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Imagine a world where the sales process is not just streamlined but enriched with precision, efficiency and a level of personalization that was previously unimaginable. That's not dreaming; that’s the real promise of using AI for sales. Using AI doesn’t mean removing the human element from your sales efforts. In fact, putting AI tools in the hands of your sales team (or yourself, if you’re a solopreneur) makes those human efforts all the more impactful. With AI handling time consuming or menial tasks, you can devote more resources to the real purpose of sales—actually selling. As we navigate the evolving landscape of modern business, one thing is abundantly clear: those who embrace change are the ones shaping the future of sales. It's a brave new world out there, and AI stands at the forefront. Let's explore it together. Harness the power of AI to help build your business website with Wix. How is AI being used for sales? AI is being used to transform content creation, lead generation and data analysis in the sales space—and that’s only the beginning. Managing sales means wearing many hats, and those many hats can take up a lot of resources. According to Salesforce, sales reps spend roughly a third of their time actively selling, with the rest spent on administrative and other non-sales-related tasks. Meanwhile, HubSpot's 2023 Smarter Selling with AI survey reported that 80% of sales pros say AI and automation help them do their jobs by allowing them to spend less time on tasks like data entry and meeting scheduling. Using AI for sales allows you to concentrate on high-return activities like engaging with prospects, attending sales meetings or refining your products or services to better resonate with your target audience. In particular, there are seven main ways AI can replace or streamline some of your day-to-day tasks. See more : How to create a website with Wix. 7 ways you can use AI for sales We love diving into the weeds and keeping a pulse on where we are in the AI revolution , which is why we've compiled a list of seven ways a small business owner can immediately use AI for sales. Analyze sales data in a snap Create sales content with a single click Become a lead-scoring superstar Predict the future Supercharge your sales strategy Build the ideal audience personas “Eavesdrop” on consumer sentiment 01. Analyze sales data in a snap We live in a data-rich world and that can be overwhelming, particularly if you’re about to start a business , launch a marketing campaign or plan effective ways to sell to your target audience. Luckily AI is extremely good—and efficient—at analytics. AI slices through layers of data like a sharp knife through a multi-layered cake. It frees you from pulling data, combining it into a messy spreadsheet and trying to make sense of it. This means you can spend more time being human—and selling—to other humans. Some of the data you’re likely dealing with includes: Prospect information in customer relationship management systems (CRMs), sales platforms, spreadsheets and email Recorded calls and meetings Customer sales information Marketing campaign results Industry sales trends Social media interactions Customer behavior data Customer service interactions Seventy-three percent of respondents in HubSpot’s Smarter Selling with AI survey said that AI helped them get meaning from all this data by surfacing insights they wouldn’t otherwise have discovered on their own. Predictive AI can help sales professionals and business owners more accurately predict future sales by analyzing historical buying behavior (that’s its own use case which we’ll get to in a minute). AI can also help you create more informed sales and marketing strategies which is an excellent and informed approach to fueling business growth . 02. Create sales content with a single click According to recent Salesforce data, 61% of sales pros surveyed feel that GenAI will help them sell more efficiently and provide better service. AI tools for business include generative AI applications like ChatGPT, which uses large language models (LLM) to generate text, or DALL-E, which generates images from text-based prompts. If you’re an overworked and pressed-for-time small business owner, you can and should use artificial intelligence to complement human creativity by generating ideas and streamlining mundane content creation tasks. For example, Wix’s AI product description generator allows users to auto-generate content for product descriptions, such as in an online store . You can also generate email newsletter copy via the AI text generator with a few simple clicks. Generative AI helps small businesses do more with less, but we’re still in the early stages of adoption. In a FreshBooks survey of 1,000 U.S. small businesses, only 25% of respondents said they use or test various generative AI tools. Read also: 7 AI myths that may be holding your business back 03. Become a lead-scoring superstar According to McKinsey, a fifth of sales functions can be automated and that’s likely a conservative estimate. Tracking leads, managing prospects and organizing all of that information are necessary—but time consuming—sales tasks. AI tools excel at helping small business owners manage the sales process by automating mundane, repetitive and error-prone manual tasks. Here are some specific examples of how AI helps manage prospects: Data collection : Manual data entry is one of the necessary evils of sales management and this is truly a place where AI can help. Use AI to auto-populate CRM systems with lead information from various sources like web forms, email and live chat messages. Lead scoring : AI-powered tools can rank the most promising leads from high to low based on criteria you establish or that the system assigns. Then, you can focus on the prospects most likely to convert. Lead segmentation : Many AI-powered CRM and sales tools have an audience segmentation AI feature that automatically buckets leads into different segments based on pre-established parameters like demographics, behavior and purchase history. Lead nurturing : AI can follow up with a prospect after they’ve reached out, for example, by sending personalized, automated emails with additional information that keeps them interested. You can also use AI to set reminders to follow up with prospects and create content customized for various personas or business sectors. Split testing : AI makes it easy to test different sales messages, campaigns and creative assets for different audiences. This helps you hone your sales approach and can provide extremely important data about what resonates (or not) with your customers. 04. Predict the future Well, sort of. Besides automating tasks, AI provides accurate sales forecasting by analyzing historical customer data, market conditions and external information such as small business trends and rapid shifts in customer demand. It digs deep into customer behavior, predicting future interactions by analyzing past engagements. AI can also help you identify potential issues that lead to customer churn, which means you can be proactive about retooling your sales approach. In eCommerce, AI-powered product recommendations level up the shopping experience by suggesting items based on user history—basically, AI knows what a shopper wants before the shopper knows. Predictive AI helps small businesses compete with much larger companies since it helps them anticipate market trends and remain agile even when resources are scarce and budgets tight. Tip : Through Wix Analytics , you have access to the AI-powered Benchmarks report from your site dashboard. This report compares your website's performance against other similar-sized sites in your industry. It breaks the data down into easy-to-read charts and graphs so you can pinpoint exactly where your site needs improvement. 05. Supercharge your sales strategy One of the biggest small business challenges faced by both startups and existing businesses is creating a sales strategy that’s up-to-date and truly resonates with customers. Let’s face it, revisiting your sales approach year after year is time consuming. AI can be a game-changer here by helping you: Understand customer preferences : We’ve already waxed poetic about AI’s ability to analyze data, but it bears repeating. AI helps you understand your customers by analyzing the piles of data that can become overwhelming to overworked small business owners—things like customer feedback, product reviews and social media interactions. AI helps you grasp what messages resonate with people, allowing you to create products, design elements and craft messaging that aligns with customer demand. Become more competitive : AI-driven insights highlight market gaps and opportunities, allowing you to stay one step ahead of that competitor burger place or soap vendor up the street. If your competitor gains traction from incorporating snail slime— a hot skincare trend —into their face cream, AI can alert you about the increase in demand so you can create your own snail slime face cream and capitalize on the trend. Optimize pricing : Fine-tune your pricing strategies with AI’s help by analyzing market fluctuations and customer purchase patterns. This not only helps you remain competitive, but it’s a bit of intel that can help you create your sales strategy since it impacts how you position your product or service with prospects, leads and potential customers. 06. Build the ideal audience personas Selling effectively requires you to have a deep understanding of who you’re selling to, which is why creating buyer personas is so important. AI can help you create informed data-driven audience personas by sifting through vast amounts of data from different sources like social media interactions, purchase histories and website visits. It can then identify patterns and behaviors and assign them to different customer segments (e.g., high-value shoppers, tire kickers, sports fans, etc.) AI also makes it easy to keep your audience personas current by continuously updating your intel to reflect evolving market conditions, real-time customer behaviors and emerging or declining trends. Predictive AI can provide insight about future behaviors and preferences that impact your audience personas—foresight that allows you to keep your sales approach relevant to your audience. When audience segmentation is paired with marketing campaigns, businesses can craft messages that deeply resonate with each persona. 07. “Eavesdrop” on consumer sentiment AI is great at “eavesdropping” on consumers by scanning and interpreting customer feedback, reviews and social media comments. It gauges the emotional tone of words and phrases (e.g., great product, runs small, really upset, etc.) and provides reports and insights about how your products, brand or business is perceived. This isn't just about positive or negative feedback—it’s about understanding nuances, from excitement and satisfaction to frustration and disappointment. Beyond sentiment analysis, AI-powered consumer listening tools continuously monitor online conversations, not just around a brand, but also around industry trends, competitors and more. They capture the pulse of the market, in real time, and are another powerful tool for tracking emerging trends, identifying potential pain points and surfacing new opportunities. If there's a growing chatter about a particular feature that consumers want (snail slime, anyone?) you can quickly adapt to incorporate it into your product offerings. Benefits of AI for sales Artificial intelligence has undeniably changed the selling landscape in ways that only Star Trek fans and guys like AI-pioneer Ray Kurzweil could’ve envisioned a decade ago. AI gives small business owners many advantages that make it possible to compete in highly competitive markets and with much bigger companies. The tangible benefits of AI for sales include: Wrangling data By sifting through the vast reservoirs of sales data, from prospect information in CRM systems to industry sales trends, AI prepares you to act quickly. So, instead of being a data wrangler, you can be a sales superstar. Doing more with less Automation is the busy business owner’s secret weapon. As McKinsey pointed out, a large chunk of sales functions like lead scoring, audience segmentation and appointment scheduling can be automated, leaving you with more time to do the fun stuff—selling. Automation allows you to prioritize building relationships with prospects, refine your sales pitches and ultimately drive more sales with your brilliant conversational skills. Creating something from nothing Generative AI, with its ability to manifest sales scripts, playbooks and just about any type of copy, is a boon for small businesses. Instead of spending hours crafting the perfect pitch, you can use generative tools to create compelling content, campaigns, insights and even entire websites quickly, then use all the extra time you have to take forest baths and make your competitors jealous. Dropping less balls Managing prospects, a crucial yet time-consuming aspect of sales, is much more manageable with AI. From automating data collection to segmenting leads based on specific parameters, AI is the ultimate cure for distraction. It multitasks so you don’t have to, enabling you to get back to people quickly and manage leads more effectively. Peering into the future The predictive capabilities of AI are an incredibly powerful sales tool. AI uses historical data to forecast future sales patterns. This foresight allows you to be as proactive as your mother always wanted you to be by addressing potential challenges, optimizing your sales strategy and antagonizing your competitors with your ability to predict what customers want before they do. Reading people’s minds Understanding consumer sentiment is kind of like a sales superpower. AI listening tools and sentiment analysis gauge the emotional undertones of customer feedback to provide a clear picture of consumer brand perception. People are fickle. By continuously monitoring online conversations, AI also helps you discover emerging trends and adapt your sales approach. Get started with creating a website with AI with Wix today.

Wix and AI go way back to 2016, when we launched Artificial Design Intelligence (ADI), our first AI website builder. Since then, we've continued advancing our offerings to enable you to grow your business and succeed, leveraging the many opportunities AI brings. We’re turning the corner on something amazing, and we’re only at the beginning of how AI will transform Wix and the website-building experience. There are a lot of fantastic things you should expect to see released in the next year. Today, I'd like to highlight a suite of AI-powered features and capabilities that are already integrated into the Wix platform, many of which you probably already use. I also want to give you a glimpse into upcoming releases that will be available to you soon. Let's dig in. Available now: AI Text Creator AI Template Text Creator Alternative Layouts AI Image Creator Auto Background Removal and Auto Enhance Auto-Generated Trailer Product Descriptions Product Recommendations AI Domain Generator Coming soon: AI Website Builder AI Page and Section Creator Object Eraser AI Assistant for managing your business Here are Wix's AI features you can use today ChatGPT can help you generate remarkable content Many of us use ChatGPT on a daily basis. Today, OpenAI’s ChatGPT is available inside Wix; we call it the AI Text Creator . We combined Wix’s deep knowledge of site creation with ChatGPT to give you the ability to generate high-quality content. I’ve tried it on a few websites, and I love it. It helped me create excellent content within minutes. If you want to create a new website and you need content for all of the pages, including inner pages, you can use ChatGPT with our AI Template Text Creator. You provide a brief description of the website you want to create, and ChatGPT will create the text and content for the entire site. The tool will even make sure the text and the design are working well together. Now that you know you can use ChatGPT within the Wix Editor, I’m really excited to tell you that, with the power of modern AI, you can use it not only for text but also to enhance your designs. The first design tool I want to share seamlessly helps you change your sections layout. The Alternative Layouts tool gives you the ability to redesign parts of your website in a single click. High-quality images are an essential part of what makes a website look professional. Our suite of AI-powered image editing tools is designed to help you improve the visually significant attributes of your images. With the AI Image Creator , simply describe the image you want and a unique image will be generated for you. You can use the Auto Background Removal and Auto Enhance tools to refine your photos and upgrade their quality to match the look and feel you seek for your website. Another exciting feature is the Auto-Generated Trailer tool that quickly transforms video files into professional-looking trailers. You can use AI eCommerce features to optimize your business Product Descriptions make it simple to describe your eCommerce products almost instantly. Personally, I found it very useful. If you sell products, I highly recommend giving it a try. You can use Product Recommendations to target your customers with relevant products for them to buy. It is more traditional AI, but it does improve sales, mostly for stores with many products. With our AI Domain Generator , you can choose the perfect name for your brand from different options of unique, catchy and relevant domain names. All of the above are some of my favorite AI features that are available on Wix today. Now I want to share with you our future, soon-to-be-released AI features. Something big is coming your way It seems only natural that you should be able to write a prompt on Wix to create a complete, full-blown website. That’s why I’m thrilled to reveal one of the most anticipated products at Wix, the AI website builder , which is truly the next generation of website creation. You are given a prompt to input the website’s intent, ChatGPT generates the text while we generate the website design and images. What makes it groundbreaking is that it is not a template. In fact, it’s a unique website designed and tailor-made for you, according to your needs, generated with AI and advanced algorithms. The design and layout are completely fitted to the site’s content. It doesn't stop here. When you want to edit your site, you can prompt the tool to make high-quality changes. And of course, it integrates with our business applications including Stores, Bookings, Restaurants, Events and more. I know this sounds like magic and too good to be true for it to be this easy, but I promise this AI website builder will soon be a reality. AI Page and Section Creator If you already have a website, adding a page or a section will be so much faster. All you have to do is describe what you want and the page or section will be created for you with the layout, design and text. Object Eraser With this tool you can seamlessly extract subjects from images and manipulate them. AI Assistant for managing your business We are now working on a new AI Assistant tool. It will suggest improvements for your website and create strategies based on personalized analytics and site trends. The best thing is that it will help you with your day-to-day tasks to take your business to the next level. I truly enjoy this product and that it will help you boost your business. My final thoughts AI has been and will continue to be a core part of Wix, and it will make our platform even better for you. The current AI revolution is just the beginning, and in the next few years, you will see that the new AI technologies will bring many opportunities to make your website and business better. At Wix, we are fully committed to bringing you fully-integrated innovations with an excellent user interface experience. I am very excited about the future and all the value that this new technology can bring to you, our customers. Avishai

The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and thriving in the United States, with an average of 435,000 new businesses registered each month. But it begs the question: Where are these entrepreneurs choosing to establish their businesses? And more importantly, which states offer the most favorable conditions for nurturing a successful business venture? Before you jump head-first into launching your new business website , let's take a few minutes to explore the best states to start a business and the opportunities that make each state so great for entrepreneurs. What makes for an entrepreneur-friendly state? Every state has its own distinct tools, requirements and regulations for new businesses. However, some states offer a unique combination of business-friendly advantages that can help propel your new venture toward success. No matter what business structure you choose (sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, etc.) the ideal state to start a business is the one where your vision can thrive. Here are some crucial factors to consider when evaluating the best state to start a business. Business laws and regulations: Evaluate the regulations for business formation and operation, including ease of filing, administrative requirements and flexibility in operating agreements. Tax policies: Look out for the presence or absence of corporate income tax, franchise tax, personal income tax and sales tax, as well as tax incentives or exemptions that may benefit your business. Asset protection: Note the level of asset protection and liability limitation provided to business owners, including the strength of legal protections and the separation of personal and business assets. Cost of doing business: Factors such as filing fees, annual reporting fees and ongoing compliance costs can add to your overall operational costs. Learn how much it costs to start a business . Business survivability: Roughly 80% of U.S. businesses survive their first year. The 10-year survival rate drops to 35%. It’s helpful to look at how businesses hold up over multiple years in each state to identify trends and determine the likelihood of long-term success. Economic environment: Overall health, growth potential and diversification of the state's economy can contribute to opportunities and stability for your business. Entrepreneurial support: Check the availability of resources, funding, support networks and programs designed to assist you in starting and growing your business. Infrastructure: Consider the quality of infrastructure, including transportation, digital connectivity and utilities, which can impact logistics, communication and accessibility. While these factors can provide a sound basis for your decision, this article evaluates a few stand-out states based on tax policies, regulatory environments, resources, operational costs and markets. When determining the best state to start a business, it's always advisable to do your own research and prioritize what aspects are most important to your unique circumstances. 12 best states to start a business Delaware Wyoming California Texas North Carolina Tennessee Georgia Florida Nevada Colorado Utah Indiana 01. Delaware Delaware has gained a reputation for its favorable business laws and strong legal protections, making it a top choice for entrepreneurs. Notably, Delaware has no sales tax and doesn’t impose corporate income taxes on businesses that operate outside the state. However, like a few other states on this list, Delaware does have a gross receipts tax (a tax imposed on a business' total revenue or gross receipts rather than on its profits). The state also offers remarkable flexibility in business structuring and operating agreements. It’s famously home to a specialized, widely respected court system, the Court of Chancery , which focuses exclusively on resolving business disputes. Overall, Delaware’s business-friendly laws provide a predictable and stable framework that fosters growth and innovation. Facts and figures: LLC certificate of formation fee: $90 State business license fee: $75 (minimum) Annual franchise tax: $300 (applies to all LLCs) Corporate income tax: 8.7% Individual income tax: 2.2% to 6.6% Gross receipts tax: .0945% to 1.9914% State sales tax: none 02. Wyoming Like Delaware, Wyoming is well-known for its business-friendly tax policies, including no state corporate income tax, franchise tax or personal income tax. Instead, Wyoming’s largest source of revenue comes from property tax and sales tax. The state’s robust privacy protections and straightforward regulatory environment are also appealing to business owners. Wyoming offers some of the lowest filing fees in the U.S., making it cost-effective for startups and small businesses to establish their legal presence. Wyoming also keeps the annual report fees affordable, which helps minimize some of the ongoing costs of operating your business. Facts and figures: LLC articles of organization fee: $100 Annual report: $60 Corporate income tax: none Individual income tax: none Gross receipts tax: none State sales tax: 4% Local sales tax: up to 2% 03. California In California, you'll find innovation around every corner, particularly in Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay area. These locations are known for attracting top talent, investors and industry leaders with a healthy entrepreneurial spirit, not to mention access to cutting-edge technology. As a business owner in California, you’ll be exposed to invaluable mentorship and networking opportunities. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) locations throughout the state offer free or low-cost consulting, workshops and resources to guide you in various aspects of business. Additionally, California is home to numerous networking events, conferences and meetups specifically tailored for entrepreneurs. These gatherings enable you to connect with fellow industry experts, investors and potential customers, expanding your network and opening doors for partnerships and growth. Despite the higher cost of living and regulatory complexities, California's thriving economy, diverse consumer market and extensive support networks make it an attractive place for businesses of all sizes. By actively seeking mentorship and engaging with relevant communities, you can position your business to thrive in this dynamic entrepreneurial landscape. Facts and figures: LLC articles of organization fee: $70 Annual franchise tax: $800 Statement of information fee: $20 (paid every other year) Corporate income tax: 8.84% Individual income tax: 1% to 13.3% Gross receipts tax: none State sales tax: 7.25% Local sales tax: up to 2.5% See also: How to start a business in California in 7 steps 04. Texas There are 2.7 million small businesses in Texas, which comprises 99.8% of all businesses in the state. Texas boasts a strong economy, a pro-business environment, no personal income tax and relatively low regulatory burdens. It has a diverse economy with ample opportunities for growth and a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Cities like Austin, Dallas and Houston have thriving startup scenes and offer access to a diverse talent pool in technology, energy, finance and more, alongside numerous networking opportunities. The Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) and other initiatives provide financial incentives and support for businesses looking to establish or expand their operations within the state. Furthermore, Texans benefit from a lower cost of living compared to other major cities, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs seeking skilled talent. Facts and figures: LLC certificate of formation fee: $300 Annual statement fee: $35 Corporate income tax: none Individual income tax: none Gross receipts tax: .0331% to .75% State sales tax: 6.25% Local sales tax: up to 2% See also: How to start a business in Texas in 8 steps 05. North Carolina North Carolina is home to several renowned universities, including Duke University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University. These institutions create a steady stream of highly educated graduates in various fields, including technology, engineering, business and healthcare. This means a broad pool of skilled talent ready to contribute to your company’s workforce. Additionally, Research Triangle Park (RTP) , located in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area, is one of the largest research and technology parks in the U.S. It houses numerous research institutions, technology companies and startups (see our business startup checklist ). RTP acts as a catalyst for innovation and provides an ecosystem that fosters collaboration, research and entrepreneurial activity. North Carolina also has the lowest corporate income tax rate in the U.S., with a provision that it will decrease to 0% by 2030 . Property tax rates are low as well, which is beneficial for businesses that need to buy a lot of real estate. Facts and figures: LLC articles of organization fee: $125 Annual report: $200 Corporate income tax: 2.5% Individual income tax: 4.75% Gross receipts tax: none State sales tax: 4.75% Local sales tax: up to 2.75% See also: How to start a business in North Carolina in 7 steps 06. Tennessee Tennessee is home to several thriving industries that provide exciting opportunities for small businesses. The state is particularly strong in the healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, logistics, music, entertainment, tourism and agriculture sectors. Additionally, these industries provide a supportive network in which related businesses can thrive. Tennessee has no personal income tax and combines a low cost of living with a high quality of life, especially in cities like Nashville and Memphis. Plus, its central location in the U.S. offers logistical advantages for business owners. Its excellent transportation infrastructure, including highways, railways and access to major waterways, facilitates distribution and supply chain management, allowing you to reach customers and markets easily. Facts and figures: LLC articles of organization fee: $300 Annual report: $300 Corporate income tax: 6.5% Individual income tax: none Gross receipts tax: .02% to .3% State sales tax: 7% Local sales tax: up to 2.75% See also: How to start a business in Tennessee in 7 steps 07. Georgia Georgia, particularly the Atlanta area, has a thriving startup community—in the first half of 2021 alone, companies across the state raised $1.99 billion in venture capital. Atlanta is a major business hub with a diverse economy and a growing technology sector. The city offers a range of resources, including startup incubators, accelerators and co-working spaces, providing you with access to mentorship, networking opportunities and funding sources. Various funding programs and initiatives are available to support your business, including the Invest Georgia Program (a long-term investment program) and the State Small Business Credit Initiative (a state lending program supporting small businesses and manufacturers). These resources provide the necessary capital to help your business get off to a strong start and grow. Georgia's business-friendly environment, access to capital, strategic location and skilled workforce provide valuable resources to help your small businesses thrive. Facts and figures: LLC articles of organization fee: $100 Annual registration fee: $50 Corporate income tax: 5.75% Individual income tax: 1% to 5.75% Gross receipts tax: none State sales tax: 4% Local sales tax: up to 5% See also: How to start a business in Georgia in 7 steps 08. Florida The Sunshine State is commonly considered one of the best states to start a business. Its large consumer market and diverse industries include tourism, hospitality, healthcare, finance, logistics and technology. It’s also one of the most densely populated states in the U.S.— alongside Texas and California—which gives you plenty of exposure to a substantial customer base and a strong talent pool. Florida has no state income tax and offers various incentives, such as tax credits and economic development programs to encourage business growth. Additionally, if your target market includes retirees, Florida could be an ideal state to start your business since it’s a go-to location for individuals looking to settle down in their golden years. Related reading: How to start a pool cleaning business Facts and figures: LLC articles of organization fee: $125 Annual report: $138.75 Corporate income tax: 5.5% Individual income tax: none Gross receipts tax: none State sales tax: 6% Local sales tax: up to 2% See also: How to start a business in Florida in 7 steps 09. Nevada Nevada has a strong reputation as a business-friendly state, with one-year survival rates sitting at over 83% for startups . There are plenty of opportunities within the gaming (see how to start a gaming business ), entertainment, hospitality and convention industries—especially if you’ll be setting up shop in Las Vegas. It’s also home to a robust entrepreneurial culture that encourages innovation and networking, with a large number of businesses regularly moving in from California . Perhaps most famously of all, however, Nevada is known for its tax-friendly environment. The state has no corporate income tax, franchise tax or personal income tax. Despite some of the higher licensing and registration fees, the minimal taxes can result in significant savings for your business. Facts and figures: LLC registration fees: $75 for articles of organization; $200 for business license; $150 for list of managers/members Annual report: $200 for business license renewal; $150 for list of managers/members Corporate income tax: none Individual income tax: none Gross receipts tax: .051% to .331% State sales tax: 6.85% Local sales tax: up to 1.53% 10. Colorado Colorado, particularly the Denver-Boulder region, has a vibrant and supportive startup scene fostering a collaborative culture, innovative spirit and strong network of entrepreneurs. With its exceptional quality of life, including breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities, Colorado attracts talented individuals from all over the U.S. Despite a higher combined local and state sales tax rate, you’ll enjoy incredibly low business registration costs (only $50 to form an LLC) and a nearly non-existent annual reporting fee ($10). Colorado also provides support for entrepreneurs through organizations like the Colorado SBDC and Rockies Venture Club , as well as accelerators like Techstars and MergeLane . The state’s thriving industries in technology, aerospace, renewable energy, outdoor recreation, healthcare and cannabis are modern and exciting. So whether you're looking to start a medical supply business or a tech business startup, Colorado could be an ideal place to live and work. Facts and figures: LLC articles of organization fee: $50 Annual report: $10 Corporate income tax: 4.4% Individual income tax: 4.4% Gross receipts tax: none State sales tax: 2.9% Local sales tax: up to 8.3% See also: How to start a business in Colorado in 7 steps 11. Utah Utah has gained attention in recent years as a thriving home base for entrepreneurs. It brings to the table a robust economy, business-friendly regulations and a skilled, highly educated workforce. Utah also offers low energy costs, a favorable tax climate and a supportive business ecosystem, making it the total package for entrepreneurs looking to set up shop. The state has a diverse assortment of thriving industries, including tourism, manufacturing, energy and finance, namely in the bustling Salt Lake City area. The state further boasts a strong business creation rate , ranking third in US News’ list. This accounts for the rate at which new businesses are formed in the private sector. All in all, Utah should be a top contender when considering the best states to start a business. Facts and figures: LLC certificate of organization fee: $54 Annual report: $18 Corporate income tax: 4.85% Individual income tax: 4.85% Gross receipts tax: none State sales tax: 6.10% Local sales tax: up to 2.95% See also: How to start a business in Utah in 7 steps 12. Indiana Indiana offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other states. Housing, utilities and overall expenses are more affordable, allowing you to stretch your budget and allocate resources effectively. With a blend of urban and rural areas, the state has welcoming communities with numerous cultural attractions and recreational activities. This combination fosters a balanced and enjoyable lifestyle for you and for your employees. Additionally, Indiana is known for its business-friendly environment, with relatively low taxes and regulations. The state has convenient access to major markets and transportation networks, which can help streamline your distribution channels and supply chain management. It’s also a hub for agriculture and manufacturing, so if you foresee a future in those industries, it’s a key location to consider. Facts and figures: LLC articles of organization fee: $95 Annual report: $31 (every two years) Corporate income tax: 4.9% Individual income tax: 3.15% (local income tax collected in some areas) Gross receipts tax: none State sales tax: 7% Local sales tax: none See also: How to start a business in Indiana in 8 steps So, what's the best state to start a business in? We hate to end with, it depends. But very often the best state to start a business in is dependent on the specific industry you want to start a business in and your own circumstances - including access to funding and other resources. However if we have to choose just one Delaware often stands out due to its favorable tax structure and supportive business environment. However if we had to choose a second and third we'd probably opt for Texas and Wyoming too. That of course doesn't mean any business will thrive in these states, there's still a lot of planning and prep to be done to build a profitable and successful business.

When it comes to your social media marketing , your Instagram bio is the first impression many have of your personal or business brand. It's a small space but it holds immense power in conveying who you are and what you or your business stands for.  Creating an Instagram bio might seem simple but it requires thoughtfulness and creativity. It's not just about making a good first impression; it's about creating a lasting one. With the right elements, your bio can contribute significantly to your overall marketing strategy  by telling your story in a way that resonates with your audience and encourages them to take action. From the use of emojis to the perfect call-to-action, creating an effective bio can make all the difference in growing your followers and enhancing engagement on your account. With this in mind we’ve put together how you can create an Instagram bio that stands out and serves as a cornerstone of your personal branding and marketing efforts. Why your Instagram bio matters to your marketing strategy Your Instagram bio is not just a casual introduction—it's a strategic tool that can significantly impact your Instagram marketing  efforts. Think of your Instagram profile as an online business card or a storefront. It's also the first point of contact between you and potential followers or customers. Some of the main benefits of a great bio include the following. First impressions It provides a snapshot of who you are and what you offer, setting the tone for your entire Instagram presence. Brand identity It helps establish and reinforce your brand identity, ensuring that visitors immediately understand your business's core values and offerings. Engagement A good bio encourages engagement  by prompting visitors to explore your content, follow your account or click on links to learn more about you or your business. When it comes to social media as a type of marketing, engagement is everything. Learn more : Best time to post on Instagram Audience connection It allows you to connect with your target audience by using language and references that resonate with them, fostering a sense of community and loyalty. Cross-promotion By linking to other platforms, such as your Facebook page or website , you create an integrated marketing experience across various channels. 20 effective Instagram bio ideas and why they work Crafting a bio that stands out on Instagram can be the difference between being overlooked and attracting a loyal following. Here are 20 good Instagram bio ideas that have proven effective for various users, along with brief insights into why they work: The Minimalist The Quirky One The Professional The Inspirational Quote The Call-to-Action The Emoji Storyteller The Hashtag Advocate The Personal Touch The Achiever The Local Business The Cool One For Artists For Fashionistas For Innovators For Girl Bosses For Fitness Gurus The Travel Enthusiast The Foodie For Life Coaches For Models or Influencers 01. The minimalist: "Digital storyteller | 📷✈️🌍"   This bio is succinct, using emojis to convey interests and profession without clutter. Other potential variations of this could be: Digital artist Digital creator Digital painter Digital business owner 02. The quirky one: "Eating my way through life | 🍰=😍"  It's relatable and adds a touch of humor, appealing to fellow food enthusiasts. This could be adapted for almost any niche, for example: Reading my way through life Drawing my way through life Hiking my way through life Painting my way through life Parenting my way through life 03. The professional: "Helping brands grow online | Marketing Guru | Speaker"   Establishes credibility and expertise, inviting businesses to connect. Its impact comes in that it emphasizes what the professional can do and how they make an impact before they state who they are. 04. The inspirational quote: "Dream big, work hard, stay focused"  A motivational bio resonates with aspirational followers and sets an uplifting tone. This works well for those in the business of inspiring leaders, speakers and those in higher management positions. 05. The call-to-action: "👇Check out my latest blog post"  Directs followers to engage further with content beyond Instagram. This Instagram bio structure can also be used across resources: Check out my latest case study Check out my latest use case Check out my latest podcast Check out my latest video Check out my latest newsletter 06. The emoji storyteller: "👩‍💻Blogger | 🌟Believer in magic | 🏖️Beach lover"  Uses emojis effectively to tell a story in a visually engaging way. Everyone loves emojis and they help set a casual and inviting tone for your bio. 07. The hashtag advocate: "FitnessFreak | TravelBug | Foodie" Incorporates hashtags to tap into larger communities and increase discoverability. Research hashtags most relevant to your niche and use those. 08. The personal touch: "Proud mom of two | Passionate gardener | Life's a journey"  Shares personal details that humanize you as the account holder. This works well for personal Instagram bios but also small business ones, especially freelancers for example. 09. The achiever: "Turned passion into a business | Featured in [Magazine]"  Highlights accomplishments to build authority and trust and where possible back them up with evidence. This works for almost every small business owner. 10. The local business: "NYC's best cupcake spot 🧁 | Est. 2010 | ShopLocal"  Targets local customers and emphasizes the business's roots. It's good to be clear about your location and, if necessary, you can be more specific. For example: Rhinebeck's best cupcake spot | Est. 2019 | ShopLocal Oswego's best cupcake spot | Est. 2001 | ShopLocal 11. The cool one: "Creating waves in a sea of sameness 🌊"  This example stands out by being metaphorical and thought-provoking, reinforced by an emoji too. For these you'll want to be creative and unique and really think about what your bio stands for. 12. For artists: "Art is the lie that reveals truth — Picasso ✍️🎨" Use a famous quote to align with your artistic audiences. Make sure to properly credit the original creator of the quote. 13. For fashionistas: "Fashion is art and you are the canvas ✨| Style Blogger" This bio example establishes a powerful statement combined with personal branding. If you're a creative by profession, it makes sense to be creative with your bio. 14. For innovators: "Innovating one day at a time 💡| Tech Enthusiast"  This example is very clearly about the role of innovation in this influencer's daily life. It's also always good to back up a more creative statement, with something concrete, like what exactly it is what you do. 15. For girl bosses: "Empowering women in business 💼| GirlBoss"  Speaking directly to an audience of female entrepreneurs is important if that's your focus and target audience. Keeping that messaging consistent across your bio is important. 16. For fitness gurus: "Sweat, Smile, Repeat 🔁| Personal Trainer"  This Instagram bio dedication and encourages others on their fitness journey, while still being humorous and creative. 17. For travel enthusiast's: "Wanderlust isn't just a word; it's my mission ✈️🌏| Travel Blogger"  Go with a bio that captures the essence of your travel passion succinctly and creatively. It should be the perfect opportunity to show off your love for travel. 18. For foodie's: "Life is short; eat dessert first 🍰| Food Critic & Blogger"  It's always worth considering a playful take that instantly connects with other food lovers, if you're a food enthusiastic planning your Instagram bio. 19. For life coaches: "Transforming lives one day at a time 🌱| Life Coach & Speaker"  Your Instagram bio has very few words to perfectly capture what you do and the style in which you do it. This example does just that and positions the account as helpful and transformative. 20. For models or influencers For models:  "Strutting through life one runway at a time 👠| Model & Fashionista" For influencers:  “Influencing with integrity ✨| Lifestyle Guru” Learn more: How to get more followers on Instagram How to improve your Instagram bio To make your Instagram bio more impactful , consider these actionable tips that can help enhance it: Be clear and concise:  You have 150 characters to make an impression. Use clear, concise language that gets straight to the point. Use keywords:  Include relevant keywords that describe your business or personal brand. This helps with discoverability when people search on Instagram. Embrace emojis : Emojis can add personality and visual interest to your bio. Use them sparingly to highlight key points or interests. Include a call-to-action (CTA):  Encourage visitors to take action, whether it's clicking on a link, tagging their photos or visiting your shop. Link to other platforms:  If you have a website or other social media accounts, include a link. Instagram allows one clickable link in your bio. Use a link in bio tool  to create this. (Related reading: What is Hopp? ) Share your values:  Mention what's important to you. For example, if sustainability is a core value, let people know. Highlight your hobbies:  If you're a photographer or an avid reader, mention this in your bio. It makes you more relatable and can attract like-minded followers. Use your own voice:  Write as you speak. If you're naturally funny, let that humor shine through in your bio. Mention your location:  If location is important for your business or personal brand, include it in your bio. Be specific about your offerings:  Clearly state what services or products you offer so visitors know immediately if they're in the right place. Be direct:  Tell users exactly what action you want them to take, such as "Shop now" or "Read my latest blog post." Offer incentives:  Give users a reason to click on your link—exclusive content, discounts or giveaways can be great incentives. Update regularly : Keep CTAs fresh by updating them according to new content or promotions. Types of Instagram bios to consider Your Instagram bio can take many forms, each serving a different purpose and appealing to various audiences. Here are some types of bios you might consider to help your profile stand out. Humorous and quirky bios A touch of humor can make your bio memorable and show off your personality. Funny Instagram bios can make your profile feel approachable and relatable, often leading to a stronger connection with your audience. Examples include: "I put the 'el' in 'funny.'" "Professional overthinker with a penchant for spontaneous adventures." "Serving you a slice of my life, with extra cheese." Business and professional bios For entrepreneurs and businesses, a bio should convey professionalism while also highlighting what makes you unique. Consider these crucial elements: State your unique selling proposition (USP) :  What sets you apart from competitors? Showcase achievements or endorsements:  Have you been featured in notable publications or received awards? Include industry-specific terms:  Use language that resonates with peers and customers in your field. Examples might be: "Transforming spaces into sanctuaries | Award-winning Interior Designer" "Tech innovation with a human touch | As seen on [Tech Magazine]" Thematic bios for creatives and influencers If you're in a creative field or an influencer, your bio should reflect the niche you're passionate about: Travel influencers : "Globe-trotter 🌍 | Capturing moments one country at a time |TravelWithMe" Fashion influencers : "Fashion is my playground | Stylist & Trendsetter | Collab: [email]" Food influencers : "Culinary explorer 🍴| Tasting the world one bite at a time | FoodieAdventures" Bios for personal brands Personal branding is about showcasing who you are and what you stand for. Your bio could include: Personal mantra or philosophy:  A short statement that captures your approach to life or work. Passions and skills:  Highlight what you love doing and what you're good at. Aspirations:  Share what you're working towards to inspire others. An example might be: "Living life in bold colors 🎨| Aspiring Author & Happiness Advocate"

Before we get into how to go about starting a cell phone business, it's really important, as a budding entrepreneur starting a business , to make sure you're on top of the current market conditions and trends. These will influence the niche you choose and how much risk you take with funding and getting your cellphone business off the ground. Starting a cellphone business - understanding market conditions and trends The cell phone industry is, at its core, dynamic, with new technologies emerging rapidly all the time. Staying abreast of the latest developments, such as 5G networks and foldable screens, is crucial as a business owner with this type of a business, as they have a direct influence on consumer demand. Understanding these trends can help you predict which devices will be popular among your target audience. How to start a cellphone business in 8 steps Identify your niche and target audience Choose the right business model and structure Source funding for your business Register and license your cellphone business Research and buy your inventory Set up testing and quality standard guidelines for your inventory Market your cellphone business Implement stellar customer service 01. Identify your niche and target audience Not all cell phone businesses cater to the same market segment and nor should they. Some focus on budget-friendly devices, while others specialize in high-end smartphones or even repair services. To identify your business niche you'll need to carefully consider what types of phones are in demand in your region — for example, if you're in an area with a lot of college students they probably want the latest modes but may also be constrained by a limited budget; if you're selling physically in an area with an older population, they might want reliable, easy to use models over the latest ones. If you're looking to serve a large area, so a variety of choice might be necessary A good place to start with your research is with your own experience of the cellphone market, followed by taking a look at what competitors in your area are doing — is it something you think you can emulate and make a success of, or is it something you can improve or, or do something completely different. When choosing your cellphone niche think very carefully about profitability, which can be significant if managed correctly. When considering what phones to sell, you might want to also offer repair services as this can attract customers looking for cost-effective solutions over buying new phones. Provide great service and when they're in need of a new phone, chances are there'll return to you for that as well. You can also sell accessories ranging from cases and chargers to screen protectors as a source of additional revenue streams. 02. Choose the right business model and structure To start a new phone business, you need a solid business model that outlines your company's value proposition, revenue streams and operational structure. This will include: Do your research : Conduct thorough market researc h to understand customer needs and identify potential competitors. Create your business plan : Put together a comprehensive business plan that includes your business goals, strategies, and financial projections. Secure business funding : Determine how you will finance your startup costs. This could be through savings, loans or investors. A successful mobile phone company is built on several foundational elements: A clear Unique Selling Proposition (USP) : What sets your business apart from others? It could be exceptional customer service, exclusive products, or competitive pricing. Quality inventory : Ensure that you stock phones that meet the quality expectations of your target market. Efficient operations : Streamline operations to reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction. Selecting the right business structure is also crucial as it affects your liability, taxation and ability to raise capital. Consider these common entities for businesses in the US: Sole proprietorship : Simplest form of business but offers no personal liability protection. Partnership : Suitable for businesses with multiple owners; however, partners share liability. Limited Liability Company (LLC ) : Provides liability protection while allowing flexible management structures. Learn more about how to start an LLC . Corporation (C or S corp) : More complex than the others above but offers significant liability protection and options for raising capital through stock. 03. Source funding for your business Before seeking funding for your cellphone business you'll first need to consider how much investment you need — this can vary widely depending on the scale of your business. Some of the main factors that can influence how much funding you'll need to start your business include your initial stock, this is likely to to one of your largest expenses. Next factor in the cost of securely storing your inventory, whether it's in a physical store or a warehouse. Remember not to neglect investing in insurance to protect your inventory from theft, damage or loss. By carefully planning and managing your inventory, you can ensure that you have the right products on hand to meet customer demand without tying up too much capital in stock. Financial management is a cornerstone of any successful business. Understanding your startup costs, ongoing expenses and how to maintain a profitable business model is essential for the longevity of your cell phone business. On top of your startup costs you'll also need to include in your budgeting your ongoing expenses needed to run your business — rent for your store or storage space, utilities, employee salaries, website maintenance and insurance are examples of recurring costs that you'll need to manage. When it comes to running a profitable cellphone business you'll need to: Monitor your cash flow : Keep a close eye on the money coming in and going out of your business to avoid cash flow problems. Prioritize cost-effective operations : Look for ways to reduce costs without compromising on quality. This could involve negotiating better terms with suppliers or automating certain business processes. You also might want to think about starting your business online before investing in a physical store. Diversify your revenue streams : In addition to selling phones, consider offering related products and services such as accessories, repair services, or device insurance plans. 04. Register and license your cellphone business If you're looking to start a cellphone business in the USA specifically, you must familiarize your self with any relevant federal and state regulations regarding electronics sales and consumer protection laws. For example, in the state of Florida there are no specific license required just for selling phones. But you must register your business with Florida Department of State, obtain a sales tax permit from Florida Department of Revenue, comply with all Federal Trade Commission consumer protection rules, follow the FCC regulations on wireless devices, adhere to Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, provide clear return policies, follow warranty laws and discloses all warranties and comply with data privacy laws if collecting customer information. It's worth consulting a local business attorney for complete compliance guidance as these can vary between state, region and country. To operate legally, you must secure the appropriate permits and licenses, which can vary depending on your location and the nature of your business. Here's what you need to do: Research specific local requirements : Check with your city or county government to find out what specific permits and licenses you need. Apply for an Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) : Obtain an EIN from the IRS for tax purposes, especially if you plan to hire employees. See if a resale certificate is relevant : Apply for a resale certificate to buy inventory without paying sales tax. Learn more: How to register a business How to license a business How to name your business 05. Research and buy your inventory A critical part of your cell phone business is the inventory you choose to stock. It's important to select a range of phones that will appeal to your target market while also considering the investment required to buy them. When deciding on your inventory, keep these tips in mind: Market research : Use your market research to determine which models and brands are most in demand. Diversity : Offer a variety of phones to cater to different customer preferences and budgets. Avoid overstocking : Be cautious not to overstock, especially on models that may quickly become outdated. When starting a cellphone business remember to search and consider network partnerships. These can include benefits such as: • Agreements with major carriers (e.g., Verizon, AT&T) • Ability to offer carrier plans and services • Access to carrier-specific promotions • Revenue sharing on activations and plans • Training and support from carriers • Co-branded marketing opportunities • Exclusive device offers from carriers • Access to carrier inventory systems • Ability to process carrier contracts in-store • Potential for volume-based incentives These partnerships can increase your profitability and customer buying options but may require you to meet exact carrier standards and sales targets. 06 Set up testing and quality standard guidelines for your inventory Guaranteeing that each device you sell meets high-quality standards is vital for customer satisfaction and the reputation of your cell phone business. Implementing thorough testing and offering buyback or trade-in programs can enhance the value you provide to customers. If you're selling used cellphones each device before it goes on sale is crucial for several reasons: Customer trust : A well-tested phone ensures that customers can trust the quality of your products. Reduced returns : Devices that have been properly tested are less likely to be returned due to faults, saving you time and money. Implement a grading system for used devices to clearly communicate their condition to customers. Transparency over phone quality is important. You can also implement buyback and trade-in programs as they incentivize customers to purchase their next device from your store. Buyback programs can supply you with inventory for refurbished devices, which can be sold at a profit. At the same time these programs encourage recycling, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. 07. Market your cellphone business A well thought out and executed marketing strategy can help you reach a wider audience and boost your sales. One of the first places to start is with your online or digital marketing. To kickstart this you'll want to make a website for your business. Create a user-friendly website that showcases your products and services — you can create an ecommerce website to sell online as well. Learn more on how to start a website from scratch. Optimize your website for search engines to improve visibility for keywords related to cell phones and mobile devices. Ranking in search engines via SEO can be an effective way to generate traffic to your site, both in order to increase your visibility amongst potential customers but also to generate direct sales. You might also want to consider starting a blog to share valuable content such as blog posts or videos that can help educate your customers and position you as an industry expert. Social media platforms are also powerful tools for promoting your business and engaging with customers. To get started with social media marketing, set up your profiles on major social media platforms where your target audience is active. This might be Instagram or Facebook. Then keep your audience engaged with regular updates, promotions and interactive content. 08. Implement stellar customer service Exceptional customer service can set your cell phone business apart from competitors and help you build long lasting customer loyalty. Training your staff effectively and setting clear customer service policies are key to achieving this. To ensure that your team provides the best possible service, focus on the following areas: Comprehensive training : Equip your staff with the knowledge and skills to handle a wide range of customer inquiries and issues. Clear policies : Develop clear policies for returns, warranties, repairs and support so that staff can provide consistent service. Empowerment : Allow your employees some autonomy to make decisions that benefit the customer, which can lead to quicker resolution of issues. At the same time don't be afraid to use customer feedback to improve the service you offer. You can do this through: Surveys and reviews : Encourage customers to provide feedback through surveys or online reviews either in-store or online. Act on the feedback : Analyze the feedback you receive and take action to address any recurring issues or suggestions. Communication : Keep customers informed about how their feedback has led to changes or improvements in your business. Running a cellphone business - staying up to date with technology and changes The cell phone industry is fast-paced, with new advancements constantly shaping the market. To remain competitive and relevant, it's crucial to keep up with these changes and adapt your business accordingly. Staying informed about the latest technological developments can help you to anticipate market shifts that may cause you to adjust your inventory and pivot your marketing. You can also use new technologies to your advantage, in order to improve your business operations or customer experience — AI customer chatbots available 24/7 are just one new example of this. How can you keep up with new industry shifts and changes? Adopt a continuous learning attitude. This might mean attending industry events, subscribing to tech blogs and participating in online forums to stay informed. Listen to what customers are saying about new technologies and consider their preferences when updating your offerings and inventory. At the same time build professional relationships with manufacturers and service providers who can keep you at the forefront of technological advancements.

Before deep diving into design work, it’s best to start with a brand audit, which allows you to build your package based on the most recent research into your company's brand and their niche. A brand audit is a comprehensive analysis of a brand, including its history, messaging, visual identity and market presence. It’s typically conducted to identify strengths and weaknesses, align service offerings with client expectations, identify where a brand stands within its market and learn how a target audience really views a brand and its branding . Companies typically benefit from brand audits when they’re seeking competitive advantages rather than just starting a business . Or, they might be looking for a refresh in order to re-engage current consumers while garnering interest from new audiences. Crisis brand management and reputation repair can also involve a brand audit. How to do a brand audit You’ve successfully persuaded your company to add a much-needed brand audit. Nice work. Now it’s time to deliver. Here’s how to conduct a brand audit in five steps. Gather background information Analyze the brand's current positioning Identify opportunities for improvement Develop recommendations Implement changes 01. Gather background information Get to know your company's business and goals. Research their industry and competitive landscape. Review the client’s current brand presence. This likely includes a website , social media profiles and marketing collateral. 02. Analyze the brand’s current positioning Examine the brand’s messaging and positioning in the market. Identify the brand’s target audience and evaluate how well the current branding resonates with them. This step will likely include an analysis of surveys, online reviews, social mentions and customer feedback. Evaluate the consistency and effectiveness of the brand’s visual identity (colors, logo, imagery). Assess the brand’s online presence (search rankings, social media following, visibility in forums, etc.). 03. Identify opportunities for improvement Determine where the brand’s messaging, positioning or visual identity could be strengthened. Identify any inconsistencies or gaps in the brand’s materials and presence. Identify opportunities for the brand to differentiate itself in the market. 04. Develop recommendations Based on findings from the audit, develop a list of ways to improve the brand’s messaging, visual identity, positioning and/or digital presence. Present your findings to the decision makers and gather feedback. 05. Implement changes Incorporate the feedback. Coordinate with your design team to revise and develop new assets based on the brand audit findings. Elements of a brand audit Name/tagline There’s a good chance your company is not looking to change their company’s name or tagline. But in some cases, the research might point you toward raising this possibility. If they don’t have a tagline, consider adding one. Value, mission, vision statements As stated above, today’s customers find a brand’s mission and purpose essential to their decision-making. Refining these is a core part of refreshing a brand identity. Logo This may or may not need to be updated, but you might help define how, when, and where the logo is used. Consider creating a new logo with a logo generator. Colors There should be a primary, secondary and even tertiary color scheme. Typography What fonts and styles belong to your company's brand? Are any expressly forbidden? Imagery What kind of images are associated with the brand? Tonally, what makes sense? Brand guidelines In addition to aggregating all of the above, brand guidelines might include details about spacing, a set of template or design examples, and a style guide for both design and writing. Print/digital assets Building out from there, you might include a basic set of print or digital assets, such as email signatures, business card templates, iconography, social media graphic templates, and even merchandise. How to create buy in for a brand audit Upsell a brand audit First, you need to learn how your company currently feels about their brand. There’s a chance they’re already aware that it needs some work and will be receptive to hearing about how you can help improve it . Inform them that adding a brand audit now will spare them from potentially needing to do one down the road, then needing to redo their entire branding package. Plus, you’ll be providing them with insights and recommendations they can use in a number of ways to promote effective business strategies long after your project is complete. Generate interest in a brand audit through cost-risk analysis Help your company imagine a future where they decide to run a brand audit and discover they need a costly redo of the website design or branding package you’re doing today. Similarly, consider the wastefulness of print and digital collateral that don’t resonate with your audience or drive conversions effectively. What’s the greatest risk? Is it paying for a brand audit only to learn that the current brand is already doing as well as it could be? If so, that’s valuable to know when designing a new website or branding collateral — and great to share with stakeholders, investors and company leadership. Use case studies Demonstrate how brand audits have helped other clients — especially clients in a similar market or the same industry as your client — by using clear-cut case studies. Provide data that supports the importance of brand-building For example: People will pay more to work with their preferred brands, which comes down to trust and transparency (important to 66 percent of customers, according to an Accenture report ). 77 percent of consumers buy from brands that share their values, says a Havas’ Global Meaningful Brands research report . Brands build relationships through consistency in messaging, visuals and presence; this can increase revenue by up to 33 percent, according to a Marq research report.

In the bustling world of business, where the new often steal the spotlight, there lies a realm so overlooked it might as well be the business world's best-kept secret. Yes, the realm of “boring businesses.” With the current landscape shifting under our feet—thanks to global pandemics, economic roller coasters and the rapid introduction of technologies like AI—these so-called boring businesses are becoming the unsung heroes of stability and reliability.  So, why does this matter now? Because in a world obsessed with the next big thing, perhaps the smartest move is to bet on the steady horse, not just the fastest. Let’s dive deeper into the world of boring businesses and why they matter now more than ever. Starting a business ? Create a business website  to establish your online presence. What is a boring business? Picture this: a laundromat , a car wash  or even your local office supply store. These businesses aren't headlining tech conferences or launching flashy marketing campaigns. Instead, they focus on providing essential, everyday services that people actually need. From bookkeeping to waste removal, these ventures may not scream “innovation,” but they do suggest “steady income” to those who listen.  And in a nod to the bootstrapping  entrepreneurs out there, these are the businesses that often start with a practical idea and a modest budget, growing through grit and resilience rather than a flood of venture capital. Think of these businesses as evergreen. Why are boring businesses gaining popularity? Why are boring businesses gaining momentum, and why now? For starters, post-pandemic recovery has seen a shift in consumer behavior and investment strategies. People are valuing stability and predictability more than ever. Codie Sanchez , a notable figure in investment circles and the voice behind the Contrarian Thinking  newsletter, has been a vocal advocate for looking into “boring investments” as hidden gems of the business world.  In comparison to more volatile or trendy industries, boring businesses tend to be low risk, narrowing in on essential goods or services that consumers rely on, regardless of economic turmoil.  With the advent of AI and other technologies, these businesses also stand to benefit from streamlined operations and reduced overheads, making them even more attractive to the savvy entrepreneur or investor. More specifically, these steady business models can generate consistent cash flow —something that can be reinvested into the business for expansion, acquisitions or dividends to shareholders. Boring business ideas Now, let's focus on the essentials. What kind of “boring” businesses are we talking about? Think about industries with constant demand: laundromats, auto repair shops, property maintenance, equipment rental, pest control, landscaping, and yes, even vending machines. These are the kinds of businesses that run in the background of everyday life, indispensable and, therefore, recession-resistant to a degree.  From an entrepreneurial lens, these ventures offer a clear path to business ownership  and operation with relatively predictable models. And from an investment perspective, they present opportunities for steady, if not spectacular, returns. Looking for recession proof business ideas ? Here are a few boring business ideas worth exploring: How to start a cleaning business How to start a bookkeeping business How to start a trucking business How to start a courier business How to start a contractor business How to start a vending machine business How to start a pressure washing business How to start a landscaping business How to start a handyman business How to start a plumbing business Tip:  Learn how to make a website  for your business, or use an AI website builder to bring it to life. Boring isn’t bad So, should you start a boring business? Well, if you're looking for something that promises excitement at every turn, maybe not. But if you're interested in a business that can provide stability, scalability and the satisfaction of fulfilling a genuine need, then “boring” might just be your best bet. The beauty of these businesses is their resilience; they tend to weather economic storms with much more grace than their high-flying counterparts. Remember, just because a business doesn't make headlines doesn't mean it can't be very profitable. And let's be honest, there's nothing boring about making a reliable income. So, next time you pass by a car wash or a laundromat, consider the robust business model humming along inside. These businesses might just be the unsung heroes of the entrepreneurial world, providing steady services (and incomes) without the rollercoaster ride of more glamorous ventures. Let's not underestimate the power of boring businesses. In their simplicity and stability, there's a lesson for all of us seeking success in the entrepreneurial journey. Maybe it's time to shift our gaze from the flashy to the foundational, from the trendy to the timeless. Because ultimately, the real thrill might just lie in building something that lasts, quietly but confidently, in the background of our busy lives.  Here's to the boring businesses—may they continue to thrive and remind us that sometimes, the most reliable path to success doesn't have to be the most exciting one.

There used to be a time when we never had to question whether we were talking to a human. But these days, it’s highly possible that that “like” on your Instagram post or that post on Reddit wasn’t written by a normal person. In fact, that “person” may not even have a face.  The online world today is crowded with bots. As someone who’s on social media and forums every day as part of her job, I’ve encountered my fair share of them. Admittedly, sometimes I didn’t even know I was talking to a bot.  But over the years, it has become clear as daylight: the internet doesn’t just belong to humans anymore. Today, the internet is a bot’s world—and the dead internet theory is starting to grow some legs. What is this theory, you ask? And what should you or your brand do in response? Let’s talk.  Future-proof your business and create a website with Wix today. What is the dead internet theory? The dead internet theory is the belief that most of the content and accounts online are controlled by bots. We already know that this theory isn’t pure fiction. Almost 50% of web traffic comes from non-human sources, according to a 2024 Imperva Bad Bot report . Not to mention that the number of AI-generated or AI-assisted content is nearly impossible to count.  The real question is whether this trend is worth celebrating or fearing. Are we facing, as some people claim, the death of the internet and a growing graveyard of bad content? Or, are we observing a natural—maybe even healthy—evolution of the internet?   Let’s begin by looking at the definition of a bot and how they typically come to be.   The anatomy of the modern-day bot The term “bot” is broad. It’s not a singular program or type of code that performs one type of task; it refers to anything made out of code in programming languages like Python, JavaScript or Java that can perform actions that people want to save time on.  Bots have been around since the birth of the internet. In fact, the internet as we know it wouldn’t exist without bots. Think about how Google works: without “good” bots like web crawlers and web spiders, we wouldn’t be able to surf the web as easily as we do today.  Of course, “bad” bots were quick to follow, used for things like click fraud and data theft. While we can’t say that threats don’t exist, perhaps blaming bots is like blaming a sword. Intent is determined by the person who wields the sword, not the sword itself; just because something originated from or as a bot doesn’t mean it’s bad.  The good and bad of online bots as it relates to your business The good: Bots can be used for a lot of amazing things. They can save lots of time, reduce labor cost and do a lot of our “dirty work.” A lot of companies now use bots to engage and care for their customers, offering more immediate and intelligent live support.  Unlike humans, bots don’t burn out. They don’t need the weekend off. They’re extremely fast learners and quick doers— now more than ever, thanks to AI advancements. If used correctly, they can benefit any business, big or small. The bad: It’s becoming harder and harder to distinguish between real and fake accounts. They can give us a false sense of what humans are thinking, feeling or doing in the real world. Sudden influxes of bot-like comments, often referred to as "bot attacks" or "spam raids," can hurt our KPIs or be a nightmare to filter through.  And bots (as we all know) can be abused. A seemingly normal and simple action, such as a comment on social media, can be used to steal someone’s identity or collect personal info. Something that looks and acts like a human can spread hate speech, misinform and even cause chaos. We’ve seen this in various global events, such as political elections and debates, but also at a smaller scale, such as in scam behavior, phishing attempts, identity theft and more. So, what should brands do? The 3 Bs of bot safety  One thing I’ve learned during my time as brand engagement and brand reputation manager is that you can take some safety measures to avoid falling victim to bad bots. At minimum, you’ll want to:  Be on alert. Are you seeing a suspicious spike in activity around your branded posts? Do you notice people commenting on your blog or social posts with links to a third-party site? Keep an eye out for suspicious bot-fueled activity using different social media monitoring tools and keyword filtering tools. Note that bots may be used to push a political or personal agenda, and even seemingly harmless comments (like an influx of low-quality, generic or disconnected comments flattering your brand) can be linked to bot activity.  Be responsible. Any situation where a bot impersonates a person without disclosing it creates a risk. If you don’t disclose your use of bots (such as chatbots for customer care or to support your marketing strategies ), you risk hurting your credibility. Be transparent about any services that are automated; let people know when they’re talking to a human versus a bot. Be a mentor to your employees. A bot can target employees of a company, just as they can target any private individual, based on one’s political views or social circle. Educate your employees on how to identify fishy behaviors and encourage them to report any suspected bot activity.  Related reading: What is brand management? Final verdict—are bots a blessing or a curse?   If you ask me, the recent advancements in technology, particularly AI, are incredible. We’re only scratching the surface at the moment. The more we train our AI modules, the better they become—and the better they mimic real human behavior, which can be both a blessing and a curse. (In fact, there are those who say that this new AI frontier is as big as the invention of the internet itself, and today’s top trillion-dollar companies are investing heavily into AI, pioneering the path into uncharted waters.)   The truth is, we can’t run away from this change. It’ll happen whether we like it or not. You’ll always have people that abuse technology for their own gain, in addition to people and forces that rightsize the market again. (We even have good bots protecting us from bad bots today.)   The internet is an ever-evolving place. Rather than taking an apocalyptic view on it, I urge you to educate yourself on both the advantages and risks. Guard yourself from bad actors, but also consider using bots to improve your branding , employee experience and customer experience.

When it comes to servicing SMBs, enterprise B2B strategic partnerships  have emerged as catalysts for innovation and growth. They unlock added value for SMB customers at a significantly reduced cost compared to developing new products in-house, while also massively contributing to overall revenue. With 95% of Microsoft’s revenue, for example, flowing directly through partners , businesses large and small can benefit from this strategy. However, not all partnerships are created equal. It’s important to consider what the agreement will bring to your SMB customers, your business and your B2B partner, in both the short and long term. To ensure mutual benefit and longevity, it's crucial to carefully select the right business partners. Empower SMB customers with all the crucial steps to start a business . Choosing a B2B partner Here are seven key factors to consider in choosing a B2B partner. Industry leadership Brand reputation Custom partnership Audience expertise Extensive product offering Support infrastructure Commitment to growth 01. Industry leadership A B2B partner should be a market leader both you and your customers can rely on. Opt for a partner with a proven track record of success, looking at things like the number of years in the industry, size of customer base and market share. Ideally, it’s best to find your match in a different industry. “Combining the strengths of two industry leaders can unleash exponential value for customers,” says Kevin Nolan, CEO at GE Appliances, on their partnership with Google Cloud . A strong B2B partner should always be on the cutting edge in their field. They should be a product/service-focused trailblazer, consistently releasing updates and new developments . Ensure a solid foundation for collaboration by selecting a partner who stands out in the industry, bringing unparalleled expertise and resources to the table. “We selected Wix to be our preferred partner because of their leading technology and product innovation,” says Robert Keane, Founder and CEO at Vistaprint. 02. Brand reputation Reputation speaks volumes. Aligning with a B2B partner renowned for their brand integrity and commitment to excellence enhances your credibility and instills trust among customers. Co-branded campaigns and industry reports can have an amplified effect. According to PartnerPath, 68% of consumers  can make buying decisions simply after seeing a co-branded campaign. How do you assess brand reputation for a partnership? For the greatest impact, your partner’s brand should speak for itself and be nearly synonymous with their offering. Try this: When you think of the respective market, what are some of the first brand names that come to mind? 03. Custom partnership Seek a B2B partner that’s not only willing but eager to tailor their offering to meet a partner’s needs. A cookie-cutter approach rarely yields the desired results. Prioritize partners who take the time to understand your business objectives and adapt their strategies accordingly. Flexibility should be core to the process. A custom partnership  ensures alignment on values and goals, and maximizes mutual benefit. 04. Audience expertise Partnering with a team that has developed a deep knowledge and understanding of your specific target audience can be a huge benefit. Sometimes sharing part of a customer base isn’t enough. It’s best to find a company that has invested time and energy into your particular audience. Partnering with experts ensures that solutions are finely tuned to address unique business challenges and capitalize on opportunities. As Tom Priore, Executive Chairman and CEO at Priority Technology Holdings, explains: “Wix is on the front end of generating revenue for small merchants  like our customers. That’s why we knew they’d be a great partner.” 05. Extensive product offering Seek a B2B partner with a comprehensive ecosystem: a wide range of products and/or services to empower SMBs of any business type . Products and services should be verticalized and tailored to the specific industries of your audience. And the offering shouldn’t stop at one particular thing. It should expand to include related services that your SMB customers will inevitably need in order to achieve success. Agree on an offer that empowers you to deliver end-to-end solutions. SMBs can learn how to create a website  using Wix’s complete business solutions. 06. Support infrastructure Reliable support is paramount for both customers and partners. Prioritize partners who offer multichannel, multilingual support  to customers: from email to phone to chat, along with resources like written and video tutorials. SMB customers should have 24/7 access to some type of support. And don’t neglect your own support, either. Make sure your partnership includes an intentional approach to B2B customer success . You and your business deserve a dedicated, experienced account manager to take the journey with you throughout technical and business processes. Learn more: B2B partnerships for online directories , Domains and B2B partnerships 07. Commitment to growth Make sure to have a long-term view when establishing a B2B partnership. Choose a partner that’s committed to ongoing innovation and growth, that will collaboratively develop an all-encompassing strategy, implement routine analysis and identify new opportunities and revenue streams. Don’t just think about immediate benefits. Make sure your B2B partner is in it to win it with you. In a nutshell—when picking a B2B partner, it’s best to consider those that are poised for sustained growth and innovation, capable of evolving in step with your business. I always prioritize factors like industry leadership, product portfolio and long-term vision for a sustainable and fruitful partnership. Remember: It's not just about choosing a B2B partner for now, but for 5, 10 or even 20 years from now. A strong B2B partner is a partner for life. Learn how a channel partnership  with Wix can drive growth for your business and your SMB customers.

We live in such a competitive world that for every idea we have, there are multiple companies doing the same thing. As a business owner, this means you need to develop creative marketing strategies to attract customers. The first step in obtaining clients is to generate leads: these are potential customers who you can guide through the marketing funnel and, ultimately, sell your products to. Lead generation involves making contact with these consumers and, typically, obtaining their contact details so that you can continue marketing to them. Usually, the first step is to build a website that allows you to easily collect leads via forms, CTAs and landing pages. But there are many other effective lead generation strategies as well. This article includes 12 lead generation strategies, which are designed to help you get more leads and, most importantly, better leads. By attracting high-quality leads, you won’t get one-time buyers; you’ll connect with loyal customers who will buy from you time and time again. Read also: How to think like a growth marketer with zero marketing experience (feat. Kevin Indig) What is a lead generation strategy? Before we dive in, let’s clarify a few terms: Leads are potential customers who have shown an active interest in your brand. For example, they may have left their contact details on your website or subscribed to your newsletter. Lead generation is the process of obtaining leads - that is, converting anonymous consumers into potential customers. Lead generation strategies are the various marketing tactics you use to initiate someone’s interest in your product. They include anything from creating a landing page to holding a virtual event. These are types of strategies we’ll discuss below. As a business owner or marketing professional, you’ll need to explore the various options and find the ones that work best for your particular business. It’s wise to set your focus on just a few of these strategies at a time, rather than split your efforts between all of them—but still prioritize an integrated marketing approach. So, start with one to three ideas that speak to you the most, implement them, evaluate their performance, and make an informed decision about which techniques you should prioritize. 12 lead generation strategies Build strategic landing pages Incorporate strong CTAs Create engaging forms Use email marketing Take advantage of live chat Join social media communities Start a community Offer high-quality content Initiate a referral program Work with a complementary business Connect with social media influencers Host a webinar or event 01. Build strategic landing pages If you’ve ever clicked a link in a marketing email or social media ad, you were probably taken directly to a landing page. These are standalone web pages that have been created specifically for a marketing or advertising campaign, and they’re one of the most crucial elements in any marketer’s arsenal. Unlike regular web pages, landing pages have a single goal: to guide visitors towards a CTA, also known as a call-to-action. This narrow focus is precisely what makes landing pages such an effective lead generation tool. Using compelling copy and a strong call-to-action (CTA), they can convert total strangers into potential customers interested in your brand. To generate leads using a landing page, use CTAs such as “Sign Up” or “Register Now.” Then, ask people who click to leave their contact details. Once you have their email, you’ll be able to follow up with them and build their interest in your products. You can also use a link in bio tool like Hopp by Wix to direct users to your landing page from your social media channels. Alternatively, you can use this tool to link from your landing page to all of your online assets such as social media channels from one designated URL. Pro tip: If you want to create a landing page but aren’t sure how to get started, try using this landing page builder . Its drag-and-drop editor makes it quick to build a high-converting, professional page. 02. Incorporate strong CTAs That brings us to our next point - the importance of a powerful call-to-action. Of all the lead generation strategies, this may be the most fundamental. These small but mighty snippets of content are used to hook your target market and get them to take action. They aren’t just reserved for your landing pages. Rather, they’re something you’ll need to include across all your marketing copy, from email campaigns to your website. When it comes to your website, you can increase your conversion rate by strategically placing CTAs in places where users might want to sign up, subscribe, or otherwise get started with your brand. On your product or services page, for instance, you might include a CTA that offers a free trial or consultation. Likewise, you might include a CTA to subscribe to your blog newsletter somewhere within your blog posts. Many companies even include a compelling CTA on the home page, putting it front and center to encourage site visitors to click. As a general rule, you’ll want to keep your CTAs short, actionable and highly clickable. Limit yourself to just one to two words that direct users to take a particular action, and use a contrasting color to make them stand out. Whichever CTAs you choose, remember that your ultimate goal is to capture leads—that is, to obtain contact details or some other form of information that you can use to guide those visitors through the marketing funnel . 03. Create engaging forms Forms result in leads. Period. If a person takes the time to fill out a contact, sign up or registration form, they are likely interested in learning more about and potentially purchasing your products or services. You can then follow up with them by sending out an email or calling them directly. Forms also help you obtain key information about your clients. While they should usually be short so visitors aren’t discouraged from filling them out, some forms deliberately make use of an extra field or two. In addition to asking for your lead’s name and email address, you might also ask for their occupation or how they found out about your business. This will form a picture of who they are so that you can segment your audience and target different types of people with different offerings. You can place forms across various places on your site, including your homepage, footer or landing pages. To get started, take a look at these contact form design ideas. 04. Use email marketing From a weekly newsletter to a new product launch, emails generate leads when the content is short and catchy, and the CTA is equally bold and tempting. You can use convenient email marketing services to schedule automated emails anytime a visitor performs a particular action on your site. Check out our guide on marketing automation software to learn more. Once a visitor leaves their contact details via an online form, follow up immediately with an automated email that piques their interest in your product and keeps them excited about your brand. For instance, you might send them an exclusive free e-book or invite them to an upcoming webinar. Most importantly, email marketing also helps you distinguish between your high-quality leads and those who aren’t serious about your brand. The leads who engage with your emails, whether by opening them or clicking on a link, are likely more serious about becoming customers. With that in mind, these are the people you’ll want to spend more time, energy and resources interacting with. 05. Take advantage of live chat When it comes to lead generation strategies that invite communication, email marketing isn’t the only option. Live chat has become the new norm for how consumers interact with businesses. In fact, it’s practically a requirement for every customer-facing website today. Adding live chat to your website lets you interact with visitors in real time, which is a great way to draw them in from the moment they’re introduced to your brand. It also proves you have strong customer service and are committed to customer satisfaction, advantages that will make you stand out from your competitors. In addition to sending messages over chat, use it as a direct conversion tool by sending lead capture forms to active users. This encourages visitors to enter key contact details such as their name and email address. Among Wix users, business owners who use live chat on their website make up to 300% more sales. In addition, answering chat messages to users who start a conversation improves conversion by 65%. 06. Join social media communities Being active on social media is one of the cornerstones of a strong marketing plan . This doesn’t just involve creating social media pages of your own; it also means joining other social media communities and participating in their discussions. Facebook, LinkedIn and Reddit, in particular, are popular places for people with common interests to gather together online. Step into your target audience’s shoes and think about where they hang out. Based on their interests and needs, which Facebook groups, LinkedIn groups and Reddit forums might they participate in? While these groups typically forbid promotional content, you can nonetheless join them to get to know your target audience and provide them with valuable information. Post questions, and post answers to other people’s questions that offer relevant insights without being promotional. You can also send people a direct message (be friendly and polite, rather than spammy) if you think your product or service is a good match for their needs. 07. Start a community In addition to joining existing online forums, you can also create a community of your own. Many brands, from small businesses to bloggers, add forums to their website to build a community around their industry. This creates a tight-knit circle of existing and potential customers who use your site to engage with one another, answer each other’s questions and provide helpful insights. The result is that people will use your site as the go-to source of information on this particular subject, and they will come to associate your brand with trustworthiness and credibility. In addition, loyal customers who love your brand may very well use the forum to recommend your products to new leads. 08. Offer high-quality content Creating a robust content marketing plan is another popular small business marketing strategy that is crucial for generating leads. Having strong content on your site—informative blog posts, e-books, whitepapers and case studies—can push undecided visitors toward a conversion. Think about it: you’re more likely to trust a brand that demonstrates a high level of knowledge in the industry versus one that doesn’t publish any content. Include a blog on your site where readers can find answers to their questions and solutions to their needs. Not only will this drive traffic to your website , but it will also encourage readers to become leads. Within each blog post, give them the option to register for your service, check out your product, or subscribe to your newsletter. In addition to blogging, try creating gated content—that is, content that is accessible to users only after they’ve filled out a form and left their details. This type of content tends to be longer and more involved, such as e-books, white papers, reports, or templates. 09. Initiate a referral program If you’ve ever signed up for Uber or Airbnb, you’re probably familiar with referral programs. The way that most of them work is that if an existing user refers to you, both of you get a discount or free offer. This lead generation strategy tends to be successful, since it combines the appeal of a discount with the credibility of a personal recommendation. Like many big brands, you can apply this concept to your own business. In order to find new clients, write up your own referral plan. Then, create customized coupons to send to both your returning customers and the new ones who they referred. 10. Work with a complementary business Unlike a competitor, a complementary business is one that sells a product or service that fits perfectly with yours. In fact, both of your services might be more marketable together when it comes to lead generation. A classic example of complementary products is peanut butter and jelly. Let’s say that you sell organic nut butters and another brand sells superfood-based jam. The two of you can work together as the perfect duo, whether you decide to sell your items for a packaged discount, or to send samples of your nut butters with every jam purchased. Think about a product or service that complements your business, and reach out to them to see if they’re interested in collaborating. Be sure to brainstorm a creative way that you can work together to give consumers a free sample of your product or a tempting discount. 11. Connect with social media influencers Influencers are social media users with a large following who have established credibility as well-known figures in their industries. Consumers are willing to listen to their opinions because their posts seem genuine and authentic, rather than advertorial. Depending on your business, it might be worthwhile for you to work with them, as they are a trusted third party who can help build interest in your product or service by giving it a positive review. Start by reaching out to well-known influencers in your industry and offer an incentive to work together. Some influencers may ask for a flat fee, while others might be interested in commissions or free swag. You’ll quickly see how this lead generation strategy is a clever way to start winning over customers. 12. Host a webinar or event Whether in-person or virtual, events are a hands-on way to generate leads and increase your market share . Inviting people to networking events, such as a happy hour or picnic that offers free food or product samples, can help you foster organic connections with potential customers. With your leads surrounded by food and fun, this strategy is a casual way to create interest around your offerings. Events are an effective form of lead capture in the online world, too. Webinars and virtual conferences can help draw in people who want to learn new information or acquire knowledge about a particular field. If you offer an important tool or service within that field, use these types of events to gently guide audiences toward your offering. At the end, you can even provide a discount to attendees who want to make a purchase.

In July 2018, Amazon lost an estimated US$100 million after just an hour of downtime during its Prime Day Sales. In August 2020, server outages stirred Google , not only affecting the company itself, but decreasing productivity for the many businesses dependent on its ubiquitous tools. And in May 2021, another global outage temporarily brought down 10% of the internet— impacting eCommerce giants like Amazon and eBay. In the years since, cloud hosting has evolved to address potentially damaging problems such as these. We live in an interconnected world where businesses of all sizes rely on a global web infrastructure that delivers reliability and advanced website security , as well as business continuity. And while 100% uptime is never guaranteed, multi-cloud hosting delivers something very close. If you are thinking of how to make a website , choosing a hosting solution that uses multi-cloud hosting ensures reliability without compromising on site performance. Not sure what that tech-forward sentence means to you? In this article, we'll explore multi-cloud hosting and why it fits the hosting needs of all businesses—from enterprises to small businesses. Understanding your web hosting needs When it comes to choosing the best web hosting option for you, you'll need to distinguish between the different types available. Each hosting type has features and benefits which may or may not fit your needs. In the past, many first-time website creators opted for shared hosting, or when several sites are hosted on one server. This hosting option is cheap and works well for small sites, including personal websites, without large traffic numbers. Then, once the site and business start to grow, many medium-sized businesses consider a different option, like VPS hosting, or a private, dedicated space and resources on a shared server. This option is less sensitive to traffic surges on the server, but it's often more expensive than shared hosting. VPS hosting doesn't work for enterprises or busy eCommerce sites, though, and it's still not as reliable as having your own dedicated web server . Cloud hosting, on the other hand, has evolved to meet website demand of all sizes. This type of hosting or hosted service can manage sudden traffic surges, deliver 99.9% uptime (the most reliable hosting can get), has no single point of failure and scales with your website. And with some website creators—Wix included—it costs nothing. For a more in-depth look at cloud hosting vs. shared hosting , check out our guide. What is cloud hosting? Web hosting is the housing of your site on a physical server, plus the delivery of that site to a user's browser. Cloud hosting works the same way, except your site is hosted on a network of virtual servers, rather than a physical one. It is part of a wider concept of cloud computing. Even if you don’t know cloud computing by name, it’s likely you integrate its content storage and delivery capabilities into your everyday life—from browsing on our smartphones and storing work files, to accessing our favorite apps. Examples of public cloud based services and hosting providers include Microsoft Azure, IBM’s Blue Cloud, and Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud or EC2. You can choose to host your site on any one of these public cloud platforms—although the reliability and web hosting costs can vary widely. Cloud hosting has an edge over non-cloud web hosting. For example, it’s usually considered to be more flexible. Storage and bandwidth for a site can be added, either in response to short term needs (an eCommerce website expecting sudden and increased traffic surges during Black Friday, for example) or in response to the long-term growth of a business. What is multi-cloud hosting? Multi-cloud hosting improves upon cloud hosting to give enterprise-grade performance and reliability to everyone—no matter location or business size. With multi-cloud hosting, your hosting provider connects public cloud services, like Google Cloud and Amazon Web Services (AWS) , with private and in-house servers to host a website. Plus, the provider will work to pre-empt outages and balance traffic loads between networks and servers. The main reason for using multi-cloud hosting? Reliability. You can have the peace of mind that your site is always running without having to do anything on your end. Let’s use Wix’s multi-cloud hosting as an example here, a solution which uses Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud and Wix’s in-house servers: Imagine the unthinkable happens and AWS is temporarily offline. All websites hosted on AWS would drop offline, too. But when using a multi-cloud service like Wix, another network like Google Cloud can step into the breach. In the unlikely (but not impossible) scenario that both AWS and Google Cloud are down, Wix's in-house servers would take on hosting duties for your website, so you carry on with your business. Key features of multi-cloud hosting Multiple servers: public, private and internal Multiple globally-located content delivery networks (CDN) 24/7 management and maintenance from the service provider Unlimited bandwidth including online storage that scales with the users needs Up to 99.9% uptime Automated services via remote management Free or on an ‘as used’ basis Advantages of multi-cloud hosting If you’re starting to create your website, you'll want to consider the benefits of multi-cloud hosting. Here, the advantages of multi-cloud hosting for websites of all sizes. 01. Reliability plus scalability Cloud hosting is reliable. While 100% uptime can never be a given, cloud hosting providers like Wix can deliver 99.99% uptime, giving you confidence in your business’s continuity. Cloud hosting also includes automatic site backup. Even in a highly unlikely network outage, your site will automatically restore. Reliable web hosting not only keeps your site continually online, but it also helps maintain your brand reputation through traffic upsurges and server outages. This also delivers scalability. Multi-cloud hosting relies on a network of internal, public and private clouds to manage and deliver data to websites. As your site's traffic and sales grow and your business needs change, multi-cloud hosting adapts to handle sudden traffic surges through load balancing. 'If your website can go down for a day or two from time to time, your hosting is terrible. Even mediocre hosting doesn't (or shouldn't) do that. (Also, downtime from hosters makes me appreciate well-run platforms like @Wix & co. even more)' ~ John Mueller, Google 02. Hands-off management Multi-cloud hosting is a complicated solution that requires expert management. Connecting the multiple public and private clouds is incredibly expensive, too. Thankfully, using a multi-cloud hosting service gives you all the benefits of this technology without having to invest your own time or money. In the event of an online outage, or disaster, most multi-cloud hosting providers ensure automatic website backup and recovery. This limits the downtime your site experiences, and will get your business back online faster. Tip: Hosting with Wix is a fully-managed hosting and multi-cloud service that demands nothing from you. At Wix, the aptly-named War Room works 24/7 to pre-empt potential server and network outages. This also includes additional support from Google and AWS cloud services. 03. Improved website performance Users and search engines alike demand that your site works fast. A positive user experience depends content delivered in seconds—whether that is watching a video or buying a product. Cloud hosting uses geo-clustering, or servers placed as geographically close to the user as possible through a network of CDNs. The result? Higher page load speed and improved customer engagement. Cloud hosting FAQ What is cloud hosting vs web hosting? Cloud hosting and web hosting differ in infrastructure. Web hosting relies on a single server to host websites, sharing resources among users. In contrast, cloud hosting uses a network of interconnected virtual and physical servers, providing scalability and flexibility. Cloud hosting allows resources to be distributed dynamically, offering better reliability and performance. What are some well known cloud hosting examples? Well-known cloud hosting providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and IBM Cloud. These platforms offer a range of services, including computing power, storage and databases, enabling users to deploy and scale applications globally. Each provider has its own strengths and businesses often choose based on specific needs, preferences, and integration capabilities.

Floral design is an art form, but it’s also a business that relies on a steady influx of new clients. While for some that means neutralizing their website’s style or conforming to customer expectations, floral studio Moonwake Meadow  charts a different path. Instead of diluting her brand identity to appeal to the masses, Founder Nicole Oliveira tailors her website branding  to attract those drawn to her aesthetic. “The [Moonwake Meadow] website is fully a reflection of who I am as a person,” says Nicole.  This choice isn’t just a personal expression—it’s a strong marketing strategy  for attracting the right clientele rather than attracting everyone. In her opinion, staying true to your vision pays off, even if you lose some interest in the short term. We spoke to Nicole to learn more about the process she went through to create her unique branding  and the lessons learned from that experience. Design a website  that matches your style with Wix today. Capture your true self in your branding to attract the right customers While you should always be mindful of your target audience, you should avoid being disingenuous for the sake of appealing to a new group of consumers. It may be tempting to crack jokes and use slang  or weigh in on divisive issues to drum up attention, but people tend to see right through these attempts. You’ve built a business around your passion and unique talents—why not give your brand the same treatment? Nicole leans into her personality and aesthetic preferences when building her brand . “I want people to come to me because they like my specific style, so I try to push that out into the world,” even if it pushes a small segment of people away, she explains.  After examining dozens of academic papers on brand authenticity, the researchers behind this study  concluded that authenticity in branding encompasses two main aspects: Genuineness: The brand expression is truthful. Originality:  The brand is unique and innovative. Moonwake Meadow embodies these qualities, challenging the status quo when it comes to her website branding . “People love to go onto a website and see a really clean canvas with a neutral background and very beautiful photos,” she says. “But I love color and patterns, so I brought that in.” Indeed, her site bursts with personality, not because the layout is avant-garde or because it features wild animations, but because her visual choices are cohesive and specific. Altogether, they create a striking and unique vision. Something as simple as a creative font choice can bring the visual appeal that’ll lure in consumers. The Moonwake Meadow site features the Narnia typeface for headers. With letters that curve and bubble like lava lamps, each one is a work of art in and of itself. A buttoned-up business or a traditional bride might find the playfulness of the font off-putting, but those looking for a florist who is experimental and playful will feel nothing but inspired. The color palette is similarly funky. The primary color scheme is made of a yellowed beige and blueberry-juice purple, a sharp contrast in both hue and temperature, giving the site a rich and moody dynamism. The secondary color scheme is a collection of retro hues: mustard, olive, amaro and candy-heart pink. This nostalgic influence lends Nicole’s site a lively and approachable feel—and communicates to viewers that, if they want colorful arrangements and installations, Moonwake Meadow is well-suited to bring their vision to life.  Get personal to spark real connections In a world where new profit-hungry brands crop up every day, purpose and sincerity go a long way. To that end, Nicole uses Moonwake Meadow’s digital platforms to consistently convey her sincerity as a founder. You'll find a deeper connection with her passion when you explore the "Our Story" page, where Nicole shares how her upbringing in her mother's floral shop ignited her love for flowers and inspired her dream of becoming a floral designer. Her brand story not only highlights her values but also showcases the profound depth of her commitment, making her brand seem truly authentic. This carries through to the brand’s social media—you can hear Nicole’s voice through her captions. She isn’t afraid to be vulnerable in divulging her feelings. “Seeing these photos gets me so emotional because I just remember all the heart that was put into this wedding,” she writes in this Instagram post . “[We’re] so happy to have been a part of it and create floral magic. This is why we love what we do!”  Identify your 'why' to build a brand with staying power It might seem like Nicole conjured her brand out of thin air, but brand development takes time and reflection. Nicole wanted her brand to reflect her adoration of the beauty of nature, but she also wanted it to be whimsical and free-spirited with a hint of moodiness.  Her branding journey began with selecting a brand name . “I wanted something that sounded bohemian and created some sort of vision,” she explains. The term “moonwake,” which refers to the reflection of moonlight on a body of water, immediately struck her as evocative and beautiful. Combined with the word “meadow,” the two terms captured her aspiration to reflect the elegance of nature through her art. Use a company name generator  to get some inspiration. The logo—which functions as a symbolic representation of the business name—sits unorthodoxly on the bottom edge of the site’s hero fold and bleeds into the one that follows. It’s magical and bountiful, with Nicole’s hand holding a bunch of flowers in front of a crescent moon, butterflies adding to that delicate ethereality. “I love it so much that I just got it tattooed,” she gushes. It was entirely her vision, but Nicole hired graphic designer Dominic Design  to bring it to life. “I wouldn’t have been able to come up with it on my own because graphic work is not my forte,” she adds. Start building your brand with Wix’s logo maker  today. Finally, she designed her website on Wix. “I tried to make a website on [another site builder], but it was too cookie-cutter for me,” she says. “I loved Wix because it’s so much more customizable. I designed my whole website on my own. It was time-consuming, but it was surprisingly easy.” But yet again, she brought in a pro—Amy Chan from Three Truths Designs —to bring her vision to life. In both instances, starting on her own ensured that her brand would accurately represent her vision before she hired someone to give it a polish. The investment paid off—her site traffic doubled after she launched the new website design. “Outside of updating the photo gallery, I haven’t changed anything since,” she says. Hire a website designer  through the Wix Marketplace . Nicole's perspective on her business illuminates how important it is to identify your why—and never forget it. For her, Moonwake Meadow isn't just a business; it's a personal journey and a reflection of her identity. "My business is my baby," she explains. "It’s all I think about, it’s all I stress about, it’s everything to me."  Bring your authentic brand to life— sign up for Wix  today.