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  • The 8 Best Alternatives to 8×8 for Small Businesses in 2022

    The 8 Best Alternatives to 8×8 for Small Businesses in 2022

    8×8 has been one of the top VoIP solutions on the market since 2004. It’s well-suited to small businesses of all sizes with unlimited calling and mobile access, as well as 24/7 support and enterprise-level features like voicemail to email and shared lines. While 8×8 continues to be an excellent solution for small businesses looking to save money on their telecom bills, there are several other business VoIP solutions that may be better suited to you in 2022 depending on your specific needs. Here are the best 8×8 alternatives for small businesses in 2022.

    The 10-year review

    In the past ten years, more and newer options have emerged as a result of companies moving away from their 8 x 8 offices. These new alternatives allow startups to accommodate quickly and at a lower cost than traditional lease-based office spaces.

    -Co-working spaces are ideal if you need to furnish your entire office; they provide options like meeting rooms, phone booths, printer access, and high-speed internet.

    -Pods offer a flexible option that comes with fewer commitments than co-working spaces or offices so you can exit your lease without penalty after the initial sign-up period expires.

    -Outdoor rooms are good for sun lovers who are working remotely because they typically offer plenty of natural light and fresh air.

    Switching from hosted PBX

    While hosted PBX systems are generally priced competitively, they’re also prone to downtime and outages. The cloud is still a relatively new technology, so it’s not always easy to predict how well the system will work when you need it most. If you have a small business or plan on day starting one, you should consider using voice-over IP (VoIP) instead of hosted PBX. VoIP is cheaper, more reliable, and easier to maintain than a hosted PBX. Plus, with VoIP, you can share your number across multiple devices and locations without having to invest in expensive mobile data plans like some platforms require.

    Alternative number 1: Hosted VoIP services like RingCentral

    As the world of business changes and shifts, small businesses need to keep up. With the rise of Cloud-based technologies, it is important that your business has access. Hosted VoIP services like RingCentral allow you to have a virtual phone number and access all communications from any device with internet access. This service is perfect for when you are out of the office and need quick accessibility. The best part? You can mix and match what features you want as well as customize voicemail messages, call forwarding rules, call transfer rules, auto attendant routing rules, etc. Plus RingCentral offers free local and long-distance calling within the U.S., Canada, Mexico & Puerto Rico through 2018!

    Alternative number 2: Virtual PBX services like Grasshopper

    Virtual PBX services such as Grasshopper can provide the tools you need to start a business, or even expand your current one. All that is required is internet access and a phone and you’re set. One of the best features of virtual PBXs like Grasshopper is that they allow you to grow your company without having to pay high monthly costs. Instead, there are no contracts or long-term commitments so it will be easy and affordable for your business to grow at any speed it chooses. There are plenty of phone systems available that meet the needs of today’s small businesses, so whatever industry you are in– take your pick! All offer certain features but with unique pricing packages.

    Alternative number 3: Office phone systems with HD Voice support

    One of the best alternatives to a traditional phone with a digital adapter is still using your old analog phone. The old analog phone will work just fine with a digital adapter that plugs into your computer’s USB port and has Bluetooth capability. This can be a good option if you only need occasional access to voice calls, and don’t need more than one line. It will save you some money on hardware and long-distance costs by not having to use your smartphone as much, which also saves battery life. A downside is that there won’t be any visual voicemail or text-to-speech capabilities, so you’ll have to pick up the receiver every time you get an incoming call.

    Alternative number 4: Traditional analog phones with digital adapters

    Keep your business old school with the style of a traditional analog phone. With the digital adapter, you can still do faxing and texting without any trouble at all. Plus, a traditional analog phone will run off of landline or cellular services so you don’t have to worry about it running out of power or breaking on you! To go old school, there is really nothing better than getting a headset! These accessories fit over one ear and allow you to wear them while on the phone with someone else. This can be helpful if you’re trying to hold an important conversation with someone while simultaneously doing something else. Just make sure that both the business and the customer are aware that the conversation might not be entirely private!

    Alternative number 5: Hosted IP Phone Systems like Sipgate

    Hosted IP Phone Systems like Sipgate is a great alternative to the traditional phone system for small businesses, allowing you to manage your business from anywhere with an internet connection. They provide all the tools you need such as VoIP connections and extensions, voice mail, fax forwarding, and SMS integration, while at the same time they can be managed remotely by IT experts who are always monitoring your account. These systems also let users manage how calls are routed and who has access. Costs depend on the volume of use but packages start as low as $20/month with plenty of options depending on the size and needs of the business.

    Alternative numbers 6+7 are both cloud-based unified communications software suites, so we merged them into one. 

    Two cloud-based unified communications software suites that small businesses might want to consider are Ring Central and Cisco Spark. Both are very different products but, it could be beneficial to explore both before making a final decision. Ring Central has the ability to use existing phone lines instead of a cell network which means the cost will only go up if you need more lines or phone numbers. Meanwhile, Cisco Spark can offer all the same features as Ring Central, but also provide conferencing capabilities and professional-grade online meeting tools.

  • The 6 Best Business Plan Software Options to Help You Start Your Business

    The 6 Best Business Plan Software Options to Help You Start Your Business

    Starting your own business can be tricky. There are so many things to consider and take care of – from hiring the right people, to getting the money, to managing the company – that you can easily become overwhelmed if you aren’t prepared. The good news is, there are a ton of tools out there that can help you! One important tool to consider using is business plan software. What is business plan software? It’s software designed specifically to help you create an effective business plan, which will allow you to set up your new business with ease and ensure that it takes off successfully right from the beginning!

    #1 – Home Base

    Home Base gives you a comprehensive business plan with everything from the executive summary to tips on pitching your business idea. Home Base lets you work at your own pace and add supplemental information as it becomes available, like feedback from customers. Plus, when you’re finished, you’ll get a beautifully formatted Word file of your entire business plan that’s ready for printing or distribution via email or any other methods.

    If what you need is an easy-to-use but complete project management tool for your new venture, then Startup Planning Tool will be perfect for you.

    #2 – DocuSign

    DocuSign is an e-signature platform that offers digital signature capabilities, as well as workflow automation. There are two primary components of DocuSign – DocuSign for iPad and DocuSigned agreements. The former allows you to sign and send documents from your tablet or iPhone, so you can get your approvals right on the go. The latter component of DocuSign enables users to automatically record their signatures, which are then time-stamped in an online document. This ensures that if someone is granted the power of attorney and tries to sign without authorization, later on, the signature will not be accepted. Moreover, DocuSign’s Instant Document Review feature means any changes you make to a signed agreement after it has been submitted will also be reviewed by a human before they take effect. That way you can rest assured that the other party received your proposal exactly how it was originally submitted.

    #3 – Trumba

    Trumba is a cloud-based business management platform that helps entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale their companies. Trumba’s product suite includes tools for marketing, sales, operations, finance, and accounting. The software also has integrations with popular applications such as Facebook and QuickBooks Online.

    In addition to its online tools, Trumba offers an offline option for businesses that need a permanent solution. The company’s flagship product is the TrumbaBox – a hardware device that can be connected directly to your company’s in-house data center or operated remotely via the internet.

    #4 – QuickBase

    Quick Base is a business management and planning software that was designed specifically for startups. The interface is user-friendly, easy to learn, and designed so you can get up and running quickly without paying hefty consulting costs. Quick Base handles all your day-to-day operations, including project management, online CRM, analytics, invoicing and accounting, team collaboration, and scheduling. It also includes an option for mobile access from any device via their app. This means you can access your information from anywhere at any time! With the 30-day free trial period and monthly pricing starting at $19 per month, it’s one of the best values out there.

    #5 – FastTrak

    Zoho is a fast, feature-rich suite of business applications that enables you to manage everything in one place. The best part is that it can integrate with a variety of third party tools so you can use the tools you know and trust, not the ones they force on you. You can also get things done from anywhere using their range of mobile apps. Zoho’s G Suite integration lets customers streamline workflows and get work done more effectively across devices. This business plan software will help you create an optimized workflow for your team and let them focus on the most important tasks without interruption. Another nice thing about this business planning software is that it integrates well with other business apps, making communication seamless between teams.

    #6 – Zoho

    Zoho is a business suite that includes a variety of applications to suit the needs of any business. Zoho’s best tool for starting your business is its online accounting software, which can be integrated with other Zoho apps like Zoho CRM and Zoho Projects. This lets you organize all your financial information in one place, so you don’t have to do any data entry. It also makes it easier to manage different aspects of your startup from within the same app.

  • Is Becoming a Real Estate Agent Right for You?

    Is Becoming a Real Estate Agent Right for You?

    Do you want to be your own boss?
    Do you have great sales skills? If so, becoming a real estate agent might be the perfect career for you. But before you invest time, money, and effort in that new career path, make sure it’s right for you by asking yourself these three questions…

    The Basic Requirements

    You must have three years of work experience and be at least 18 years old. You’ll also need to live in one of the states where the company has an office, and pass a criminal background check. The cost of becoming an agent varies from one company to another, but we’re including these fees from real estate giant Keller Williams below as a reference:

    – $145 per hour for pre-licensing coursework – $35 exam application fee – Upfront payment of $50 or more for licensing (depending on the state) – Ongoing dues and expenses that vary by region.

    The Costs of Being Licensed as a Realtor

    The process of becoming a licensed Realtor varies by state. First, you’ll need to pass the required exam (all states will require one). The licensing test includes sections on professional duties and law, finance, marketing and listings, principles of negotiation and salesmanship, business management, and operations. In addition to passing the test and applying for your license, you may have to undergo additional training or submit an application for approval to work with a brokerage before being granted approval. Once approved by a company there are still fees involved such as application fees, exam fees, and annual renewal fees (if applicable). Read more about the costs of getting your real estate license.

    What Are the Educational Requirements?

    In order to become a real estate agent, you will need to attend either an accredited high school or accredited university where you can obtain the following degree: Bachelor’s Degree in any subject. It is recommended that you take courses in business administration, finance, and economics. Courses may also include negotiation skills, legal aspects of real estate, accounting principles, and analysis of financial statements. Once you have your degree, then you’ll need to find an approved broker-training program from one of the many schools around the United States. Once you have completed your broker training program, then you’ll need to pass both states licensing exams before being able to be licensed as a Real estate agent. There are several other things that go into becoming a real estate agent such as obtaining your own office space with utilities included and buying all necessary furniture/equipment. The total cost of becoming a real estate agent is $12,000+.

    Going the Distance

    People often choose to become a real estate agents for the money. A successful agent in one of the top markets can make $200,000+ per year (not including equity earned). However, that is not always the case. So before you decide on pursuing this career path, read on to find out if it is worth your time and effort. First off, becoming a real estate agent is expensive! It will take approximately 10 hours at least 40 hours of training at a cost of $400-$2,500 (plus travel costs) with only an 18% chance of passing the state exam on your first try.

    Working with an Agency vs. Going Solo

    Many real estate agents start by working with an agency and slowly transition over to going solo once they have the experience needed to succeed. They also need to invest in their own office space, signs, business cards, marketing materials, and even education courses. This can cost up to $40K and does not include ongoing expenses like leads or software programs. Individuals without sufficient funds are encouraged to work with an agency until they can afford all of the essentials on their own. Once an individual has built up their portfolio of clients and reputation in the community, they may choose to strike out on their own. A real estate agent license is required before applying for jobs with different companies. To be licensed you must take classes from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). NAR offers 2-day live classroom sessions where students learn about contracts, negotiating strategies, appraisal techniques, and other relevant topics that will help them become successful agents.

    Where Can I Get My Start?

    First and foremost, there are two types of agents in the real estate industry: buyers’ agents and listing agents. A buyer’s agent represents the buyer and negotiates on their behalf. They do not share any commission with the listing agent if they sell to another agency. They can act as a mediator to find that perfect home or they can represent your bidding interest at all times. Listing agents, on the other hand, work solely for sellers of property and maintain 100% of their commission on transactions as long as it’s sold at another agency (they don’t have to share it). They create listings through various forms of advertising in hopes of generating leads with potential buyers or seller clients.

    Tools & Resources To Help You Succeed

    The National Association of Realtors has some helpful tools and resources for aspiring real estate agents. Some of the things you should consider before choosing this career are how much time and money it will require, what your strengths and weaknesses are, how committed you are to success, whether or not you have enough experience in this field if you’re able to make yourself look professional enough that people can take you seriously, etc. It’s important to ask yourself all these questions beforehand so you don’t waste time on something that might not be a good fit for your lifestyle. To read more about becoming an agent or find out if this is right for you, check out their website

  • The Top 8 Best Businesses to Start Right Now

    The Top 8 Best Businesses to Start Right Now

    Starting your own business may sound risky, but it can be one of the most rewarding things you do in your life. If you have an entrepreneurial mindset and are willing to put in the time and energy, you could be on your way to building an incredible career and earning more money than you ever dreamed possible. With that said, it’s important to choose your business wisely so that you don’t invest all of your time, energy, and money into something that won’t pay off in the long run.

    1) Copywriting Services

    One of the best business ideas you can start right now is in the area of copywriting. If you have an ear for good writing and an eye for detail, then a copywriting service may be just what you’re looking for. A lot of startups are willing to take on any project that has money at the end, but being able to provide quality services and give customers exactly what they want is one way a new company can stay afloat. And with more customers comes higher revenues which makes it possible for your business to get off the ground!

    2) Online Sports Betting

    Casino games are a great way to earn a little side income by trading hours of your time for cash. In case you’re looking for something more stimulating, gambling on sports might be the perfect option. Not only is betting on an NBA game more engaging than playing slot machines, but online sports books also offer bonuses and giveaways that rival or even surpass casinos. Here are eight of the best things about starting an online sports book business:

    – There’s no cap on how much money you can make. As long as people will bet on sports and there’s a site willing to process their wagers, the sky is really the limit with this business opportunity. – This business requires little overhead in terms of startup capital.

    3) Consignment Shops

    One of the best businesses you could start right now is a consignment shop. These shops are popular because they offer high-quality items at a great price, meaning there is already a customer base in place. By bringing in your own high-quality items and offering them for sale, you can be sure that customers will keep coming back to your store. The only issue with this business model is that it requires a lot of room; however, since the demand has never been higher than it is today, finding these extra few feet should not prove difficult.

    4) Logo Design

    Logo Designers, sets them apart is the logos. A logo is more than just a graphic design for your business: it reflects the values and personality of your company. To get your logo right, you will have to hire a Logo Designer. And before you set out on finding that designer who can do all these things, do consider what exactly you’re looking for in a designer.

    Typically, if you’re a small business owner with less than 1 year of experience in designing logos or any other artwork or graphics, it’s advisable not to spend too much money and invest in an experienced freelancer. You need something cost-effective and valuable without compromising quality workmanship!

    5) Accounting

    Business creation is challenging because it requires money to be able to produce anything. You also need knowledge of business law, finance, and inventory. An accountant can help you set up a system that suits your needs by looking at your personal finances and creating a budget and projection plan. If you don’t have time or the know-how, an accountant can do all this work for you in an hourly fee, charge by the project or offer month-to-month service agreements.

    6) Professional Organizing Service

    If you have the talent and desire, one business idea that is booming right now is a professional organizing service. Nearly 70% of Americans report they are not getting enough time back from their home and professional lives in order to spend quality time with their loved ones. They turn to organize services for help. Not only will this provide you with a steady stream of work, it also offers immense potential for expansion by subcontracting specific tasks out like upholstery cleaning or jewelry repair.

    7) Personal Concierge Service

    Personal concierge service is a new service where an individual would hire a concierge that provides various services for them. A person could be busy at work and want to buy groceries on their way home from work but don’t have time, so they contact a personal concierge who then shops for the specific items and delivers them. The customer doesn’t have the worry of wondering what is in their refrigerator or pantry because the person knows their favorite brands and tastes best.

    Concierges are more hands-on than other types of businesses because people who need this type of service may not be able to complete basic tasks, like running errands or getting groceries, due to injuries or disabilities.

    8) Party Rental Service

    You might not know this, but there’s a niche for almost any type of business that you want to start. One example of this is the party rental service industry. If you’re looking for a profitable new business idea, then starting your own party rental service may be an excellent option for you. For more information on how to get started in this industry, take a look at our blog post on Party Rental Service Ideas: A Guide For Entrepreneurs. The one thing you’ll need before beginning a party rental service is supplies and equipment. In order to rent out items like tables and chairs, you’ll need enough space and inventory so people can browse through them when they come into the store. If you’re considering getting into this business, here are some things to consider when setting up shop

  • 5 Voice-over-IP Trends & News You Need to Know for 2022

    5 Voice-over-IP Trends & News You Need to Know for 2022

    Voice-over-IP has been around since the early 2000s, but it wasn’t until 2007 that it became widely accepted as a viable alternative to traditional landline phones. Since then, the industry has boomed, with more people moving away from their traditional telephone lines and turning to internet-based calling services in order to save money and take advantage of features like real-time call recording. Voice-over-IP (VoIP) has been around since the early 2000s, but it wasn’t until 2007 that it became widely accepted as a viable alternative to traditional landline phones.

    One of the most important VoIP trends

    For the foreseeable future, VoIP is expected to be the most important telephony product and service offering. As long as Wi-Fi Internet connections are ubiquitous in urban areas (which seems likely), over-the-top providers will struggle with quality of experience and latency issues. The other major challenge they face is regulatory interference. Traditional telecom companies have a vested interest in maintaining their monopoly on communications infrastructure, so regulators will continue to scrutinize any attempt by OTT players to build out their own networks.

    Another key VoIP trend

    Ubiquitous Voice Technology (U-Voice) is a system that pushes services and products (including VoIP) through voice commands. One of the goals of U-Voice is to not be interrupted by artificial barriers such as screen size, time, and physical location. In short, with U-Voice, you will have control over everything from your PC to your robot vacuum cleaner. What’s more, even though it seems as if we are moving away from screens, there are now more ways than ever to get information on a screen. The idea behind U-Voice isn’t that screens disappear, but that all devices become more efficient in finding the right information and giving it back to us in an instant.

    whether we’re looking at our mobile phone or an email on our desktop computer. So what can you expect in five years? In 2026, the way people use their computers will be unrecognizable. Not only because we won’t need a keyboard or mouse to interact with them, but also because people who use computers won’t need much knowledge about how they work – or even know what operating systems are. Instead of using technologies like Windows 10 or Mac OS, people will just talk to their machines: Hey Siri! Give me directions.

    Yet another important trend you need to know

    Voice platforms like Apple, Amazon, and Google are all building their own video messaging apps and integrating them into their existing ecosystems. Additionally, email companies like Microsoft, Yahoo!, and AOL have been adding features such as video and voice calls directly within the service.

    This is a trend you need to know about because it will likely impact how many people communicate in the future. When you’re looking at what to expect in 2022 with VoIP, it’s important to consider not only who your customer base is today, but also what changes could affect that audience ten years from now. In order to be successful long-term as a company or individual who uses VoIP technology on an everyday basis, keep up with new trends that could affect your business.

    Key predictions from industry experts

    – In 2027, over 50% of all international travelers will use at least one VoIP service.

    – In 2030, customers will be able to make purchases with voice commands while they are in the store.

    – 2020 – Facebook and Google will be competing in the healthcare industry with bots that serve as health coaches.

    – 2020 – 29% of people are not yet comfortable using voice-activated devices but by 2030 that number jumps up to 59%. The trend is becoming more popular because it’s a more natural way to interact with machines. Although this might seem like something out of a sci-fi movie right now, new apps and services keep emerging every day. There is still some hesitation among consumers about whether or not their information is safe when using these apps. But if companies are careful about privacy then there should be no problem at all!

    And finally, my prediction about what I think will happen

    1. The VoIP market will grow at a faster rate than traditional landlines in the next five years.

    2. Backyard operators are no longer common in the United States. VOIP is taking over!

    3. A whole new group of young people is leading a migration away from voice telecommunications, where making voice calls is just too expensive (and frustrating) when they could text or use social media instead and still get the same information and interaction with their friends, relatives, and loved ones.

    4. Larger corporations will start installing Skype stations in lobbies so that clients can do video meetings rather than having to be physically present in person on site

    5. There will be an increasing demand for international internet phone service – which is not available in many countries today. International phone service providers will take note and create offerings to address this need

  • How to hire an intern in five easy steps and make sure they don’t kill your business

    How to hire an intern in five easy steps and make sure they don’t kill your business

    It’s important for both the company and the intern that you have a positive attitude. You need someone who wants to learn, who understands what it means to be on a team, and who will be able to take feedback. Someone who can see the bright side of things, even when there are obstacles, is always valuable. Positive people tend to do better work.

    Qualifications

    Interns should be current college students or recent graduates with at least some experience working on projects. It is also important that interns understand the limits of their position, are excited about helping you with your project, and have the ability to learn quickly. Here are 5 tips for hiring a good intern:

    1)Create a list of qualifications

    2)Advertise for the position

    3)Interviews

    4)Check references

    5)Determine how the internship should be compensated.

    Basic competencies

    1)Research- Interns should be researching their field, paying attention to trends, and learning from what other industry professionals are doing.

    2)Presentation- Being able to communicate effectively is key for any employee, but it’s especially important for interns who might not have a lot of professional experience.

    3)Organization– You’re going to need them to be good with data entry or organizing your filing cabinet or making phone calls on behalf of the company.

    Must-have soft skills

    Your internship should be valuable for both the employer and the intern. And, employers will be looking for soft skills in addition to tangible skills that interns can bring with them after their internship ends.

    Great communication is a must-have because it allows your team to work seamlessly together. A willingness and desire to learn new things also have benefits outside of the office as it equips you with a well-rounded skill set that can aid you on future job applications.

    Expected starting salary

    Internships can offer a great experience for those who are eager to learn, but you might be wondering how much should you be paying them. Generally, most entry-level positions will pay between $12-$18 per hour. If the company is a nonprofit organization then the wage is typically lower but still in the neighborhood of about $10-$12. The bottom line?

  • How to Finance Your Business with a Home Equity Loan

    How to Finance Your Business with a Home Equity Loan

    Starting a business can be an exciting endeavor, but it does have its downfalls. One of the most stressful parts of starting up a business is figuring out how to finance it all. After all, it takes money to make money, and entrepreneurs typically have ideas but little in the way of tangible assets that they can use as collateral to get loans from banks or other traditional lenders. If you need startup capital but don’t have many assets or the type of income lenders are looking for, you may want to take advantage of your home’s equity instead of a home equity loan.

    The Benefits of Getting a HECM

    A home equity loan is a great way to get access to financing for your business. One of the benefits of a HECM, which is also called a reverse mortgage, is that it gives you the chance to borrow against the value of your home without having to make monthly payments. The interest rate on this type of loan can be fixed or variable, with either option providing significant benefits.

    The Drawbacks of Getting a HECM

    One major drawback of using a HECM to finance your business is that you are tying up your home equity. This means you can’t use the money in your home’s value for other investments, and it also means that if you sell your home, there will be fewer proceeds available. In addition, if you need more cash after getting a HECM, you may need to take out a personal loan or equity line of credit on top of the HECM.

    What to Do If You Already Have An HECM

    If you already have a HECM and would like to make use of it for your business venture, here are the basic steps:

    1. Speak with your lender about the different options that are available for your home equity loan.
    2. Use this calculator from the New York Times to find out how much you can borrow.
    3. Research other sources of funding that may be available such as credit cards, personal loans, and friends and family members.

    Where To Get Help When Applying For An HECM

    The first step is to find out if you’re eligible for a HECM. You can do this by contacting the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or going online to figure out your eligibility. If you are eligible, then you need to find a private lender that offers HECMs. This can be done by going through an online search engine or contacting your local bank or mortgage company.

    Who Can Qualify For An HECM?

    Home equity loans are typically secured by the equity in your home. If you own your home and have sufficient equity in it, you may be eligible for a HECM.

    Fees Associated with a HECM

    The most important factor to consider when taking out a HECM is the size of your loan relative to the value of your home. You can borrow up to $1,000,000 without paying any interest on the loan for as long as you continue living in your home. The amount you can take out will depend on two things: (1) your age and (2) the size of your down payment.

  • How to Make Your First WordPress Website  in 6 Steps

    How to Make Your First WordPress Website in 6 Steps

    Creating your own website can seem daunting if you’ve never done it before, but using WordPress makes it much easier than it used to be. Follow this step-by-step guide on how to make your first WordPress website and you’ll be up and running in no time. Be sure to bookmark this article so you can refer back to it whenever you need a refresher course on the basics of WordPress site creation and maintenance!

    1) Choosing your domain name

    As with any business, you need a name. But before you pick your domain, be sure you’ve checked and know the rules for the top-level domain (TLD) of your choice.

    2) Choosing your web host

    There are a lot of options out there for web hosting, but the most popular and trustworthy option is Bluehost. When you sign up, they offer a free domain name and 60 days of free hosting, which will give you plenty of time to learn how to use WordPress or any other content management system.

    You can also choose from different levels of hosting services, depending on your needs: Shared Hosting, VPS Hosting, and Dedicated Server Hosting.

    3) Installing WordPress on your website

    Installing a new blog or website can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’ve never done it before and are worried about making a mistake or not following instructions correctly, this guide will help you make your first website in just seven easy steps.

    4) Creating your new site’s design

    The next step is designing your site. One of the easiest ways to get started is by using a pre-built theme. There are many free and premium themes available on the Internet. You can find these by doing a quick Google search for WordPress Theme.

    5) Adding content to your site with pages and posts

    You can create new pages by going to Add New under the Pages tab. To edit a page, click the Edit link next to the title of the page you want to update. You can delete a page by clicking on the Trash Can icon next to its title.

    The first step is deciding what your blog’s name is going to be and what your URL will be. If you’re using your own domain name, then you need these two pieces of information when signing up for hosting.

    6) Securing your site with a security plugin

    It’s important to secure your site with a security plugin, like Wordfence or Sucuri. It will help protect your website from malicious attacks and hackers, which is why it’s the first thing you should do when setting up a new website. You can also use one of these plugins for a more customized solution.

  • AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard Review

    AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard Review

    The CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard  has the potential to be one of the best credit cards for small business owners, but it comes with a hefty annual fee and limited extra features that might not make it worth it. Before you apply, make sure this card is right for your needs.

    Best Features

    – The CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard offers a competitive APR and a rewards program.

    – It has no annual fee, which means the benefits of this card can be enjoyed on an ongoing basis.

    – The card comes with access to your FICO  score, which is helpful for business owners who want to keep track of their credit history and risk profile

    Things you should know

    The CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard is designed for small- to medium-sized businesses and offers a number of features that are beneficial for your business, including no annual fee, a 0% introductory APR on purchases for 9 months, and an intro balance transfer rate of 0% for 18 months. Plus, if you’re an existing Citi cardholder with a Citibank Private Client account, you’ll receive up to 25% more miles per dollar spent.

    How to apply

    You can apply for the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard by filling out an online application. There is also a $75 annual fee associated with this credit card which is waived for the first year. If approved, you will get a welcome kit in the mail that includes your card, an instruction booklet, and a letter detailing your new account benefits and how to activate them.

    Our recommendation

    The CitiBusiness  AAdvantage

    The Platinum Select Mastercard card is a great choice for businesses with frequent travel. If you’re seeking a credit card that can help you earn rewards while providing flexible financing options, the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard may be right for you.

  • How Much Will Order Fulfillment Services Cost Me?

    How Much Will Order Fulfillment Services Cost Me?

    When starting an online business, one of the first things you will have to figure out is how to order fulfillment services or the costs of getting your orders into customers’ hands. This order fulfillment process can seem like a confusing task, and there are actually several different ways to execute it, depending on your business and the products you sell. In this guide, we will break down what you need to know about order fulfillment services pricing so that you don’t end up spending more than you need to or making money too slowly because of your choices in this area.

    Retailers Choose Where They Sell Online

    After choosing where to sell your products, the next step is choosing fulfillment services pricing. Pricing for fulfillment services typically depends on a combination of: order size, order weight, and delivery speed.

    Selling On Amazon Vs. 3rd Party Retailers

    If you sell on Amazon, Amazon sets your price, handles the order fulfillment, and provides customer service for you. If you sell via 3rd party retailers like Jet or Sears, the retailer sets your price and does their own order fulfillment.

    Cost can be a factor if you have thousands of orders to fulfill. It would be more expensive to hire someone on staff than outsource the work to a 3rd party like ShipBob.

    FBA vs Merchant Fulfilled

    The Amazon FBA fulfillment service is a full-service package that includes: order fulfillment, warehousing and inventory management, customer service, and marketing. You will ship your items to the Amazon fulfillment center and they will handle the entire process. When it comes to pricing, there are no upfront costs with this option (unlike many other 3rd party providers). Instead, you pay a per-item fee plus monthly subscription fees that get higher depending on your level of activity.

    Selecting a Product Type

    It can be difficult to determine how much fulfillment costs will be. The most important factors that you should consider are the product, the type of shipping, and the logistics required to ship your order. There are a few other things that you might also need to take into account. Depending on your products, there could also be additional labor and storage costs associated with shipping products as well.

    Smaller Volume, Bigger Businesses Can Manage Without the Help of an outside Company

    If you’re a smaller volume, it’s best to use an online fulfillment company to help you with your business logistics. But if you’ve got a larger company and are looking for help in the fulfillment department, there are a few things you should know.

    The Warehouse Space Option

    This method works best if you have inventory in your home or office that needs to be moved somewhere, like a storage unit, warehouse, or garage. It can also be the best option for established businesses that want to set up their own fulfillment operation. If the space is rented by the hour or day, and all you need is a place to keep your inventory and shipping materials until it’s time to ship your items out to customers, then renting warehouse space can be a very affordable option for order fulfillment services.

    The In-House Option

    There are some businesses that choose to take care of order fulfillment themselves. If you have the manpower and the funding for this option, it can be a cheaper option for you in the long run as you won’t need to factor in additional costs for hiring full-time or part-time staff, shipping containers, and services like logistics automation that handle order fulfillment on your behalf.