# Small Business Computing

> Small Business Computing addresses the technology needs of small businesses, which are defined as businesses with fewer than 500 employees and/or less than $7 million in annual sales. To address the needs of these small businesses, Small Business Computing offers detailed coverage of cost-effective technology solutions, including lists of top vendors, product comparisons, and how-to guides that offer specific tools to help solve issues.

Small Business Computing addresses the technology needs of small businesses.

## Topics

- [News](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/news/)
- [Guides](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/guides/)
- [Hardware](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/hardware/)
- [Software](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/software/)
- [Research](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/research/)

## Recent articles

- [What the Metaverse Means for Your Business](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/communications/what-is-the-metaverse-small-business.md): The metaverse can be described as an interconnection of virtual worlds that employs artificial intelligence (AR), virtual reality (VR), and other immersive technologies and provides users with a digital second life. Many experts expect the metaverse will become an extension of the business world in the near future—in fact, Bill Gates has predicted that most […]
- [Marketing Strategy vs Tactics](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/marketing/marketing-strategy-vs-tactics.md): Marketing is one of the most important aspects of running a small business—you must get your company name and product or service information in front of potential customers, or else risk losing them to your competitors. To accomplish this, you need a marketing approach that includes both marketing strategies and tactics. The terms marketing strategy […]
- [Starting a Podcast: What Do You Need to Start a Podcast?](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/marketing/how-to-start-a-podcast-equipment-software.md): Podcasting is a steadily growing medium. According to research by Buzzsprout, the number of podcast listeners increased by 29.5 percent between 2018 and 2021. Podcasts are expected to continue this upward trajectory in 2022 and beyond. As such, it’s no surprise that so many business owners and content creators are looking to start podcasts of […]
- [Boycotting Etsy? Explore Etsy Alternatives to Create an Independent Shop](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/news/etsy-alternative.md): Etsy—a leading online marketplace for artists, makers, and other creative retailers—has recently come under fire for its decision to increase its transaction fee from 5 percent to 6.5 percent. The company announced the increase in its Q4 2021 earnings report and said that it expects to “invest most of the incremental revenue from this fee […]
- [What is Strategic Marketing?](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/marketing/what-is-strategic-marketing.md): In this ever-changing economy, developing products and expecting customers to buy them is not enough. You must have a strategy to attract the right audience by creating unique value and using the right communication channels. Your strategy is the key to creating an effective marketing plan and executing a successful marketing campaign. Before you jump […]
- [Intro to Dropshipping: How to Start Dropshipping](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/guides/how-to-start-dropshipping.md): The dropshipping business model has become increasingly popular in recent years as a simplified way to break into the e-commerce market. If you’re interested in expanding your product selection without the added cost of maintaining extra inventory yourself, it may be worthwhile to explore dropshipping. Jump to: What is dropshipping? Benefits of dropshipping Challenges of […]
- [Creating a Strategic Marketing Plan](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/guides/how-to-create-a-strategic-marketing-plan.md): A solid marketing plan can help you meet your goals and grow your business. In fact, CoSchedule’s 2022 Trend Report on Marketing Strategy revealed that marketers who have a clear, organized process for their marketing tasks are 674 percent more likely to report success than their less-organized counterparts. Goal-setting, proactivity, and organization are all hallmarks […]
- [Hootsuite vs Sprout Social](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/marketing/hootsuite-vs-sprout-social.md): Learn more about Hootsuite vs Sprout Social & find out which social media management tool is right for your small business today.
- [5 Small Business E-Commerce Trends for 2022 ](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/news/e-commerce-trends-2022.md): The e-commerce space has seen a huge boom over the past two years due to changes in consumer shopping habits. This year will likely see major changes and advancements in e-commerce, and your business may get left behind if you don’t stay ahead of the curve. Here are the top e-commerce trends that small businesses […]
- [Applicant Tracking System (ATS) for Small Businesses](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/software/applicant-tracking-systems-small-business.md): In most industries, job recruiting is conducted entirely online. This makes it easier to screen applicants and move the top candidates through your interview process. However, online job applications also mean stiffer competition—the average job posting gets a couple hundred applicants, if not more. Organizing all of those applications usually requires basic recruiting software like […]
- [HubSpot vs Mailchimp](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/marketing/hubspot-vs-mailchimp.md): Looking to compare HubSpot vs Mailchimp? Explore top features to discover which email marketing platform is best for your business today.
- [Buffer vs Hootsuite](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/marketing/buffer-vs-hootsuite.md): Social media is the place to build your brand and drive conversions. The majority of the world’s population has at least one social media account, and most people have several. So, how can your small business capitalize on the social media boom without overwhelming your social media manager? The answer is social media management platforms, […]
- [Salesforce Pricing, Features & Reviews](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/software/salesforce-reviews.md): Salesforce is a cloud-based tool focusing on customer relationship management (CRM). Explore Salesforce pricing, features & more.
- [Best Google and Facebook Ad Alternatives for SMBs](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/marketing/google-facebook-ad-alternatives.md): Looking to advertise your products online? Facebook and Google aren’t always your best options. Learn the best alternative ad platforms now.
- [8 Tips for Building Community Around Your Small Business](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/guides/building-community.md): Small business community building is essential in today’s digital world. Learn how to boost audience engagement with these 8 tips.
- [Best Partner Relationship Management (PRM) Software](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/software/partner-relationship-management-software.md): Partner relationship management software can help you manage your vendors and affiliates. Compare the top PRM software solutions today.
- [Best of Both Worlds: Buy Online, Pick-up In Store](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/guides/what-is-bopis.md): The best of both worlds: BOPIS (Buy Online, Pickup In Store) lets retailers better deliver a seamless buying experience. Learn more about BOPIS today.
- [Best Social Media Management Tools & Software](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/marketing/social-media-management-tools.md): Social media management tools can help you leverage your online presence. Learn about today’s best social media management tools for your business now.
- [Press Release Examples, Templates & Samples](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/marketing/press-release-example.md): Looking for press release examples? Explore this guide of press release samples & templates to learn best practices for successful PR campaigns.
- [What Hybrid Retailers Need to Know About SKUs](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/guides/sku-numbers-hybrid-retailers.md): Do you own a hybrid retail store or wonder how hybrid retailers handle SKU numbers? Learn more about SKU numbers & what hybrid retailers do differently.
- [How to Create a Small Business Brand Strategy](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/marketing/create-brand-strategy.md): Starting a business? Don’t forget about branding! Learn how to craft a brand strategy that will set you apart from the competition.
- [HubSpot Review, Pricing, & Features](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/software/hubspot-review.md): If you’re looking for the best CRM for your business, consider HubSpot. Explore one of today’s top CRM solutions by reviews, pricing & features now.
- [10 Social Media Best Practices for Small Businesses](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/marketing/social-media-best-practices.md): Social media is a great marketing tactic to grow your audience. Learn the top social media best practices to ensure your success today.
- [Professional Email Address Ideas & Examples](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/guides/professional-email-address.md): Chances are email is your primary form of workplace communication. Every one of your team members needs an email to sign up for online accounts, schedule meetings, and communicate with each other and with clients. But not all email addresses are appropriate for professional settings. Your middle school nickname isn’t likely to make the cut […]
- [Customer Engagement Software for Small Businesses](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/software/customer-engagement-software.md): Customer engagement software can help strengthen your relationships with your customers. Explore today’s top-rated customer engagement solutions now.

## Popular articles

- [Localize Your Website for Maximum Reach](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/marketing/localize-your-website-for-maximum-reach.md)
- [Networking a Small Business Office from Scratch](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/networking/networking-a-small-business-office-from-scratch.md)
- [Storage and Small Business: Part One](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/hardware/storage-and-small-business-part-one.md)
- [Software Giants Eye the SMB Market](https://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/software/software-giants-eye-the-smb-market.md)

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