Small Business Tips and Advice

The following was written by guest poster Kristen Gramigna, Chief Marketing Officer, BluePay. *     *     *     *     * Why should small businesses accept credit cards? When starting a business, few things are more important than getting paid for your products or services. But how do you accept that payment? Your type ... (more...)

I love when I receive a thank-you note or gift from a happy client or vendor. And I know I am not alone. Indeed, a while back when I asked small business owners how they encourage customer loyalty and get customers to continue to purchase from them, among the top responses ... (more...)

If you run a business that has a strong visual bent -- e.g., a clothing or furniture store, a photography studio, a catering business or restaurant -- Pinterest is a great, easy, and inexpensive way to find new customers and ... (more...)

For those of you suffering from social media marketing overload, the mere thought of having to consider yet another social media tool -- in this case Google+ -- no doubt makes your eyes roll. But with over 100 million users ... (more...)

These 11 inexpensive yet highly effective marketing tools are the perfect way for your small business to ring in the New Year -- and ring up increase sales. [To learn more about each marketing tool, read my latest article, "Small Business Holiday Wish List: 11 Marketing Tools and Services" on ... (more...)

* Guest post from Ashyia Hill of CreditDonkey * For many aspiring entrepreneurs, who thought running their own business would be fun, having to manage a budget often comes as a rude awakening. But balancing books and making ends meet ... (more...)

Banner ads and print ads can be expensive. And they are not necessarily the best way to advertise your small or mid-size business. So to find how to get the greatest return on your advertising dollar, I asked small business owners to share their tips. Following are the top 10 ... (more...)

When it comes to software that can help track and manage customer queries that come in via phone, email, web forms, and social media sites (Facebook and Twitter), small and mid-sized businesses have many good choices. And while not every solution may be the best or right one for ... (more...)

Research shows that it is less expensive and more profitable for businesses to retain existing customers than to acquire new ones. And one of the simplest ways to do that is by providing great customer service. Following are 12 easy ways to improve customer relations -- and ... (more...)

Received this press release and had to share -- cause what small business owner wouldn't want a free marketing makeover (valued at $50,000)? Contest begins today, people! Be sure to enter. And good luck! Here are the details: San Diego, July 13, ... (more...)