Articles by John Carroll:
Your Definitive, “Out-the-Gate” Small Business Marketing Checklist
Here are a few easy “to-do”s to mark “done” before you launch. If you ask a marketer about a plan-of-attack for your small business, you run the risk of drowning in acronyms. ROI, KPIs, OKRs….it can be a lot to digest. But really, marketing is just about having a conversation with your target customer. It’s… Read more
10 Low-Cost Market Research Tactics For A Small Business Owners On A Budget
Some told him it was a rash idea—but 15 successful retail locations later, Sal was sure he’d proved them wrong. When it comes time to expand their business, some entrepreneurs spend years sussing out the right location. They look at property values, highway access, available lots, taxes, and projected demographic shifts. Sal the Tire King… Read more
The “Walk-Me-Through-It” Guide To Nailing Down Your Small Business Value Proposition
The cynics will say: you can’t just open a coffee shop anymore. There’s already one on every corner. That’s why when someone asks: “What does your company do?”—what they’re really asking is: “What does your company do that’s so dang special?” or “Why should your company exist?” Your value proposition is the answer to that… Read more
May’s Free Webinars For Business Owners
Yelp’s Free Webinars For Business Owners Now through the end of May, we’ll host four free webinars covering a variety of topics. Each of these webinars has been curated from a list of our most frequently asked business owner questions. Below are the dates, titles, and descriptions of each webinar. Click the title to register… Read more
5 Updates You Should Make To Your Yelp Page
In every neighborhood there’s that one house. I’m sure you know it. The house where the Halloween decorations are up until December, the holiday lights are up until May, and you can still find last year’s Easter eggs all year round. As time goes on, things change (or at least they should). The same goes… Read more
How to Improve Your Customer Service Experience
Why Does Customer Service Matter? Today’s customers are more demanding than ever before—and for good reason. They have way more options than in the past. They’re no longer limited to a 25-mile radius, and they can shop from anywhere around the globe. What’s the differentiator? Customer service. As a small business owner, you have competition… Read more
Everything You Need To Know About Starting A Small Business
A Step-By-Step Guide On How To Start A Small Business Every business starts as an idea. But it’s your hard work that turns it from a vision to a real-life venture. Before you open the doors to your storefront, there are a few steps you need to take. This guide takes the time, headache, and… Read more
A Guide To Small Business Branding For Entrepreneurs
Telling Your Story: A Guide To Branding For Small Businesses Nike is more than their white swoosh. Mouse ears aren’t the only thing that makes Disney loved. And Coca-Cola is more than script letters on a red background for a fizzy drink. Your brand is more than a logo. It’s the look and feel that… Read more
12 Types Of Small Business Loans And Funding For Startups
Funding Your Startup: Small Business Loans And Other Ideas How will I pay for it? That’s pretty much the first question entrepreneurs ask after having a great new business idea. Thankfully, money shouldn’t hold you back from starting your business. With options from traditional funding through small business loans to crowdfunding, there’s a lot of… Read more
What Costs Are Involved In Starting A Small Business?
Before You Launch: How Much Does It Cost To Start A Business? As a kid, you (or your parents) had to think about the cost of your start-up lemonade stand. There was the cost of lemons, sugar, cups, your time, and the posters for marketing. Now your idea for a business is probably a little… Read more