If you’re looking to start a business, where do you begin? What resources should you use to get your idea off the ground and make it successful?
Startups and entrepreneurs like you have used these tools and services to grow their businesses: Paul Haarman
1. Kick starter (for funding)
Kick starter is one of the greatest crowdfunding platforms out there. The premise is simple: people submit their new projects on the website, then provide different levels of rewards for backers who support them financially. There’s even an option for crowd-investing, although that requires specific permission from Kick starter if you’re not based in the US or UK.
This service has been invaluable to startup companies around the world — thousands of new and refined projects and creations have been brought to life thanks to the financial support of backers.
2. Google Analytics (for tracking)
Google Analytics is a free service that you can use to track your website traffic and improve your site’s performance based on visitor behaviour. Knowing where your audience is coming from, what they like or dislike about your site, and how much time they spend engaging with it will help you make informed decisions for growth in the future.
3. MailChimp (for email marketing)
When people hear ’email marketing’, they often think it’s too late in the game — but this couldn’t be further from the truth! Email has become one of the most powerful tools that businesses can utilize because its direct nature makes it simple and effective. It’s also a lot cheaper than traditional forms of advertising, and has a much higher ROI (return on investment).
MailChimp is one of the many email services available — however, what makes them stand out from their competition is how easy they’ve made it to send professional-looking emails. There are templates that let you plug in your information as quickly as possible, as well as pre-designed options for those who’re not great at designing but still want something stylish!
4. Buffer (for social media marketing)
Most people use social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to engage with friends and follow interesting accounts — unfortunately, this often happen randomly and without much thought or strategy behind it! Many businesses are starting to use social media to advertise their products and services, but because the space is so crowded, it’s important that you make yourself stand out.
Buffer allows users to create a queue of updates for social media accounts across different platforms. You can configure your queue to post at specific times throughout the day, days of the week, or even months in advance if need be! This way, your followers will see your content whenever they log into these networks — no matter how busy they are.
5. Cargo Collective (for hiring talent)
Cargo Collective is one of many websites designed specifically for freelancers looking to network with potential employers. If you’re unfamiliar with what ‘freelancing’ entails, it basically means working on a project-to-project basis for different companies — it’s sort of like contract work, but without having to commit to any one employer!
These websites make searching for freelancers and connecting with them super easy (and they also build up portfolios for potential employers). There are even forums where you can communicate with other members and discuss common problems or issues.
There you have it. If you’re looking for tools that will help your business grow, these 5 resources are great places to start.
FAQs:
What is Cargo Collective?
Cargo Collective is a free platform for artists and designers to create portfolios showcasing their work. Artists post their own work onto the site, allowing visitors to browse items including illustrations, photos, graphic design projects and more.
How can I get my business on the site?
To apply your organization’s profile to Cargo Collective you can contact us via email with the subject header ‘Business Profile’. Please give us details of your company including its name, URL, social media links (if applicable) and any additional information that you’d like displayed on your profile page. What are some examples of companies using Cargo Collective? Companies using Cargo Collective include Google, Facebook, Disney, Microsoft and Tesla Motors.
How can I contact you?
If you have any questions or comments please email us, alternatively visit our help section for FAQs, product announcements and updates.
What advice would you give to businesses looking to use Cargo Collective?
At Cargo Collective we’re all about showcasing the work of artists and designers in an engaging way that’s conducive to creative discovery. We’d advice businesses looking to use our platform not just look at how many followers an account has but focus on the caliber of work they are producing. This is what will attract creative’s worth collaborating with in the first place!
Conclusion by Paul Haarman:
These resources are the best on the web, and chances are you’ll find yourself coming back to them regularly. Hopefully, this article has effectively introduced these tools to you in an easy-to-understand fashion!