Business

The concept of digital marketing has grown exponentially in recent years. Whereas just 52% of Americans used the internet in 2000, that figure has risen to 93% today, highlighting the immense potential of digital marketing for businesses.

Digital marketing can be defined as a component of marketing that uses the internet and online-based technologies to promote services and products.

If you are interested in learning more about digital marketing benefits, then this blog post is for you. Here, we will highlight 5 impressive benefits of digital marketing, including being cost-effective, highly targeted, and promoting real engagement.

1. It’s Cost-Effective

If you are looking to save money and build leads, digital marketing is the way to go. This is especially true for small and growing businesses that may not have the budget to market across a range of traditional platforms such as TV, print, and radio.

Digital marketing helps to level the playing field and allows your business to be more competitive alongside larger companies.

2. It’s Measurable

Imagine you are taking out an advert in a newspaper. The newspaper may provide some general information about sales, readership, and locations, but it is difficult to track the results of this kind of campaign.

With digital marketing, you will have all of the key information at your fingertips. You will be able to get real insights into your campaigns, see what is working well, and understand where you can make improvements.

3. Target Your Specific Audience

Before you begin any kind of marketing campaign, you should have a strong understanding of who your target audience is. With digital marketing, it’s easy to specifically reach your target demographics and reach customers at different stages of the buying journey.

4. Drive Traffic to Your Website

The more people that visit your website, the more potential customers your business will have. Through digital marketing strategies such as search engine optimization (SEO), you can increase the percentage of target traffic discovering your website through search engine results.

Learning how to get backlinks is just one example of improving your website’s ranking on search engines.

5. Create Greater Engagement

Digital marketing strategies allow for meaningful engagement with customers and encourage conversations. Through social media advertising, for example, you can foster ’round-table’ discussions as well as one-to-one engagement with customers in a way that is not possible with other marketing methods.

This helps to boost your business’s credibility and brand reputation, increase its reach, and drive traffic to both large and small business websites. Customers who identify with a brand are more likely to remain loyal into the future.

Impressive Benefits of Digital Marketing

Whether you are an emerging or a well-established business, digital marketing has incredible potential for the growth of your company. If you are looking to maximize your advertising budget and reach people in a measurable way, digital marketing is your business’s best strategy.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Business category

Do you want to make sure that you put your small business in a position to succeed? One of the ways that you can do it is by staying on top of sending invoices out to your customers.

Recent studies have suggested that most people pay off their invoices from small businesses within just two days. But it’s going to be difficult for you to get people to pay off their invoices if you don’t have a system set up that allows for you to send them out ASAP.

You should also use a small business invoice template when sending out invoices to your customers. Here are some of the reasons why you should do it.

Gives Your Small Business a More Professional Appearance

When you send out invoices to your customers, you should make sure that you give off the most professional appearance possible when they receive them. It’ll be easy to do this when you use a small business invoice template.

Your invoice template will make your company’s invoices look neat and organized right from the start. As a result, you’ll guarantee that people get the right impression of your business when they open your invoices up.

Makes It Easy for People to See What They Owe to Your Small Business

In addition to giving your small business a very professional appearance, using one of the best invoice templates will also make it simple for people to see what they owe you. There won’t be any confusion as to what they should pay you for your products or services.

It doesn’t matter if you’re sending them an auto repair invoice using an auto repair invoice template or an electrical invoice using an electrical invoice template. They’ll be able to find what they owe you fast so that they can pay you pronto.

Allows People to Contact You With Any Questions About Their Invoice

If a customer is confused about anything that they see on an invoice from your small business, they should be able to figure out how to contact you right away. The best invoice will feature contact information for your small business right on it.

This is one more way in which a small business invoice template can help you. It’ll make it possible for you to feature your contact info prominently on all of your invoices from here on out.

Start Using a Small Business Invoice Template From Now On

If you aren’t using a small business invoice template already, what are you waiting for? Using one will make it simple for you to keep your invoices neat and organized as you move forward.

It’ll also allow you to keep your customers happy for the foreseeable future. They’ll be able to dissect your invoices and get to the bottom of them so that they can send you the money that they owe you.

Would you like to find out some other things you can do to start running your small business more efficiently? Get the tips you need by checking out the other articles on our blog.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Business category

We’ve compiled some great advice and tips about starting an investment portfolio. Read about investing, the different ways to start, portfolios, and more today.

It’s not surprising if you haven’t started an investment portfolio yet. Investing is intimidating for many people. That’s one of the reasons why only 55% of all Americans have some form of investment.

However, investing doesn’t need to be complicated. There are many things you can do to reduce risk and make easy trades.

When starting an investment portfolio, it pays to learn how to make the most of your money. Below are four tips that will help you learn how to start an investment portfolio.

1. Pick the Right Strategy

You’ll find many different strategies for investment portfolios out there. People swear by what they do. However, what works for one person may not work for you.

Your needs are unique, so you’ll need a strategy that can fulfill your financial goals. Look carefully at every strategy available to ensure you use one that will help you meet your financial needs with the least amount of risk.

2. Find the Right Trading Platforms

Investing today is easier than ever. In the past, there weren’t computers, so you had to rely on brokers and other methods to invest in the stock market.

Today, all you need is an internet connection. There are countless websites and apps available that give you easy access to investments.

Each of these platforms has pros and cons, so look into what each trading platform offers. Some of them may not have the tools you need to accomplish your goals. Make sure you don’t pick your trading platform lightly to ensure you can do everything you want when investing.

3. Don’t Get Emotional

Nothing goes up forever in investing. Even though a stock may have an upward trend that has lasted for many years, the chances are good that things won’t stay that way forever.

When you see nothing but growth for so long, it’s easy to get scared when something happens that causes your stock portfolio to go down.

One of the biggest mistakes that people make in this situation is that people panic sell their investments. They think things will keep going down, so they sell at a loss. These downtrends don’t last forever, and you’ll likely retain your money if you stay unemotional and hold on to your investments.

4. Consider International Investments

You have a lot of investment opportunities when investing in your own country. However, you aren’t limited by the place you live in most situations. Many investors fail to see the value of investing out of the country.

Websites like https://www.monexsecurities.com.au/investing-in-indonesia-stock-market/ can help you get set up with foreign investments. There are many options out there, so look for more foreign investment portfolio tips to see if foreign investments are a good fit for your strategy.

This Guide Makes Starting an Investment Portfolio a Breeze

Investing today isn’t as complained as it was in the past. All you need is an internet connection and an account with an online brokerage. Now that you know more about starting an investment portfolio, it’s time for you to get started.

Are you interested in reading more investment portfolio advice? Head back to the blog to learn more ways you can put your money to work.

You’ve been mulling over ideas for a while, but now you’ve decided on the perfect business idea—your own nail salon. The process of registering a company name can be exciting, but there’s more to starting a business than having a name. There’s so much to learn and even more to do, from building up your competency to becoming familiar with business fundamentals. Our simple guide will take you through the most critical steps to take to ensure your business starts successfully.

Conduct Proper Research

To ensure your business starts on the right path, you need to have a plan. However, it helps to first research everything related to the beauty industry. Ask yourself the following questions:

• How much is required to start the business?
• Who is your target customer?
• What are the services going to be and what are the associated charges?
• Does your company have a name?
• Do you require technical know-how from a nail technician program? How long is it and how much does it cost?

Asking these questions early allows you to create a strong business plan and work within a budget.

Gain Work Experience

You might not be the only nail tech, but you need to equip yourself with the necessary skills. If possible, enroll in a specialist school to earn a technical diploma or a nail technician license. This is a great way to get access to work experience. With such certification, experienced nail techs will be more willing to train you up.

There’s so much expertise one can learn on the field and not in the classroom. Something as little as a part-time job can offer you a valuable learning experience. You get to know the nail technicians and pedicurists, and administrators the best ways to operate a nail salon.

Get a License

Depending on your location, the list might look different. As a requirement for the state board school of cosmetology, you need to show proof of a cosmetology certification which gives you the right to conduct business. Upon completion of the program at cosmetology school, which typically lasts up to two years, you’ll then need a work license or permit. Please search for the central business licensing association in your state, and work with them to file your operator’s license.

Find the Right Location

Now that you have the required certification, license, and work experience, it’s time to find the perfect spot for your nail salon. Research into available shops and assess each location according to their accessibility. Also, think about your budget, space requirements, and whether or not it’s centrally located. After the space is chosen, you need to source your supplies.

A typical nail salon requires furniture such as nail salon chairs, and a nail polish gel dryer lamp, monster massage chairs, and flat irons. To boost your salon’s services further, you can create an impressive inventory of products your potential clients will love to purchase, like nail kits and files.

Hire Professionals

If you want to cater to multiple customers simultaneously, it’s best to hire multiple nail technicians. Look out for professionals who are skilled and trained in their area of expertise, who also happen to have outstanding personalities. As much as excellent nail tech is an asset, a great manicurist with exemplary character will help your business grow even further because they value customer service and satisfaction.

Market & Launch

Now we’re all set! The best thing to do is tell the world you’re open for business. One way to do this is via a launch. Having a launch party for your salon lets people know that you’re officially opened for business and informs potential clients of your presence. One of the easiest ways to market the launch of your nail salon is via social media such as offering special promotions to first-time visitors.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Business category

If you are looking forward to getting your business out there and competing favorably, you must start with sustainable product packaging.

You should consider many factors when choosing your product packaging option, such as the type of product you are offering, state regulation on the packaging, and how you expect customers to respond to your brand.

Choosing to go for custom plastic packaging for your products makes your business unique in the market. This article mentions some of the benefits of effective product packaging and why you should not hesitate to package your products appropriately if you want to establish a brand.

1. Displays the product 

The first reason you should adopt the right product packaging for your brand is to display and promote your products from within.

For instance, if you’re offering food products, you can specify all the ingredients used in manufacturing the products so that your customers have full information on the nutritional value of consuming your products.  This way, you promote customer satisfaction and manage consumer expectations.

When customers are more informed about the product, they are more likely to buy and remain loyal to a brand.

2. Protect the product from physical damage

During the shipment of a product from the manufacturer to the retailer, it comes into contact with many things that only the package can safeguard from physical damage. Even after reaching the retailers’ doorstep, the product still needs proper packaging to remain intact while on the shelves.

Additionally, to ensure the product’s safety and integrity, you need to package and sell your products. Sealing your products is one way of signaling to customers the original products from your company.

3. Product differentiation 

Proper product packaging is the first tip for differentiating your brand from those of your competitors. If you have a unique product package, customers can easily spot your products from the shelves and order for one.

In most cases, retailers group similar products on the same shelf, which means that customers may find it challenging to spot your brand if you don’t package your products differently. Choose a unique design for product packaging if you want your customers to find your product easily.

4. Attracts customers 

The main objective of product packaging is to make your product presentable and persuade customers to buy. When choosing the best product package, you should also look into your customers’ tastes, need, and preferences.

Pick a product package that creates an excellent first impression that will get customers holding your brand for the first time. When selecting product packaging, some qualities to consider include the quality of the material, color, and style.

Final Thoughts 

It is not easy establishing a brand in a flooded market and making customers associate with products. Product packaging is one of the many tools you can use to showcase your brand and make it more visible before the target customers.

Therefore, you should choose a product package that creates the best impression on your customers if you want to win their hearts and make them buy. With so many benefits of proper product packaging, you have a reason to choose the best product package for your brand.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Business category

You may be aware that managed IT support services can save you money and time, whether by improving the security and stability of your systems, reducing strain on internal staff, or shifting the burden of compliance.

It’s one thing to hear about these benefits, but it’s another to know how they apply to your company and what you stand to gain in the process. This is worth considering, as growing businesses that lack sufficient technical expertise and resources are increasingly at risk of falling behind. Here’s why managed IT support services are the solution.

Affordability

For many companies, the main draw of managed IT support is that it’s more affordable than hiring in-house staff. The latter approach demands significant ongoing investment, often proving impossible for SMBs to maintain. It makes far more sense financially to outsource your IT needs to an external team of professionals.

Aside from reducing operating costs, managed IT support services bring predictability to your expenses. This is due to a subscription-based pricing model where you pay a contracted monthly fee based on what was provided.

Scalability

By working with a managed IT support firm, you ensure that your business always has access to the latest technologies. Their advanced industry knowledge makes managed IT support teams capable of handling complex issues and requests, keeping you ahead of the curve. Plus, you’re free to scale and specify the services you require as necessary.

Reliability

Any established IT support provider will be available around the clock and offers 24/7 network monitoring. In doing so, they minimize downtime that could otherwise disrupt operations and cause major financial and reputational damage. This kind of assurance and stability is rarely achievable within the constraints of company resources.

Security

It’s estimated that around $2,900,000 is lost to cybercrime every minute. The victims include businesses of all sizes and sectors, with smaller organizations becoming increasingly popular targets.

For an SMB to successfully implement comprehensive cybersecurity measures and stay on top of new threats alone is an unrealistic premise in today’s digital landscape. You also need to adapt to ever-changing policies and regulations, not to mention proving to stakeholders that they can trust you to safeguard their data.

These are some of the cybersecurity challenges that a managed IT support team can help you overcome. By leveraging their expertise, you can rest peacefully knowing that your security systems are up to scratch.

Flexibility

So, what happens to your in-house team when their roles are replaced by outsourced technicians? You don’t necessarily have to remove them. In fact, both parties can work together, augmenting each other for short or long-term projects.

Also, external support can take on menial and repetitive tasks that hinder your own team. This gives your employees the freedom to focus on growth-oriented work that they enjoy, which can do wonders for your productivity.

The same applies to you as the owner or team leader. With a managed service provider taking care of your IT department, you have the ability to focus on more important areas in your business.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Business category

Technology has become such an essential tool for a lot of people by supporting the gig economy. Surviving a pandemic requires people to protect themselves, which has led to lockdowns and other restrictions. Because of this, a lot of people’s jobs and careers have been put on hold, which has made the times even more challenging. The gig economy has become a savior for a lot of people.

It Saves Money

In a pandemic, every dollar counts. No one truly knows when an emergency might arise or when they might need extra money for something important. Fortunately, the gig economy can help a person save money big time. For starters, there is no commute, which can help save a lot of money on gas or transportation. People can also save up all the money they’d otherwise spend on everyday expenses at work. All the saved income can be a person’s security blanket during these trying times.

Availability of Opportunities

One of the tragic effects of the pandemic is the loss of work and employment opportunities for a large percentage of the workforce. This means that workers who need to earn money during the pandemic have to find alternatives, at least until they can return to their usual jobs.

Thanks to technology and platforms like Shiftsmart, people can find opportunities anywhere depending on their preferences. They can find companies that have open options and land work if they have the right skills.

It Offers Lots of Flexibility

People have so much to think about, and so much to do, such as caring for their kids or a loved one or even studying. This means that working full-time might not be a viable option. The gig economy affords you the flexibility to decide the types of jobs you want, the platforms you love to work on, and the schedule you prefer.

In the gig economy, if you can differentiate yourself and prove the value you provide to your customers and clients, you will be better positioned to choose job offers that are flexible. This can go a long way in helping you manage everything else that matters in your life.

Forming an LLC is not as easy as many would assume. To make sure you are on the right track of doing things, you need to know what the procedures and requirements are.

One vital requirement in forming an LLC is having a registered agent. This article will inform you on what is a registered agent and why is it an important requirement in forming an LLC.

What is a Registered Agent?

State-registered entities such as LLC and corporations are required to have a registered agent. A registered agent or formally referred to as a registered agent for service of process, serves as an agent of record, statutory agent, or resident agent.

The primary role of a registered agent is to act as a recipient of legal documents on behalf of the registered business. These legal documents often include direct communication between the state and the business in various forms, such as the following.

1. Documents related to tax, such as documents from the IRS, Franchise Tax Board, and other government tax agencies.

2. Corporate filing documents such as notices or reminders on information filing. This can also include other documents sent from the secretary of state office.

3. Legal documents such as notice-of-litigation.

Forming an LLC

In forming an LLC, there are requirements that would be acquired such as creating a unique name that should include “LLC”, hire a registered agent, file the Articles of Organization or Formation in other states, create an operating agreement, and file for EIN.

Like in other states, Indiana requires the details of the LLC’s registered agent such as its name and address in filing the Articles of Organization. Filing fee varies depending on the state, for example, the Indiana LLC Cost for Articles of Organization has a minimum fee of $95 if you submit it online or $100 if you submit by mail.

You must keep in mind that your registered agent must have a physical address in the state where your LLC will be formed.

Requirements for a Registered Agent

The requirements for the registered agent will significantly depend on the state in which you formed your LLC. In general, these may include the following.

1. Assigned Physical Location – One critical requirement a registered agent must have is a physical street address. P.O. Box addresses will not be accepted as an address you can use as a registered agent. Moreover, the address should be the same as the business location.

2. Normal Business Hours – Another critical requirement is an established business hour. A registered agent should be available during general business hours to accept the service of process. General business hours should be Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Who can be a Registered Agent?

If you are yet to decide on who to assign as a registered agent, here are three options that you can consider.

1. You as a Registered Agent – assigning yourself as the Registered Agent is one option that you can go for. However, before that, you should check with your state if this is allowed according to their guidelines. Several states will enable the company to serve as its own Registered Agent.

2. A family member or friend as a Registered Agent – Another alternative you can consider is assigning a family member or a friend as a Registered Agent. This option may be ideal in the sense that it will allow you to maintain a level of privacy.

However, assigning someone else as a Registered Agent will also have risks such as delayed delivery of essential documents, compliance risks, reliability of maintaining documents and business hours, and tracking annual report documents.

3. Hiring a Commercial Registered Agent – the third option is to hire a Commercial Registered Agent for your company. Using this option will give you the assurance that somebody is present during business hours at the registered address to receive notices and other documents. Commercial Registered Agents are also trained to monitor and promptly notify and forward notices and other documents to you in a timely manner.

Hiring a registered agent is one of the most important aspects in launching an LLC, this agent will serve as your business’ representative in receiving important legal documents. That’s why it’s important to have the best registered agent as it will help your business in terms of keeping legal records in place and avoiding legal problems.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Business category

Medium-sized and small businesses are always concerned about standard deductions such as supplies and rent. However, there are lesser-known costs one can leverage to get a more considerable refund debt.

The lesser your tax liability, the higher chances you have to excel in business. You can get to that by writing off some business operation expenses legally. In a moment, we will discuss prominent small business tax deductions for 2020 and 2021 to help in future planning.

What do you understand by a Tax Deduction?

A tax deduction is also termed as a tax write-off. It’s merely an expense that can be deducted from the income you are taxed on. You just have to subtract the expense amount from your taxable earnings. In short, tax deductions lessen the tax burden for small business owners. All the same, the deductible expense must meet IRS conditions for a tax deduction.

Below is an extensive list of tax deductions available to small business;

Salaries and wages

Payment to workers includes bonuses, commissions bonuses, salaries, wages, plus taxable fringe benefits. These are deductible expenses for businesses.

However, payments made to LLC members, partners, and sole proprietors aren’t wages. That’s saying that they don’t fall under the category of deductible business expenses as the owners are not workers. Nevertheless, in an S corporation or C corporation, the owner can be titled as a worker and even get a salary, but that is if the owner is carrying out primary roles.

Contract labor

Most small business owners rely on independent contractors and freelancers to provide labor. Such contract labor cost is deductible. But you must give Form 1099-MISC to the contractor who is getting $600 or even more from you. If the contractor is paid through PayPal or credit card, the processor will decide whether to give Form 1099-K to the Independent contractors. Furthermore, for personal protection, you may choose to send your 1099-MISC.

Supplies

The cost of small business items such as cleaning supplies is deductible expenses. Besides, if you opt for de minimis safe harbor, that will allow you to cut on the cost of such items as vacuum cleaners and tablets instead of depreciating. Such things are categorized as non-incidental materials/ supplies.

Depreciation

Sometimes, it’s possible to write off the entire cost for business items you bought in the tax year you purchased them. This also covers Section 179 deduction- it permits you to cut the full cost of items bought up to a set dollar limit which was $1,040,000 in 2020. There are other limits linked to section 179 deductions.

Also, there is a bonus depreciation allowance. This bonus allows you to write off 100% of the cost incurred on computers, furniture, appliances, equipment, and machinery.

Advertising and promotion

Marketing cost is 100% deductible. This covers things such as;

·         Hiring an expert to design your business logo

·         Printing business brochures and cards

·         Sending cards to your customers

·         Creating a new website

·         Sponsoring an event

·         Buying ad space in print/ online media, among others

Nevertheless, it’s not possible to subtract amounts that have been paid for legislation purposes or money paid to sponsor political events.

Business meals

You can subtract 50 percent of qualifying beverage and food costs. Furthermore, you can subtract 50 % of the cost incurred in feeding your workers, such as purchasing pizza for supper when your employees work late. Business meals provided at office picnics or parties can be written-off 100%.

Be sure to document such occasions and include the amount incurred on each expense, place of the meal, day, and the business relationship of the people who ate the dinner. At the back of the receipt, you can also highlight what you discussed.

Business insurance

Did you know the amount paid for business insurance is deductible? It includes the following;

·         Assets coverage (equipment, buildings, and furniture)

·         Liability coverage

·         Malpractice insurance or professional liability

·         Auto insurance for company’s vehicles

·         Group health, vision, and dental insurance for workers and so on.

Bank fees

It’s an excellent idea to have separate credit cards and bank accounts. In case your credit card company or bank charges monthly or annual service charges, overdraft fees, or transfer fees, all these can be deducted. Besides, you can write off third-party payment processor fees such as Stripe or Paypal.

Note that you cannot write your credit cards or personal bank accounts.

Education

Education costs are 100% deductible, provided they are essential for your business. However, the IRS must evaluate your education cost to decide whether it qualifies. Therefore, it will check whether education helps to sharpen the skills needed in your business. Some qualifying business education expenses include the following;

·         Webinars and seminars

·         Books related to your industry

·         Classes to sharpen business skills

·         Transport cost incurred when going to class

·         Workshops for increasing expertise

To read more on topics like this, check out the Business category