Recently we came across an article from Inc. titled “”50 websites your startup needs to succeed”. The list states Facebook and LinkedIn as obvious choices for startups and goes across the spectrum of needs for entrepreneurs: from advice on the law, to managing your own books. We’ve broken down the list of 50 and provided a review of the 10 websites we thought were the most applicable to the local landscape.
Can’t afford to have an attorney on retainer? Rocket Lawyer ponies up a number of easy to understand, fill-in-the blank legal documents for an affordable rate. Virtual, reputable attorneys are also on call who specialize in small business law. Their slogan is “we make law affordable and simple” and from the looks of it, this is pretty accurate. Available to you are links on how to create employment agreements, getting incorporated, business advice and documents, along with ongoing compliance support. Rocket Lawyer offers you a free one week trial after which the membership is US$35.95 a month. Membership offers you the opportunity to ask for legal advice and to get your documents reviewed to make sure it’s done right. Of course the laws applicable in the USA are different from those here but we recommend using Rocket Lawyer as a foundation and guide for the legal parameters of operating your business.
Touted as having “everything you need to build your business,” you can take a quick quiz to gauge where you are in the process. Not quite ready? Startup Nation has the tools to get you there. Already started? Find information on angel investing, network, get marketing help and everything else necessary. We took the Business Launch Assessment of 30 Yes or No questions as part of our review, and well we didn’t have a perfect score. That’s fine, we still have work to do, and so do you. Startup Nation is a great way to keep track of what steps will get you to success.
3. The Wall Street Journal’s How-To Guides for Small Businesses
The Wall Street Journal is a hub of information. However, did you know there’s a subset of “how-to guides” and a subset of that subset for how-to’s for small businesses? Everything from how to hire your first employee to how to shop for a bank as a small business is covered in a simple, bullet-point layout. You have the option of registering to receive updates from the WSJ and we love financing tips such as “how to pick a credit card for your business and “how to borrow from family and friends”.
In a perfect world, you’ll hire a professional blogger with connections and a penchant for SEO integration. However, for most startups, blogging is a challenge taken on by a founder (as in this case). You’re probably not a pro at it, so get up to speed with Blogging Tips. Blogging requires work, and when you get it right it has the potential for profitable return (refer to article “How to generate blogging revenue? 7 Proven & Guaranteed Ways)
Often the most despised part of creating a startup is drafting the business plan–but it’s crucial for a startup’s success. It’s where you identify strengths, weaknesses and create a vision. Sites like BPlans.com offer free templates and direction. The sample business plans are categorized by industry which makes it easy to find one relatable to you. You can also find an accountant, and get more information on areas such as Human Resources, Customer Service and Operations.
Get free help with the trifecta of startup challenges: Strategy, design and development. This site helps with designing a strategy, actually creating mockups of your vision and build real products with useful feedback.
Online advertising made easy? It’s possible with Google, and AdWords lets you instantly build ads/campaigns, monitor them, change them and nix them when you’re finished. For startups, there’s no need for a costly ad team when a DIY approach is on the table. As Google puts it: Be seen by customers at the very moment that they’re searching on Google for the things you offer. And only pay when they click to visit your website or call.
Keeping up with all the latest SEO and marketing trends can be difficult these days. Search Engine Journal makes it easy for users to learn everything about algorithm updates on Google by having some of the top SEO’s around the world such as John Rampton, Murray Newlands and Jayson DeMers contributing regularly. There are also handy information on Content Marketing, Social Media, Paid Search and WordPress!
Once your startup’s website(s) is up and running, you need to know how it’s performing. Many of the tools at Google Analytics are free, the reports are easy to digest, and it dishes up a goldmine of big data that you can use to target campaigns, boost traffic and increase conversion rates. As Google puts it: Your customers go everywhere; shouldn’t your analytics? And they give you the tools that makes it easier to serve your current customers and win new ones.
10. Forbes
If you only have time to read one online media giant, choose Forbes. It focuses on business first with an engaging tone, and there’s a massive section just for entrepreneurs. A holistic approach to news, downloading the app makes it even simpler for founders to stay informed.
And that’s it, the 10 websites that we found most helpful in the list created by Inc. See the full list here.
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