Hey there, small business owners! Navigating the world of entrepreneurship can be a rollercoaster ride. Whether you’re just starting or looking to take your business to the next level, staying informed and inspired is key.
Luckily, there’s a treasure trove of knowledge out there in the form of blogs. Here’s a casual rundown of the top 15 small business blogs that can help you boost growth, stay motivated, and get the edge you need.
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur’s blog is a staple for any business owner. It’s packed with articles on everything from marketing tips to success stories. Whether you need advice on scaling your business or want to stay updated on industry trends, this blog has you covered.
HubSpot Blog
HubSpot is famous for its marketing and sales software, but their blog is just as impressive. It’s a goldmine of tips on inbound marketing, sales strategies, and customer service. Perfect for learning how to attract and retain customers.
Small Business Trends
For the latest in small business news, trends, and advice, Small Business Trends is a must-read. They cover a wide range of topics that are crucial for small business owners, including technology, finance, and management.
Neil Patel’s Blog
Neil Patel is a digital marketing guru, and his blog is a masterclass in online marketing. From SEO to content marketing, Neil breaks down complex topics into actionable insights that can help you drive traffic and boost sales.
Seth Godin’s Blog
Seth Godin is a legend in the marketing world. His blog is full of short, thought-provoking posts that inspire and challenge conventional thinking. It’s not just about marketing; it’s about making a difference.
Copyblogger
If content marketing is your game, Copyblogger is your playbook. They offer tips on how to create compelling content that attracts and engages your audience. It’s a fantastic resource for improving your writing and content strategy.
Today I start my side hustle
Ben describes his journey into creating passive income through “side hustles” in Today I start my side hustle. Ben goes into the details of the people wanting to get out of their 9-5 day jobs and in to making money by starting their own businesses.
Today I start my side hustle talks about new and interesting ways to make money whether you are a small business, a soloprenour or a person with a regular job.
Duct Tape Marketing
John Jantsch’s Duct Tape Marketing is a practical guide for small businesses looking to grow. The blog offers tips on marketing, customer retention, and building a referral network. It’s all about affordable and effective marketing strategies.
Quicksprout
Quicksprout, another gem from Neil Patel, focuses on actionable marketing advice. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, Quicksprout’s step-by-step guides on SEO, social media, and conversion optimization will help you grow your business online.
Social Media Examiner
In today’s digital age, mastering social media is crucial. Social Media Examiner is the go-to blog for everything social media. From the latest platform updates to in-depth guides on social media marketing, this blog keeps you in the loop.
Shopify Blog
For e-commerce entrepreneurs, the Shopify Blog is a treasure chest of insights. It covers everything from setting up an online store to advanced marketing tactics. It’s a must-read for anyone in the online retail space.
SCORE Small Business Blog
SCORE’s blog is like having a mentor on demand. It offers advice from seasoned business professionals on various aspects of running a small business. Topics range from business planning to funding and marketing.
Bplans Blog
If you need help with business planning, the Bplans Blog is your best friend. They provide templates, guides, and tips for creating solid business plans. It’s essential for startups and businesses looking to scale.
The Balance Small Business
The Balance Small Business offers practical advice on managing your business finances, improving productivity, and handling legal matters. It’s a comprehensive resource for the everyday challenges of running a small business.
Fast Company
Fast Company’s blog covers innovation, leadership, and technology trends. It’s perfect for staying ahead of the curve and finding inspiration from industry leaders. Their articles are both informative and motivational.
Other considerations for growing your business
Small businesses need to be seen.
If you are a small business owner, you need to understand your audience and know how to reach them.
To be seen, you need two do one of three things:
- SEO
- Advertising
- Word of mouth
SEO
Search Engine Optimization is key when wanting to grow to a new audience. People who need a problem solved will turn to Google first.
I would recommend working with an SEO company that specializes in small businesses, like SmoothSEO.
If your business is on the first page of Google for your relevant search terms, you will survive and thrive. If you are on page two or beyond, you will have to work much harder to survive.
Advertising
The word advertising just means “to make known.”
There are many ways to get your company known, from standing in the middle of the City shouting your company name to targeting optimised Google Ads.
The most common ways online, however, are:
- Google Ads: This is the big one. One of the oldest and most widely used advertising platforms on the internet and probably the one with the largest audience. You are guaranteed to be seen if you’re willing to pay what you need.
- Social Media Ads: Over 5 billion people a day log on to social media. If you can get your brand or business seen in front of the right subset of those people, you should see a great amount of traffic being pointed to your website.
Word Of Mouth
Do a good job, and your customers will advertise for you.
People want that warm fuzzy feeling that their hard-earned money will be well spent. The easiest way to get the “warm and fuzzies” is to get a recommendation from someone you already trust.
You, as a business, can ask customers to spread the word about your business in return for a discount for both them and the person they recommend.
There you have it—15 blogs that can help you navigate the entrepreneurial landscape. Dive into these resources, soak up the knowledge, and watch your business soar. Happy reading, and here’s to your business growth!
About the Author
Ben is a Software Engineering Manager by day and a writer by night.
If you want to know more about Ben, read about him here.
