Save big (up to $1,875) on small business tools with our free membership, business.com+
Sign-Up Now
BDC Hamburger Icon

Menu

Close
BDC Logo with Name
Search Icon
Search Icon

Buying Guides

Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources

Article
How Small Business Owners Can Use a HELOC to Fund Growth
By Adam Uzialko | December 09, 2025

A home-equity line of credit offers easy access to capital to start your business, but it puts your most important personal asset – your home – at risk.

Article
A Crash Course in the Business Legal Terms You Need to Know
By Mark Fairlie | December 09, 2025

From comparable worth to torts, here's the legal lingo all business owners should know.

Article
Does Your Business Need a Code of Ethics or Conduct?
By Jennifer Dublino | December 09, 2025

Formal codes of ethics and conduct can ensure consistency in an organization. Learn if your business needs a code of ethics and code of conduct — or both.

Article
Hiring on a Timeline: How Long Should Each Step Actually Take?
By Adam Uzialko | December 09, 2025

The hiring process takes an average of 44 days. But the longer it drags on, the more likely it becomes that candidates look elsewhere — efficiency is critical.

Article
5-Step Web Design Process to Create Winning Websites
By Rahul Varshneya | December 09, 2025

A stellar design isn't merely focused on how pretty the interface looks.

Article
Gap Insurance for Healthcare? Look for More of It in 2025
By Kimberlee Leonard | December 08, 2025

Gap insurance is supplemental health coverage paired with a high-deductible major medical plan. The goal is to help employees cover out-of-pocket expenses.

woman working at a table
Article
Better Than Coffee: 14 Podcasts That Will Inspire Your Mornings
By Jamie Johnson | December 08, 2025

Here are the best podcasts that business owners should listen to for daily inspiration and entrepreneurial advice.

Computer technician on a computer
Best Pick
The Best Remote PC Access Software of 2025
By Nadia Reckmann | December 08, 2025

Freshdesk, GoTo Assist and Splashtop provide remote PC access with high-speed connections, cross-platform support, and security features.

Article
How to Keep Your Business Out of Bankruptcy
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | December 08, 2025

Proper budgeting and cash flow management can help protect your business from bankruptcy. Learn the steps you can take to avoid it.

woman on a job interview
Article
First Time Hiring? Your Complete Checklist for Getting It Right
By Adam Uzialko | December 05, 2025

Hiring your first employee is a critical step. Do it right by setting a budget, complying with labor regulations, and conducting a thorough interview process.

Best Pick
The Best Employee Monitoring Software of 2025
By Skye Schooley | December 05, 2025

Teramind, Hubstaff and ActivTrak provide employee monitoring solutions with activity tracking, productivity analysis and compliance features.

Article
8 Tips for Building a Successful Remote Company
By Jennifer Dublino | December 05, 2025

Remote companies provide significant benefits to employers and employees. Learn tips for building a successful remote company that runs like clockwork.

Article
How to Take a Vacation as a Small Business Owner
By Laura Spawn | December 05, 2025

Small business owners need vacations to help them achieve a healthy work-life balance. Here's how to keep your business running smoothly while you're away.

Article
11 Mobile Apps to Stay Connected With Your Team
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | December 05, 2025

Staying connected with your team is especially important in remote and hybrid settings. Here are 11 mobile apps that can help.

hand removing a paycheck from an envelope
Best Pick
The Best Online Payroll Services of 2025
By Jessica Elliott | December 04, 2025

Gusto, QuickBooks Payroll and ADP streamline payroll processing with tax compliance, direct deposit and employee self-service portals.

business movie
Best Pick
The Best Website Builders and Design Services of 2025
By Mark Fairlie | December 04, 2025

Wix, Squarespace and Shopify are leading website builders, providing drag-and-drop interfaces, customizable templates and e-commerce capabilities.

Article
Postcards vs. Letters: Which Is the Better Direct Mail Marketing Strategy?
By Kent Moon | December 04, 2025

Direct mail marketing can generate leads and diversify your marketing strategy. Learn the benefits of postcards and letters in direct mail marketing.

Article
11 Ways to Drastically Cut Business Costs
By Katharine Paljug | December 04, 2025

Small businesses often have slim profit margins. Learn how to cut expenses to boost cash flow, invest in growth and lower prices without impacting revenue.

Article
Resume Screening 101: How to Find the Right Candidate in a Stack of Applications
By Adam Uzialko | December 04, 2025

To make sure you’re only bringing in the best candidates for job interviews, screen resumes to filter out red flags and identify the most promising applicants.

Article
11 Essential Components of Excellent Customer Service
By Megan Totka | December 04, 2025

Looking to improve your company's customer service? Make sure everyone on your team follows these best practices.

Article
10 Key Considerations to Make When Selling a Business
By Sean Peek | December 03, 2025

Selling a business is a big endeavor. Here is what you need to consider before putting your company on the market.

Article
Do It for Me: The Next Evolution of the On-Demand Economy
By Jamie Johnson | December 03, 2025

Consumers want convenience, which often means they want someone to do something for them on demand. Learn how to take advantage of the DIFM movement.

Article
Build a Brand That Attracts Gen Z and Millennial Customers
By Sean Peek | December 03, 2025

Check out these branding tips for business owners to connect with Generation Z and millennial consumers.

Business owner working on a laptop
Article
6 Email Marketing Challenges and How to Overcome Them
By Jennifer Dublino | December 03, 2025

Email marketing is effective, but it has its share of obstacles. Find the solutions to email marketing's biggest issues.

Article
How to Apply for a Copyright Online
By Julianna Lopez | December 03, 2025

Obtaining a copyright is a straightforward process online. Learn how to apply for a copyright online and the benefits of protecting intellectual property.

Article
How to Dissolve a Partnership Agreement
By Sean Peek | December 02, 2025

The end of a partnership is usually difficult for a number of reasons. Here's how to end a partnership on good terms.

Article
The Benefits of Restaurant iPad POS Systems
By Skye Schooley | December 01, 2025

POS systems can provide a lot of value to your restaurant. Learn more about how this technology can boost your profits.

Article
Is a Free POS System Right for Your Business?
By Skye Schooley | December 01, 2025

Small businesses that must cut costs may consider a free POS system. Learn the benefits and limitations of free POS systems and some options to consider.

Article
Complete List of POS Charges and Fees
By Jamie Johnson | December 01, 2025

Every size business can benefit from a POS system, and there are various prices and technology suited for every need. Here’s what you need to know.

Business owner working on a laptop
Article
Starting a Business From Home: The Ultimate Checklist
By Julie Thompson | December 01, 2025

Starting a business requires an organized approach to administrative, legal and practical tasks. Follow this checklist to start a business from home.