Free business software helps your company save money and become efficient. You can use free business tools to do accounting, accept payments, and pay employees. To evaluate and rank this kind of software, we analyzed features, overall quality, online user reviews, and our personal experience with the tools. Below is our list of 23 of…
28 Home-Based Business Ideas for 2021
Home business ideas are on the minds of many people trying to start a full-time or side business during COVID-19. Fortunately, with new technology and software, the opportunities to create a low-cost at home business has never been easier. Online platforms such as , , and help connect people looking for products and services with…
IncFile vs LegalZoom: What’s Best in 2021?
IncFile and LegalZoom are online legal services that help you start and operate your business. They differ in pricing and the number of services offered. IncFile has lower pricing to form a business—no cost plus state fees. However, LegalZoom provides a more extensive selection of legal services such as attorney advice and IP. When to…
SWOT Analysis for Your Small Business in 5 Easy Steps
A SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis is an exercise to help you make a business decision. The decision could be for a simple endeavor: adding a new product—or more complex like starting a business. You may choose to do a SWOT analysis on your own. However, we recommend doing it with others to get…
How To Set up an LLC With LegalZoom – Step by Step
LegalZoom is an online legal service that assists you with the LLC (limited liability company) registration process. While you can register your LLC yourself through the designated state website, many business owners choose to have an expert, such as LegalZoom, assist with the process. Throughout LegalZoom’s LLC registration, you may see questions and other products…
11 Best Websites To Find Franchises
Numerous websites help you find franchises—but they are not all the same. Some websites have in-depth reviews, list international franchises, and provide direct support. Other websites may specialize in franchise resales such as BizBuySale and BusinessBroker.net. Here are the 11 best websites to find franchises: 1. Franchise Business Review Locations: USA-only Offer franchise resales: No…
How Much Does a Patent Cost? The Beginner’s Guide
A patent’s cost varies depending on its type, complexity, and if you hire an attorney. In general, you can expect the following costs to file a patent: USPTO fee (government): $50 to $700 Maintenance fee (renewal): $400 to $7,400 per year Patent lawyer (search and application): $1,000 to $10,000 Total patent cost: $1,500 to $15,000…
14 Strategies To Increase Profits
How to increase profits is on the mind of most business owners. There are only two ways to do it: increase prices or cut costs. The question is, what are the best and most affordable options for each, particularly during COVID-19? Consider the following 14 strategies to make you and your business more money in…
LLP vs LLC: What’s Best for Your Business?
The main difference between an LLP (limited liability partnership) and LLC (limited liability company) is that the LLP provides business asset protection from another partner’s negligence. If one partner were to get sued because of negligence, only that partner’s assets are held liable. Common LLP businesses are law, accounting, and architecture firms. When To Form…
What Is a Business License: The Beginner’s Guide
A business license allows a business to operate in a specific geographic location. Licenses are issued by the local, state, or federal government and are typically required for regulated businesses and those that present a danger to customer health or the environment. The cost and application process for a business license vary. Most can be…
Trademark vs Copyright vs Patent: The Beginner’s Guide
Whether you’re a business owner, artist, inventor, or another professional, protecting your intellectual property (IP) is a wise decision. Depending on the type of work you’re trying to protect, this may involve a trademark, copyright, or patent—each of which comes with a unique purpose and registration method. Familiarize yourself with the differences to determine which…
12 Small Business Cybersecurity Tips
Cybersecurity is often not top of mind for small business owners. However, it should be. 43% of cyber-attacks target small businesses—since COVID-19, cyber-attacks are up 300%. For very small businesses, protecting your business is often straightforward—avoid phishing scams and change passwords frequently. However, as your business grows, so does the complexity and need for quality…