B2B Connection

What will HR look like post-COVID? The good news: Overall, the shift to remote work seems to be agood thing. HR pros are seeing improvements in employee well-being, and the move hasn’t made their jobs significantly harder. COVID-19 changed everything for the HR industry. Now, over a year after the pandemic began, we’re checking in to see how HR professionals are doing. The bad news: The vast majority of HR professionals are feeling challenged and exhausted by the pandemic. And they’re facing even bigger hurdles with the Great Resignation and the need to rapidly improve their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. This report examines these issues from the eyes of HR pros across the United States, from associates up to the C-suite—and ultimately asks how HR technology is helping to make things easier. Want to see the full PDF of the report? Click the button below. The sections in this report are: Top 10 HR Trends Report Statistics The State of HR in 2022 How Do HR Pros Feel About Remote Work? Decoding the Great Resignation Thinking Differently About DEI in 2022 The Impact of HR Technology Methodology and Demographics Top 10 Statistics from the 2022 HR Trends Report […]

2021 brought the Great Resignation, which for most companies meant numerous vacant positions. For organizations and staff everywhere, this means more time and money spent onboarding software. In addition, HR staff and managers alike are facing challenges associated with increased remote onboarding. It’s easy to see why onboarding has changed significantly within the past two years. Companies now recognize the need for standardized onboarding procedures that set their new hires up for success. In the past onboarding was often primarily thought of as an HR task. Now it is shifting to a shared responsibility between HR and management. Hottest Employee Onboarding Statistics for 2022 Given the changes brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Great Resignation, onboarding has undergone rapid change. These updated onboarding stats give insight into the current state of onboarding. 20% of turnover occurs within the first 45 days of employment (Talmundo, 2021) 37.4% of companies listed remote onboarding as a challenge they faced because of the Covid-19 pandemic (Workable, 2020). 61% of HR professionals expect new hires to stay at their company for at least two years (The Manifest, 2020) 48% of HR professionals believe onboarding should continue past the first month of employment (Talmundo, […]

Fleet management software allows organizations to help with the daunting tasks like organizing vehicles, drivers, incidents, and so much more. The right software can simplify this logistical quagmire and unlock the potential of your organization. As such, there is a huge array of options available. Fortunately, by breaking down your needs, limits, and scale, you can choose the best fleet management software for your budget. In this piece, we will cover: Pricing Scale and Scalability Features Needed  Mobility Ease of Use and Integration With all of these features in mind, you will have a much better picture of exactly what you are looking for. With that, we can start to look at some of the software out there. Fleet Management Pricing A software could do everything you ever dreamed of and more, but be utterly useless if it is too expensive for your budget. The first and potentially most important part of any software discussion is a rough guide to pricing. As a general rule, fleet management software will cost you about $25-40 per vehicle. The extremes can range from $5-$250 per vehicle, but these tend to be for very specific use cases.  Other costs can include hardware that may […]

The best content ever written means absolutely nothing if it’s never seen. Search engine optimization (SEO) tools are designed to ensure your hard work gets seen your target audience in the most efficient manner possible. Our blog and SEO team atTrustRadius went through our own buying process for content SEO. We originally used Topic, but they’ve since joined the CafeMedia family. We needed a replacement and realized our buying experience can help other content creators find their best SEO tool. Each of the tools we looked at occupies a different niche and could be right for you depending on what you need in an SEO tool. We will also cover two tools that fall somewhat short, and explain why they may not be ideal for content marketing and production use cases. There’s a wide array of tools out there for blog and marketing content optimization. Some offer simple optimization guides and keyword suggestions and checking, while others can generate content for you. Understanding exactly what you are looking for, your budget, and what your limitations are are key for choosing the right tool.  The SEO tools covered in this piece are: Growth Bar SEO Frase ClearScope Content Harmony Surfer MarketMuse […]

Construction projects are complex by nature. To be completed successfully, safely, and on time, the multitude of moving pieces (and the various people or companies who will play a role in delivering each one) must all be synced up. Stakeholders need to be on the same page and aware of how every part of the project will unfold. But it’s nearly impossible to create a perfect construction project plan at the onset of the job. Even if you’re confident that you’re accounting for the full scope of work involved in the project, there will inevitably be changing variables during the planning, bidding, and building phases that will drive a change in your plan. A Request for Information (RFI) document is used to keep these projects moving in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner. RFIs request key information from design and engineering professionals needed to flesh out project variables that have come up since the original bid or contract was drawn up. In essence, the RFI is a communication vehicle for the dynamic planning and decision making that must go into completing a complex and expensive construction project. Let’s dive deeper into how construction RFIs are used in the industry. Here we […]

Advertising is one of the most important fields for most commercial companies. The best part of advertising is it’s always changing because people change. Advertising is all about following people, and these past 2 years have been unprecedented for everyone.   Certain areas of marketing have decreased while others have flourished with the pandemic. Below we look at the growth, trends, and major changes in the advertising industry. 12 Noteworthy Advertising Statistics for 2021 In 2020, 70% of all marketers focused their efforts on content marketing (HubSpot, 2020). About 35% of marketers feel it’s integral to analyze the ROI of their campaigns (HubSpot, 2020). In 2020, 52% of marketers relied on attribution reporting (HubSpot, 2020). In 2020, over 75% of consumers participated in an internet activity that was new to them (Qualtrics, 2021). It’s estimated 20% of marketers participated in email marketing automation for their campaigns throughout 2020 (HubSpot, 2020). Ad revenue in 2020 fell to 578 billion USD worldwide, but the market expects 12% growth while recovering from the coronavirus (Statista, 2021).  Digital Advertising is noted to grow by 15.4% for 2021, while print advertising like magazine ads is noted to decline (Statista, 2021). One of the major advertisers on […]

While PDF files are convenient for sending and sharing virtually, they need a tool to directly edit their content. PDF editors allow fans of the superior file type to alter its contents with the ease of the lesser .docx file. No more will your friends laugh at your unaltered text fields. In all seriousness, PDF editors come in many shapes and sizes, each with benefits for different use cases. Understanding the limitations and capabilities of each will help you make the right choice for your needs.  The software covered in this piece are: PDFEscape PDFCandy Sedja PDFSambasic Top 5 PDF Editors   Best For: Pros Cons Premium Pricing PDFEscape Those with a wide array of PDF editing needs Huge array of PDF editing features, Cheap Premium Less intuitive $2.99 -$5.99/Month PDFCandy Those working with diverse file types Unparalleled conversion needs Severe limits to free tier $4/Month – $6/Month, or $99 OTP Sedja Those looking for easy text editing Very easy to use, fewer restrictions on free use Fewer features than the competition $7.50/Month PDFSam Basic Open-Source fans looking to process large files Very few limits on file manipulation Lack of text editing features, only desktop-based $69-129/Year PDFEscape – Comprehensive, Browser-Based […]

Market segmentation is the art of finding niche markets for your products by building profiles of potential customers and breaking them down into groups. Segmenting customers with similar needs and wants into groups makes it easier to target them directly. Whether you’re a small business or a Fortune 500 company, knowing who your customers are can boost revenue and lead to sustained brand growth.  Marketers can choose from several useful tools and strategies that can help them get to know their customers and keep marketing plans up to date. Segmentation analyses of target markets over time help businesses of all sizes stay ahead of the curve. Here are the four different types of market segmentation and how you can reap the rewards of knowing your target audience. Demographic Segmentation The demographic market segment classifies customers by individual attributes. Examples include age, gender, disposable income, family size, marital status, and education level. All of these stats might impact demand for a product or service.  Interest levels may depend on a variety of different attributes at the same time. Some products may or may not be gender-specific A completely different approach might be needed if you plan to target baby boomers or […]

The covid-19 pandemic is a major reason for a spike in VPNs, but the market has found ways to make themselves relevant for non-work uses as well. Virtual Private Networks (VPN) are rising in popularity for both remote work and personal use. VPNs do not protect against malware or stop you from being hacked, but many are interested in using them for secure networks for work, and to stay safe on public networks.   One major reason for more VPN use is simply increased advertising on entertainment sites, specifically, YouTube. The trends section below covers the kind of advertising VPNs are doing on YouTube and elsewhere. The market is expected to grow exponentially, and many are scrambling for an advantage. There are new and interesting developments for 2021. Below are statistics that give a brief insight into the VPN market.  Top VPN Statistics for 2021 The global VPN market is believed to be $75.59 billion in 2027 (Statista 2021)  There are about 142 million VPN users iIn the US. (Security.org 2020). Slovakia, Spain, and South Africa are the top up-and-coming markets for rising interest in VPNs include  (VPNMentor 2020). 92% of Americans believe protecting their data and information is important, but […]

Despite their title, the impact small businesses have on the U.S and global economies is anything but. Small businesses account for 99.9% of U.S.-based businesses. Small businesses are defined as businesses with fewer than 500 employees by the U.S. Small Business Administration, or SBA. As with most things in the world, entrepreneurs and their small businesses have faced new challenges throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Many individuals used the pandemic as their opportunity to be their own boss and turn that passion project into a business, as new business applications trended up in late 2020. The statistics below show how small businesses are evolving to meet these challenges. Top 13 Small Business Statistics for 2021 Because of their size, small businesses are more dynamic than their larger corporate counterparts. The small business space changes more rapidly and dramatically than the corporate world.  As such, the stats provided below are from 2020 and 2021 to give the most up to date information possible. 78% of small business owners expect their business to survive the pandemic, while 4% expect their businesses to fail (Guidant Financial, 2021). Shoppers spent roughly $19.8 billion at small businesses on Small Business Saturday in 2020 (American Express, 2020). […]

Building a high-functioning website and collecting customer data is one of the most important things a business does today. An optimized website can: provide valuable company and product information to clients serve as a platform for stories and educational blogs enable ecommerce stores provide users with a personalized experience Though the website serves as a public face for a company, its purpose runs deeper. A website collects vital customer information that can be used for marketing and selling purposes. To collect customer data and to function at full capacity, websites use tags. Whether you are just starting to build a website for your business or have an established site – tags are one of the most important tools to integrate into your site. Tags can be a difficult and complex group of tools to keep in order. Too many tags can clutter a website and result in slower load times. Implementing a tag management strategy is key to making sure tags are performing as they should be and optimizing – rather than slowing down – your site.   Here we take a look at the basics of tag management, why it matters, how it works, examples of popular tags, and some […]

Odds are that each department in your organization uses some sort of project management, workforce collaboration, project portfolio management, task management, or issue tracking software. Unlike department-specific technology, however, project management software is intuitive and flexible enough to be used by individuals across functions and project types. As companies grow, centralized PM tools become crucial for eliminating redundancies. However, finding the PM tool that fits your needs isn’t always easy. Some products are better suited for certain use cases than others, and it’s likely that your team members are already committed to using the tools they’re familiar with. Because of this, most companies end up purchasing multiple project management tools instead of just one. In a recent TrustRadius survey, 58% of 200 end-users reported that they use at least two project management tools.  Not all businesses can afford to purchase 2-3 different tools– especially small businesses operating on a tight budget. Combined with the reality of a crowded market (there are 230 project management products listed on TrustRadius alone!), finding the perfect PM software can be a struggle.  To help you cut through the noise and figure out which product would suit your needs best, we’ve compiled a list below of […]

And just like that, 2021 will soon be history. The digitization of communication shows no signs of slowing down; the Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) industry is expected to grow to at least USD 55 billion by 2025. Certain trends within the VoIP market have been intensifying over the past few years, including the consolidation of online communication technologies, increasing mobility of VoIP software, growing security concerns, and the slow death of traditional telephones.  Once upon a time, ‘business phone systems’ were reserved for enterprises with hundreds of physical phones. However, VoIP technology has made business phone calling highly accessible for small and giant companies alike. It allows users to make voice calls via the internet—instead of using old school landline telephones or mobile phones that rely on cellular networks. Heading into 2022, we have compiled a list of the 8 most important VoIP trends to keep an eye on as 2022 approaches. Those trends are: Increasing Popularity of UCaaS AI Technology for VoIP 5G for Mobile Looming Security Concerns Integrated In-App Communications Increasing Mobility Goodbye to traditional telephones Competition or Consolidation with Video Chat Services #1 Increasing Popularity of UCaaS  2022 will see the further consolidation of communication technologies […]

SMS marketing is one of the fastest-growing trends in the modern world. As generations change, more and more interest is garnered for text communication from companies. This report looks at the amazing growth of the new marketing medium, along with it’s pitfalls and triumphs.  Below are statistics meant to give a holistic view of SMS marketing and its importance to businesses and consumers.  10 Major SMS Statistics for 2021 Before the Covid-19 pandemic, 51% of US retailers planned to invest more in SMS marketing, and in 2020 the percentage grew to 56% (eMarketer, 2021). Using texting for B2C customer service is rising, reaching 2.7 trillion in 2020 during th pandemic (eMarketer, 2021). The number of mobile phone users stands at 7.1 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow to 7.4 billion by 2025 (Satista, 2021). To give perspective, there are over 7.7 billion people on earth.  About 96% of marketers claim SMS marketing drives revenue and 60% found SMS marketing greatly improved revenue (Attentive Mobile, 2021). Of the marketers that have not used mobile marketing, around 66% have highly considered or plan to in 2021 (Attentive Mobile, 2021). According to adults that received SMS texts, 29% valued notifications about […]

For entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a small business, having the right marketing tools is necessary for success. Digital marketing tools can level the playing field, allowing upstarts to compete with established players. If you have a limited budget, it’s essential to maximize productivity and keep your overhead low.  By understanding the arsenal of affordable tools available to your brand, you will be able to improve your marketing experience and maximize sales.  3 Fantastic Web Design Tools A website or social media page is a company’s calling card to potential customers. In 2020, around 80% of shoppers reported making online purchases. With the increasing number of resources available for businesses to improve online channels, providing a fantastic buyer experience online has never been more crucial. Web design tools can empower small and mid- sized businesses to optimize their sites and social media. This will help you make them more attractive, competitive, and effective.  Product Price trScore Pros Cons WordPress.org Free, with hosting costs at $46 – $100 per year 8.7/10 Integrated link management,Customizable templates,SEO-friendly permalink structure Number of plugins,Customer support,Learning curve BigCommerce     $30-$300 per month 8.2/10 Integration with marketplaces,Automated inventory management,Dropshipping  High fees,Reporting,Customer support Canva $0-$290 per year  […]

If you’ve been online at all in the last few months, you’ve likely seen an article or two about problems with the supply chain and how it might cause issues with your holiday shopping.  Supply chain issues came into public awareness amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite nearly two years and guidance from several consulting firms including Deloitte and Accenture, they remain a significant challenge for suppliers, manufacturers and retailers around the world. The ongoing challenges have emphasized the need for efficient supply chain management for all businesses. Top 10 Supply Chain Statistics for 2021 It is estimated that the supply chain management industry will reach a valuation of $8.95 billion by 2024. (Statista 2020a) Of those in the supply chain management industry, 45.1% said that they were investing in warehouse management software, and that automation was a key feature. (Statista 2021a)  58.6% of retail supply chain executives wanted to invest more in omnichannel fulfillment, s a result of supply chain disruption.(Statista 2021b) 42% of supply management organizations stated that increased cost to supply management due to the Covid-19 pandemic was one of their top concerns of 2021. 43% of those in the same survey listed limited availability of raw materials […]

The Internet of Things (IoT) speaks to a system of devices that connect wirelessly to the online space. These devices are capable of data transfer, communication, and storage. This is where we introduce Big Data. With a total of 35.82 billion IoT devices slated to be installed by 2021, the size and amount of data circulating are at an overwhelming high. Big Data has become so apparent the mathematical science occupations will grow to 27.9 percent from 2016 to 2026. This translates into 50,400 new jobs. This massive data consumption requires regulation and employing people to aid in managing the data. This also calls for new technology to harness the potential that Big Data has to offer. Top 10 Big Data Statistics Big Data is proving to immerse at lightning speed and with that is the increasing data consumption seen across several platforms. Let’s see how the stats add up: Each person generated 1.7 megabytes per second in 2020. (IBM, 2020 ) Of the data we generate today, 80-90% is unstructured. (CIO, 2019) 95% of businesses report one of the problems for their business is the need to manage unstructured data. (Forbes, 2019 ) Of companies worldwide, 45% are running […]

Since more people are working from home now than ever before, online communication tools have become the most popular software on the TrustRadius platform. In just the first few months of 2020, we’ve seen a 445% increase in impressions across the entire web conferencing category: Skype was one of the first online video calling and chat apps on the market. For many professionals, this was their first introduction to the online communication world. Yet Skype is not the top web conferencing tool in the global market right now—Zoom holds that position, with Skype as a commonly-compared alternative. In fact, the Skype vs Zoom comparison page ranked #4 on the TrustRadius top list of growing product comparisons post-COVID:  While competition continues to ramp up in the saturated video conferencing market, Skype is still a valid choice for veteran users and organizations who want to be able to make calls to landlines and host online meetings all in one tool. Still, many users prefer to seek alternatives.  Below we’ll explore Skype’s interesting history as a preferred web conferencing tool and highlight five Skype alternatives to consider when choosing your ultimate video conferencing software.  An Overview of Skype Online Meeting Software Skype currently […]

Education is a powerful force that grows careers and companies. There are countless study tools and private tutor companies available to help students get to their next stage in life. One new and trending education aid for both students and educators is Course Hero. Course Hero is designed to help students with study resources like notes, shared documents, and textbooks. Anyone could learn from the shared course information on the website. Course Hero Explained  Andrew Gauer is the founder of the e-learning and study resource site. He has a BA from Cornell and is the current CEO of Course Hero. Gauer’s undergrad experience led him to the idea of an education platform to help students by sharing information. He even included extensive tools to help professors as well. Anyone who subscribes to Course Hero will gain access to over 60 million course materials, resources, and have the option for tutoring. More than 60,000 educators are on the site sharing information and helping each other to become better teachers. To create an account you need to select your college or university. The free plan is Basic Membership upon making an account. Any member is able to earn “free unlocks” to courses […]

A quick google search for online accounting software will return a long list of contenders. QuickBooks will be at the top of this list, for good reason. QuickBooks has been around since 1992 and is the most popular accounting software used today. QuickBooks introduced QuickBooks Online (QBO) to take advantage of cloud convenience as well as decreased hardware and IT costs. However, the complaints about QuickBooks Online will be as numerous as it’s praises. “[Needs] better customer support [and] more training options for newcomers, it’s not an easy to learn software if you’ve never used accounting software before.” Verified User | Marketing Executive | Online Media Company “With QuickBooks Online you cannot export your data to even QuickBooks Desktop versions. However, you can import from Desktop versions to QuickBooks Online. They hold your data hostage, with no way to export it. The rising costs have upset many small business owners, including us. We basically have to start all over with a new program. QuickBooks doesn’t have any justification for these huge increases other than profit. They are not adding any new features in exchange for the large increases.” Don F. | Partner | IT Services Company “The program runs WAY […]