B2B Connection

From small companies with 1-3 employees to mid-to-large companies, payroll is a necessary task. Finding the right software that streamlines this task so it’s less tedious and super accurate, is vital but expensive. While fantastic tools like ADP, UKG, and Gusto are some of the best payroll software on the market, not all can afford them. Some businesses need to find ways to optimize their budgets, and looking for free software can be an effective way to do that. The challenges that come with this are software quality and free plan limits.  Small business owners will find it easy to work within common free software limitations. Medium and growing companies need software that’s unlimited. The bright side is there are multiple free plans from great payroll and HR companies.  Best Free Payroll Software When searching for free payroll software, you may be buried in articles that include software that isn’t completely free. Many of the software may turn out to have hidden fees, offer only a free trial, or have less than transparent plans. The purpose of the list below is to cut through the fat and give you pricing transparency on the best no-to-low-cost options. Some software may include […]

Finding POS software is a great resource for online and in-person businesses of any size. Some have extra features to help you grow, and others have the perfect hardware for your store and employees. The process of shopping for the right one can be confusing and draining.  There are processing fees, along with a subscription with monthly fees. You want to find the best POS systems, but they often blend together and cost a lot. You need a payment processing system that doesn’t cost half your budget. Point of sale systems can come with more than transaction processing. Most platforms offer hardware and integrations like payroll and inventory management. Many of these systems are cost-efficient and have useful integrations to save money elsewhere. POS Software Available Best POS Systems Square POS Shopify POS Toast POS Lightspeed POS Clover POS POS Nation Plans Free, Plus ($6/Month), Premium (Request) Separate set for Online Only – Free, Professional ($12/Month), Performance ($26/Month), Premium ($7z/Month) Shopify POS Lite ($29/Month), Shopify POS Pro ($89/Month) Pay-as-You-Go (From $0/Month), Essentials (From $165/Month), Growth (From $272 /Month) Lean ($69 /Month), Standard ($119 /Month), Advanced (&199 USD /Month), Enterprise (Request) No Hardware (&9.95/Month) *All other plans depend on which software […]

If you are a website looking to increase your click-through rate and rankings, it is a necessity to have rich snippets. Google Rich Snippets can help you maximize your position on SERP and get the most out of your content. Not only does it make your listing attractive but it drives traffic to your site, which opens the floodgates to a plethora of benefits. What are Google Rich Snippets? Rich snippets or rich results are like blurbs of a web page. When making them Google rich, there are a few key things to note, that will truly enhance your listing on the search engine results page. No one wants to be another overlooked blue link. Notice that this snippet included the normal features found in Google search results, the Title, Meta Description, and URL. It became a rich snippet because of the additional details. These include the concert dates, purchase links for tickets, and the number of people who liked/viewed or are interested in it. Pay attention to the following video for thorough detailing on how to use Google rich snippets and structured data to optimize your listing: How to create Google rich snippets using structured data and schema markup. […]

Website hosting services allow those of us without the skills to build a site from the ground up to run a successful online presence. While the options out there have their own blend of benefits, Wix and WordPress are two of the most popular. Both are capable of exploding your business potential with a fraction of the effort from a self-built, self-hosted website. To be clear, this discusses WordPress engine plans and hosting. WordPress is also a software that can be used on other platforms. For visual learners, we also have a video explaining the differences between Wix and WordPress below. Understanding the unique features each offer, their limitations, and what they can do for your use case will help you make the right choice.  What is the Difference Between Wix and WordPress?   Wix WordPress trScore 8.1/10 8.6/10 Pricing $23-$49/Month for Business Plans, $14-$18/Month for Personal   $30 – $291/Month With eCommerce, $25-$241/month Without Pros Very Easy to Use,Cost-Effective  Versatile, Hugely Scalable, Functions as a Content Management System,Huge Array of Third-Party Plugins Cons Less CustomizationLittle Room For Coding ExpertsNot Suitable for Content Hosting Harder to Use,More Expensive, Third-Party Plugins Not Managed By Vendor Difference in Features and Purpose The biggest difference between the two […]

Wireframes are a wonderful way to plan the user interface for web pages and apps. User Experience (UX) designers and students can use them in their design process. Designers use wireframe tools or pencil and paper and plan out the backgrounds, navigation, home button, and much more. You don’t need to be a web designer or student to use wireframes. You could have a blog that you want to plan out; the project does not have to be coded from scratch. Anyone using a website builder can benefit from the wireframe process. Your use case doesn’t even have to be web-related. Any person that needs to visualize a project or concept can take the skills learned here and apply them elsewhere.  Wireframes are about planning and visualizing your project. They are used in User Experience Design because they help you plan for the user or customer’s experience. The wireframe you create can be tested and researched multiple times before you actually create the project. That way, by the time you’re ready to create the project or product, you’ve worked out kinks in the design. User Experience Design Website UX design aims to put the customer at the center of brainstorming, […]

A/B testing tools are a way for companies to make more money by putting forward the best version of their websites, emails, ads (etc.) possible. Testing two designs and seeing which one drives the most traffic allows companies to ensure that the content they put out will result in the most engagement possible.  A/B testing can also help examine user behavior on web pages. With data from A/B testing, companies can determine whether they should stick to the status quo, or if changes couldincrease their conversion rates and engagement. For example, something as simple as a red or green button could make a 21% difference in the number of clicks. Such an increase in clicks on a CTA button is nothing to sneeze at for any business! 9 Essential A/B Testing Statistics Businesses large and small are utilizing A/B testing, and the market is poised for growth. Business Insider predicts that the A/B testing software market will surpass $1.08 billion by 2025. (QY Research 2019) 51% of the top 10,000 sites on the internet were utilizing A/B testing as of October 2021,  (BuiltWith 2021) 27.1% of businesses using A/B tests are using client-side and server-side simultaneously, while 17.8% are running […]

There is no shortage of web conferencing tools out there, but not all are suited for large meetings. A virtual meeting app may work well for chatting with a client but struggle with group meetings of 10 people or more. Thankfully, TrustRadius has thousands of user reviews for different web conferencing options, complete with information about use cases and pros & cons, to help you make this decision.  In this post, we walk through the answers to two important questions to ask when looking for a new web conferencing software: what factors you should consider before investing in a web conferencing platform, and which enterprise web conferencing products are recommended for large meetings.  Factors to Consider for Web Conferencing Software If you need a video meeting app for large conferences, you most likely either manage a large client-facing team or work with a remote workforce. Either way, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. You’ll want to be sure you invest in a web conferencing tool that fits your needs.  These are a few factors to consider when choosing a web conferencing platform: Take time to understand the real cost of each solution.  Some software pricing depends on how the software is hosted, […]

If you’ve listened to a podcast or watched a YouTube ad in the last year or two, you’ve probably heard an advertisement for a VPN (virtual private network). In addition to a way for social media influencers to make money through referral codes, a VPN is a useful tool for increasing your privacy online. By providing an encrypted tunnel, a VPN shields your data while browsing among other benefits. This blog will cover how to set up a VPN on your computer or mobile device, but not how to set up a VPN on your router itself. Setting up a VPN on your router may be a good option for the more security-conscious and tech-savvy person. For other users, the benefits may outweigh the costs for the average person. If you want more basic information on VPNs, see the video below. If you want more to set up a VPN on a router, see the video below. VPNs for Personal vs Business Use VPN is an invaluable tool for businesses with remote workers. A VPN allows remote employees to access the company network, and thus company data, from home. Using a VPN to log on to the company network also […]

Remembering anything before the pandemic is a challenge, but remote wasn’t always a necessity. Covid forced the transition to virtual workspaces overnight, creating mixed feelings for many.  One of the big decisions facing employers is whether to go back to the office or stay remote. The answer depends on the business, but virtual collaboration is so essential it should be considered as a real option.  Virtual collaboration has serious potential to improve your business in amazing ways. In 2019, 24% of the workforce was hybrid or entirely remote. In 2021, 1 in 4 Americans is expected to work from home. As people that work remotely increase, so does productivity by a whopping 47%.  Benefits of Virtual Collaboration Team collaboration from home opens digital doors. Employee workflows can improve from constant practice with new software. Problem-solving will improve from experience with troubleshooting. The communication skills of your network can improve after learning new messaging apps. When your workforce is virtual your employees can improve their computer literacy skills.  Bigger Talent Pool  If your position is remote you can hire nationally and globally. Expanding the net you cast expands the kinds of fish you catch… Talent with diverse backgrounds, innovation, and experience […]

Sezzle is a payment platform like Klarna and Afterpay. They allow you to split up one transaction into 4 interest-free installment plans. Apps like these allow shoppers to spend more on items they would save up for, and instead pay later in smaller payments.  As customers purchase directly from the company website, they will find it easy to spend more while online because of the convenience. Companies can benefit greatly from that combination of ease and convenience. The concept is similar to some credit cards where if you make the full payment when it’s due so you don’t incur interest.  Sezzle is a platform that’s grown exponentially and is happy to brag about it. The company decided to make a commitment to the environment while showing how much they’re growing. In 2021, they began planting a tree for every new user. They’re at over one million trees. How To Use Sezzle First-time users must make a Sezzle account, and then you can select Sezzle at the time of the transaction, but only at a Sezzle integrated store. Currently, Sezzle does not offer any in-store integrations, only online checkout.  When You Make an Account Sezzle does run a credit check, but […]

Being a small business owner or self-employed is rewarding in many ways. But filing business tax returns is not one of them.  Many small business owners struggle to accurately prepare and file their state and federal taxes returns. Tax software aims to simplify the process of filing business taxes online. It can automatically calculate tax rates and deductions, guide you through the process, and is done completely online.  5 Tax Software Options for Small Businesses  Not all tax software is designed with the needs of small businesses or freelancers in mind. Making sure you’re not overpaying for tax preparation and filing services is just as important as maximizing your deductions.  Before diving into the best tax software options for small business owners, watch this short video for a primer on how to file business taxes: This article reviews five tax software products ideal for small businesses and freelancers. Not all of the products below offer the same features, level of user-friendliness, or (most importantly) price tag. Prioritize what level of service and support you’ll need when filing your returns to help narrow down your choices. One thing to be aware of when comparing tax prep software, most charge fees for […]

Research and mining information is one of the most important ways to grow a business, career, or personal goal. The time it takes to acquire that information is arduous. Multiple searches, and checking back for new information is hard to juggle while working on immediate tasks.  Google Alert allows you to have new information delivered straight to you as soon as it arrives on the search operator’s radar. Google alert functions as a hyper-vigilant assistant notifying you about a super important person, company, or concept, all in real-time.  You can use it to keep tabs on your image and brand, learn about new discoveries by NASA, or see what people say about you personally. The reasons are endless, from marketing to personal interest and exploration. Google Alerts is a perfect research tool for any intent. How To Create a Google Alert A Google Alert sends a notification to your Gmail, or you can use your regular e-mail. It will push you to use your Google account if you already have one. To get to the Google Alerts page, type “Google Alerts” into a search engine, or add a slash to Google.com and enter “alerts.” Alternatively, you can use this link: […]

There are a plethora of Blueprint Makers that offer premium services and features. If you’ve come across any of these you’re also familiar with the hefty price tag attached.  The problem is, this isn’t always a feasible option for a student working minimum wage, or a do-it-yourselfer who has tons more projects and out-of-pocket expenses to cover. Even if you are a sought-after interior designer or architect, you still are not obligated to break the bank. Hence, the most trusted and low-risk option is opting for free floor plan creating software which, might I add, you can find to be of very high quality.  From apps available on Android and Apple to online sources, there is not a shortage from which to choose. What is a Blueprint/Floor plan maker? If you’re anything like me, you may need to brush up on a few points about Blueprint makers and how they create 2D, 3D, or even VR-capable blueprints. This clip gives a great rundown of how to use some of the features and capabilities within blueprint-making software to create visually stunning floor plans. What are the Best Free Blueprint Makers? With more blueprint-making software gaining popularity, the process may become overwhelming […]

Ecommerce solutions help business owners create their online stores. With the right platform, users can showcase their products and attract more sales. Small businesses should consider the ease of use and price of each platform. Although the products mentioned in this piece share the same purpose, they work best in different circumstances. This piece will give you an overview of the popular eCommerce platforms for small businesses.  Affordable Ecommerce Platforms for Small Businesses Shopify – Web Hosting Shopify is a popular and versatile platform for small businesses. It is extremely user-friendly and offers a wide spread of features. You can customize every aspect of your store with HTML and CSS. Users host their websites on Shopify and have access to a complete blogging platform.  Shopify integrates with over one hundred payment gateways, making it extremely convenient for merchants and customers. You have the option to set up free shipping and determine the price point at which it applies. Shopify is unique because it includes abandoned checkout recovery for all of its subscription levels. It also offers a free SSL certificate, which is designed to protect transaction and credit card information. This platform is essential for conducting business online. Shopify is […]

You need product demo videos to share your vision of your product. You may think your new app is amazing and everyone will love playing it, but that won’t translate with a simple description in the AppStore. Customers need to be shown what’s in your head. That’s how you generate excitement, by sharing how you see your product.  The statistics for viewer engagement are great, and today there are so many mediums to share your video like Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok.  There is so much for you to consider going into this form of advertising. Who will make this video? And what do you need to make it yourself? The best part of the process is learning there are options for every situation. Small business, low-budget, there are few obstacles in the modern age. Some of the cheapest, shortest videos can drive campaigns.  Overview  Before you get into specifics, make sure to check all prerequisites before video production. Poorly planned videos are a waste of your time, money, and won’t achieve your goals.  Video Goals Are you looking to spread awareness or make sales? Do you have a detailed marketing plan around this video and other advertising? Where are […]

Microsoft Teams is the ideal video conferencing and collaboration software for any organization that needs remote communication. Businesses that love Microsoft products will find Teams to be the ideal choice. For those that are less familiar, Microsoft Teams is an online application that allows groups of people to collaborate and communicate remotely. Teams is so popular for remote work they boast over 200 million daily active users for 2021. Below is an in-depth tutorial on how to use Teams. It will give you a better understanding of the user interface and different options. Microsoft Teams Pricing Microsoft Teams Plans include three paid options and one free. Each one can fit a business of small to mid-size and offers integrations with 250 Microsoft Online applications. Microsoft Teams (Free) Microsoft 365 Business Basic $5.00 User/Month Microsoft 365 Business Standard $12.50 User/ Month Office 365 E3: Includes Teams$20.00 User/Month Participant Capacity: 100 Participant Capacity: 300 Participant Capacity: 300 Participant Capacity: 300Online Events Capacity 10,000 Microsoft Teams (Free) The Microsoft Teams free plan includes online meetings, screen, sharing, and customized backgrounds. The free plan caps video calls at one hour, but the free plan is capped at 500,000 users, whereas the two business premium […]

Nearly everyone who has gone through an academic data research project has a love/hate relationship with MATLAB. STEM students and researchers in particular appreciate both the value and pain of the tool. However, these end users may not appreciate MATLAB’s financial considerations. Many common stats and math analytics packages offer the basics at no cost, but charge for more specific or advanced functionality (aka freemium).  There is no free version of MATLAB. For most use cases, paying for MATLAB’s powerful features is going to be more than worth it, given its ROI and usefulness. Choosing which license to get and how much to pay can be a far more difficult decision for many  users MATLAB offers use case-based pricing. This allows you to tailor the purchase experience to your needs, and greatly affects how much MATLAB will cost you. A university will pay differently from an individual user, and a business different from them. The scale of your use case will also impact pricing. This post will break down the different MATLAB pricing structures. We’ll also highlight where each license is most valuable, giving you insight into which license is best for you. What is MATLAB? For the uninitiated, MATLAB […]

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software can revolutionize how your organization deals with its customers. Many of these game-changing tools are available for free.  Of course, free software has limitations on how many users or features you are allowed, so it’s worth looking into the paid plans. But if you can satisfy your needs with the free software, then you’ve saved a chunk of your budget. Every CRM use case is unique, which means you could find the free software that best fits you.  If you’re actually new to free CRM systems or need a better background, Zoho CRM has a great video explaining how they work. CRM Software  Price  trScore Special Features  Use Case  HubSpot CRM Free – Unlimited Users  8.3/10  Email Marketing, Social Media Engagement, Mobile App for android and iOS, Customization, Single Sign-on, G Suite, Microsoft Office, Third-Party Integrations Small, to medium, and even large businesses. Ideal for remote companies.  Zoho CRM Free – For 3 Users  8.1/10  Email Authentication, Advanced Filters, Page Customization, Mobile App for android and ios, G Suite, Microsoft Office Freelancers growing their enterprise.  Freshdesk CRM Free – Unlimited users 8.4/10  Ticket Creation and Submission, Ticket Response, Help Desk, Customer Portal  Small schools or […]

Before undertaking any development project, the most important decision to make is how to approach the project as a team. Making this decision can get heated due to the two major development methodologies at play. In simple terms, a development methodology determines how the actual tasks of a project are organized and acted on. The two main development methodologies are agile and waterfall. They are commonly applied to software development, and thus, project management as well. The main difference between agile and waterfall is that waterfall projects are completed sequentially whereas agile projects are completed iteratively in a cycle.  For those looking for a comprehensive, video guide to Agile versus Waterfall, we have you covered. Below you will find our own video content, explaining the advantages and disadvantages of each methodology. Both the agile and waterfall methodologies carry their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Overall, both can be beneficial to a software development team. Which one to choose is highly dependent on the project type and circumstances. Based on a 2019 poll on TrustRadius.com, fewer than one in five professionals said their organization uses the waterfall methodology. 81% said their organization uses the agile methodology instead. According to research […]

It is a normal day at the office when all of a sudden you get an angry message from a customer. You know right away that if you don’t handle the situation correctly not only will you lose the customer, but you will also risk them ranting about their experience online. What do you do in a situation like this? What is the best way to calm down your customer to convince them not to cancel their services with you and not to vent their frustrations publicly? Everyone who works on the frontline of a business has had to deal with angry customers. The experience is always unpleasant and stress-inducing. There is a lot of information online on what you should do in order to attract customers and retain them. Experts will tell you that the process of converting an ordinary customer into a loyal one is one of the most challenging aspects of running a business. While gaining customer loyalty is tricky, trying to win back a customer that you have lost is even harder. Every business has its ups and downs and entrepreneurs of all levels have had their fair share of bad customer experiences. When you are […]