Business Ideas and Inspiration

Small businesses often struggle with advertising due to limited budgets. However, there are many completely free ways to promote your business online and increase brand awareness. In this article, we will explore the best free small business advertising ideas that can help small businesses grow their customer base without breaking the bank. Let’s get started! What is free advertising? Free advertising refers to promoting a product or service without spending any money on advertising costs. Instead, businesses can utilize various methods such as social media channels, word-of-mouth marketing, community events, and Google search engine optimization to reach their target au…

Trying to win in a new market? It’s important you speak your customers’ language – literally. And that’s where hiring professional translation services can make life easier for you. The Importance of Translation Services for Businesses As a business owner aiming to succeed in a global market, overcoming language barriers is pivotal. This is where translation services come into play. They provide a bridge that links your business to diverse cultures and languages. Beyond literal translation, these services account for cultural nuances, colloquialisms, and idioms that contribute to an authentic and relatable brand message. Here are some key reasons why translation servic…

If you envision the world as your oyster and consider oysters served on the half-shell to be the ideal appetizer, then you might be well-suited for oyster farming. Yes, oysters can be raised to harvest in unique farms at the edge of the sea. Hey, the ancient Romans did it! And they didn’t have the aquaculture technology that exists today. Cultured oysters are most often raised on coastal farms. They prefer brackish, warmer waters, which are a mix of salt water and fresh water. Investing in Oyster Farming – Learn the Basics Your best bet for learning how to start a farm is to reach out to your state’s coastal Agricultural Extension office. That’s where you’ll learn how …

It’s kind of a misnomer. Ghost Kitchens aren’t spooky figments of the imagination. They are real. Ghost kitchens are facilities where food is prepared, cooked, and packaged specifically for delivery. Orders are placed and managed online. There are several ways you can start ghost kitchens: Within a restaurant that you already own or lease. Within a restaurant that you don’t own or lease. From your home. Ghost kitchens grew hugely as a response to Covid restrictions. That’s when “ordering in” became even more popular. In fact, according to stats the average person in the US orders food at least once a week. The big restaurant operators are already taking advantage of…

Wedding websites have become essential for modern couples planning their special day. These platforms offer a unique and personalized touch to the wedding experience, allowing couples to showcase their love story, share important details with guests, and create a central hub for all wedding-related information. In this article, we explore some inspiring wedding website examples that demonstrate the power of these online platforms in creating memorable and engaging wedding celebrations. Why You Need a Wedding Website A wedding website is essential in today’s digital age, offering convenience and seamless information sharing. It simplifies RSVP management, provides a ce…

In this article, we’ll show you how to create posters using the Canva Poster Maker. We’ll provide some tips and tricks on how to make the most of this free, powerful creative tool, as well as walk you through the creation process step-by-step. So if you’re looking for poster templates that can be used by individuals and small teams that will impress your friends and family, read on. Why You Should be Making Canva Posters If you’re familiar with Canva, you understand that it is a robust creative tool that enables individuals and small teams to craft and download eye-catching designs for social media. With its simple and intuitive design interface, even those with no pri…

A Las Vegas woman has pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the U.S. government by submitting fraudulent tax refund claims for COVID-19 employment tax credits, securing $33 million in improper payouts from the IRS. According to court documents, Candies Goode-McCoy conspired with others from June 2022 through September 2023 to file approximately 1,227 fraudulent tax returns claiming refundable employment tax credits, including the employee retention credit (ERC) and paid sick and family leave credit. The total fraudulent claims amounted to over $98 million, with the IRS disbursing approximately $33 million before the scheme was uncovered. McCoy personally received over…

Planning to rent some property? Mastering all the legalities of leasing rental property can be overwhelming. How do you account for all potential scenarios and risks? A lease agreement is a binding contract between a landlord and a tenant that defines all the terms of a rental, and any property owner can purchase an inexpensive lease agreement printable to simplify the leasing process. The Benefits of a Printable Lease Agreement Regardless of whether the leased property is a house, office, room, or car, utilizing a printable lease agreement offers numerous advantages. Lease agreement templates are not only very affordable, typically priced at $3 or less, but they also pr…

For years, it’s been the commonly held belief that small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy. Has that changed? If so, what’s changing it or what’s threatening to make that commonly held belief to maybe not as true as it once was? This week, our expert panel from Small Biz Breakdown share their thoughts on the idea that small businesses are still the backbone of the U.S. economy. Check out their thoughts on that and so much more in this week’s episode of Small Biz Breakdown … Small Business News Roundup – February 16, 2025 Wildfires in Los Angeles Disrupt Employment and Pay, ADP Data Shows The Palisades and Eaton fires that swept through Los Angeles in Ja…

Power strips and surge protectors have become an integral part of our lives, often more so than we realize. Power strips can make all the difference for small businesses, ensuring that all the essential devices are powered up and functioning seamlessly. This guide will take you through the world of power strips, surge protectors, smart power strips, and USB power strips, providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. Understanding Power Strips and Surge Protectors What is a Power Strip? A power strip, sometimes known as an extension block, is a block of electrical sockets attached to the end of a flexible cable (power cord) that plugs into …

When first starting a business, many entrepreneurs begin using a personal credit card for expenses. It’s the path of least resistance. However, once the business starts to thrive, you will garner tangible benefits from using a good business credit card — i.e., a credit card in your business name that is used strictly for business purposes. Here are the advantages that a business credit card can offer your business to help it grow and be profitable: Expands Your Overall Available Credit Establishes Business Credit History Access to Other Financial Products to Fuel Growth Maintains Separation of Business and Personal Expenses Saves Times through Technology Allows You to…

Wellness Wednesday is a popular weekly topic on social media. And it can impact workplaces as well. If you own a business, this concept may provide benefits for you and your team. Here’s a guide to observing this weekly tradition. What Exactly is Wellness Wednesday? Wellness Wednesday is not an officially regulated activity. Rather, many businesses and organizations use the term independently to promote a healthy lifestyle in their own way. The term gained popularity in the early days of social media, as brands shared tips and tricks under the #WellnessWednesday hashtag. But today, many workplaces use it to promote well-being among employees. Potential Topics for Welln…

The decision to hire a business manager can serve as a pivotal moment in a company’s trajectory. This decision is often based on the business manager’s job description, which provides a clear and comprehensive outline of the roles and responsibilities expected from the candidate. A skilled business manager not only brings order to daily operations but also catalyzes growth and innovation. They play a crucial role in implementing strategies that might come from unusual ways to promote a job opening, ensuring each strategy aligns with the company’s broader vision. By effectively coordinating teams, implementing training plan templates, and overseeing business development,…

NetSuite has introduced a range of AI-driven innovations, new product offerings, and integrations designed to enhance business efficiency, streamline processes, and support diverse revenue models. These updates, announced at SuiteConnect New York, aim to automate operations, reduce manual workload, and improve financial and procurement functions for organizations of all sizes. AI and Automation Updates NetSuite has expanded its AI capabilities to accelerate data management, optimize product configurations, and improve issue resolution. New features include: NetSuite Text Enhance for automating data entry in custom text fields. Prompt Management API for centralized AI m…

BigCommerce (Nasdaq: BIGC) has announced updates to Catalyst, its next-generation composable storefront technology, designed to simplify and accelerate ecommerce site deployment. The new feature allows marketers to launch and customize storefronts with a single click from the BigCommerce Control Panel, eliminating the need for extensive development time and resources. Seamless Storefront Deployment and Flexibility Catalyst provides a fully integrated marketing-friendly visual editor, Makeswift, allowing brands to design high-performance storefronts without rigid templates or costly development efforts. Built with Next.js and React, Catalyst is optimized for Core Web Vita…

The right image can transform your marketing. Photos grab customers’ attention and tell stories. Photos support your brand image on websites and social media. However, not all small businesses have the time or resources to constantly take professional-grade photos of their own. That’s where stock image websites come in. What is a stock photo website? These stock photo websites provide high-resolution images that businesses can purchase or download for free to use in websites, social media posts, or even for commercial purposes. There’s a huge variety of these stock image websites, all with different options and niches. Some focus on high-quality images and videos that bu…

A conveyor toaster is a highly productive equipment that significantly optimizes your breakfast routine or food service operations. These toasters are designed to offer efficiency, speed, and consistency, making them a favorite in commercial kitchens as well as large households. With their unique operation, they allow for continuous toasting, significantly improving productivity. They’re particularly favored for their ability to handle large quantities of bread, bagels, or other bakery items in a short time. Whether catering to a bustling restaurant crowd or serving a large family, a conveyor toaster can be a game-changer. What is a Conveyor Toaster? A conveyor toaster …

Exploring the vast online job market has never been easier, thanks to platforms like Indeed, a giant in the realm of job searching that has transformed how we discover new opportunities. With its wide array of job openings, Indeed has set a high bar, but it’s not the only player in the game. Diving into the world of job sites similar to Indeed opens up a treasure trove of possibilities, whether you’re looking for your first job, a career shift, or a step up the ladder. Join us as we uncover 14 job search sites and apps that offer fresh avenues to explore, each with its unique features and specialties, ready to help you land your next big break. Why Indeed is the Go-To f…

ASUS has announced the availability of the ZenScreen Duo OLED MQ149CD, a portable monitor featuring dual 14-inch OLED screens, offering users expanded screen real estate in a compact design. With 1920 x 1200 resolution and a 16:10 aspect ratio, the device provides an onscreen area equivalent to a 20-inch monitor. The OLED panels deliver vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional clarity, ensuring an optimal visual experience. Compact, Innovative Design The ZenScreen Duo OLED MQ149CD weighs 1.07 kg and folds into a 14-inch form factor, making it highly portable. When unfolded, its dual-screen design supports various display modes, including Split, Extended, Independent,…

TechSmith Corporation has released the latest versions of Snagit and Camtasia, integrating AI and Screentelligence-powered features designed to enhance content creation workflows. The 2025 updates focus on improving efficiency for users creating training materials, documentation, and workplace communications, marking the final annual release before TechSmith transitions to a continuous delivery model through its subscription offerings. AI and Screentelligence Transform Content Creation Snagit 2025 and Camtasia 2025 leverage AI to automate and refine editing processes, reducing effort and enhancing professional polish. Snagit simplifies step-by-step guide creation and pro…

Running a sushi bar is a tricky business. Keeping your sushi rolls fresh and tasty while showcasing them in an appetizing way can make or break your customer experience. The right sushi display case can play a pivotal role in achieving this balance, ensuring you serve the freshest food every time. What is a Sushi Display Case? A sushi display case is essential in any sushi bar, café, or restaurant. They’re specifically designed to maintain food-safe temperatures while beautifully showcasing your sushi and sashimi rolls. Often featuring curved glass fronts and a lighted inside, these refrigerated sushi display cases allow your customers to browse your selection, amplifyin…

Discover the best photo booth app for elevating your small business’s event and promotional efforts. In today’s digital-dominated era, photo booth apps serve as invaluable tools, merging entertainment with marketing to create memorable experiences. This article will guide you through the top photo booth apps, each designed to make your business stand out at any gathering or campaign. Best App for 360 Photo Booth: Touchpix Touchpix is the ultimate 360 photo booth app, offering a comprehensive solution for event professionals. It seamlessly integrates iPhone, iPad, Android, GoPro 7-11, and DSLR cameras, making it a versatile choice. With over 60 advanced video and phot…

In most cases, you have to be invited to a Franchise Discovery Day. And, if you are invited to attend a discovery day, get ready. Things are about to get serious. You are about to enter an exciting step in your goal to become a franchise owner. By the time franchise discovery day rolls around, you have pretty much decided which franchise opportunity you are going to focus all of your energy on. Once you’ve done that, you’re a lot closer to franchise ownership. What is Franchise Discovery Day? Franchise Discovery Day is a planned event at a franchisor’s headquarters, limited to “qualified” candidates for franchise ownership. Discovery day is the day that you as the prosp…

Package handlers are critical to logistics and distribution. They have a variety of responsibilities, including sorting packages based on their destination’s size, type and delivery route. They can be involved in the physical aspects of the job, like loading and unloading packages and quality control. Package handlers ensure deliveries arrive on time and compliance with safety and regulatory standards is met. What Do Package Handlers Do? Package handlers play a critical role in the logistics and supply chain operations. Their duties extend beyond merely moving packages; they are instrumental in ensuring the efficiency and safety of the package transportation process.…

Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum have revolutionized our approach to money. You can use these digital currencies for a wide range of purchases – from small items like coffee to big-ticket items like cars. As cryptocurrencies become more common in regular business, there’s a growing need for apps or exchanges that handle these digital currencies. This surge in cryptocurrency use has made apps for managing them more important than ever. The best cryptocurrency apps make it easy for you to buy, sell, and trade your digital currency. This article will help you understand these apps and guide you in choosing the right one for your small business requirements. He…