Running a business is no easy task, but there are many online resources that can help. Whether you need help with marketing, accounting, or building a website, there’s a tool out there for you. This article explores some of the best websites for business owners, making your entrepreneurial journey a bit smoother.
Key Takeaways
- HubSpot is great for managing customer relationships and offers free business plan templates.
- Shopify is ideal for eCommerce businesses, providing tools to set up and manage online stores.
- Squarespace helps you build and host a professional website with ease.
- QuickBooks simplifies accounting and financial management for business owners.
- LinkedIn is a valuable platform for business networking and professional connections.
1. HubSpot
If you’re new to the world of business, you might not be familiar with a CRM, or Customer Relationship Management tool. HubSpot is one of the best out there. It offers a sales, marketing, and service hub all in one place. This means you can keep track of important customer information and interactions easily.
The Good
- Free version available
- Contact management and website activity tracking
- Integrates with Gmail and Outlook
The Bad
- It can get expensive quickly, depending on the features you need
Details
- Access to a vast knowledge bank via HubSpot blogs and Academy
- Plenty of free tools to help organize your data
- Connect your favorite apps to HubSpot
Pricing
- Free plan: Free
- Starter plan: $45 per month
- Professional plan: $800 per month
- Enterprise plan: $3,200 per month
Pro Tip: If you can think of any problem that small businesses face, HubSpot has written a very detailed article about it. Their resources are incredibly helpful for business owners.
HubSpot is a fantastic tool for managing customer relationships and growing your business. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, HubSpot has something to offer.
2. Shopify
Shopify is a top choice for business owners who want to sell products online. It’s especially great if you have a complex or growing inventory. If you only have a few products, you might want to look at other options like Wix. But if you’re ready to scale, Shopify is the way to go.
Shopify’s pricing plans range from $29 to $299 per month, billed annually. You can start with a 3-day free trial and get your first month for just $1 if you choose the Basic plan. This plan offers unlimited products and up to 1,000 inventory locations.
One of the best things about Shopify is its simple backend tools. Adding products is a breeze, and the huge app store helps your business grow. You can find apps for everything from TikTok to email marketing.
Shopify also supports multichannel selling. You can connect it with its POS system for offline sales, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon. This means you can meet customers wherever they are.
When it comes to payment options, Shopify supports over 100 different payment gateways. Using Shopify Payments can even eliminate transaction fees, making the checkout process smoother for both you and your customers.
Security is another strong point. Shopify provides a built-in SSL certificate, two-step verification, and ensures your website is PCI compliant. There’s also a fraud analysis tool to help you spot fraudulent orders.
Shopify is a powerful solution for small businesses of any size that want to sell online. With its range of ecommerce tools, you can manage everything from inventory to tax calculations easily.
If you’re looking for a reliable platform to grow your online store, Shopify is definitely worth considering.
3. Squarespace
Squarespace is an all-in-one website builder best known for its stunning designs. The popular platform makes it easy to establish your online presence. Whether you’re a small business owner or a creative professional, Squarespace offers a range of features to help you build a beautiful and functional website.
One of the standout features of Squarespace is its intuitive drag-and-drop editor. This tool allows you to easily customize your site without needing any coding skills. You can add text, images, and other elements simply by dragging them into place. The grid-style overlay helps you align everything neatly, so your site always looks polished.
Squarespace also offers a variety of stylish templates that you can use as a starting point for your design. These templates cover a wide range of industries, from fashion to real estate, and are fully customizable. You can even edit your site on the go with the Squarespace mobile app.
For those looking to monetize their content, Squarespace has introduced new subscription features. These allow you to put blog posts behind a paywall or charge for video content. This is a great way to generate income from your website, especially if you’re on the Business plan or higher.
Squarespace is dynamic in that you can do an out-of-box build in almost no time or create something truly unique and custom. This flexibility makes it a great choice for both beginners and more experienced users.
In summary, Squarespace is a versatile and user-friendly platform that offers a range of features to help you create a professional website. Its intuitive editor, stylish templates, and new monetization options make it a top choice for business owners and creatives alike.
4. QuickBooks
If you’re looking for a website to manage your business finances, QuickBooks is a top choice. It’s perfect for tracking income and expenses, accepting credit cards and ACH payments, and learning about growing your business. QuickBooks offers plans for businesses of all sizes, whether you’re just starting out or need comprehensive tools. You can even access a live bookkeeper (for a fee) to help set your books straight at any time. Additionally, there’s a resource section and tutorials to help you get the most out of the software and grow your business.
The Good
- Easy to track cash flow
- Invoice integration and creation
- Compatible with many other apps
The Bad
- No e-Commerce or barcode scanning
Details
- Desktop and mobile apps
- Free unlimited support
- Capture and organize receipts
- Easy Start plan: $22 per month
- Essentials plan: $44 per month
- Plus plan: $66 per month
- Advanced plan: $140 per month
QuickBooks is best for accounting and financial knowledge. It offers a range of plans to suit different business needs, making it a versatile tool for any business owner.
5. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a fantastic tool for business networking. You might know it from your corporate days, but it’s also great for entrepreneurs. LinkedIn’s B2B lead generation software is a game-changer, though it can be pricey for small businesses.
Networking and Learning
LinkedIn isn’t just about connecting with people. It offers a comprehensive learning platform called LinkedIn Learning. Here, you can find courses on everything from creating a content strategy to SEO foundations. It’s a one-stop shop for business knowledge.
Free and Premium Options
The free version of LinkedIn is quite robust. You can search for connections, post jobs, and find leads. However, the premium versions offer more tools and insights. Here’s a quick look at the premium plans:
| Plan | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Career Premium | $29.99 |
| Business Premium | $47.99 |
| Sales Premium | $64.99 |
| Hiring Premium | $99.95 |
LinkedIn is essential for anyone serious about growing their business network and skills. The free version is good, but the premium plans can take your business to the next level.
Specialized Business Services
LinkedIn also offers specialized business services. These are tailored to help you with specific needs like hiring, sales, and marketing. If you’re looking to expand your business, these services can be incredibly useful.
6. Canva
Canva is a fantastic tool for creating professional graphics and images. Whether you need social media posts, presentations, posters, or even videos, Canva has you covered. The best part? It’s free to use, which is perfect for new businesses on a tight budget.
Canva offers thousands of professional templates, images, and other content to choose from. This makes it easy to create visually appealing designs without needing a graphic design background. Plus, the learning section is packed with useful advice on personal branding, social media mastery, and graphic design.
The Good
- Free option
- Thousands of templates
- Free courses and tutorials
The Bad
- Export settings are limited
Details
- Social media publishing integration
- Hundreds of thousands of free photos
- Easily save and apply custom brand colors
- Free plan: Free
- Pro plan for 1-5 people: $12.99 per month
- Pro plan for 10 people: $47.99 per month
- Pro plan for 25 people: $152.99 per month
- Pro plan for 50 people: $327.99 per month
- Enterprise plan under 25 people: $30 per month
- Enterprise plan for 25 people: $750 per month
- Enterprise plan for 50 people: $1,500 per month
Canva was co-founded by Melanie Perkins, who is also the CEO. The company was valued at $40 billion in September 2021.
7. LegalZoom
LegalZoom is a fantastic resource for business owners who need to prepare legal documents without hiring a lawyer. The platform offers over 150 legal forms for business and personal needs, all created by attorneys. You can create documents like business formation papers, copyright registrations, and trademark applications. Documents are priced based on a flat fee, plus any filing fees.
The Good
- No hourly charges, documents based on a flat fee
- Information resources
- Easy to use online platform
The Bad
- Slow turnaround time
Details
- Money-back guarantee
- Legally recognized in all 50 states
- Extensive service offerings
- Plans: Customizable to your business
LegalZoom is best for preparing legal documents. It helps you protect your new business by putting contracts in place. You can create legal documents without hiring a lawyer, and it keeps all your startup documentation stored neatly.
If you need to create simple, routine legal documents, LegalZoom is a good resource to remember. Their resource section has lots of info about the business of launching a business, such as starting your LLC, registering a trademark, and what you need to know about hiring independent contractors.
8. Bplans
When you’re just starting out with your business, having a solid plan is crucial. That’s where Bplans comes in. This website offers a wealth of resources to help you create a comprehensive business plan. Bplans provides hundreds of free templates that cover all aspects of starting and running a business. These templates are designed to guide you through each step of the process, from defining your business idea to registering, launching, and growing your business.
One of the best features of Bplans is the educational guides. These guides offer practical advice on various topics, such as writing a business plan, securing funding, and marketing your business. The site also includes tips from business planning expert Tim Berry, which can be incredibly valuable for new entrepreneurs.
The Good
- No cost
- Hundreds of templates
- Educational guides
The Bad
- Overwhelming amount of information
Details
- Free templates and guides take you through all aspects of starting and running a business
- Tips from business planning expert Tim Berry
- Access to pitch deck examples for various industries
- Price: Free
If you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed, Bplans can be a great starting point to get your business off the ground. The resources available are designed to help you stay focused and motivated, even when times get tough.
9. Entrepreneur
If you’re looking for deep business knowledge, Entrepreneur is the place to go. The website offers a wealth of advice, insight, profiles, and guides for both established and aspiring business owners. It’s the home of Entrepreneur Magazine, which has been a trusted resource for over 30 years.
The Good
- Many resources are free
- Lots of actionable advice
- More than 30 years of experience
The Bad
- Some information may be out of date
Details
- Companion magazine available
- Access to free webinars
- Business book recommendations
- Monthly subscription: $5 per month
- Annual subscription: $49 per year
Entrepreneur is a must-visit for anyone serious about starting, running, and growing their business. The site is packed with practical information that can help you succeed.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand, Entrepreneur has the tools and resources you need to thrive.
10. Business Owners Idea Cafe
Business Owners Idea Cafe is a fantastic resource for small business owners looking for peer advice and support. This website offers a friendly and informal atmosphere where entrepreneurs can share their ideas, opinions, and seek guidance from like-minded individuals. Membership is completely free, making it accessible to everyone.
One of the best features of Business Owners Idea Cafe is the variety of small business forums available. These forums cover a wide range of topics, from how to run your business to information on grants and business financing advice. You can even find sample business plans to help you get started.
While the website might seem a bit low-tech, the wealth of information and support it offers more than makes up for it. If you’re looking for a place to connect with other business owners and get valuable advice, Business Owners Idea Cafe is definitely worth checking out.
Conclusion
Navigating the digital landscape as a business owner can be challenging, but the right websites can make all the difference. From building a professional website to managing customer relationships and handling finances, the tools and resources available online are invaluable. By leveraging these platforms, you can streamline your operations, enhance your marketing efforts, and ultimately grow your business. Remember, the key to success is not just hard work but also working smart by utilizing the best resources at your disposal. Keep exploring, stay informed, and make the most of the digital tools available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HubSpot used for?
HubSpot is a tool that helps businesses manage their customer relationships. It offers features like email marketing, social media management, and sales tracking.
How can Shopify help my business?
Shopify is an eCommerce platform that lets you create an online store to sell products. It offers tools for payment processing, inventory management, and marketing.
Is Squarespace good for beginners?
Yes, Squarespace is very user-friendly and offers templates that make it easy to build and host a professional-looking website.
What are the benefits of using QuickBooks?
QuickBooks helps with accounting and financial tasks. It can track expenses, create invoices, and generate financial reports.
Why should I use LinkedIn for my business?
LinkedIn is great for networking with other professionals, finding new clients, and hiring employees. It also offers tools for marketing and sales.
Can Canva help with my marketing materials?
Yes, Canva is a design tool that allows you to create professional-looking graphics for marketing, including social media posts, flyers, and presentations.
