Understanding the psychology of colors in business is essential to the success of any design project. Brands can benefit from solid color schemes by attracting attention and creating brand recognition. As a designer, you must understand how to use colors to represent your brand and product best.

What is Color Psychology?

Color psychology is the theory that colors can affect human behavior and emotions. It holds the idea that colors can elicit physical and emotional reactions, influencing how people act. For example, red can stimulate people’s appetites and blue can make people feel at ease.

As the theory suggests its impact on behavior, color can also be used in business to elicit different emotions and associations. Some brands choose colors in their logos and marketing materials to appeal to their target market. Other companies use contrasting colors to differentiate themselves from their competitors.

Tips on How to Use Psychology of Colors in Business

Colors determine your customer’s first impression of your brand. The right colors can make your brand look trustworthy, honest and relatable. Choosing colors that fit your brand can help you turn prospects into loyal customers. Here are some ways you can use the psychology of colors in business and influence people with color association:

Research Your Target Audience

Individually, people attach meaning to colors based on their gender and history. On a broader scale, nationalities perceive colors based on their culture and belief systems. This difference is vital to creating a successful marketing campaign and branding.

Western cultures associate white with elegance, peace and purity. On the other hand, Eastern cultures typically use white as a symbol of mourning. While there may be some overlap between the two cultures, it’s always a good idea to research what ideas are associated with the colors you plan to use.

In the 1950s, Pepsi saw a significant drop in sales when it tried to refresh its branding in South East Asia. The beverage company installed light blue vending machines in the region, unaware that the color symbolized death and mourning. It’s a cautionary tale of how doing a little research can save a company from failed marketing strategies.

Think About Colors and Their Meanings

People from different backgrounds see things differently so it may be nearly impossible to create a universal cheat sheet for all the colors and what they are associated with. However, learning the basics of color psychology — colors and the typical ideas they’re associated with — will give you a head-start in creating an effective color scheme for your business.

Here are some come of the most common emotions and ideas associated with colors:

• Yellow: happiness, optimism, warmth, fear, warning, caution
• Blue: calm, peacefulness, trust, coldness, unfriendliness, emotionlessness
• Red: love, passion, excitement, power, anger, danger, warning
• Green: health, nature, growth, envy, blandness, boredom
• Purple: wisdom, wealth, luxury, excess, decadence, moodiness
• Orange: confidence, energy, friendliness, warmth, immaturity, ignorance
• Black: power, sophistication, elegance, evil, mourning, mystery
• White: cleanliness, purity, innocence, sterile, empty, plainness

Attaching emotions to colors can be an excellent way to stimulate your audience’s mind and influence them to relate to your brand or purchase your product. Remember to make people feel understood by using colors they can identify with.

Start Strong With Emotions

Knowing the emotions and ideas associated with colors is one thing. Using them in your business is another. Start your branding process by designing materials that elicit strong emotions to stimulate your audiences.

Set the mood with colors that are relevant to your business and brand. Pique your customers’ curiosity and tell a story using colors. You can persuade people to patronize your business by making them feel emotions they can understand and relate to.

Copywriting uses text to convey messages, illustrate ideas and tell stories to convince people. You can use design and colors to do the same visually. Use colors to set the mood correctly and get your desired response.

Be Consistent With Your Color Schemes

Experimenting with hues, tints and shades can help you grab your audience’s attention. It’s an excellent way to create a color scheme that fits your business and resonates with your intended audience.

After you’ve found the palette that works best for you, stick with it. People like familiarity and will associate better with brands they know. Research has shown that 78% of consumers can recognize a company by looking at its colors.

Keeping your design colors consistent will help you improve your brand recognition. Knowing when to experiment and when to stick to your brand colors can determine your design’s success.

Test Your Colors on Your Audience

Testing will help you see which colors work best for your brand. Try testing different color schemes and see how your audience reacts and engages with your choices. Doing this will help you see precisely the effect of your color schemes.

Surveys can also be beneficial if you want to understand your target audience better. You’ll get a good grasp of what they think about your brand, product or service by directly asking them for feedback.

Experiment with colors and match them to their uses. Study the data and use different colors for your buttons, banners and other promotional material. Consider your user’s journey and preferences as a test for future design decisions. 

Choose a Color That Sets You Apart

Businesses sometimes choose colors based on their industry. Food companies typically use yellow, green and red since those are naturally occurring pigments in food. Since their business depends on people’s appetites, they choose colors likelier to make people hungry and associate their brand with delicious and filling products.

You can go the other way around and use unique colors to make your business stand out. Choose a unique color scheme that stands for your brand’s values. Special colors can increase a brand’s recognition by 80% and leave a lasting impression on consumers. The right color will make your brand more visible in a market saturated with the same colors.

Stick to Colors That Best Suit Your Brand

Picking a color appropriate for your product will help you leverage colors. While being unique has advantages, remember that specific colors have their intended uses and limitations. Your color choices will reflect your brand and impact how people perceive your business.

Imagine asking your customers to trust a product with a color that goes against its standard function, like a black safety vest or a pink hammer. They’re unique color choices, but your users may find it challenging to see the connection.

Colors and Brand Recognition: A Do or Dye Game

Your business colors say a lot about your brand values and design tastes. Your brand’s recognition ultimately falls on your design choices. Understand which colors and emotions your audience resonates with and you’ll find the color scheme that best suits your business.

The post How to Use the Psychology of Colors in Business appeared first on Designerly.

With technology constantly evolving, there are more tools and programs that can help businesses with their daily tasks. One of these tools is a Learning Management System (LMS). An LMS has many benefits and could be a valuable asset to an organization.

However, not every LMS is created equal and some of them might not make sense for a small business. With so many different Learning Management Systems available, it is essential you pick the one that best fits your business needs. Here is everything you need to know about an LMS and the best ones for small businesses.

What Is an LMS?

A Learning Management System is a tool that helps organizations build training courses and provides access to these courses to the intended users — employees, partners or customers. A company can use an LMS for training its employees, onboarding new staff, training customers on new products or retaining knowledge for employees.

An LMS has two different interfaces — one for employees and one for administrators of the organization. The user interface is where learners — staff, business partners or customers — access all the courses and training information. On the other side, the admin interface is where a business can plan training modules, monitor learner progress and add more users.

Different Types of Learning Management Systems

A business LMS differs from an LMS used by educational institutes. The difference between the two is the features available and the maintenance of the system itself. A school’s LMS usually receives fewer updates and changes in features.

A business LMS on the other hand could receive frequent changes and updates that improve the experience for learners and admin users. These tools are also available as either cloud-based or self-hosted systems.

In a self-hosted system, the organization installs the LMS software directly on its hardware. This option is less popular but in some cases, specific industry legislation could prohibit businesses from using the alternative.

A cloud-based system is where the tool is accessed online. Most LMSs available are cloud-based and provide users with the option to access them from anywhere. This option is the obvious choice for most businesses.

The Criteria That Make an LMS Great For Small Businesses

While each LMS will have its own set of features, they need to meet specific criteria to make them usable for a small business. Here are four criteria this LMS list is based upon.

1. The cost: Is it affordable? An LMS should be affordable for the business and not a financial burden. Many available systems charge per user, but there are some LMS platforms that charge a monthly fee regardless of the number of overall users.
2. User-friendly: A system that is hard to understand or use will benefit no one and is counterproductive. The interface needs to be easy to understand and not confuse its users. Look for systems that provide a great experience while also presenting the training materials in a way that is fun and beneficial for the learners.
3. Different learning groups: Different roles require different training materials. Ensure you can create groups for distinct employee roles. This will increase the user experience and allow staff only to learn what is necessary for their position.
4. Integrations: When choosing an LMS, ensure it works with the software your business already uses. Consider making a list of the applications your business utilizes and when selecting an LMS ensure it has the necessary integrations you require. This will allow you to automate repetitive tasks and apply focus to other tasks that need your attention.

Benefits of Utilizing an LMS

A learning management system provides many benefits for employees and the business. In addition to all the other software a business utilizes, an effective LMS works with your business and its tools, not against them. Here are a few of the benefits:

• More time efficient: Traditional onsite training takes a lot of planning and time. With an LMS an employee can access the training courses whenever needed. One of the main advantages of an LMS is the learners can set their own learning pace that works best for them.
• Reduce costs: Onsite training is expensive with all the events needed — the presentations, conferences and training exercises. With an LMS all of this is taken care of for you.
• Easily change learning materials: After time things change and become outdated. Learners will no longer need to use books or videos — as learning materials — that have become irrelevant as time passes. With an LMS you can easily keep your courses up-to-date with new information.
• Improves the learning experience: With an LMS, everything is made easy for learners. All the information and learning materials are in one place which they can access whenever needed.
• Better management capabilities: Most LMS software allows businesses to automate repetitive tasks. Administrators can easily monitor when employees log onto the courses and track their progress. This helps managers efficiently support their employees, customers or business partners throughout the learning process.
• Access from anywhere: In addition to learning at their own pace, employees can also learn from anywhere. If they have free time on their morning commute, they can access the training courses or simply study in the comfort of their homes. In the past, remote employees still needed to come into the office to receive training, but with an LMS, remote employees can receive their training online.

The 3 Best LMS for Small Businesses

There are many different LMS software available, but not all of them make sense for medium-sized companies or businesses just starting out. Here are the three best LMS software for small business owners.

1. LearnUpon

LearnUpon is a great cloud-based LMS that is suitable for small and large businesses. It offers many features and also has the option to create groups for different employee roles. LearnUpon also has e-commerce features and allows companies to sell their courses online.

Features:

• E-commerce features
• Ability to sell courses online
• Customizable options — create groups for different roles and employees
• Certification options available
• Engagement features — earning points and badges
• Many integrations available

Benefits:

• Mobile app
• Has features that can motivate users
• Create custom learning paths
• Well-designed interface
• Many customizable options available

Drawbacks:

• Often overwhelming for new users
• Offline learning is not available with the mobile app
• No authoring toolkit
• Can only make limited changes to published courses

2. TalentLMS

TalentLMS has many features that make this an excellent choice for small businesses. They also have a store where you can purchase different courses — you need to upgrade your plan to unlock this feature. This LMS has a low learning curve and the interface supports over 30 languages.

Features:

• E-commerce features
• Different integrations available — Zapier, Salesforce and Zoom
• Engagement and gamifying features to motivate users
• Create courses with a drag-and-drop builder
• Custom reporting options

Benefits:

• Has a free plan available
• Has a mobile app — offline learning available
• Supports over 30 languages
• Engagement features
• Many integrations available
• Custom reporting
• Option to buy courses from the store

Drawbacks:

• Themes are basic
• Reports are limited
• Can’t export content to SCORM
• Customer support needs work

3. iSpring Learn

This LMS is straightforward to use and provides you with many customizable options. It provides a great user experience and has gamified features that encourage learners. It offers detailed reports to businesses and learners can learn offline thanks to the easy-to-use mobile app.

Features:

• Mobile app with offline learning
• Gamified features
• Advanced reporting
• Integrates with many core business software
• News feature available for employees
• 360-Degree Performance Appraisal module

Benefits:

• Has a 30-day free trial available
• It has a detailed authoring tool
• Provides technical support
• Interface is customizable
• Easy-to-use interface with a low learning curve
• Offers engagement features

Drawbacks:

• No e-commerce features available
• No xAPI, PENS and LTI support.
• Limit chat options — no discussion board
• Can’t sell courses

The Best LMS for Your Business

With so many learning systems available, it is essential you choose one that effectively aligns itself with your business needs. An LMS should integrate with your business and avoid creating new obstacles to overcome. Remember, the best LMS is the one that works for you, your employees and business.

The post The 3 Best LMS For Small Businesses appeared first on Designerly.

Let’s say you’ve started creating a website using a premade template or surfed around the internet, accidentally stumbling upon unfinished website shells. The text filler phrase “lorem ipsum” juts out at you like it’s familiar. Why?

It’s time to explore the world of filler text and why it is an essential part of design, although lorem ipsum and its variants read like gibberish. 

What Is Lorem Ipsum?

Lorem ipsum is a text filler known as a dummy or placeholder text. It is pre-populated text to assist designers in visualizing how large quantities of text will interact with their design elements. Using nonsense fillers like this is also called “greeking.”

The phrase “lorem ipsum” came from the Roman philosopher Cicero. He wrote a text entitled “De finibus bonorum et malorum,” where the term “dolorem ipsum” appeared. Sound familiar? The phrase was eventually shortened to “lorem ipsum,” mulling its original meaning, as it roughly translates to “pain itself.” Typesetters began using text filler in the 1960s for physical media, which inspired digital media to implement it in the 1980s.

More extended versions of lorem ipsum are still pulled from the original Cicero, but they are snippets and phrases from sentences rather than full excerpts. Translations of dummy text will yield somewhat readable, but mostly nonsense, ideas. Designers needed mindless text they wouldn’t get distracted by, hence using the distorted Latin.

How Text Filler Informs Design Choices

A well-placed lorem ipsum has a more considerable impact on design choices than you may realize. It reinforces other principles of website design you may follow. Eventually, what is written on the site may later influence design. At this stage, artists can move forward without concerning themselves with how the meaning of the content impacts practicality, user experience, and user interface.

Because of the amount of text, it is an opportune time to experiment with typefaces without needing all of the specific copy at the ready. Therefore, you can provide a client with a website design, and they can give feedback without feeling pressured to have pages and pages worth of content at their disposal. 

It could inform design changes once you finalize the templates and populate the actual copy onto the site. Perhaps a text box doesn’t need to be as large if there aren’t enough words to fill the space. 

How does that interact with images on side banners or navigation? It is not usually an overhaul, but professionals should consider this potential to avoid getting too attached to what they have created. A worst-case scenario could lead to a total or multiple designs. However, the possibility is unique to the designer’s existing process and the client’s needs — it may not be due to the text filler alone.

Additionally, text changes will require constant minor manipulations of the aesthetics and functionality of a website. And using text filler in different degrees will allow workers to visualize variations of the bones of their design.

How Dummy Text Influences Design Priorities

Lorem ipsum and other text fillers have recently become more prominent in conversations because they alter designers’ mindsets. Some argue that relying on dummy texts forces designers to assume that copy is secondary to design — which is not valid. They synergize and rely on each other to shine. Excellent design does not make up for poor copy, and engaging writing does not make up for old-fashioned aesthetics and UI.

Controversies and nuanced questioning like this spark alternative dummy text templates to arise. The world doesn’t need more filler text, but some value participating in expanding its potential to overcome these mental divides between designers and writers.

Why More Text Fillers Exist

Only some people like lorem ipsum. Despite the advantages it can provide designers without getting distracted, you might experience the opposite effect. You could argue the appearance or hilarity of the nonsense disrupts the flow and hinders productivity. 

It is especially true for designers who have the fear in the back of their minds that they will forget to remove portions of the text filler when they publish the final site. Many finished products still have lorem ipsum text floating around, which reduces brand credibility and designer reputation. It also hurts SEO. When Google crawlers stalk around looking for duplicate text — which could resemble plagiarism — repeated lorem ipsum text boxes might hurt ranking.

Another consideration is overreliance on lorem ipsum. Despite its spliced origins, it provides a balanced appearance to copy. Inputting live copy may leave designers and clients underwhelmed because lorem ipsum guided too many of their decisions. 

Text filler is meant to keep web developers from being distracted by the meaning of the text. It doesn’t prevent them from being subconsciously guided by how it looks. Therefore, text filler has the potential to be deceptive, which is why people have made alternatives.

What Alternative Text Fillers Do That Lorem Ipsum Can’t

People have created hilarious yet practical alternatives to lorem ipsum. Though it may decrease productivity from the start, the benefits of using other text fillers might refine designers earlier in their development rather than in revisions.

Hipsum, standing for hipster ipsum, is a dummy text generator that uses modern slang with an option to combine it with some Latin. Once you click “Beer me,” it presents you with an entertaining lorem ipsum alternative. The benefit of hipsum is it uses numbers, all caps, and special characters, showing a greater variety of how text can look and feel on the page. Writing a website in English also helps to have words closer to what will be on the site versus the unfortunate babble of a dead language.

Catipsum, inspired by your furry friends, is another quirky version of a text filler. It has a similar benefit to hipsum. You can visualize more relevant words but it also includes stylistic and potentially grammatically incorrect aspects. A lowercase “i” in the middle of a sentence might appear, or a hilarious “zooooom.” These silly incorporations may not seem helpful, but it depends on the website’s brand voice. You can start your generated dummy copy with “Cat ipsum dolor” as a funny nod to the classic.

Here are some other amusing ones to try if you’re feeling inspired to see how they influence your workflow:

• Fillerama, including text from TV shows
• British ipsum, for an English twist
• Legal ipsum, for legal-adjacent language
• Sagan and deGrasse Ipsum, with language inspired by these scientific greats
• Monocle ipsum, for high-brow diction — sometimes in a different language

Text Filler as a Necessary Element of Design

You may have dismissed the power of text fillers in your design process in the past, but take a step back to consider how it could have made your design what it is today. Do you have a positive relationship with lorem ipsum? Or are you on the side of the argument that denotes a time for change?

Regardless, clever employment of text filler can make or break the beginning stages of website design. They provide concrete evidence of how a website will look for clients when it’s fleshed out. They inspire you to rearrange or adjust your typeface. The possibilities are endless if you embrace its utility and manipulate it to your needs.

The post Text Filler: How Gibberish Provides Value appeared first on Designerly.

Suppose someone needs new brakes on their car. Naturally, they’ll want to locate a nearby auto repair shop renowned for its superior customer service, fair pricing and quality work. What do they do? They conduct an online search and read Google reviews.

Consumers and companies rely on Google reviews for different reasons. Customers want insight into a product or service, while companies seek ways to enhance their offerings and operations.

Essentially, all feedback is critical to a brand’s success. A positive review holds weight in buyer decision-making, allowing companies to garner attention for the right reasons. Here’s everything small businesses should know about Google reviews and their importance to business growth.

What Is a Google Review?

Google Reviews is a unique feature allowing customers to post personal accounts of products and services. The post is public, making it searchable by others when they look for businesses in Google Maps. 

Companies must have a Google My Business account to appear on Google Maps. Meanwhile, consumers simply need a Google account to submit a review for free.

Feedback can be daunting to some. However, brands will improve their reputations and drive more website traffic by garnering positive attention. In turn, they can boost their revenue. 

Google Reviews and Their Impact on Businesses

Small businesses and large corporations are greatly affected by reviews and ratings on Google for the following reasons:

• Reviews improve your SEO, boosting your brand’s ranking in Google search results.
• A higher rating — between 4–5 stars — will garner more foot traffic to your website.
• They improve consumer trust and build your brand’s credibility.
• Reviews provide essential feedback to improve your brand’s services and products.

According to one study, 98% of people read reviews before purchasing goods and services. In fact, online reviews impacted an estimated $3.8 trillion in global revenue in 2021.

In the United States, consumers rely on their own research for decision-making, whether turning to digital and print sources or reaching out to people they know and trust. A Pew Research Center survey found 88% of Americans have tremendous confidence in online reviews, while 80% say they ensure product safety.

Reviews grew even more popular during the pandemic amid the surge in e-commerce and the consistent flow of information. There was a whopping 76% increase in online reviews in May 2020 — far more than the previous year.

What Makes a Well-Written Google Review?

A quality review is well-written, informative and relevant. Ultimately, you want customers to share something unique about their experience with your brand, highlighting what makes you stand out.

A solid Google review also delivers insight to the company about areas of improvement. Brands should read this information carefully and consider customers’ thoughts and opinions. These tidbits are invaluable and allow you to perfect your business strategy and offerings. For instance, you might create user-generated content for social media with positive reviews.

Your response to positive and negative feedback is just as crucial to a quality critique. Always thank customers for taking the time to write a review. Likewise, apologizing for negative experiences goes a long way for users and customers reading reviews. Kindly ask them to elaborate privately and provide an email address where they can reach you.

What About Fake Google Reviews?

Fake Google reviews are as powerful as legitimate ones, but not for acceptable reasons. About 10.7% of Google reviews are fake. Yet, once detected, these deceptive practices often drive consumers away.

What causes small businesses to resort to fake reviews in the first place? Somebody could have slammed them with negative ratings at some point — or they’re new, trying to boost their credibility themselves instead of earning it. Likewise, competitors may create negative reviews under aliases to give themselves a leg up. 

Trading fake reviews online costs between 25 cents and $100 each, as some private marketplaces seek people to buy their product, leave a review and then issue a full refund plus commission.

Fortunately, it’s about to get harder to fly under the radar. In June 2023, the Federal Trade Commission proposed new guidelines to crack down on fake online reviews. If approved, businesses could get fined $50,000 for each fake review they buy, sell or modify — every time a customer reads it.

How to Spot Fake Google Reviews

Not all brands are behind their fake reviews — some are victims. Regardless, you’ll want to nip it in the bud as soon as they appear. Identify bad actors in the following ways:

• Look at whether the review consists of specific details explaining their negative experience.
• Search for complex words — generalities indicate the user hasn’t thought much about their story.
• Are there several exclamation points? Phantom reviewers use multiple exclamation points and shorter words in their reviews.
• Check whether the user has reviewed other small businesses and how frequently.

The best way to combat fake Google reviews is to flag them as inappropriate. In your business’s Google account, report a review you suspect is fake. Google will look into your claim and remove it for you. 

How Can Brands Gain More Google Reviews?

Consumer reviews are critical for business success. Therefore, companies want to receive as much feedback as possible. Here are several ways companies can garner more Google reviews. 

Ask Customers Outright

One of the easiest ways to get more Google reviews is to ask them. If you’re a shop owner, post a sign near the cashier to encourage customers to leave feedback online. 

Those offering services — whether plumbing work or consulting — can also ask their customers directly. If you’ve provided exemplary customer service and have met their expectations, they should be more than happy to do it for you. In fact, 50% of those asked to leave a review for a business usually do.

Send Review Requests

Sometimes customers need to be prompted to leave a review. Various review generation tools automate the review process for you. 

Generation programs allow you to fill out a request form in your brand’s aesthetics, including the font, colors and tone. It then emails customers a review request. Just be sure to send only one or two review requests, as inundating customers could have a negative impact and drive them away.

Provide a Link to Google Reviews

Add a link to Google Reviews directly on your brand’s website. Placing it in the middle of the homepage is a great way to draw visitors’ attention.

You can log into your business’s Google account to access an official link to embed on your website or email communications. Be sure to thank the customers immediately wherever you post the link.

Update Your Business Profile

Ensure customers know where to find your business online and leave a Google review. Regularly update your Google Business Profile with the most recent company listing. 

Add professional photos, a distinct description and current business hours so customers stay up-to-date on what’s happening with your company. 

Google Reviews Will Help Your Small Business Thrive

Even the worst reviews present opportunities for your small business to shine — if you respond correctly. Google reviews are essential for companies to succeed. Embrace customer feedback and use it to your advantage. Your brand’s success is a team effort between you and your customers.

The post How Small Businesses Get Noticed With Google Reviews appeared first on Designerly.

One of the joys of running your own business is getting to know your clients and developing close customer relationships. One of the greatest aggravations is dealing with demanding clients who never seem satisfied with your work or the effort you make. To run a successful small company, you must figure out how to meet client demands but keep your sanity at the same time. 

Some accounts require a bit more hand holding than others. Perhaps your clients aren’t tech savvy and need a step-by-step walkthrough. Others may be exacting and want things just so, insisting on absolute perfection in every phase of the project. Set some boundaries, while creating a customer-centric company culture to get and keep top clients. Here’s how to meet client demands without burning out.

1. Improve Communication

CSGS’s State of the Customer Experience 2023 report indicated that while consumers are embracing new technologies, there is still room for face-to-face, real life interactions. Around 66% of participants said they wanted to attend a ball game in person rather than in the metaverse, but they were open to interacting on their phones at the same time. 

Businesses should pay attention to this trend and figure out how to reach out with real-time events and telephone conversations but follow-up via text or an app. Look into customer complaints to figure out where miscommunication happened in the past and how to fix it now. 

2. Learn the Power of “No”

You’ve probably heard people say that the word “no” is a complete sentence. However, when you’re speaking to clients, you can’t just say one syllable words and expect them to understand. You have to educate them on the limitations of what you do and the scope of the project.

The client demands that seem unreasonable to you may seem perfectly reasonable to them. Perhaps they don’t realize how many man hours it takes to keep changing little details, for example.

You can soften your no with the language you use. “I’m sorry, but that isn’t possible because we only alot X hours to this type of project scope and there won’t be enough time to focus on that right now.” 

3. Plan the Milestones of the Project

When you lay out the important aspects of a project, you ensure you don’t forget anything crucial. Your client can also see the progress you make as you check off milestones. Use each point to communicate with your customers and get their input so work doesn’t go too far off the rails before being set straight again. 

Another perk of creating milestones is that anyone on your team or outsourced people can hop on and add to the files and finish various tasks. They’ll see at a glance what needs completed and when. Tools such as Asana, Trello and Monday allow you to assign bits of work and mark things as they’re finished. 

4. Automate Tasks

For excellent customer relationship management (CRM), tap into automated tools that will reach out to your customers for you. You’ll meet client demands for communication without eating into precious time you can use on more creative endeavors. 

Choosing the right CRM software is a crucial component to building a successful and lasting business relationship with your clients. If they feel overlooked, they’re likely to go elsewhere. Show them you see them and understand their needs without putting in more time than you already are. 

5. Know When to Outsource

The last thing you want is to lose a top client because you don’t have the time to meet their needs. If you run a small operation, you can still focus on your top clients by outsourcing some of the grunt work to others.

Hire a virtual assistant to keep the books or create emails and newsletters. Push graphic design work to freelancers. Hire a marketing guru to take over your social media presence. The more menial tasks you delegate, the more time leaders have to devote to getting to know and schmoozing clients.

Imagine how much more time you could spend calling clients if you had someone handling emails with canned answers, for example. 

6. Keep Current Customers

Focusing on customer retention increases profits as much as 95% and builds momentum in your company. If you constantly bleed clients, you’ll spend all of your time seeking new ones. On the other hand, if your patrons are loyal and send referrals to you, you’ll grow exponentially. 

Some of your customers may be your biggest cheerleaders. These are the folks who’ve been with you since the beginning days of your company. They tell other people about what you do, they celebrate when you find success and they only demand what is fair in return.

Your cornerstone clients are the ones you’ll build your business on, so give them what they want to keep them on your rolls. Bend over backwards the few times they have an additional client demand. 

7. Learn When to Part Ways

While meeting client demands helps your company grow and builds up your customer database, know when it’s time to part ways with a client. No one on your team should ever have to suffer abusive language from anyone.

Set a standard ahead of time of what you won’t accept and if you allow a couple of chances in case the person is going through something. Know how to fire clients firmly but politely. Some phrases you can try:

“We can no longer meet your needs as a customer but we wish you the best in the future.”

“At the end of our contract, we won’t be renewing. We feel you aren’t very happy with our services and we strive to ensure all our customers are thrilled with the products and services they receive. Sometimes it just doesn’t work out but we thank you for giving us a chance.”

With truly abusive customers, they may try to argue with you. Don’t waste energy on this. Have a canned response where you state something like that the decision is final. 

Should You Meet Client Demands?

When client demands are reasonable, you should do everything in your power to meet and exceed their expectations. However, there are some instances where the asks are unreasonable or so frequent that the customer/business relationship becomes completely unprofitable. 

If you lose a valuable employee over a client’s abuse or you find one person takes up two-thirds of your day, it’s probably time to reevaluate if they’re the type of customer you want. With a focus on excellence, you’ll keep the majority of your clients happy. With time, you’ll narrow down your list to the types of people you want to work with and your company will thrive because of your courage to let the wrong matches go. 

The post How to Meet Client Demands Without Losing Your Sanity appeared first on Designerly.

Every business, nonprofit organization, and solopreneur needs a mission statement that guides their decisions and goals. It notifies consumers how much the company cares for their craft and vision. More importantly, it forces agencies to hone in on their goals. It will influence their hiring, budgeting, and growth decisions as the enterprise ages. So, how can anyone from small to large business craft a perfect vision statement?

What’s the Point of a Mission Statement?

Though every mission statement you read feels like an inspired statement from a vision, they usually follow a general template. The point of the mission statement is to bring clarity to the company and its resources to use for maximum good and growth. To do so, the message must contain these elements:

• Strong narrative purpose and voice
• Plausibility 
• Values-driven goals
• Appeal to the emotion
• Longevity enough to leave a mark

It is different from a vision statement because that explains how the world will look if a company succeeds as opposed to how the company will operate presently. Having all of these elements can lead to an impactful statement. It’s the ideal combo of logical thinking with an emotional charge. 

What Work Should You Do Before Writing?

Now, it’s time to get writing. Knowing the pieces of the puzzle is vital, but knowing how to incorporate them is another job entirely. You can start by using these guidelines to perform thoughtwork, and over time, you can simplify the mission statement as customers become more familiar with your brand. Initially, it’s helpful to be more specific and thorough, yet still precise, so people know what you’re all about.

First, people need to know what you’re about. What is your product or service? If your company’s name doesn’t make it obvious, this is the time and place.

Then, that should be accented with the business’s top priority. Is it to make the world greener? Or, are you making a more accessible version of a luxury item? Is it to innovate technology? Making a note of this in the statement helps people know why you’re not just another company in your niche doing the same thing as everyone else. Combining the product or service with the priority is critical to creating cohesion in the mission statement. Once it’s perfectly condensed, you have the bones of a mission statement.

4 Tips for Writing the Perfect Missions Statement

There is finesse in revising the ideal mission statement that embraces what a company is all about while enticing customers to buy-in to their values. 

1. Make it Short and Sweet

The mission statement should be easily translatable. Some companies have mission statements that are multiple statements, while others have managed to squeeze them into a few words. Try to zero in on the focus as much as possible so people absorb it more easily.

2. Consider the Future and Scalability

Plenty of companies evolve as they unravel the secrets of their sector. Ensure the statement has room to grow without needing revisions every several years. You want the information to remain as consistent as possible with the potential to grow — but not receive a massive overhaul.

3. Make it a Community Effort

Talk to employees and stakeholders to see their moods and perspectives about the company. What buzzwords come to mind? How do they feel management acts regarding their service? How do they think they are creating a fulfilling experience from within? These inputs are invaluable to writing a statement that isn’t biased from the administration’s point of view.

4. Stay Open-Minded

It’s essential to bond with the mission statement without becoming too sentimental. Although you may not want a company to change drastically, it could happen in an exhilarating way that requires you to reconsider your priorities as a company. Perhaps you started in innovative tech but realized it was more important to focus on repurposing antiquated tech to reduce e-waste. The shift still holds onto the essence of the original mission, but it never locked it into a box.

8 Examples That Show Off These Techniques

Here are some of the most prominent mission statements across several industries, so you can see how they’re implemented to create a reputation.

1. Patagonia

“Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to protect nature, not bound by convention.”

Patagonia solidified their scalability using the general phrase “product,” so they can always try new things. They also freshly incorporated their values with hard-hitting parallelism that grips people into paying attention to what they have to say.

2. Casper

“To awaken the potential of a well-rested world.”

The word “awaken” has multiple meanings here for the mattress seller. It implies their mission is to recharge the world through sleep in a way that has long-lasting effects after someone wakes up. It drives home the value behind what some would consider a mundane purchase and makes it extraordinary.

3. Nike

“To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world. *If you have a body, you are an athlete.”

The inclusivity of Nike’s mission statement makes it one of the most influential in the world. The first part is gripping enough, but they also incorporated surprise and care to their customers with a simple asterisk. With this, they said in a few words how they feel about the industry and how they want to change its attitude.

4. Asana

“To help humanity thrive by enabling the world’s teams to work together effortlessly.”

The organizational app of the decade asserts how it will reduce frustration and drama in the workplace without using those words. It chose optimism and community, essential for making a statement that empowers customers.

5. TED

“Spread ideas, foster community, and create impact.”

TED has a more clear-cut mission statement. It is irrefutable, which is another aspect companies will want to consider when they’re writing. Nobody can argue that TED Talks and its educational resources don’t provide these opportunities.

6. Airbnb

“Create a world where anyone can belong anywhere.”

People reading this can take it literally or metaphorically, which is why it is so powerful. Airbnb’s company allows travelers the freedom to have more choices. But, it also allows people to start a business or side hustle that was never possible before. It proves how an idea can provide endless opportunities for people to experience every location of the world without boundaries.

7. Google

“Organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.”

Google has had countless endeavors, from Google Glasses to its iconic search engine. Even though these products differ, they still encourage the ideas behind Google’s fairly general yet meaningful mission statement. Everything they do is to provide greater access to information worldwide, and they can’t do that without thinking outside the internet.

8. The Walt Disney Company

“To entertain, inform and inspire people around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling, reflecting the iconic brands, creative minds, and innovative technologies that make ours the world’s premier entertainment company.”

Disney’s mission is longer than most, but it’s an example of how a company will scale over time. Was Disney previously concerned with technology over storytelling, or was that an evolution of the brand? It helps put into perspective why it’s essential to see how other missions will expand the original idea but will keep the original intention.

Achieving With Your Business in a Mission Statement

A mission statement is the cornerstone of what drives businesses to success, and if it doesn’t it can impact the business forever. It informs customers what companies they want to become regular patrons of. They will understand what their purchases contribute to on a more impactful scale. 

For corporate partners and individual consumers, people want to support missions that align with their values to create a better world. Therefore, a mission statement could stand between you and the competition with the proper determination and dedication.

The post A Mission Statement With Gravity: Tips for Writing and 8 Examples appeared first on Designerly.

Even though small business logistics typically involves less stock and distribution coordination than larger companies, it’s still just as complex. Fewer employees and resources are available to ensure a streamlined process. Small businesses can benefit from supply and distribution tips. 

1. Leverage Technology

Leveraging technology is one of the best small business logistics tips because it’s accessible. Most options are affordable or easy to learn. An extensive amount of equipment exists for virtually any storage, management, or distribution task. 

Small businesses looking to incorporate hardware or software into their logistics process should look for devices that increase productivity or revenue. For example, certain Internet of Things technology solutions can automate operations to ensure rapid fulfillment. They’re typically incredibly efficient because their functions are data-driven and precise. 

Most can benefit operations in multiple ways outside of their primary purpose. For instance, implementing an artificial intelligence platform to track inventory changes could reduce labor costs. Leveraging technology may be initially expensive, but drastically increasing efficiency can pay off over time. 

2. Improve Collaboration

Since most small businesses only have up to four employees, communicating with every party in logistics takes time and effort. They must consistently track every interaction and relay it to the relevant individuals. Improving collaboration can streamline the process and make it much more manageable.

Initially communicating the importance of prompt responses is critical because it determines both parties’ expectations. They should be clear and firm when explaining their needs. They can also establish routine meetings with their suppliers or distributors as frequently as they need. It can help to get everyone on the same page.

Alternatively, they could use a digital solution. For example, an enterprise resource planning system can store all data in one place, allowing for better collaboration. It standardizes information storage and access, which helps everyone share documents and stay informed.

3. Budget Appropriately

Storage, distribution, and fulfillment involve many costs, but inventory is one of the biggest. As such, spending is a chief concern for many small business logistics processes. Although industry specifics determine the exact percentage, around 15% – 25% of the total budget is reasonable for most. 

Since insufficient cash flow is the most significant challenge for around 33% of businesses, budgeting for appropriate inventory levels is crucial. Those who are just starting out are better off with smaller amounts of stock until they determine demand.

4. Compare 3PL Partners

Many organizations turn to third-party logistics (3PL) partners for assistance. They typically manage transportation and inventory to streamline order fulfillment. While they’re a popular choice, options oversaturate the market. Finding the most affordable one can seem like the best choice for a small business owner with little capital, but they’re better off comparison shopping.

Every 3PL partner provides different services and benefits. For instance, some may offer inventory management software or provide multiple distribution centers. A complete evaluation can help identify which one best contributes to operational success. 

A business should also assess its logistics needs and see how the 3PL partners’ offerings align.  It should look for options with enough space to store all its products safely. In addition, it should consider those with customization options. More features may be more expensive, but it can be worth it if it finds one that can meet its needs and perform reliably.

5. Consistently Balance Stock

Many small businesses offer online shopping experiences to their customers because it’s a clear opportunity for growth. Experts project over 15.2 million e-commerce shoppers will enter the United States market by 2027. While having an omnichannel model can increase revenue, it may also cause challenges.

Balancing e-commerce and in-person sales with product levels can make small business logistics complex. Miscalculations can lead to out-of-stock items, resulting in fewer sales. A functional operation requires continuous updates to reflect inventory accurately. Companies should consistently perform checks to ensure their records align with reality.

6. Plan for Delays

According to the United States Census Bureau, nearly 40% of small businesses had domestic logistics delays in only one week in 2021. Even when they’re not shipping things internationally, getting things to customers on time can still be challenging. Fixing such situations is imperative for success.

Many things can disrupt the supply chain, so businesses should always prepare. For example, a shipment may get stuck halfway to the customer because of prolonged severe weather. Alternative suppliers, warehouses, or distributors can help stabilize inventory levels during delays. Additionally, a reliable operation can attract more customers in times of uncertainty. 

Small businesses should consider reaching out when a delay occurs because it can be a frustrating experience for customers. They can offer some clarification and empathy to put the situation into perspective. In addition, offering discounts or promotion codes could improve brand reputation and increase consumer retention.

7. Account for Returns

People send things back all the time, especially after shopping online. For instance, retail products had an average return rate of 16.5% in 2022, accounting for over $816 billion in merchandise. Even if they reorder, the business still loses some profit because they must pay for additional transportation and storage costs. The same concern applies to goods stolen after delivery or lost in transit. 

Products always have a chance of being defective, stolen, or lost. Most small businesses should pay more attention to reverse logistics when establishing their original process. They can budget for such situations so they don’t affect profit. In addition, they can implement policies that limit return windows.

8. Track Customer Behavior

People create information trails whenever they interact with a website or make a purchase. Small businesses can collect it for vital insight. Tracking customer transactions to identify spending patterns allows them to market better. Also, appealing to a niche group often helps them thrive in competitive industries. 

Companies commonly collect data by digitally tracking customer interactions. They may also do their own market research by conducting surveys or publishing questionnaires. It gives them direct insight into their target demographic. They can then apply it to their inventory management process and stock more of what will actually sell.

If that’s not feasible for a minor operation, they still have the option to use similar market research. They can look at consumer metrics from their industry and apply them to their own business practices. Afterward, they can monitor conversions and sales to see the change’s impact. It’s not as accurate, but it’s an excellent option for those who want to test it without investing too much time or resources. 

Plus, it often benefits the customer. Most appreciate accurate recommendations and customized marketing attempts because it aligns with their interests. Tailoring the shopping experience increases overall satisfaction significantly, resulting in up to 15% more conversions on average. Tracking customer behavior can drastically improve the small business logistics process.

9. Routinely Double-Check Stock

A cycle count is an essential part of any small business logistics process. Basically, it’s a physical tally of products that improves the accuracy of records. It accounts for all current, incoming, or outgoing items. Companies can use it to maintain the appropriate amount of stock, ensuring they can meet consumer demand. Minor errors are always possible. People and technology commonly make miscalculations, so double-checking their data is crucial.

Navigating Small Business Logistics

Small businesses often have to coordinate a lot to ensure the success of their logistics process. Things like integrating technology, accounting for potential losses, and regularly confirming the accuracy of stock levels can help make it easier.

The post Small Business Logistics Strategies You Need to Know to Maximize Efficiency and Reduce Costs appeared first on Designerly.

Entrepreneurs considering scaling their small businesses need customer relationship management (CRM) software that best aligns with their company goals. This will eliminate all the guesswork and allow the team to find exactly what they need to improve customer-business relationships. This article will examine what a CRM is, why it is essential, and five of the best CRM for small businesses to consider to help scale to new heights.

What Is a CRM?

Customer relationship management software allows business owners to track their existing and potential customers. The main goal of a CRM is to improve the relationship between a company and its clients.

CRM software tracks a customer’s interaction with a business and all related contact information of that customer — email, website, contact number, and social media. CRM software also makes employees’ lives easier by combining everything they need — marketing information, support and sales data —  in one place.

If a small business is struggling to keep track of customer interaction and what has been said to them, it might be a sign one needs to invest in good CRM software. Before jumping onto the first CRM, do a bit of research. What are the key features to should look for in a CRM?

How to Identify the Best CRM for Small Businesses

When looking for CRM software that will best suit the needs of a business, there are a few things to look for.

• Easy to use: This one is crucial because startups don’t want to spend a lot of time learning how to use the software. It needs to be easy to use and understand. Essentially, try looking for a CRM with a low learning curve.
• Affordability: The pricing of the software is essential. Look at the price of the upgrade plans as well, instead of only paying attention to the starting plan. An entrepreneur might want to upgrade their plan in the future and not be shocked if they see a sudden increase in the price.
• Customization: Businesses want software that can cater to their specific needs. The ability to customize things according to what an organization needs provides a better experience with the tool.
• Features: Make sure the chosen CRM has the right features for the small business. Make a list of everything necessary from the software and keep that in mind when deciding. For example, if one of the key focuses for the enterprise is managing projects, make sure the software can do it very well.
• Integration: Small businesses are most likely used to specific tools or social media platforms. Ensure the CRM can integrate with the programs already in use or intended for use. This will keep an enterprise from unnecessarily switching tools just because the CRM can’t combine with it.
• Tutorials: No matter what program a business chooses, the system will be new to staff. Look for a company providing plenty of tutorials and hands-on training to show the ins and outs of using the software. Seek one offering videos and printed matter, since employees may have different learning styles.
• Interface: Most CRM software has an option to try before you buy. Take advantage of the trial period to see if the interface is user-friendly.

The Best CRM for Small Businesses: Top 5 Options

While there are many options, narrowing down the best can help a startup owner make a better decision. Here are five of the best CRMs available to small businesses.

1. Hubspot CRM

Thanks to all the inbound marketing tools it offers, Hubspot is one of the best free CRM software out there. Many small businesses find Hubspot the ideal choice because it is entirely free for the base plan and has an easy-to-learn interface. Another thing this CRM does really well is email marketing.

Features:

• Team collaboration
• Customer insights
• Email tracking
• Facebook, Gmail, and Outlook integration
• Live communication channels
• Customizable quotes
• Custom landing pages and ads management

Pros:

• Simplistic and modern design that is easy to navigate
• Advanced marketing options
• Content creation tools
• Helpful and quick support
• Free plan for unlimited users

Cons:

• Upgrading is expensive
• Customization is limited
• Payment processing is only available when upgrading
• Limited automation in the free version

2. Nutshell

The best CRM programs automate lead assignment, taking time sensitive tasks off the table and seeing they go to the proper person. Not only does Nutshell free up management’s time but it ensures potential customers get a response as quickly as possible.

Features:

• Web form collection
• Lead automation
• Team collaboration
• Custom pipeline views
• Analytics and presentation-ready charts
• Contact management

Pros:

• Easy to locate contacts and past conversations
• Multiple ways to view and manage pipeline tasks
• Analysis of marketing efforts and which works best to drive leads that convert
• Send emails and email drip sequences
• Excellent customer support
• Lower cost than competitors

Cons:

• Limited to 150 emails per month and then must pay more
• Data import/export process is complex
• Reviews state there is a lack of phone integration into the customer management system and addresses must be entered manually
• Users indicate the app doesn’t work as well with Android devices
• No CTRL + F search for specific words to locate a contact you perhaps had lunch with or can identify by some other small detail

3. Capsule

This CRM has four plans for customers — free, professional, team, and enterprise. Capsule is a cloud-based platform that is easy to use and navigate. It also has excellent project management features and lots of customizable options to choose from.

Features:

• Task automation
• Mobile Accessibility 
• Many customization options
• Offers different integrations to choose from 

Pros:

• Free plan available
• Clean interface and easy to use
• Low learning curve
• Allows easy management of sales processes
• 30-day free trial for paid plans

Cons:

• The free plan has limited features, such as a 250 cap on contacts 
• Analytic tools could use improvement
• There are better CRMs out there to scale a business with 

4. Indy

Indy is an all-rounder CRM that helps with a bit of everything. Due to the low learning curve and easy-to-navigate interface, this CRM is very appealing to small business owners. With this platform, all the necessary tools are in one place. Although Indy is built primarily for freelancers, any small business can benefit from this tool’s features.

Features:

• Accounting integration 
• Compatible with payment services like PayPal and Stripe
• Easy-to-use workflow 
• Custom branding options 

Pros:

• Affordability 
• Good CRM to help scale
• Offers nine different tools in one place 
• Easy to use 

Cons:

• Limited template options 
• Time-tracking features could improve
• Needing to upgrade to the paid version to unlock more advanced features

5. Pipedrive

Pipedrive is the perfect CRM tool for pipeline-management-oriented small businesses. When using this CRM, users can see their entire sales process laid out in front of them. With this visual approach, companies are able to view their sales progress and identify areas that need their attention.

Pipedrive is a cloud-based system, meaning owners can access it virtually anywhere. It also has an app, making it a perfect option for small businesses on the go.

Unfortunately, they do not have a free plan, but they offer a trial allowing entrepreneurs to experience all the benefits of the premium version. A 14-day trial should be enough for a small business to determine whether or not Pipedrive is for them. 

Features:

• Customizable dashboard
• Sales assistant tool (AI integration)
• Customizable visual pipelines
• Mobile app available
• Third-party integrations

Pros:

• Has features available such as lead generation, creating proposals, and around-the-clock live chat with email support 
• Extremely easy to use 
• Offers a lot of customization
• Cost-effective

Cons:

• No free plan 
• Requires some learning to get the most out of this CRM tool
• Only some security features are available when upgrading to their Enterprise plan

6. Salesforce

A list of the best CRM tools would not be complete without mentioning Salesforce — the first CRM sales tool ever to exist. Although they are expensive with all the features and support they offer, they are definitely worth a mention. If it is within the budget and leaders want to scale in the future, consider looking at everything that Salesforce has to offer.

Features:

• Workflow automation
• Customizable dashboard
• Contact and lead management
• Cloud-based platform
• There are many integrations to choose from

Pros:

• Many features that can help a business scale
• Cloud-based system
• Able to customize to unique business needs
• Training and technical support

Cons:

• No free version
• Plans are expensive
• High learning curve

7. Monday Sales CRM

Monday touts itself as an all-in-one sales solution that does everything from lead capturing to sales pipeline. In additon, brands can track team projects, offer customer onboarding and pay attention to marketing activities.

Features:

• Offers customer onboarding to make new clients feel at home
• Syncs with Gmail and Outlook email
• Offers templates to help send customized emails to leads
• Set goals and track results via activity and sales figures
• Analyze current trends and do some sales forecasting to see what adjustments the company needs to make

Pros:

• High customizable
• Handle sales cycles and marketing from one central platform
• Track deals and communication with leads to ensure there is no miscommunication
• Offers smaller packages for startups and mom-and-pop businesses
• Easy to use for those without coding knowledge

Cons:

• Free trial is limited and one can’t try all the features
• Enterprise level software can come with a hefty price tag
• Application takes up a lot of space and can be slow
• Interactions between different areas isn’t always intuitive
• Reviewers state email tracking isn’t always reliable and some things must be input manually

Thrive With the Best CRM for Small Businesses

CRM software makes managing a business much more straightforward. Startups need all the efficiency possible to stay on track and earn the most they can in their first years. Utilize this list to discover which one works best for unique needs.

The post A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right CRM for Small Businesses appeared first on Designerly.

As a small-business owner, you know the value of every resource at your disposal. One of the most precious resources is time. This is where applicant tracking software (ATS) comes in, a technology marvel designed to make your hiring process more efficient and effective. 

Your business is only as strong as the people behind it. In fact, choosing the right people becomes crucial when every role carries weight — a characteristic intrinsic to smaller businesses. That’s why the best applicant tracking software is needed — it can transform your hiring process and boost your small business’s growth. 

An ATS isn’t just a tool — it’s an investment towards a brighter, more successful future. So, let’s dive in and unearth the power of efficient hiring.

What Is Applicant Tracking Software

An ATS is a digital solution designed to streamline the hiring process. It functions as a central hub for all your recruitment needs, automating several tasks that traditionally require a significant investment of time and energy.

In essence, an ATS collects and organizes resumes from multiple channels, whether it’s your company’s career page, job boards or email inbox. It scans and parses these documents, creating a searchable database of candidate information.

The key features of an ATS usually include:

• Job posting management
• Resume screening
• Candidate tracking through various recruitment stages.
• Interview scheduling
• Communication with candidates.

More advanced systems may also offer analytics to aid in strategic decision-making, as well as integration with other HR software for a seamless hiring experience. Essentially, an ATS acts like your very own recruitment assistant, making the entire process less laborious and more effective. This tool has the power to revolutionize how your small business approaches hiring.

The Importance of Efficient Hiring in Small Business

Successful hiring plays a vital role in the growth and success of a small business. Each team member’s contribution is essential, as they often wear multiple hats and significantly impact your operations.

However, small businesses face unique hiring challenges. Limited resources can mean less time for recruiting, smaller hiring budgets and fewer people to sift through applicants. Small businesses also struggle to compete with larger companies in attracting top talent.

Efficient hiring can be game-changing. It saves time, reduces cost per hire, and enhances the quality of candidates selected. By spending less time on manual hiring tasks, you’re free to focus on strategic growth activities. Moreover, hiring the right people results in better team synergy, increased productivity and lower employee turnover.

Lower employee turnover is crucial, especially considering that 20% of employees, even new hires, consider leaving their job each year. With the right tools, like ATS, your small business can turn hiring from a challenge into a competitive advantage.

The Benefits of Using the Best Applicant Tracking Software

Implementing the best applicant tracking software can provide significant benefits to your small business in numerous ways:

• Time and cost savings: An ATS automates repetitive tasks and reduces the manual effort required, enabling you to allocate resources more efficiently.

• Improved candidate quality and fit: It enhances the quality of candidates you attract and select. By automating keyword screening and using sophisticated algorithms, it can identify candidates who best fit your requirements, preventing costly hiring mistakes.

• Enhance compliance and record keeping: It stores candidate data in an organized, easily retrievable way, which can be crucial during audits and disputes.

• Improves employer branding: A user-friendly ATS can improve the candidate experience by providing updates and feedback, reflecting positively on your employer brand. This makes a difference in attracting top-tier talent who value open communication.

• Data-driven hiring decisions: With built-in analytics, an ATS allows you to make data-driven decisions. It can provide insights on various metrics, such as time-to-fill and cost-per-hire, helping you identify bottlenecks and continually refine your hiring process.

Best Types of Applicant Tracking Software for Small Businesses

When seeking applicant tracking software, you’ll find various types tailored to different needs. They can be standalone software, bundled with an HR suite, or as part of a recruitment agency’s service. Some focus more on resume parsing and candidate tracking, while others may have robust reporting or integrated onboarding features.

Let’s take a closer look at three leading ATS solutions that are well-received by small businesses.

Zoho Recruit: Best for Customization and Integration

Zoho Recruit offers an end-to-end hiring solution designed to streamline your recruitment process. It allows you to post jobs, track applicants and automate communication. It also integrates seamlessly with popular job boards and social networks. Zoho Recruit offers customizable workflows and robust reporting, giving you full control over your hiring process and insights to improve continually.

Breezy HR: Best for User-friendliness and Visual Appeal

Breezy HR is a visually intuitive ATS that stands out with its drag-and-drop interface. It simplifies applicant management and offers features like automated job postings, resume parsing and interview scheduling. Moreover, its video interviewing and assessment features can significantly enhance your virtual hiring process.

Workable: Best for Team Collaboration

Workable offers a comprehensive recruitment solution with a strong emphasis on collaboration. It’s designed to help teams work together seamlessly on hiring. It provides tools for sourcing candidates, advertising jobs, applicant tracking and more. Plus, its built-in analytics offers valuable insights to optimize your hiring process.

Key Considerations When Choosing an Applicant Tracking Software

When choosing an ATS for your small business, there are several key factors to consider:

• Scalability: Will the ATS adapt as your business grows? You need a system that can handle increasing data volumes and additional users as your recruitment needs expand.

• Ease of use: A user-friendly interface is critical. The software should be intuitive and straightforward, enabling your team to use it effectively without extensive training.

• Integration with existing systems: Ensure the ATS can integrate seamlessly with your current software ecosystem, such as your HRIS (Human Resources Information System), payroll system or email platform. This will prevent data silos and ensure a streamlined workflow.

• Budget: Cost is a significant consideration for small businesses. Examine the upfront price and the potential hidden costs like implementation, training and updates. Aim for an ATS that delivers maximum value within your budget.

• Vendor support and training: Reliable customer support and thorough training are essential for any software implementation. Check reviews to gauge the vendor’s reputation for customer service and ensure they offer sufficient training resources.

The right ATS can immensely transform your hiring process, but only if it aligns well with your business’s needs and resources. 

Leveraging the Best Applicant Tracking Software for Your Small Business Needs

In this digital era, implementing the best applicant tracking software can greatly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of your small business. From saving valuable time and resources to improving the quality of your candidates, the benefits are far and wide.

Considering the types of ATS and carefully evaluating your specific needs will help you find the perfect fit. So take a step towards streamlining your hiring process. Because every successful business journey begins with the right people, and ATS can ensure they’re on board with you.

The post How the Best Applicant Tracking Software Can Boost Your Small Business appeared first on Designerly.

Most small business owners immediately think of taking out a personal loan to launch a startup or improve cash flow. While taking out credit is one option, funding for small business can also take many different forms, including grants, investors and generating quick revenue. 

Small businesses drive the economy. According to the Small Business Administration, smaller companies hire around 46.4% of the United States’ workforce. Not only is small business crucial to keeping the economy moving by employing citizens but most companies invest in their local communities. For example, a pizza restaurant might sponsor a little league team or start a program to clean up local parks. 

For a strong start, small businesses need funding. Learn about the challenges to access funding for small business, traditional sources of money and modern age options. 

The Challenges in Funding for Small Businesses

Small businesses often run into cash flow problems. Figuring out where to get the funding for a small business to overcome growth challenges or temporary obstacles is challenging. Lack of knowledge about available funding is one of the biggest hurdles to securing funding for small businesses. 

Around 38% of startups fail because they run out of cash to operate their companies. You may have heard of the death valley curve. This is the time when a startup opens but hasn’t brought in revenue. Nearly every venture burns through cash in the early days until it becomes profitable. The length of time a business is in the “Valley of Death” curve varies. 

Minority-owned businesses may have a bit more of a challenge. The Federal Reserve recently looked at how much racial bias affects lending and found minority applicants sometimes have lower credit scores and higher leverage. Since most lending institutions use algorithms to make financing decisions, the system can be race-blind. 

The report indicates up to a 2% gap in approvals for minorities. The good news is that the numbers are narrowing. If you’re a minority business owner, be aware of the nature of lending practices and focus on alternative funding as well as improving credit scores. 

Traditional Sources of Funding for Small Business

You might even be a startup with zero capital. While there are many creative ways to grow without cash, knowing the traditional sources of funding for small businesses helps open up a world of opportunities. 

Bank loans and lines of credit are probably the most common places where businesses access cash. Most small business loans will be on the owner’s personal credit and based on their individual credit score. 

Another option is to look to personal financing and funding from family and friends. Turning to methods such as pulling cash from a personal line of credit or putting purchases on a credit card can come with risks. Credit cards notably have extremely high interest rates. Paying off the balance becomes harder the higher the balance is. Pay close attention to how long it takes to finish paying off a credit card balance when you stick to the minimum payment. 

Taking money from family and friends may have less of an impact on credit score but can damage relationships. Strive to set up a payment schedule and repay those who’ve lended money as quickly as possible. 

Angel investors tend to have high net worth and want to invest in something outside of the traditional stock market. In 2020, they invested around $25 billion in startups during the early stages. An advantage of working with an angel investor is that they often have experience growing a successful brand and can serve in an advisory capacity. 

Modern Sources of Funding

If traditional forms of funding for small business aren’t quite cutting it, seek some modern options gaining popularity as more people work and do business online. 

Crowdfunding is an interesting way to raise money for a new product idea or something fresh. To attract the attention of consumers, who pool their money to help small businesses over monetary hurdles, you must offer something in return. Sites such as Kickstarter let inventors collect funds and those investing get the product first at a discounted price. 

Crowdfunding Evens the playing field, allowing small companies to get in the game. Uber is an example of a startup that used crowdfunding to raise over $1 billion. Airbnb also raised more than $2 billion via their website and through the mobile app. Many companies looking for funding for small business outside of normal channels go on to see great success. 

Don’t overlook free money or government loans with lower interest rates. While you can certainly apply to government grants, you may find the competition is fierce. Many are geared at a particular demographic or type of business and you may not qualify.

Your best bet is to look at private grants through various brands. Make sure the brand’s values align with your own and check their requirements. In the early stages of starting a new company, a few thousand dollars can give you the boost needed to survive. 

Strategies for Securing Funding

Ensure you have a solid business plan in place before seeking funding. Have you ever watched the show Shark Tank where people pitch their business models to angel investors and gain funding? If they don’t have a firm grasp of finances, they often get turned down. 

You must understand how your business functions. What are the strengths and weaknesses? At the same time, you need to know who the competition is and how you offer something better to attract funding. Market research is a key component of finding financing. 

Take the time to network with people in your industry. Someone who understands your business is more likely to invest both monetarily and with their time. Attend local chamber of commerce meetings, join organizations related to what you do and ask who in your area is an expert in the industry. 

Future Trends in Small Business Funding

The trends of today may not measure up in a decade. Consider potential cutting edge funding options that might take off soon. You’ve likely noticed the trend on social media to give people a few tokens for interesting content. What if you could leverage tokenization to fund your startup or new product launch? 

As people get online more frequently and artificial intelligence takes over more and more daily tasks, expect the way businesses operate and fund cash flow to change. Be open to new technology and new changes as they hit the pipeline. Try small experiments to see what works for your business. Repeat the things that are successful and replace the ones that aren’t. 

Even in a tight economy, one could collect a few tokens from multiple people and come up with enough financial input to move forward with a project.

Seek Funding for Your Small Business Today

When it comes to finding funding for your company’s needs, don’t delay. You’ll face some challenges, such as rising up against competitors. However, with a focus on traditional funding, modern options, crowdfunding, grants and new trends as they arrive, you’ll secure enough money to drive growth. 

If you’re in a position to support a small business, look for the ones with the most potential and a solid plan of action. If you’re looking for funding strategies, seek various sources until you have enough cash flow to thrive. Small businesses have ups and downs. Make sure your downs are just little blips on the big screen of success. 

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