Your free business.com+ membership unlocks exclusive tech deals and advisor support
Join Free
BDC Hamburger Icon

Menu

Close
BDC Logo with Name
Search Icon
Search Icon

Buying Guides

Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources

Article
Are the Benefits of Using a PEO Really Worth It?
By Joshua Stowers | January 02, 2026

Learn what a PEO does and the advantages and disadvantages of partnering with one vs. managing HR in-house.

Article
POS Systems for Small Construction Businesses
By Donna Fuscaldo | January 02, 2026

With a POS system installed on your phone or tablet, you can accept payments on the job, send digital receipts, and accurately record payment details.

Article
The Pros and Cons of Outsourced Customer Service
By Marisa Sanfilippo | January 02, 2026

If you’re too busy to handle customer service, you may consider outsourcing. Before outsourcing customer service to a call center, learn the pros and cons.

Article
What Is Opt-in Email Marketing?
By Jennifer Post | January 02, 2026

Opt-in email marketing helps reach prospects who have already shown interest in your products or services and are more likely to buy. Learn how it works.

Article
How to Build a Microsoft Document Management System
By Mark Fairlie | January 02, 2026

Discover how to build a customized Microsoft document management system for your business with the workflows, security and integrations you want.

Man giving presentation in boardroom
Article
What Is Lead Scoring?
By Julie Thompson | January 02, 2026

When you rank leads using lead scoring, you can better determine conversion point thresholds and increase sales efficiency. Learn how to score leads.

Article
Want to Invest in Digital Real Estate? How to Get Started
By Sean Peek | January 02, 2026

Investing in digital real estate, like web domains and Metaverse land, is equal parts lucrative and risky. Learn how to invest wisely in this guide.

Article
How to Hire and Staff for Your Business
By Chad Brooks | January 02, 2026

Learn strategies and techniques for hiring employees as you build up a staff for your small business.

Article
How Your Product Packaging Can Win Buyers’ Hearts
By Julie Thompson | January 02, 2026

Find out how product packaging can win over customers, and get tips for successful packaging strategies.

Article
How to Create a Happy and Productive Work Culture
By Jennifer Dublino | January 02, 2026

Companies with positive work cultures see many benefits, including increased productivity and morale. Learn how to create a happy and strong work culture.

Article
How to Attract Customers to Your Restaurant
By Jennifer Dublino | January 02, 2026

Here are several online and offline marketing techniques that you can use to reach more potential customers for your restaurant business.

Article
How Much Should You Spend on Small Business Security Systems?
By Mark Fairlie | January 02, 2026

Security is critical to a small business, but so is budgeting. This guide explains how much you should spend on security systems for your small business.

Article
Financial Accounting: What You Need to Know
By Dock David Treece | January 02, 2026

Learn what every business owner needs to know about financial accounting, accounting software and financial statements.

Article
Digital Receipts: Why Retailers Are Embracing Them
By Sean Peek | January 02, 2026

The latest digital receipt technology enables retailers to include marketing messaging. Learn the benefits and get software recommendations.

Article
Discover the Unique Selling Proposition of Your Business
By Shane Barker | January 02, 2026

Without a unique selling proposition, you have nothing that distinguishes your company. Learn how to create an effective USP for your business.

Article
How to Get Paid as a Construction Contractor
By Karina Fabian | January 02, 2026

Cash flow is critical for construction contractors. Learn best practices for ensuring your clients pay you and tips for dealing with nonpaying customers.

Article
Budgeting Planning: A Small Business Budgeting Guide
By Sean Peek | January 02, 2026

Business owners need budgets to help them manage money and meet financial goals. Learn how and why to start budget planning for your business.

Article
What Sole Proprietors Need to Know About Business Licenses
By Jennifer Dublino | January 02, 2026

Sole proprietors must abide by laws and regulations about business licenses and other matters. Learn about municipal rules for sole proprietorships.

Article
7 Benefits of Text Message Marketing
By Skye Schooley | January 02, 2026

Discover how text message marketing helps drive customer engagement and increases purchasing, plus tips on which SMS services to use.

Article
15 Successful Text Message Marketing Examples
By Shannon Flynn | January 02, 2026

Text message marketing is a powerful tool for reaching your customers. See some SMS marketing examples and adapt them to your campaign.

Article
The Importance of Self-Care for Productivity in an Office Environment
By Skye Schooley | January 02, 2026

Learn self-care strategies and techniques that can increase your productivity and happiness at work.

Article
Using X (Formerly Twitter) as a Customer Support Channel
By Jennifer Dublino | January 02, 2026

Twitter adds a new dimension to customer support, offering proactive real-time support in a public environment. Learn to use Twitter for customer support.

Article
Video Conferencing Etiquette Tips for Presenters and Attendees
By Karina Fabian | January 02, 2026

Video conferences can be effective virtual meetings or a waste of time and resources. Learn 18 tips for more productive and enjoyable video conferences.

woman on a job interview
Article
First Time Hiring? Your Complete Checklist for Getting It Right
By Adam Uzialko | January 02, 2026

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.

Article
Smarter Bookkeeping with AI-Powered Reconciliation
By Miranda Fraraccio | January 02, 2026

AI-powered integrations and features in modern bookkeeping software like QuickBooks can make account reconciliation easier, faster and more accurate.

person talking on a laptop
Article
Keeping Teams on Track with Project Management Agents
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | January 02, 2026

AI agents automate project tasks by assigning work based on priority and availability, centralizing communications, and flagging obstacles for small teams.

accountants using computers and calculators
Article
How SMBs Can Use AI Agents to Improve Accounting
By Natalie Hamingson | January 02, 2026

AI accounting agents combine speed with contextual accuracy to maintain nuanced decision-making processes.

person paying by credit card
Article
How AI Agents Are Changing SMB Payments
By Natalie Hamingson | January 02, 2026

AI agents are transforming payment workflows by automating invoice management, predicting payment delays, and accelerating collections.

person typing on a laptop
Article
How AI Agents Can Help SMBs Do More With Less
By Natalie Hamingson | January 02, 2026

AI agents give small businesses the tools they need to automate workflows and compete with larger organizations.

Article
Workplace Accidents: How to Avoid Them and What to Do When They Happen
By Mark Fairlie | January 02, 2026

Find out how to avoid workplace accidents and the best way to handle them if they do occur.