facebook-like status button and creating an article. Like Medium, LinkedIn uses that Gutenberg-style editor that’s fairly intuitive. Our panel also found it very usable, with one saying, “The article feature is pretty easy to use. I simply add images, write the text, and publish—and I’m done. No crazy misalignment or formatting issues.” It’s also worth noting that there are differences between a LinkedIn post and article. A post is a smaller update you’d share with your feed and connections. Think along the lines of a quick anecdote or pro tip. They’re limited to 1,300 characters, which is about 5 lines. Articles are longer and more in-depth, of course. They’re something that the broader LinkedIn audience would be interested in reading. And who knows, maybe your post will get picked up by one of LinkedIn’s blogs on marketing or sales. ![]() A person who reads your article can also follow you from there, so they’ll be alerted when you publish your next article. Any articles you publish will appear in the Articles section of your LinkedIn profile. Is one better than the other? It depends, of course. After all, you might have a great idea for a long-form article that your audience will love. But, one of the users on our panel thinks that the shorter the better. As such, they recommend avoiding making articles entirely. “Go all in on multimedia posts and short status update posts,” said one user. “Do not post full articles here. If you want to get a lot of traction, post the right kind of content and figure out a way to divert that attention away to products or services that you can sell people on.” Cons of Blogging on LinkedInWhile LinkedIn does offer a lot of opportunities for building your brand and creating thought leadership, it lacks in some vital areas. For one, there’s no intuitive way for folks to access an archive of your past articles like you might find in Medium or a normal Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress blog. Instead, the article will live in your Activity feed, which requires you to click on your profile, then your Activity feed, and then scroll down to your article. That’s a lot of work to find just one article. “There’s not great discoverability for people who want to read my past blog posts on LinkedIn in my opinion,” said one user who went on to opine about the lack of a newsletter feature to help promote their blog. That user also had a strong condemnation of blogging on LinkedIn as a whole, saying, “Articles notoriously get horrible reach in the feed. Creating an actual blog on LinkedIn, for me, is worthless.” You also shouldn’t be using LinkedIn blogs a tool for attracting candidates. It’s much easier to use recruiting software. Final Thoughts on LinkedIn BlogsLinkedIn is a social networking platform first and foremost. Everything else comes secondary to that goal. The same goes for their articles. It’s not a blogging platform per se in the traditional sense—but it can be a very effective blogging tool to grow your network and make connections. And some of our users have made a lot of money by using their blogs to make these connections. “I make money indirectly from LinkedIn. I have to make a post, then throw a link to a webinar in the comments section. Some people sign up and then purchase my course through the webinar later on,” one user explained. But ultimately, it’s not a very effective blogging platform if blogging is all you want to do. We’d recommend going with any of the previous options if that’s your goal and supporting your blog by sharing your posts on LinkedIn. Bottom line: LinkedIn is a decent blogging platform only if you’re using it to support a platform you own, like your business’s website. You can’t directly monetize it, and you’re entirely dependent on an algorithm for reach and engagement. But if you’re blogging about business subjects like management or marketing, LinkedIn is a good opportunity to grow your network and audience. There’s a pre-existing community of people there talking about those topics and ready to read your posts. Medium – Best for Writing to a Built-In AudienceMedium is great for people that want don’t want to build an audience from scratch because it already has over 60 million readers and the opportunity to get paid through their partner program. Sign up now to try Medium for free. Medium is easily one of the most polarizing platforms out there—and it’s certainly the most controversial one on our list. It’s home to bloggers focused on crafting niche content for readers. It’s also where you can find some of the most thought-provoking, incendiary content online. What really makes Medium stand out for writers is its built-in communities of readers. People can browse a vast library of publications and topics, find your blog, and subscribe to it with a single click–they can even choose to get your blog posts sent to their email inbox every time you post. Writers can post pieces under their personal account, a publication they own and run, or submit their writing to publications for a chance to be published on other Medium blogs and put in front of even more readers. “It’s just plugging and chugging and going,” one user told us. “Even if you have no writing experience, and just want to write, it’s not hard to get started and find an audience.” The ability to tap into a well of readers was a draw for many users—especially after their less-than-stellar experience on another platform on this list. A huge draw of Medium is not having to try to drive traffic to your own independent website. “I definitely recommend not even starting with a traditional WordPress blog,” one user said. “Just go on Medium because it works as a blogging tool and a social media platform. Naturally, there’s going to be a much larger audience there for people to read your work.” Medium also gives you the ability to get paid for writing through the Medium Partner Program. This allows writers to get paid for their work based on the amount of engagement their articles get. Some bloggers routinely make six figures a year from their posts—though even Medium is quick to point out that only 7% make more than $100 per year. All this makes it a good platform if you want to find and cultivate an audience of fans of your writing, and make a little bit of cash along the way. ![]() Blogging on MediumThere are two primary ways to blog on Medium:
After using Medium to do both, I can attest to it being incredibly simple to use. All you have to do is click “Write a Story” and you can get started writing a Medium article. The dashboard is a lot like WordPress’s Gutenberg editor, so it’s fairly intuitive. Once you’re finished, add a few tags and click “publish” and it’s out in the world. Submitting to other publications is a good way to access audiences. However, you’ll be writing on spec. And there’s a chance they might reject your article entirely. The alternative to that is creating your own Medium publication which I definitely recommend. This gives you the option to add other writers and editors to your blog, along with the ability to accept submissions. This can really help pad out your editorial calendar with little effort on your part—so you can have access to a stream of content for your readers. One of the users on our panel actually helped found one of the biggest and most popular publications on Medium: The Writing Cooperative. In fact, they currently boast about 226,000 followers on the site and publish multiple times each and every day. “The Writing Cooperative began on Medium in 2014. In some regards, we’ve grown up with the platform” said co-founder Justin Cox. “[…] The Writing Cooperative’s content is often recommended in user feeds, which is a great way to grow an audience.” Justin went on to say that he doesn’t make a living off of the Writing Cooperative, but he and his co-founder are able to generate some income by setting up a Patreon for the publication as well as launching a coaching program for their community. “Everything we do is geared towards supporting and encouraging writers,” he added. You also have the option to accept submissions from other writers when you create a publication. That could be really great to help grow your blog while making connections with more users. Cons of a Medium BlogWhile our panel of Medium bloggers found that the platform was overall easy to use, they had varied perspectives on how it ultimately works to build an audience. One of our users was simply not happy with the way the platform compensates them and signal boosts (or rather, doesn’t signal boost) their content. “Medium did help me grow my audience by pushing my best content towards external promotions and new Medium users, but lately, this has stopped and I presume it is because of the large volume of new writers,” the user said. “When it comes to attracting new readers, I feel like Medium can do a lot more.” They went on to explain how they were also frustrated by the platform’s payment system and the lack of transparency surrounding it. In fact, they even had to go a step further to help better market their blog. “I had to invest money from my own pocket to publicize the publication which I think attracted new readers, but my efforts didn’t really get recognized by Medium,” they explained. Another user expressed a similar opinion in regards to the payment program. “I make a few bucks,” they told me. “It does not pay nearly enough to justify the time and effort I put into writing.” Inherent to the platform’s structure is a very Hunger Games-style of gaining readers and making money. You’re constantly competing against other articles for people’s attention, and fighting against bigger and more established publications. This can be very discouraging for some bloggers—especially if you’re trying to launch a publication for the first time. “Sometimes, even if your article is posted into those huge exclusive publications, they don’t even get much engagement in the first place,” said another user. “So, it’s kind of like you’re fighting for nothing.” That’s some strong criticism that I can’t help but agree with to a certain extent. Medium is a platform for bloggers willing to put in the hours and craft content that people want to read, but it can be very discouraging both at the outset and after you start to gain traction. Final Thoughts on MediumMedium is a big player in the blogging space with the likes of former President Barack Obama and A-list celebs like Chrissy Teigen using the platform. Big brands like Patagonia also leverage the site to host their own blogs. It’s a good platform for building an audience if you’re diligent at it and publish consistently—but its lack of transparency when it comes to the algorithm, as well as its Partner Program, resulted in a lower rank on the list. Bottom line: Medium is a good all-around traditional blogging platform that gives you the opportunity of getting your writing in front of more people and potentially make some money blogging. Like our user panel said: It’s a blogging platform along with a social media platform. The downside is that there are limits on how high you can go as a part of Medium. You won’t own the traffic, and you won’t be able to do things like sell ad placements, for example, so your profit potential is quite limited. You can use Medium to get a feel for blogging, find your voice, and start attracting an audience. But once you gain a following, you’re better served jumping ship to another platform, like WordPress, that you have full control over. How We Chose Which Products to ReviewWe chose our top five blogging platforms by focusing on four essential qualities:
Tip: You can jump down below for an even more in-depth look at these criteria. We researched dozens of the most popular and prominent blog builders and platforms using the four elements above as a way to judge the blog builder’s quality. This process involved “lighter” research that looked different from platform to platform. We created accounts and built out simple test blog pages. We also looked at each of the platform’s features and tools across their payment plans if they had them. By doing this, we were able to get a sense of each blog site’s strengths, weaknesses, and target users. Finally, we narrowed down our list from 12+ to five once we felt like we had a set of products that exemplified each of the criteria in unique ways. We had a good amount of general knowledge, and some insights into the user interface for each platform at this point. But we didn’t know what it was like to use each product for years or what it was like to depend on these blogs for business. So we set out to find people who did. How We Reviewed Each ProductThe best way to understand the quality of a blogging platform is by talking to actual users. They’re the ones who have hands-on experience with the product, having spent anywhere from hours to years building their blogs. They know what’s working, what they love, and what needs to be improved. To get real reviews from real users, we reached out to users across each of the platforms in order to attain a panel of three users each. In all, we reached out to 116 users in order to gain our results. To verify they were actually users of the blog platform, we:
Once verified, we asked each user if they would be willing to either be surveyed or interviewed about their experience on the blog platform. What We Learned on Choosing the Best Blogging PlatformOur biggest takeaway from our research: There simply isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to blogging. A person using Medium is going to be a different blogger than a person using WordPress. The right platform for you is ultimately going to be unique to your needs. However, there are a few elements that we believe are universally applicable when it comes to looking for the right blogging platform. Easy Learning CurveIf you’re a new blogger, you probably don’t want to start out with an overly complex platform. You might feel ambitious and want to learn how to create a big website, but I highly recommend not doing so for two reasons: 1. You’re going to get burned out—fast. It’s easy to bite off way more than you can chew in the beginning. When that happens, you’re going to end up getting tired of your blogging project very fast. You might even abandon it completely as a result. 2. There are much easier (and better) ways to do it. All of the platforms on this list are easy to use, but some are easier to pick up than others. So find a platform that lets you launch quickly, cheaply, and easily. Medium and LinkedIn are fairly straightforward to get started: You just create an account and you can start publishing immediately after. You also don’t have to worry about things like domain names, web hosting, or even page customization with these choices. The platforms take care of all that for you. But if you’re a beginner who wants to own their platform with a personal blog site, Wix is the standout choice. Add a button, image, or embed a video–it only takes a few clicks. ![]() They have the easiest learning curve of any blog builder we’ve seen yet. And the users that we talked to had glowing reviews of their own experience using the platform. “[Wix’s] very intuitive and has great tools to create individual website designs,” one Wix user told us. So if you’re not afraid to get your hands a little dirty, then I highly recommend Wix. They’ll ultimately give you the best combination of simplicity and website power. Niche-Friendly CustomizationPerhaps the most important decision you can make for your blog is what topic you’ll be writing about. This is going to determine your audience, its size, and your ultimate success. No matter what you choose, you’re going to want to make sure that your blog allows you to customize its look and feel to fit your topic’s niche. This helps develop your blog and brand’s identity, and create a stronger relationship with your audience. As you can see above, the websites that we reviewed do not all have the same level of customization. For example, WordPress gives you many more opportunities to customize everything, from your website’s colors and article layouts to your domain name and the fonts that you use. If there’s something you can’t do right from your dashboard, you can simply install a plugin or a widget to get it done for you (or get your hands dirty with a little code). Both Wix and Squarespace follow WordPress in terms of customization. Each of these platforms offers thousands of themes you can use in order to choose the exact look and feel you want from your blog. They’re the best option if you want to go for a more traditional blog and own your own platform. Platforms like Squarespace even offer native tools to do things like add an ecommerce store to even further customize your blog. ![]() “One of the reasons why I recommend Squarespace to small businesses or bloggers is because you don’t need to go get a third-party plugin to add a shop or to have your Instagram in the footer, or create your email newsletter collection,” said Paige Brunton, the Squarespace design coach on our panel. “It’s really an all-in-one system, which is really wonderful.” Websites like LinkedIn and Medium offer limited customization options, only giving you the ability to change your logo and the images in your blog posts. However, the tradeoff is that they offer better ways to grow your audience. Audience-Building ToolsGood blogging platforms offer you different tools to grow your audience. This could come in the form of SEO tools (to help your posts rank better in search results) or they could help connect you with new readers on their own platform. For example, Medium is a great blogging platform if you want to tap into a large, existing audience and go viral. Be warned: It’s going to take work—and even then, success isn’t guaranteed. You’re beholden to their algorithm and that’s always going to come with risk. “Medium did help me grow my audience by pushing my best content,” one user told us. “But lately, this has stopped […] When it comes to attracting new readers I feel like Medium can do a lot more.” Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress have a variety of marketing tools, such as integrations with Google Analytics and SEO dashboards to help grow traffic. In fact, any tool that helps you elevate your search engine rankings can really help turbo-charge your audience building efforts. There’s a reason WordPress’s Yoast SEO tool is as popular as it is. When you focus on getting organic traffic, it saves you money you’d otherwise spend on digital ads on Facebook or Google. Overall, this is great if you want to have a much more hands on, under-the-hood approach to your growth strategy. Platforms like LinkedIn lack these tools. However, they can be a part of a bigger growth strategy by allowing you to make vital connections with influencers and change-makers in your industry. Those connections can really help grow your blogging reach as well. Profit PotentialLet’s be real: You want to make money with your blog. That’s totally fine. In fact, we encourage you to do so. However, the blog platform you ultimately choose is going to have a massive impact on how much money you can possibly make and how you make it. For example, with LinkedIn, you’ll be the most limited in your profit making potential. That’s because the platform won’t allow you to implement typical blog profit-making strategies such as on-page advertising—but you can still make money by promoting things like webinars, ebooks, and online courses. Medium offers its Partner Program that allows writers to earn money on their articles based on “member engagement.” That means if other people read, comment, and like your story, you’ll be paid by Medium on the strength of that. But, you still won’t be able to earn money from advertising. And also, their Partner Program seems to be a fairly difficult way to make a living of any sort. We even had one user tell us that they had to invest their own money to publicize their publication. Of course, you can still use those sites to make money via strategies like affiliate marketing or coaching and other freelance services. But remember: You’ll also be completely beholden to their algorithm for traffic. That means one algorithm change can mean the difference between making money and completely shuttering your business. That’s not an exaggeration either. Algorithm changes have been notorious for shutting down once successful blogs by throttling their traffic. If making money is important to you, then I highly recommend controlling your own platform by building your own blog with WordPress. You’ll be able to fully customize your site and build out your blog to optimize for profit. Platforms like Squarespace and Wix offer native ways of monetizing your blog by giving you tools to add ecommerce stores to your website. However, they don’t boast the same level of customization that WordPress does—and so you’ll be more limited in how you can make money and grow your blog. Wix, WordPress, and Squarespace give you a way of truly owning your blog at the end of the day. It’s your platform, so you can do with it what you want. You won’t have to worry about algorithm changes ruining your traffic. You’ll also be able to implement as many or as few profit-making methods as you please. The Top Blogging Platforms and Blog Sites in SummaryYour unique needs will determine the blogging platform you ultimately choose. I can see how some people would naturally gravitate to Wix as the easiest drag-and-drop blogging tool. But WordPress has everything you need to get the most out of your blogging experience. You’ll be able to find what you’re looking for using our list above and methodology to guide you. via Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/best-blogging-platforms/ Our recommendation for most people is Hostinger because it’s an affordable, fast, and reliable web hosting service. Sign up with Hostinger for as low as $1.99 per month. Go with the wrong web host and you’ll end up paying for more than bad service. You have to get this right because a reputable web host keeps your site online and helps you avoid unnecessary downtime. This guide explains the best types of web hosting for different situations. Use these reviews to find the best web host without breaking the bank. The Top 10 Best Web Hosting ProvidersThe best web host for the majority of our readers is Hostinger because it includes everything your website needs at a great price. Save up to 80% on Hostinger web hosting today.
![]() Our research team reviewed and tested dozens of web hosting providers to narrow it down to the 10 on this list. Each review covers the highlights and pricing for each web host. After the reviews is a buying guide to help you compare the best options. Hostinger – Best Overall
Hostinger offers dependable web hosting at a incredible price. Shared hosting plans start at $1.99 per month, which includes free weekly backups and enough bandwidth for 10,000 visitors to your site. Normally you have to back up your site yourself or pay extra, but you get that peace of mind for free with Hostinger. The most popular option is the Premium Shared Hosting plan which costs $2.99 per month. This lets you create up to 100 websites and host 25,000 visitors. You’ll also get a free domain for one year and a free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate to secure your website. ![]() The Premium Shared Hosting plan provides 100 GB SSD storage, which is enough for various website content. Should you need more space, upgrade to one of their VPS or cloud hosting plans. Hostinger uses its own control panel called hPanel. Thanks to the eye-catching and well-organized navigation icons, it’s user-friendly and easy to navigate. It also comes with an auto installer that lets you set up WordPress or other content management systems using only a few clicks. ![]() Another great feature is their dedicated WordPress dashboard on hPanel. You can manage several tasks, such as updating the core WordPress version, activating or deactivating plugins, and enabling maintenance mode from the hPanel. A navigation button lets you access your WordPress dashboard via hPanel with a single click. LiteSpeed Cache for WordPress (LSCWP) is automatically installed when you set up WordPress. Its server-level cache and other optimization features help you accelerate the website for a better user experience. Hostinger ensures your maximum online presence with its 99.9% uptime guarantee. Quick-response 24/7 live chat support will also assist you whenever you need help. For more information on Hostinger, including its plans, pricing, and benefits, check out our in-depth Hostinger web hosting review. DreamHost – Best Value for Shared Hosting
DreamHost is home to more than 1.5 million websites. People trust DreamHost because they provide fast websites, at great prices, in clear terms. The company has a 100% uptime guarantee and will compensate you if your site goes down. After signing up, if you are not happy with the performance, you can cancel within the first 97 days to receive a full refund. There are no surprises, just a streamlined web hosting experience that beginners can master quickly. Advanced users will be happy to find that they can access anything they need without having to upgrade plans. ![]() As far as shared hosting goes, DreamHost provides the most value of any web host out there. Free daily backups of your site? Unlimited traffic? It sounds too good to be true, but it’s not. As long as you’re running a legitimate website, you never have to worry about bandwidth or backups, even on DreamHost’s most budget-friendly hosting plans. Dreamhost keeps your contact information from being registered publicly with your domain. Almost all of web hosts charge a fee for this, but it’s free with DreamHost. It’s also a great option for WordPress hosting. DreamHost is one of three web hosts that is officially recommended by WordPress. It’s virtually hassle-free with one-click WordPress installation and automatic updates. If you have a WordPress site, DreamHost will migrate it free of charge. They also include a no-code WordPress website builder with every hosting plan. Roll out a new site quickly and make changes going forward, even if you’ve never built a site before. DreamHost shared hosting starts at $2.59 per month for one website with a Shared Starter plan. This is a great price for everything many small organizations will ever need. Our complete DreamHost review covers the plans and pricing in greater detail. Ticketed customer service is available 24/7, and you will always communicate with one of DreamHost’s in-house team. Phone support is an add-on for shared hosting plans, but you will be able to get help through email and live chat. Sign up with DreamHost today for low-stress, high-value web hosting. Bluehost – Best for New WordPress WebSites
Bluehost is one of the most popular web hosting companies in the world, especially among people launching their WordPress websites. Bluehost is one of three hosts that is officially recommended by WordPress, and we agree. They offer great rates and a beginner-friendly platform that makes every aspect of running a WordPress website easy. You can certainly build other types of websites on Bluehost, but it is definitely set up to work best with WordPress. Most of the time Bluehost will walk you through a task the first time, like setting up a blog or email account on your site. If you get stuck or have a problem, Bluehost has 24/7 support by phone or live chat. The support number and live chat options are listed right on the site, so you can reach out for help within two clicks. ![]() Installing WordPress takes one click, as do hundreds of other apps available in Bluehost’s deep app marketplace. Bluehost also offers fantastic analytics and SEO tools to track how well your website is ranking for specific keywords. This gives you a good idea of how you should optimize your site for the best search rankings. The Basic shared hosting plan is usually $9.99 per month, but there are major discounts if you are a new customer. If you sign up for three years and lock in the price, you can get it at $4.75 per month. Like other hosts, renewal pricing is higher than promotional pricing, so I recommend signing up for a longer contract to lock in the low price. Quick Sprout readers an even bigger discount on Bluehost. New customers can click here to get a rate of $2.75 per month when they sign up for a new three-year contract. If your site keeps growing and you want to upgrade, Bluehost gives you lots of options: managed WordPress hosting, VPS hosting, and dedicated hosting. When you are ready for more server power and control, you can grow and stick with the same provider. Bluehost is a very safe play for people who want to build their site with WordPress. If you want to use another content management system besides WordPress, there will probably be a little extra legwork and backend maintenance. Try Bluehost today and test-drive their web hosting with a risk-free, 30-day, money-back guarantee. You can also check out our full Bluehost review for a closer look at this web hosting provider. HostGator – Best for Simple Websites
HostGator offers all the hosting essentials you need at a great price, plus comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee. If you just need a standard business info website with products, services, “our story”, and so on, HostGator makes it as easy as possible. HostGator offers an extensive list of how-to guides for technical support. If you don’t find the answers you need, you can turn to phone, live chat, and email support. Unlike some hosts, HostGator does include support in all its plans. If you want a hosting plan that’s cheap and includes support, this is the host for you. If you want to get your hands dirty, there is a bit of a learning curve to taking advantage of their advanced options. HostGator does offer Windows hosting in addition to Linux, as well as a variety of options to upgrade, including cloud hosting, VPS hosting, managed WordPress, and a dedicated server. Shared hosting plans normally start at $2.75/month with a three-year contract. But QuickSprout readers can get up to 66% off new HostGator plans using the link. If you’re interested in trying HostGator, I recommend taking full advantage of the 45-day money-back guarantee and testing out their support thoroughly before committing. We have a complete review on HostGator that dives deeper into its web hosting capabilities and plan options. Overall, this is a great web host for simple deployment and uses like a company website that doesn’t necessarily see a ton of traffic each month. However, with VPS options, it’ll allow you to scale if you need. GreenGeeks – Best Eco-Friendly Hosting
GreenGeeks is an eco-friendly alternative to other web hosting providers. What’s that mean? It means the company uses renewable energy to power its web hosting services. So you can feel good about creating your website while showing your support for environmental sustainability. Aside from being good to the planet, GreenGeeks’ web hosting services are top-notch. They offer fast speeds, solid uptime, and great solutions for:
Bottom line: This is a fantastic option for eco-conscious businesses and websites. Here’s a look at its prices for shared hosting. ![]() Like other hosts, GreenGeeks provides an automatic one-click WordPress installer and auto-updates to keep your WordPress site up to date. It also provides daily backups and advanced security features in order to help you keep your data safe and secure. GreenGeeks also stays up to date with the latest technology like PHP7, SSD, CDN, and more. This helps make sure your website always stays fast and secure. Finally, 24/7 support is available by phone, chat, or via a ticket system. GreenGeeks support reps are typically very quick to respond and can assist with a wide range of issues. I’m a big fan of GreenGeeks for its great service and dedication to helping the planet with environmentally-friendly web hosting plans. If you’re looking for a “green” hosting company, GreenGeeks is just what you need. SiteGround – Best WordPress Certified Host For Speed and Security
SiteGround is built to deliver top-class speed and rock-solid security for WordPress hosting. Currently it’s running a huge promotion. You can get 80% off all annual hosting plans and a free website transfer. It makes a good deal even better. Hosting on SiteGround means you won’t have to worry about speed or security at all. It starts with the technology the hosting is built upon. SiteGround utilizes Google Cloud to maintain swift and stable connections, and SSD persistent data storage to ensure low latency. Of course, you’re not on the hook for any of this–you just have to sign up for SiteGround and launch your WordPress site–they’ll take care of the heavy lifting on the backend. ![]() SiteGround security is on constant alert. It runs server health checks every 0.5 seconds and its AI-driven anti-bot system blocks between 500,000 and 2 million brute force attack attempts every hour. This combination of speed and security can work for most sites. But as one of WordPress’ recommended web hosts, SiteGround is particularly skilled at delivering this performance for WordPress sites and includes an extra layer of security just for those sites. Plus, all SiteGround plans—not just the WordPress hosting options—include one-click WordPress installation, the WP Starter site builder, and auto-updates for both the WordPress platform and its plugins. For a limited time, you can receive up to 80% off all annual Site Ground hosting plans:
Keep in mind that each plan will renew at a higher rate after one year. SiteGround also gives you options at checkout to pay for a 24-month or 36-month term instead– and gives nice discounts on renewals longer than one year. Two-year renewals get a 20% discount on the base renewal rate and three-year renewals get 30% off. So, in terms of long-term value, you’re still getting the best deal by capitalizing on their great intro rate for one year up front. Altogether, SiteGround offers the best technology and services to host your WordPress site and keep it fast and safe for all visitors. Refer to our full SiteGround review for more information. A2 Hosting – Fast and Reliable Shared Hosting
A2 Hosting stands out for its great speed and low prices. It’s what the company is known for. At every hosting tier (shared, VPS, dedicated), A2 Hosting beats other hosts on speed. If you’re coming from another shared web host, you’re likely going to see an improvement in loading speed once you migrate to A2. With their Turbo Boost and Turbo Max plans, you’ll get access to their Turbo Servers. They boast that it’s 20x faster than their other servers and includes:
A2 Hosting also has a 99.9% uptime commitment on all plans so you know you’ll have a reliable host that won’t be down often. ![]() They offer free site migration with each plan too. If you’ve set your site up on a bad host and want to migrate, this is a fantastic deal. It’ll save you dozens of hours trying to get your site rebuilt. The A2 Hosting team takes care of it for you. Like many of the other web hosts, there are 1-click installs for all the popular CMS tools like WordPress, Magento, and Drupal. Plans start at $2.99 per month for a single website. If you plan on hosting multiple websites, you’ll need to get the Drive plan which is an extra $2/month after the promotional period ends. Our A2 Hosting review covers these plan options in greater detail. One trick to save money with A2 Hosting: the promotional prices end on renewal. To lock in the 63% discount for as long as possible, go for the tri-annual billing which will bill for three years at once. You’ll get 2 years of hosting for free. InMotion Hosting – Best VPS Hosting
InMotion is the host for you if you’re looking for a virtual private server (VPS). They have the best pricing around, along with top-notch customer support as an added value. Something you usually have to sacrifice for a better price. But not with Inmotion. With VPS hosting, you get more control over the server than you do with shared hosting. This is great, but you definitely need to know what you’re doing configuring a server. If you’re not super confident in the command line, you can opt for a managed VPS plan from InMotion. They’ll handle the technical side of things and keep an eye on security for you. For the developers out there, InMotion VPS includes optional root access with every plan. You won’t have to upgrade to make the changes you want to the server. ![]() Whenever questions come up, you can reach out to the company’s excellent customer support team. Don’t believe it? Try for yourself. InMotion’s 90-day free trial period gives you plenty of time to test out the quality of support. Managed hosting, great support, and the latest technology–these are the reasons people choose to go with InMotion. This is covered extensively in our InMotion web hosting review. I highly recommend this option for ecommerce. Online shoppers like a fast experience with no hiccups. With InMotion VPS you can ensure that your site has the resources it needs to handle any traffic spike. There are also a number of fail-safes built into the hosting platform. If anything happens to your server, InMotion will automatically spin your site back up almost instantly on a server in the same cluster. You also won’t have to worry about SSL certificates, which keep your shoppers’ credit card info private. All InMotion VPS plans include AutoSSL, which lets you enable this crucial protection for every website visitor with a single click. VPS hosting with InMotion gives you the speed you need along with the peace of mind that your site will always be safe and secure. Managed VPS hosting starts as low as $19.99 per month. Visit InMotion to find out if you can get an even better deal today. WP Engine – Best Managed WordPress Hosting
WP Engine is one of the best (if not the best) WordPress hosts out there. Full stop. They provide a truly excellent product, that’s highly optimized for WordPress websites. If you want all the storage and speed you can get for your WP blog or online store, this is the host for you. It does come at a price though. A fully managed WordPress host is noticeably more expensive than shared hosting providers. WP Engine’s lowest-priced plan is $20/month, and that’s only for one 10GB site with max 25,000 visitors/month. You get two months free when you sign up for a year, however, and can get an even better deal signing up through Quicksprout. ![]() Yes, the price tag is higher than other hosts, but when you factor in what WP Engine does, it’s an incredibly appealing option for WordPress site owners. As a managed WordPress host, WP Engine only provides service to WordPress users, which means its entire infrastructure can be optimized for WordPress. Your site will be wicked fast, there’s virtually no downtime, and lots of maintenance tasks get taken care of automatically. It also offers special plans for people who are running an online store with WordPress. These are much more expensive than managed WordPress hosting, but you’ll get access to premium WordPress ecommerce themes and other tools that would cost hundreds of dollars sold separately. Customer support is also laser-focused on WordPress, which makes for highly competent knowledgeable support staff available through tracked tickets and on live chat 24/7. To see how WP Engine stacks up against the crowd, I recommend reading our complete WP Engine review. Bottom line: If you want a blazing-fast WordPress site where everything is taken care of automatically, you’ll want WP Engine. You’ll be paying more in order to get a lot more. Nexcess – Best for Ecommerce Hosting
Nexcess is a web hosting solution from Liquid Web — a provider I’ve featured on my lists for best dedicated web hosting, best VPS hosting, and best WordPress hosting. So it’s no real shock that Nexcess makes my list of best web hosts. Where it really shines is managed ecommerce hosting. This is ideal for people who need a speedy site, but don’t want to be the one configuring the backend. Nexcess really specializes in these managed hosting arrangements, and offers a great selection of ecommerce platforms to build on:
Again, all of these are managed ecommerce hosting plans–you won’t be on the hook for configuring the server or troubleshooting issues that pop up. Need more speed? Not a problem. The Nexcess Cloud Accelerator—a feature that adds a layer to the cloud stack–increases the speed of your website’s loading time. That’s a huge boon because speed is everything when it comes to keeping your customers on your website and browsing. ![]() Pricing starts at $15.83 per month with an annual contract for WordPress. There are many more plans and rates available for each type of hosting, it just depends on the resources you need. This makes Nexcess perfect for any growing business looking to scale. No matter where you are with your business, there’s likely a plan for you with Nexcess. On top of that, it has a dedicated support team available 24/7 to help you address any technical issues as they occur. If you’re running an ecommerce website or if you have a startup that you know will grow quickly, Nexcess should definitely be in consideration. Prices vary depending on which CMS platform you want to use. But WordPress plans start at $13.30 per month. Additional Web Hosting ReviewsIn a broad top list post like Best Web Hosting, I considered how different options stack up against one another and how they fit within the general category. But there are more things to think about, like taking a deeper dive into individual hosting providers to learn more about their strengths and weaknesses. Likewise, you also want to think about the different types of web hosting available, and check out reviews of the providers that excel in those different categories. The following information will be helpful to you as you make your decision about the best hosting provider for your unique needs. Hosting Company ReviewsNarrowed your list to a few top options? Before you make that final decision, check out our detailed company reviews on some of the most popular web hosting services out there today.
Types of Web HostingNot clear on the different kinds of web hosting available? Wondering who is the best in a given category? No matter which criteria is most important to you, be sure to read up to learn more about it all in the following posts.
How To Find the Best Host for YouYou do not have to know anything about web development to get hosting. But knowing how to assess a few key factors helps a lot. I’ll hit on each one in this section. You’ll be able to assess your options, get something that works for you, and not have to worry about hosting again for a while. Featured Web Hosting Partner
So how do I evaluate web hosts? What actually matters? Let’s go through all the key items. Site UptimeUptime is the most crucial component of a good web host. If your site isn’t up, you won’t make money or gain an audience. First and foremost, you want a web host with great uptime. This means your site is always available and never goes down. To try to avoid the “just trust us” promise of near-perfect uptime, most hosts provide some sort of guarantee of at least 99.9 percent uptime. However, that guarantee isn’t much of a guarantee. It just means your bill can be discounted in the event of any unplanned downtime. HostGator, for example, will credit you one free month of hosting if your uptime ever dips below 99.9%. There’s a lot of fine print on these guarantees, too, including not accepting self-reported or third-party uptime data, and not providing refunds for downtime that was out of the host’s control (for example, a hurricane). Site SpeedSite speed impacts everything related to your site. Want search rankings? Get a fast site. Want conversions on your site? Make it fast. Want happy users? Speed it up. Every part of your business is impacted by the speed of your site. When looking at different web hosts, make sure you’re choosing a host that can serve every page lickety-split. There is some nuance with site speed. In the early days, you need a host that’s fast “enough.” It doesn’t have to be blisteringly fast, but it needs to be fast. Think of Amazon. Back in the day when Amazon just sold books, its site needed to be fast but it didn’t need to be instantaneous. But now that many people use it for all their shopping, Amazon’s site can’t be fast enough. In other words, the bigger you get, the faster you’ll want to be. If you’re planning on building a high-traffic site, you’ll want a host that can maintain crazy-fast speeds on large sites. Customer Support![]() When running your own site, web host customer support is the single most important thing a web host can offer. Digging through use reviews doesn’t always give you a conclusive answer on the quality of support at a particular web host. Watch out for glowing reviews on top publications, they don’t always reflect reality. There is one true test for assessing the customer support quality at any host. The free trial customer support test. Pretty much every web host has some sort of money-back guarantee on their shared hosting plans, which means you can set up your website and see what you think of the service with relatively low stakes — just your time and any add-on fees you opt into, like paying for domain registration. I recommend going to town with customer support during that trial period. Get on live chat, open tickets, and hop on the phone as much as possible to see if you like what you’re being served up. Most web hosts offer some sort of free trial period. I recommend using this time to really dig into your host’s customer support — its knowledge center and especially support staff across all channels. That’ll tell you the real story. Traffic VolumeThe amount of traffic that you get has a huge impact on the hosting that you need. For a site that gets 300 visitors every month, pretty much any standard hosting package will be good enough. As long as your web host has strong customer support, you’re good to go. As you get bigger, all sorts of small details start to matter a lot more. Is the PHP on your server being updated regularly? Do you have a CDN for your content? Is your site being backed up daily and can you restore it within 15 minutes if something goes wrong? Do you have an SSL certificate? Can your server handle a giant traffic spike during a marketing promotion? Whenever I have a larger site, I look for premium hosting that takes care of all this for me. And if I’m planning on building a large site, I look for a host that can easily scale to millions of visitors per month. I’m happy to pay a premium price in order to guarantee easy upgrades in the future. Don’t skimp if you’re going big. And if you plan to stay under 50,000 visitors/month, get a standard shared hosting package. There’s no reason to worry about the advanced stuff. PriceWhile you don’t want to overpay on hosting, you definitely don’t want to underpay either. Avoid choosing a host exclusively on price. Most basic web hosting plans are in the $10-$20/month range. Yes, there are cheaper options. Some of them are promotional offers that go away at renewals. Others are hosting plans with terrible support and uptime. My rule is if the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is. I also don’t worry about chasing promotional offers to save a few dollars. For every site I’ve ever managed, I used the same host without ever switching. Once you have a host you’re happy with, changing to save a few bucks isn’t going to be worth it. Promotional offers come and go pretty quickly. Migration FeaturesThe ability to easily and quickly migrate an existing site will save you weeks of time. Even a basic WordPress site can be a real hassle to migrate. First you have to set up a new WordPress install on your new host. Then you need to export the database of content from your old site and import it into your new one. Finally, you have to re-configure everything in WordPress like the theme, plugins, and settings. That’s a real pain–and it’s why I put together an entire guide on WordPress migration. Fortunately, it is possible to skip all these steps. Some hosts will offer a one-click migration for popular site builders like WordPress. If you’re switching hosts and handling the migration yourself, look for an easy migration feature. This is a great way to make the final decision once you’ve narrowed it down to a few final options. If you are really concerned, A2 Hosting has a team of specialists that will migrate your site for you free of charge. ![]() Managed HostingHere’s how a normal host works:
Alternatively, there are managed web hosts. These hosts customize the hosting environment and manage a lot more of it for you. WP Engine is the best example, they’re a managed host for WordPress. Instead of getting a cPanel login that lets me do anything I want, WP Engine gives me a login to their custom interface that’s built to manage WordPress sites specifically. When a web host is optimized exclusively for WordPress, three key things happen:
While I give up some flexibility from not having a basic web server like other hosts, a managed host takes care of a lot of ongoing tasks that I’d normally have to handle myself. If you have a small business site, a normal host is fine. If you’re building a larger site, a managed host will save you a ton of time in the long run and is worth the extra cost. The Top Web Hosting Providers in SummaryThe best hosting providers offer different types of web hosting, including shared hosting, cloud hosting, VPS hosting, WordPress hosting, and managed hosting. You also need to evaluate factors like uptime, site speed, and support. As your traffic grows, you need a hosting provider that can scale with your site. Whether you’re starting a new website or looking to switch providers, this guide has you covered. Featured Web Hosting Partner
via Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/best-web-hosting/ Want to cut to the chase? The best HR outsourcing service for almost anyone is Rippling or Paychex. Click here to get started with Rippling for just $8 per month. From recruiting and onboarding new employees to managing payroll and benefits, there is a lot that goes into keeping your team happy and healthy. If you’re not careful, it can be very easy for HR to drain your time and resources. The time wasted on HR-related tasks in the United States and the United Kingdom adds up to 40 million hours each month, equating to about $8.16 billion in productivity losses. And here’s the kicker: most of these tasks can be automated or outsourced—an HR employee or manager no longer needs to spend their time dealing with the administrative headaches of monitoring and managing employee data to the extent that they used to. Read on to learn the best ways to outsource your HR tasks and get back all that lost time. The 9 Best HR Outsourcing Services for Saving Time and Lowering HR CostsWe’ve tried countless HR outsourcing services over the years. Here are our top 9 recommendations for anyone who wants to save time on HR:
What Is HR Outsourcing?The human resources department is responsible for various important functions within a company, from payroll and benefits administration to recruiting and training. Managing these functions internally can be challenging for small businesses, which is why many companies outsource their human resources needs. In some cases, large companies may even outsource specific human resources functions, such as benefits administration. HR outsourcing is the process of hiring an external firm to handle all or some of the human resources functions for a business. By outsourcing these functions, businesses can save money and free up internal resources to focus on other priorities. In addition, HR outsourcing can help to improve company compliance with employment laws and regulations. Because of its time-saving, pain-killing, and cost-saving benefits, this model can be an attractive option for businesses looking to streamline their operations. How Outsourcing HR WorksHow HR outsourcing works depends on how you choose to outsource it. In general, you have two options:
The big difference here is that, with HRO, you’re partnering with a company to supplement your internal HR team. With PEO, your employees are still under their employer, the PEO partner. HR Outsourcing (HRO)When you use the HRO model, you won’t need to worry about the day-to-day tasks of HR. You’ll have a dedicated team of HR professionals working on your behalf to manage as many of the HR tasks as you need. HRO services can be a great option if you don’t have the internal resources to dedicate to HR or if you want to free up your current HR team to focus on strategic initiatives. With an HRO, there’s also flexibility in what services you can outsource. For example, you might only want to outsource your payroll function, or you might want to outsource the entire HR function. It all depends on your needs. Payroll is often one of the most popular functions to outsource because it’s complex and time-consuming. But benefits administration, recruiting, and employee onboarding are also popular functions to outsource. Partnering with a Personal Employer Organization (PEO)If you don’t have the resources to handle most HR duties internally, partnering with a PEO might be a better option. ![]() The co-employment model used by PEO providers means your employees will appear on the books of your provider for tax and legal purposes. However, you still maintain control over employee work assignments, promotions, firings, etc. A PEO manages your HR tasks and responsibilities. Some PEOs permit you to pick the specific services related to employment that you want them to handle. If you utilize this model, then the PEO has control over all of your company’s legal and financial practices associated with employment. This model is most commonly used by small to mid-sized businesses that don’t have the internal resources to dedicate to HR. When to Use a PEO and When to Use an HROBoth PEOs and HROs can be great options for businesses looking to outsource their HR needs. But how do you know which one is right for you? In most cases, the answer is to use an HRO to supplement your internal HR team and a PEO to outsource HR liability. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, a PEO might be a better option if you’re a small business with very limited resources because they can lower your insurance premiums. Although they may seem expensive at first, PEOs might actually save you money in the long run. That said, companies that use PEOs usually hire contractors or contract-to-hire team members rather than W-2 employees. They are also popular among companies that need employee visa sponsorships or other international HR support. Who Is HR Outsourcing For?The truth is, almost everyone could benefit from outsourcing their HR function to some degree. Here are a few boxes that you can check off to see if HR outsourcing is right for your business:
Even if none of the above apply to you, there’s a good chance that outsourcing at least some of your HR tasks can help improve efficiency and reduce costs. Any business that isn’t enterprise-level (i.e., they don’t have a network of employee relations, complicated salary variations, and numerous locations that would be challenging to explain to an outsourced provider) can likely find a way to outsource some part of their HR function. What Functions Do HR Outsourcing Services Provide?There are plenty of services that HR outsourcing services provide. Here are a few of the most common. Payroll Processing and AdministrationOne of the most commonly outsourced HR functions is payroll processing and administration. This includes tasks like calculating hours worked, withholding taxes, and issuing paychecks or direct deposits. It can also include more complicated tasks like managing 401(k) contributions, calculating commissions, and dealing with garnishments. Payroll is often outsourced because it’s time-consuming and requires a high degree of accuracy for bookkeeping and liability purposes (in addition to employee retention). It’s also a compliance-heavy task, meaning there’s a greater risk of error. Mistakes made on employee payroll can be minuscule—maybe a few dollars were left off an employee’s commission check. But sometimes, payroll errors can result in lawsuits, legal trouble with the IRS, or employee termination. In other words, outsourcing payroll is a good idea if you want to minimize the risk of making a mistake. Benefits AdministrationAnother popular HR function that’s often outsourced is benefits administration. This includes tasks like enrolling employees in health insurance, calculating premiums, and managing retirement accounts. Benefits administration is often outsourced for the same reasons as payroll—it’s time-consuming, detail-oriented, and compliance-heavy. However, there’s an additional reason that benefits administration is commonly outsourced: because it can be infinitely complex. Especially if you offer a lot of different benefits (like health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, etc.), managing them all internally can be a daunting task. Enrolling employees in the right benefits, calculating premiums correctly, and keeping up with ever-changing regulations is a lot to handle—especially if you’re not a benefits expert. Legal ComplianceWorker’s compensation regulations and EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity) laws are critical to any business—but they’re also ever-changing and difficult to keep up with. That’s why many businesses choose to outsource their compliance needs to experts. These experts can help you stay up-to-date on the latest compliance issues, ensuring that your business is protected from legal trouble. Employee Training and OnboardingSometimes, the employee onboarding and training processes can be tricky, especially if you have many new employees or your business is growing quickly. In these cases, it can be helpful to outsource employee training to an expert. These experts can help design and implement training programs that will ensure that your employees are properly trained and equipped to do their jobs. RecruitingOne of the most popular HR functions that companies outsource is recruiting and staffing. This includes tasks like posting job openings, searching for candidates, screening them, conducting interviews, and background and reference checks. Recruitment agencies often have a large network of candidates they can reach out to, which saves businesses the time and effort of finding candidates on their own. They also often have expertise in screening and interviewing candidates, which can help businesses find the best employees for the job. Performance ManagementQuarterly reviews, annual performance evaluations, and setting goals are all important aspects of performance management. But they can also be time-consuming and difficult to keep track of, even if there is a manager who can take care of everything. Outsourced experts can help design and implement incentive programs, bonuses, and other ways to improve employee productivity and motivation. They can also help with setting goals and objectives and measuring and tracking progress. Especially if an organization lacks the expertise to go about these challenges on its own, outsourcing performance management can be a great solution. The Pros and Cons of Outsourcing Your HR ProgramOf course, like anything else, there are pros and cons to outsourcing your HR program. Benefits of Outsourcing HROutsourcing saves money. It may seem counterintuitive that paying someone else to do something would save your company money. But when you factor in the cost of training, benefits, and compliance, it’s often cheaper to outsource HR than to do it yourself. It frees up time. Time is money, and with HR outsourcing, you’ll save both. By offloading the time-consuming tasks of HR to an outsourced partner, you and your team will have more time to focus on other aspects of running your business. It offers expert help. When you outsource HR, you’re getting the expertise of a whole team of HR professionals. This is especially helpful if you don’t have an in-house HR team or if your team is small. Your benefit premiums will be lower. When you outsource HR, your business will often be able to take advantage of the economies of scale and get lower benefits premiums. Cons of Outsourcing HROffloading certain activities makes the overall employee experience impersonal. When recruitment or performance management is outsourced, it can often feel like a cold process. This is because the people conducting these activities are often doing them for multiple clients and won’t have the time to get to know each employee. It can be difficult to build trust with an outside partner. This is especially true if you’re outsourcing HR for the first time. It’s important to do your research and find a reputable HR outsourcing partner that you can trust. You might lose control. When you outsource HR, you’re giving up some control of the process. This can be difficult for businesses that like to have a lot of control over their operations. HR corrections will take longer to make. Since you won’t be handling HR in-house, there will be an inherent lag time that comes with making changes. For example, if you need to change your benefits package, it will take longer to implement when you outsource HR. What to Look for In an Outsourced HR PartnerIf you’ve decided that outsourcing HR is the right decision for your business, the next step is choosing an HR outsourcing partner. Here are a few factors to keep in mind when making your decision. CompatibilityIt’s important to find an HR outsourcing partner that is compatible with your business. This means they should understand your industry and your company’s culture well. Keep in mind that this will require some input from you. Before you start looking for an HR outsourcing partner, take some time to document your company’s culture and what you’re looking for in your new hires. This will help you find a partner that is compatible with your business. CostOf course, you’ll want to find an affordable HR outsourcing partner. But be careful not to choose the cheapest option. The most important thing is to find an HR outsourcing partner that provides good value for the price. ReputationWhen you’re entrusting someone with your HR needs, you’ll want to ensure they have a good reputation. Do some research and read online reviews to get a sense of what other companies think about the HR outsourcing partner you’re considering. Industry ExpertiseIn some cases, it can be helpful to find an HR outsourcing partner with expertise in your industry. Some HR outsourcing service providers offer tailored services based on the niche or industry you operate in. This is particularly true for industries with complex HR needs, such as healthcare and emerging tech spaces like mobile app development. Final Thoughts About Outsourcing HRWhen outsourcing your human resources operation, there are a lot of moving parts. You need to inform your new partner about your company culture, values, and important things to your business. Outsourcing HR can be a great way to free up time and resources so you can focus on other aspects of your business. It can also help you lower your benefit premiums and access the expertise of a team of HR professionals. But without an effective communications plan, it can be easy for things to fall through the cracks. Establishing a good relationship with your new HR outsourcing partner is critical to the arrangement’s success. And if you want to maximize employee retention, you’ll need to put a little extra effort into making sure your employees feel valued and appreciated. via Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/outsourcing-hr/ Ongoing work-related stress often leads to burnout, affecting productivity, motivation, and even physical and mental health. Although some occupations are more susceptible than others, workplace burnout can happen to anyone. In fact, Deloitte research found that 77% of people have experienced work-related burnout. Preventing employee burnout starts with a solid strategy and a management team dedicated to employee wellness. As an employer, this guide can help you navigate the steps necessary to avoid workplace burnout and improve employee health and productivity. How to Prevent Burnout in the Workplace in 7 Easy StepsActive support from employers and management can lead to higher job satisfaction and overall wellness. We explain in detail how the following steps can curb workplace burnout:
Burnalong is corporate wellness software that helps employers manage wellness programs for their employees. Its inclusive classes, motivational features, and simple management tools make it ideal for companies seeking an easier way to blend productivity and wellness. Request a free demo of Burnalong to try it for yourself. Step 1: Invest in a Corporate Wellness ProgramWorkplace burnout isn’t new, but it may be increasing. APA’s 2021 Work and Well-being Survey found that workplace-related physical fatigue increased by 38% from 2019. The need to address employee health before burnout is there, and corporate wellness programs could be the answer. Corporate wellness programs can improve physical and mental health by targeting healthy habits. These programs give employees access to educational resources, goal-setting help, and classes and events that motivate them to lose weight, reduce stress, stop smoking, and more. By adopting a wellness program in the workplace, you let your employees know that their well-being matters and that the healthy habits they have in their personal lives are just as crucial at work. The first step should be putting an individual or team in charge of your company’s wellness program. Your wellness team can assess the company’s current policies, note areas of improvement, and bring ideas to decision-makers. They’ll also be responsible for detailing, overseeing, and implementing a corporate wellness strategy. Corporate wellness software can assist with the overseeing part, as these tools can do everything from recommending classes to tracking each employee’s progress. An excellent option is Burnalong, which is a digital health and wellness program specifically designed with inclusivity and overall wellness in mind. Regardless of your team’s abilities, goals, and needs, Burnalong can meet them wherever they are. The Burnalong platform includes access to online fitness classes, meditation training, support for health conditions, and science-backed wellness tips. Employees can also connect their fitness wearables and track their progress through their online portal. ![]() Burnalong ensures that your wellness program connects with your company’s culture, too. Teams can connect with one another through social communities and participate in challenges and events to cheer each other on. After implementing corporate wellness software into your workplace, you might consider creating a rewards program to incentivize workers to focus on their physical and mental health. For instance, design a points system with redeemable points for rewards or offer additional time off for top performers each quarter. Step 2: Get a Solid Team on Your SideWorkplace burnout often occurs when your employees have more responsibilities than they should have. This can happen when you need more people to delegate various tasks to, causing employees to pick up work that isn’t necessarily in their position’s scope. First, identify the reason why you don’t have enough people to carry out your business’s tasks without feeling overwhelmed. Is the hiring manager dropping the ball? Are you cutting too many financial corners? Is high turnover an issue? Once you’ve pinpointed the issue, you can develop a strategy to correct it. For example, a budgeting issue requires meeting with your accountant or financial department to see where you can make room for more help. A high turnover rate may require you to makeover your hiring and training process. As you work to correct significant bottlenecks in your hiring process, you might consider turning to freelancers to take some of the load off the shoulders of your employees. Freelancers typically specialize in a specific skill, like graphic design, marketing, or recruiting. Unload the tasks that are most overwhelming to your team right now onto skilled freelancers until you find the right candidates for more permanent roles. Your business can also keep a few freelancers handy for occasional, as-needed work to cater to the ebbs and flows of your business, especially if you tend to have seasonal peaks and plateaus. Once your team settles into a routine, be sure to set and adhere to clear boundaries and duties for each employee and freelancer to prevent overlap and potential burnout in the future. Step 3: Provide Flexible Working Options and SchedulesThe University of Michigan’s Human Resources department explains the importance of flexible work for modern workers: increased productivity, higher satisfaction, and better overall employee health. Giving your team options is one of the best things to do as an employer. The following are a few ways you can promote flexibility in your working environment and scheduling processes:
Step 4: Prioritize Effective ManagementThe happiest employees and workplaces have effective leaders who know how to keep things moving without being overbearing. To create a healthier and more productive work environment, businesses should start with their management team. Effective leaders typically have excellent communication skills, allowing others to voice their opinions while actively listening and sharing constructive feedback and ideas. They also understand how to resolve conflicts, make crucial decisions, and remain transparent. Perhaps most importantly, effective managers don’t hesitate to recognize employees when they’ve done something to deserve recognition, even if it’s as seemingly insignificant as showing up on a challenging day. If your leaders don’t fit the bill, that doesn’t mean they can’t get there. But, it may be time to implement a training program that targets decision-making, transparency, collaboration, and respect in the workplace. In addition to training, you can find opportunities to invest in your leaders. For instance, you might pay for them to participate in workshops and events where they can become inspired by respected leaders. Or, offer continuing education reimbursement that encourages them to keep striving to become better. Business owners should also be mindful of the impact they have on their management teams. Leading by example is one of the best ways to boost overall company morale and, therefore, performance. Step 5: Leave Plenty of Room for AdvancementMost people won’t be truly happy with their jobs if they feel like they’re not working toward anything attainable. Research shows that a leading reason determinate factor in career happiness is the availability of advancement opportunities. Tuition reimbursement, certification programs, and company-sponsored webinars and workshops can all promote professional development and advancement. Hosting or paying for employees to participate in networking events can also be helpful. Even with these benefits in place, businesses should develop in-house pathways to advancement, leaving the doors open for proven candidates to enter new positions at the same company. Internal promotions not only save businesses time and money resources, but they also give employees a reason to have goals and work hard to achieve them. An employee development program helps businesses and their employees work together to create a professional development strategy. In the plan, the employee states their professional goals, and the business lists resources and steps to assist the employee with those goals. This program can tell businesses which people are interested in various positions while outlining specific steps to help those employees get closer to advancement. This ongoing document should be updated regularly—at least once annually—and can be amended as an employee completes or changes their goals. The example of an employee development plan below comes from SlideTeam. It names the employee’s goals for improvement and lists the company’s resources and plans to assist that employee. ![]() With an employee development plan in place for each employee, your business creates pathways to success. Be sure to appoint a person or team dedicated to conducting periodic reviews of each plan and holding meetings with each employee to ensure company adherence. Step 6: Give Employees a VoiceThe workplace should be a safe place for employees to voice their concerns, offer suggestions, or ask questions. Most importantly, they should feel comfortable sharing what they need to without being judged or penalized. Open communication policies can help workers express themselves authentically and feel like valued members of the workplace. Both of these can lead to a higher level of psychological well-being and, therefore, a reduction of potential burnout. Using a tool like The Happiness Index can be a smart move for encouraging constructive workplace communication. The platform collects anonymous feedback and data from surveys so that workers can safely share their opinions while companies can gain insight into how their workers feel. ![]() Hosting regular meetings is also important for facilitating face-to-face discussions, allowing workers to bounce ideas off one another. Workers can also validate one another with their questions and concerns during these meetings. Step 7: Encourage Team BondingA bonded workplace can become a happier workplace. Building connections between employees and leaders can lead to a healthier workplace culture with a foundation of respect, understanding, and even friendship. There are many ways to encourage your teams to bond that go beyond traditional holiday parties or networking events. Instead, think outside the box for both everyday bonding activities and occasional excursions that strengthen teams. For example, your office might host a weekly or monthly bonding session with varied activities. Your team might play a group game like Telephone that can get everyone laughing or host a monthly field day with activities like sack races, flag football, and laser tag. Scavenger hunts, compliment circles, and social lunches are also simple everyday activities that can bring workers closer together and boost their overall workplace happiness. Final Thoughts About How to Prevent Burnout in the WorkplaceWorkplace burnout happens when employees are overwhelmed with responsibilities and workplaces lack effective management, communication, and bonding. Prioritizing employee health and wellness should be a primary responsibility of all business owners. To prevent burnout in the workplace, consider investing in a corporate wellness program, offering flexible work opportunities, and hiring and training the right leaders. Also, encourage advancement with clear employee career plans, and give workers a safe space to voice their ideas and concerns. via Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/how-to-prevent-burnout-in-the-workplace/ When hiring for your company, having a recruitment strategy brings in more qualified candidates. It saves you time and money while increasing efficiency among your hiring staff and helping you find the right applicants sooner. You need a recruitment strategy tailored to your company, so knowing how to create one by using the right tools and taking the right steps is vital to how your hiring process will go. What Are Recruitment Strategies?A recruitment strategy is a hiring plan that works to target and attract your ideal candidates for the role. It opens more opportunities to hire exceptional talent that fits your business needs and company culture. The right recruitment strategy varies based on your business and hiring goals. Your strategy should lay out important parts of the hiring process to clearly define the role you’re hiring for, where you want to post the position, when to list the job online, and how you’ll evaluate each candidate. A recruitment strategy works to standardize the hiring process so that all candidates and criteria get evaluated equally. ![]() The same recruitment strategy won’t work for every business, so it’s important to take the elements that benefit yours most and use them to your advantage. For example, you’ll want to consider which platforms and methods work best for finding candidates in your industry. Many recruitment strategies involve hiring a contract recruiter as an expert who knows where and how to find the right people for your company. You can also use recruiting software, like Zoho Recruit, to make the process even easier. A good recruitment strategy will connect you with passive candidates and let them know you need their skills and talents. It will also attract high-quality applicants who are actively searching for positions like the one you’re hiring for. Instead of throwing your posting into the void, a recruitment strategy customizes your hiring process. Benefits of Having a Recruitment StrategyYou’ll see immediate benefits throughout the hiring process with a proactive recruitment strategy. The right one will drastically cut down the time you spend searching for qualified candidates, as well as the time spent on repetitive tasks like sorting resumes. Because you will have more accurate knowledge of which candidates fit your company, you’ll spend less time conducting interviews. You’ll likely have to interview fewer candidates before you find a good fit. By clarifying the role and your expectations in the job posting early on, your candidates will come in with a better understanding of what you want, leading to better communication during your interviews. ![]() Along with greater efficiency, you’ll have more successful interviews that give you a better idea of which candidates have the most experience and compatibility with the position and company. You can also ask better questions, evaluate candidates more accurately, and set clearer expectations. A recruitment strategy gives you access to more candidates in niche spaces to create more lasting connections. For example, if you connect with prospects at a job fair and they sign up for your newsletter, they are more likely to remember you when you’re hiring for another position. Perhaps most importantly, you make better hiring decisions. As a result, your recruitment strategy has the lasting benefit of employee retention. When you hire an employee who is a good fit, they stay with the company longer because they know what to expect when they accept the job. Recruitment strategies help you hire new talent faster and prevent other employees from burning out. That means those employees are also more likely to stay with your company. You create an environment where employees feel valued by fulfilling their expectations and being consistent with your processes, including hiring. What You Need to Get Started with Your Recruitment StrategyWhether you hire a contract recruiter or keep things internal, recruiting software helps you keep track of what you post, where you post it, and when you posted it. Zoho Recruit is a great Applicant Tracking System (ATS) that shows your progress and organizes the hiring process. Zoho Recruit shows you who’s applied, where they are in the process, their skills, and other relevant information. This becomes an asset when you have a lot of applicants, as it saves time for hiring staff and improves productivity. ![]() When you first create your recruitment strategy, determine your hiring needs before anything else. This gives you insight into what you should put in the job listing, helps you find the best job boards, and leads you to the most qualified candidates. You’ll want to include the hours, salary, benefits, and duties for the position, along with relevant company information and anything else your candidates need to know before they apply. Have this information on hand when you speak to potential contract recruiters, too. Make sure you choose the right contract recruiting firm if you go this route—and it does benefit you to work with an expert. Each firm has different niches and specialties within those niches. Choosing the best fit not only for your industry but for your company is a game changer. How to Find the Right Software for RecruitmentA good ATS helps you process applicants more efficiently and shows you the best ones based on the skills you’re hiring for. It keeps your applicants organized in its system, sorts resumes, and tracks the interview process for each person. Your recruiting software should simplify your hiring process and solve the problems you spend the most time correcting manually, like resume screening. It should also integrate seamlessly with other tools you use in order to streamline the process. ![]() When searching for the best software for recruiting, consider a solution that helps you source applicants, increases candidate engagement, and keeps candidates informed during the hiring process. You’ll want a system that can screen applicants and resumes to help you choose the most qualified candidates to interview. Some software even manages the actual hiring stages for new employees. Zoho Recruit is one of the best ATS solutions to support your recruitment strategy. It keeps track of everything for you with features that keep you and your candidates in the loop. With its more advanced packages, you can also send out job offer letters, organize onboarding paperwork, and generate reports for your hiring process. Zoho Recruit has a Standard package for $25 per user per month, and you can upgrade with a $25 jump in price to its Professional and Enterprise plans. Standard has plenty of hiring resources to make the process more efficient, including candidate sourcing and resume management. It also integrates well with other platforms for a cohesive candidate search. The more advanced plans add more in-depth capabilities, including portal management, candidate assessments, and custom functions. It’s designed to bring in more qualified candidates, so you hire the cream of the crop. Best Strategies for RecruitmentNot all recruitment strategies work for every company. For example, a business looking for a manager at an IT company will probably need to use a different approach than a biotech company hiring for an entry-level lab position. A contract recruiter can help you determine the best places to search for your candidates and the right approach for your specific company. The best recruitment strategies involve combining a few different tactics for a comprehensive approach. Before you post your job, create a description that stands out among the others in your field. Have a specific job title that interests applicants while immediately offering basic relevant information about the position. ![]() Write an overview of the position that provides information about your company and the role you’re hiring for. Don’t forget to include the core responsibilities and expectations of the role. Many applicants also want to know about the company culture, so be sure to include that, too, as it narrows the playing field and encourages people who want to work in that environment to apply. Use social media to find applicants on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Your strategy should also include checking resumes that potential candidates have posted online. Look at people who are already working in similar roles, and circle back to past candidates if you had applicants that weren’t right for other positions. You should claim your company page on sites like Indeed to demonstrate engagement and a more official presence. Attend industry meetings and events, such as job fairs, where you’ll find more candidates looking for work in your field. Lastly, your presence as a company matters even while you’re interviewing. It’s not just about having an official stamp online. When your candidates come in to interview, treat them like you want them there. Be enthusiastic, respectful, and hospitable. Offer your contact information at the end, so they can reach out with questions during the hiring process, especially if you invite them to take further steps. Covering all your bases with a recruitment strategy means you’re more likely to see success faster and spend less time searching for your ideal employee. Recruitment Strategy TrendsAs with the job market itself, recruiting goes through trends over time. What worked for your company a few years ago may not be as effective now, and it’s important to research these trends—or hire someone who knows them—before you start recruiting. Catering to these trends makes the hiring process faster and shows more applicants your posts. Right now, recruitment marketing matters. We touched upon it in the last section, but this strategy essentially uses broad marketing strategies, like social media and SEO, to attract and find ideal candidates while enticing them to apply to your company or organization. More employers today are targeting younger generations, too, which means meeting those people where they are online and in the world. ![]() Companies are also implementing more practices that will attract employees, including remote work opportunities, flexible schedules, and payroll, and using virtual, AR, and AI technology to onboard, train, and support employees in their work. More employers have shifted their focus to ethical leadership, inclusion, and equity in the workplace. This shows many applicants which companies they may feel safer and more comfortable working for as they devote attention to employee needs. Throughout the pandemic, the gig economy boomed, so more companies are now hiring for project-based work, too. Paying attention to these recruitment strategy trends and how they evolve will keep you ahead of competitors so that more people see your jobs and apply. Using recruiting software like Zoho Recruit is vital to keeping up with these trends, and it’s part of the supportive technology more companies are adopting. Zoho Recruit helps you sort applications, automate hiring tasks, and directs you to the best candidates who then become star employees. While some people view technology as detrimental to the workforce, platforms like Zoho Recruit make a difference in hiring the right talent where it’s needed and take the guesswork out of the hiring equation. How to Know if Your Recruitment Strategies Are SuccessfulIf your recruitment strategies succeed, you’ll see it in your hiring efficiency, candidate quality, and even employee retention. Your hiring team will spend less time screening and filtering resumes, in part thanks to software like Zoho Recruit that does it for you. This software is one of the easiest changes you can make to improve your recruitment strategy, and it will help beyond the hiring process. With a more tailored recruitment strategy, you’ll see more qualified candidates who suit the role and your company or organization culture come through. The hiring process will feel less like a drag and more like you’re making real progress on your search based on your candidates and interviews. ![]() Hiring candidates best suited to the position increases the likelihood of the employees you hire staying with your company. As a result, you have to hire for fewer positions and less often, as employees feel they fit their roles and your company meets their expectations. It saves your business money when you spend less of it on recruitment, and you free up more time for your employees to work on more important tasks. You pay less to keep your job on job boards and have fewer expenses related to hiring new employees when the same ones stick around for years. Final Thoughts about Recruitment StrategiesRecruitment strategies take your hiring process to the next level by showing your job postings to the right candidates and making it easier to seek out high-quality applicants. They bring in more qualified employees, make the hiring process more efficient, and boost employee retention when your strategies target the right people. Plus, with some simple changes, including using recruiting software like Zoho Recruit, you can transform your hiring process immediately. Implementing a recruiting strategy means researching current recruiting trends, doing recruitment marketing, and sometimes hiring a contract recruiter, especially if you don’t have in-house staff dedicated to these tasks. A recruitment strategy will save your business time and money while allowing your staff to focus on other tasks. It works to make your hiring process and your business more cohesive while putting you ahead of your competition. via Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/recruitment-strategies/ Want to just get started? Click here to sign up for ZenBusiness and start an LLC in Ohio today. If you’re starting an LLC in Ohio, you’ve come to the right place. Running a business is a tall task, but you need to handle the legal formalities with the state before you can operate. The idea of filling out complicated forms, managing tax compliance, and applying for business licenses can be intimidating for an entrepreneur. Fortunately, this guide simplifies the LLC registration process in Ohio. Top LLC Services to Start an LLC in OhioIf you want to start an LLC in Ohio, you’ll need an LLC service. Here’s the best options.
You can read our full reviews of each LLC service here. 5 Steps to Start an LLC in OhioJust follow the tips and steps described in this guide, and you’ll be up and running with ease.
![]() The Easy Parts of Starting an LLC in OhioThere are a lot of advantages to starting an LLC in Ohio. If you’re currently operating as a sole proprietor, the LLC formation gives you added liability protection for your business. You can shield your personal assets if the company gets sued or owes money to creditors. Many entrepreneurs forming an LLC in Ohio worry about the documentation and filing requirements. But this process is hassle-free if you use an online formation service. ZenBusiness is an excellent option for anyone starting an LLC in Ohio. ![]() With platforms like ZenBusiness, you don’t have to worry about filling out complicated paperwork or filing formation documents with the Ohio secretary of state office. You just need to provide some basic information about your company and what you’ll be doing—ZenBusiness will take care of the rest. Simplicity and accuracy are two of the main reasons why this service is so helpful. If you file your Ohio LLC formation paperwork on your own, it’s much more susceptible to errors and mistakes. This will cause delays in the formation process and could push your start date back for months. ZenBusiness ensures that your documents are filed quickly and accurately so you can get to work immediately. The formation plans offered by ZenBusiness are affordable as well. There are three options, starting at $0 plus state filing fees. At first glance, it might seem cheaper to start an LLC in Ohio on your own. But using a formation service is well worth the marginal cost. The Difficult Parts of Starting an LLC in OhioWhile forming an LLC in Ohio definitely has its fair share of advantages, there are also a few drawbacks to consider. Ohio has a commercial activity tax (CAT). This is an annual fee imposed on Ohio businesses, including LLCs, with taxable gross receipts of $150,000 or more in a calendar year. Failing to comply with this tax law could result in a penalty of up to 10% of the tax due. In some cases, the state could even revoke your ability to operate. So it’s important to stay on top of this tax law. Depending on your industry, you’ll also need to apply for business licenses and permits and keep everything up to date for compliance purposes. The legal aspects of starting an LLC in Ohio are just the beginning. Once the state officially recognizes you as an LLC, you still need to run a profitable business. Securing office space, finding customers, paying bills, buying equipment, hiring employees—the list goes on and on. Running a business isn’t easy. You’ll learn this quickly if you’re a first-time Ohio business owner. Step 1 – Name Your Ohio LLCThe first thing you need to do is finalize your name. Depending on your situation, this step is easier said than done. Some of you might already have a great name in mind. Others will need to brainstorm to find a unique name that’s brandable for your Ohio LLC. Take your time going through this process, as your business name will stick with you for a long time. Search the Ohio Secretary of State Business Name DatabaseOnce you’ve landed a name you like, you need to make sure that it’s available. If another business in Ohio has already registered that name, you’ll need to come up with something else. Navigate to the Ohio business name database on the secretary of state website. This will help you find active business names, canceled business names, and dead business names in Ohio. The database isn’t the most user-friendly tool on the web. But you don’t want to register a name too similar to another business. It’s also worth noting that Ohio law requires you to put one of the following in your name:
I recommend using ZenBusiness to help with this process. All plans come with a name availability search. The ZenBusiness formation experts will search the Ohio database on your behalf to verify the name’s availability. If your requested name is unavailable, you’ll be contacted to come up with an alternative name before the formation process continues. If you’re struggling to find a name for your Ohio LLC, ZenBusiness has tools to inspire you, where you enter keywords related to your business to get a quick list of potential names. Reserve Your NameThe best way to secure your name is to file your LLC formation documents immediately. But some of you might not be ready to proceed with that just yet. If you’re in love with your name and want to make sure nobody else registers it before you complete the formation process, you can reserve that name directly with the Ohio secretary of state. Just fill out Form 534B. The application can be filed online or submitted by mail. There’s a $39 fee associated with the application, and you can reserve the name for 180 days. This should give you plenty of time to get everything in order to file your formation documents. Alternatively, you can use the ZenBusiness name reservation service. ![]() If you plan on using ZenBusiness to form your LLC, using them for the name reservation also makes sense. Then you’ll already have your account set up, which will streamline the formation process when you’re ready to proceed. Register a Trade Name (Optional)You can always register your LLC name with the state but do business using another name. This is commonly known as a DBA (“doing business as”), but the Ohio secretary of state office refers to this as a “trade name” or “fictitious name.” Some of you might not love the name you settled on previously. While that might be your official name with the state, you can come up with something more creative and brandable down the road. For example, let’s say your Ohio business name is “Crown Holdings, LLC.” You could always register a trade name like “John’s Hardware Store” and use that name to conduct business. Another reason a company might want to have a trade name is if you filed as a specific name, such as “John’s Taco Stand,” and want to have a more broad trade name, like “John’s Restaurant.” You can download forms 524A from the Ohio secretary of state website or fill out an application online to register a trade name. There’s a $25 application fee associated with this form. Or you can use ZenBusiness to register a DBA. Step 2 – Appoint a Registered AgentEvery LLC in Ohio must name a registered agent or statutory agent. The agent can be a natural person who is a resident of Ohio. Alternatively, certain corporations, businesses, and professional associations can be registered agents in Ohio. Here are some other quick rules to know about Ohio registered agents to comply with state laws:
Your registered agent does not need to have the same address as your LLC. Technically, you could be your own registered agent, but we advise against that. Most business owners don’t want to be available in person during all normal business hours. Plus, it could be embarrassing if you receive lawsuit paperwork in front of customers or employees. Even if you’re operating an LLC from your home, you probably don’t want your address to become available in the state public records. Registered agents can receive requests for things like permits, annual reports, and tax forms. So you don’t want to trust this responsibility to just anyone. Fortunately, you can use ZenBusiness as the registered agent for your LLC in Ohio. ![]() ZenBusiness’s registered agent services are $199 annually and help your business stay compliant, protected, and organized. It also comes with worry-free compliance, worth the extra money, in our opinion. This extra feature sends you updates and alerts to ensure you won’t miss any deadlines. It also covers your annual report filing and two amendments per year so you can remain in good standing with the state. If you sign up for a ZenBusiness LLC formation package, you’ll get 25% off the registered agent service in your first year. You’ll need these services, so it’s a great deal to bundle them together. Step 3 – Draft and File Your LLC Formation PaperworkNow it’s time to officially file your LLC formation paperwork with the Ohio secretary of state. This is what you’ll need to legally register your LLC as a business entity in Ohio. Articles of OrganizationThe initial article of organization paperwork from the Ohio secretary of state is Form 533A, and there’s a $99 filing fee. Instead of filling out the paperwork yourself, you can use ZenBusiness to do it for you. You’ll need to answer some questions about your business, and the service will fill out the articles of organization and file everything on your behalf. The articles of organization will include information like:
Standard filing times come with the entry-level ZenBusiness formation package ($0 plus state fees). But the Pro and Premium packages come with expedited and rush filing speeds. These start at $199 and $299, respectively. So if you want to start your Ohio LLC ASAP, ZenBusiness can make that happen. Operating AgreementWhile you won’t be required to file an operating agreement with the state, this is a crucial part of the LLC formation process. Operating agreements are legally binding forms that outline members’ rules, regulations, and provisions. All ZenBusienss formation packages come with an operating agreement template, which really makes your life easier. ![]() Your operating agreement should outline:
Creating a sound operating agreement is highly advisable for an LLC operating in Ohio. This is especially true for partnerships and multi-member LLCs. Step 4 – Obtain Any Required Ohio Business LicensesNext, you need to get any business licenses required by the state of Ohio. If you’re selling tangible personal items or taxable services, you’ll need a vendor’s license from the Ohio Department of Taxation. The Ohio Secretary of State’s office has a checklist for businesses in every industry. This list will inform you about any licenses you need to obtain for compliance. ![]() For example, let’s say you’re starting a bakery. The checklist would tell you to contact the local health department for license and inspection information. You’d also need to contact the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Division of Food Safety for permit information. The checklist even has information on Ohio bakery laws, sanitary regulations, food labeling safety, and more. The permits required for a bakery would look very different from the permits or licenses needed for an accountant. So make sure you obtain the necessary licensing. Step 5 – Comply With Ohio Tax Requirements For LLCsUnlike many states, Ohio doesn’t require LLCs to file annual reports. But there are still tax requirements that you need to consider to remain in good standing with the state. Examples include:
You’ll also need to account for federal income taxes and self-employment taxes. By default, LLC taxes pass through to each member’s individual tax returns. If you’re using ZenBusiness as your registered agent, they can send you reminders about upcoming tax deadlines so you won’t miss a payment or filing. This service is only available if you sign up for a plan that includes worry-free compliance. via Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/how-to-start-an-llc-in-ohio/ Interviewing for a job is almost always stressful for job candidates. Knowing what to expect throughout the job interview process can help you feel more prepared for whatever comes your way. This guide will lead you through the typical job interview process and offer tips for navigating the journey with confidence. How the Job Interview Process WorksEvery company has a unique job interview process, but most interview workflows pull from the same framework. Let’s break down what that framework looks like. Step 1: Job PostingsMuch of the time, companies post open positions on their website and sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and CareerBuilder. The job postings link to an application and give a date by which applications are due. ![]() Some companies might send applications straight to people in their talent pool—a database of people who’ve expressed interest in the company before, been referred to the company, or previously applied and nearly got the gig. Step 2: ApplicationsJob applications are an important starting point for a job search. For candidates, they offer a level playing field to kick off the job interview process. For recruiters and hiring managers, applications weed out unqualified candidates and help organize the job search effort. Hiring managers can use the applications to create candidate profiles using their applicant tracking system (ATS), comparing candidates to see who might best fit the job. ![]() Depending on the type of position, the company may ask candidates to submit a resume or cover letter to supplement an application. Step 3: Phone ScreenAfter taking the time to study each application, hiring managers can single out the candidates they feel could be a good fit for the company. The hiring team may then reach out to the applicants to set up a phone screen. This type of early interview lasts just 10 to 30 minutes, and as a candidate, the goal is to get asked back for the next round of interviews. For hiring managers, the objective of a phone screen is to confirm that the applicant does indeed qualify for the job. Not all employers choose to conduct phone screens, however—some jump right into the first round of interviews. Step 4: First InterviewApplicants who pass the phone screen—or who stand out as ideal candidates in the eyes of hiring managers who don’t conduct phone screens—move on to the first round of interviews. A first interview gives hiring managers and candidates the opportunity to get to know each other better. This interview is usually conducted in person or via videoconferencing software. It all depends on the employer’s preference and the company structure. A fully remote company may solely conduct video interviews, for example, while a hybrid organization may choose virtual or in-person interviews depending on where a candidate lives. First interviews often last between 45 minutes to one hour. ![]() The hiring manager will ask in-depth questions about the candidate’s work history, job expectations, unique skills, and availability. Candidates who do well may move on to the next step. Step 5: Competency InterviewWhile not every employer requires candidates to participate in a competency interview, many do. So what is a competency interview? In simple terms, a competency test measures your skills in real-time. If an employer is hiring a new developer, for example, they can use a Codility competency test to get tangible evidence of a candidate’s coding skills. ![]() Writers or graphic designers may be asked to complete a test project before being considered for a second interview. Hospitality workers might need to prove their emotional and behavioral aptitude with an HR Avatar test. Step 6: Second and Third InterviewsSecond interviews often allow candidates to speak with higher-ups and other team members for the first time. It’s common for anyone who takes part in the hiring decision to appear in a second or third interview—managers, staff members, and company executives, for example. These interviews help candidates get to know the people they might be working with soon. They also help the team make tough decisions. The reality is that if you’re called back for a second or third interview, the company definitely likes you—but it also really likes at least one other candidate. These late-stage interviews help the company decide who to cut and who to keep. Non-remote positions may also invite a top candidate to a social gathering where the candidate can interact with potential future colleagues in a more relaxed setting. This is an opportunity for you, the candidate, to get a feel for the company’s culture. It’s also a way for the company to see how well you fit within its ecosystem. Step 7: Final Interview and Background CheckOnce everyone on the employer’s side of things is almost certain they want to hire you, the hiring manager may conduct a final, short interview. Now is the time to take care of any questions you thought of throughout the job interview process but didn’t get a chance to ask. It’s also a final chance for the hiring manager to ask you any questions that pop up on their end. Some companies skip this step and go straight to the background check. Most employers require at least one type of background check. Depending on the industry you’re entering, the employer may order a criminal check, driving history check, SSN verification, drug screening, or credit check. Sometimes, employers run these checks after a job offer, not before. Step 8: Job OfferWhen the hiring team is satisfied that you’re the best person for the job, you’ll get a job offer. You should get a full breakdown of the compensation, benefits, sick leave, and vacation time. If you’ve been interviewing with multiple organizations and received more than one offer, you may want to try negotiating to get the best salary and benefits package possible. But be careful to consider more than just your potential salary. Which company seems like the best fit for you? Which team has the most welcoming and collaborative culture? How do the benefits of one offer compare to those in your other offers? Is the compensation fair according to what other people with similar credentials make for the same position? Are there opportunities for growth within the company? If you feel good about joining the team, you’ll accept the offer and sign your contract. Congratulations! After all your hard work, it’s time to celebrate—big time. And the hiring team will be doing a happy dance, too. Tips for Acing the Job Interview ProcessOne of the most important things to remember when you enter a job interview process is that it takes time. Entry-level positions can take around 25 days to fill. Mid- to senior-level roles can take 40 days or longer. So get comfortable with the idea that you’ll need a healthy dose of patience to get through the job interview process. There’s a lot that’s out of your control. You can’t know what questions the interviewer will ask you. You can’t know if you’ll advance from one interview to the next. You can’t know if you’ll get the job. But what you can do is prepare. If a recruiter reaches out to schedule a phone screen or first interview, it’s time to start researching the company if you haven’t already. In the days before your interview, we recommend that you:
Next, you’ll want to study the most common interview questions and write down—or at least think carefully about—your answers to these questions. You can expect questions about your education, accomplishments you’re proud of from previous jobs, strengths and weaknesses, and reasons why you want to work at the company. Most interviewers wrap up an interview by asking if you have any questions for them. This is a chance for you to prove your interest in the organization and learn if it’s a good fit for you. You can ask the recruiter questions about what a typical workday looks like, what types of projects you’d be working on, what challenges the position comes with, and what the employer would expect you to accomplish within the first 30 days at the position. Jot down some of the questions you want to ask and bring them along with you to the interview. The night before the interview—whether it’s your first or fourth—get a full night’s rest. Eat a nutritious breakfast. Grab copies of your resume for reference, along with a notepad and pen to take notes. Get ready for the day 15-20 minutes sooner than you normally would. Leave early for your interview if it’s in person. Give yourself leeway to get there 10-15 minutes before the scheduled time. Take a deep breath, remember all the strengths you bring to the table, and smile. You’ve got this. Avoid These Common MistakesKnowing what not to do in a job interview is almost as important as knowing what you should do. Here we dig into the 10 job interview process mistakes to help you avoid them before they ruin your chances of getting a new gig.
End Results of a Job Interview ProcessGoing through a job interview process without landing the job at the end can feel crushing. If you receive the bad news that you’ve been dropped as a candidate, step away from your computer. Take a deep breath. Give yourself time to process the emotions you’re feeling. When you feel calm, send an email thanking the company for their time. Let the interviewer know that you’d still like to be considered for any future openings, even if this one wasn’t a good fit. This may encourage the hiring team to add you to their talent pool. Ask the recruiter if they have any feedback they’d like to give, but don’t be surprised if they simply don’t have the time or energy. Instead, give yourself some honest feedback. Think about the job interview process you just went through, identifying the things you did well and the things you could improve. Then, get back out there because the perfect job is waiting. If you do get hired, make sure you give yourself a moment to soak in the good news. Go out with friends or open a bottle of champagne. Think back to the things you appreciated about your interviewing team and write them down. Who knows? You might just be part of the interviewing team for your new company in a few years. By looking back at the positive experience you had, you can apply the same techniques to your own interviewing process in the future. Final Thoughts About the Job Interview ProcessEach company has a unique job interview process, but you can feel prepared for whatever comes your way by knowing the general job interview process framework. Just remember that the process takes patience and that you and the employer are working toward a common goal—finding out whether you and the job are a good match. Try to keep yourself busy with hobbies or your current job while you’re waiting to hear back between interviews. If you can’t stop thinking about your interview process, focus your energy on preparation. Our five simple steps for preparing for a job interview can help. via Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/job-interview-process/ |
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
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