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
Holiday Marketing: 5 Reasons Why Customer Loyalty Programs Are Essential 
By Sean Peek | July 10, 2025

Loyalty programs can help companies land new customers and nurture them into devoted brand advocates. Here are five reasons why such promotions work.

Article
Boosting Business Success: The Benefits of Highly Motivated Employees
By Skye Schooley | July 10, 2025

Highly motivated employees boost productivity, lower turnover, improve customer satisfaction, and drive innovation across departments and teams.

Article
Elevating Expectations: 6 Ways Product Quality Affects Your Brand
By Sammi Caramela | July 10, 2025

High product quality boosts customer loyalty, supports premium pricing, reduces returns, strengthens brand reputation and increases overall business success.

Article
The Art of Words: How to Write the Perfect Mission Statement
By Sean Peek | July 10, 2025

Your mission statement should show your company's vision and describe how customers see your business. Here's how to create a mission statement that distinguishes you from competitors.

business tools
Article
Fast, Good or Cheap — The Iron Triangle
By Jamie Johnson | July 10, 2025

The iron triangle of product development has shortcomings. Learn why the lean startup process is the best way to achieve "fast, good and cheap," all in one project.

Article
How to Apply for a Business Credit Card
By Dock David Treece | July 09, 2025

A business credit card has distinct advantages, like simplified accounting. Learn how to choose, apply for and qualify for a business credit card.

Businesswoman on the phone
Article
Would You Make It on Shark Tank? The Importance of Scalable Business Models
By Jamie Johnson | July 09, 2025

Scalability is a crucial factor in business growth and success. Learn the components of a scalable company and how to scale your business.

Article
Purchasing a Copier? Here Are the Copier Features You Need
By Miranda Fraraccio | July 09, 2025

Even with a reduction in workplace paper usage, office copiers are an essential operational tool. Learn the features and costs of top copiers.

Review
GoTo Contact Center Review and Pricing
By Mark Fairlie | July 09, 2025

GoTo Contact Center is top for small businesses with its user-friendly, omnichannel support on a budget, but lacks AI features and extensive integrations.

Article
Pros & Cons of 9-5 Workdays and Alternative Schedules to Consider
By Miranda Fraraccio | July 09, 2025

While a 9-to-5 workday used to be standard, today's freelancing and remote work trends are causing a shift. Learn the pros and cons of working 9 to 5.

Article
Paper vs. Electronic Medical Records
By Max Freedman | July 08, 2025

Most medical practices have switched to electronic recordkeeping, but there's still a place for paper.

Article
What Is Ransomware?
By Mark Fairlie | July 08, 2025

Ransomware can hit businesses of any size. Here's how to keep your enterprise safe.

Review
Zoom Review
By Jessica Elliott | July 07, 2025

Zoom Phone offers internet-based phone services with feature-rich video conferencing tools. See pricing and how it stacks up to competitors.

Article
How to Increase Your Restaurant’s Profits in 2025
By Sean Peek | July 07, 2025

The restaurant industry is highly competitive. Here's how your restaurant can save money and attract new customers.

Article
Why You Should Tell Your Employees You’re Monitoring Them
By Kiely Kuligowski | July 07, 2025

Employee monitoring can backfire if you hide it from your workers. Learn the reasons why you should tell your employees you're monitoring them.

person overlooking palm trees and a beach
Article
The Best Time of the Year to Take Vacation
By Jennifer Post | July 03, 2025

Don't waste your time off. Plan to make the most of your vacation without leaving a disaster at work.

Article
What Is a Virtual Phone Number?
By Mark Fairlie | July 03, 2025

Learn everything you need to know about virtual phone lines and how you can use one to optimize your business in a matter of moments.

Article
What Is a Credit Card Imprinter?
By Kimberlee Leonard | July 03, 2025

A credit card imprinter is a physical device that makes an imprint of a credit card onto a carbon copy sales slip to process and track payments manually.

Businessman working on a laptop
Article
How to Boost Online Awareness of Your Brand
By Natalie Hamingson | July 03, 2025

Without effective brand awareness, your business will get buried by the competition. Here's how to make your business stand out online.

Article
4 Tips to Build a Strong In-House Marketing Team
By Jennifer Dublino | July 02, 2025

If you have the resources, an in-house marketing team can lower costs and foster creativity and agility. Learn to build a strong in-house marketing team.

Article
Capital vs. Operating Grants: Which Does Your Business Need?
By Donna Fuscaldo | July 01, 2025

Capital and operating grants are two different ways to fund your business. Here's what you need to know before applying for a business grant.

Article
Restaurant Accounting: How It’s Different From Other Industries & Best Practices
By Dock David Treece | June 30, 2025

Restaurant accounting has specific needs and features. Here's a look at restaurant accounting methods and expenses, how tips factor in, and more.

Two colleagues sharing a document
Article
How to Create an Employee Benefit Plan & Which Benefits to Offer
By Skye Schooley | June 30, 2025

Offering employee benefits is necessary in today's competitive job market. Discover which employee benefits your business should provide.

Article
About Us Page: Why Your Business Needs an ‘About’ Page
By Jennifer Dublino | June 30, 2025

Your website's About page is a marketing powerhouse that helps visitors get to know your brand. Learn best practices for creating an effective About page.

Article
Using Coupons to Drive Engagement and Retention
By Julie Thompson | June 30, 2025

Your customers want custom offers. Here's how you can use technology to offer coupons that engage customers and boost your bottom line.

Article
Tethering vs. Hotspots: What’s Better for Your Business?
By Mark Fairlie | June 27, 2025

This guide explains the differences between tethering and mobile hotspots, as well as which one might be better for your business.

Accountant using a calculator
Article
QuickBooks vs. Xero Comparison
By Mike Berner | June 27, 2025

QuickBooks and Xero are two of the most popular accounting software choices for small businesses. Here is how they compare.

person using a calculator to do accounting
Article
FreshBooks vs. QuickBooks Comparison
By Mike Berner | June 27, 2025

FreshBooks and QuickBooks are two of the best accounting software programs for small businesses. Here’s how they compare.

Quickbooks logo
Review
QuickBooks Online Review and Pricing
By Mike Berner | June 27, 2025

QuickBooks Online is an excellent small business accounting package. Learn about QuickBooks Online's features, like automation, security and integrations.

Article
QuickBooks Desktop vs. Online: Which Should You Use?
By Mark Fairlie | June 27, 2025

Should you use the desktop application or web browser version of QuickBooks? Here are some important updates about this software program.