Starting a business isn’t easy, which is why it’s important to educate yourself before diving into the world of entrepreneurship. And it appears that more and more of us are making the plunge from the 9-5 to going into business for ourselves.
According to Google’s Year in Search 2021(opens in a new tab), last year, more people searched for "how to start a business" than "how to find a job." During the Covid-19 pandemic, business applications in the U.S. surged. While new business formation numbers appear to be leveling off recently, numbers overall remain consistently higher than in the years before, according to Census Bureau data(opens in a new tab).
Small business owners need to execute a variety of tasks, from project management to accounting. Whether you’re unsure of where to begin, are looking for information to help you scale and grow, or want access to online tools to help you more efficiently manage your business, there are plenty of resources out there for businesses of all kinds. But not all of them are created equal. We've broken them down by category, so you can get right to what you need.
Online tools will be your new best friend
One of the most popular types of websites for small business owners are for tools. These are things such as accounting software, website building, etc. These websites are useful at filling the practical aspects of starting and running a business. While many require a paid subscription in order to access full features, there are often free options that let you try the product before you buy, or offer basic functionality. Many of these tools have information centers that describe not only how to use the product, but also how to tackle certain areas of business ownership.
The internet can be your biggest teacher
Another common type of website for small business owners is the informational website, usually best thought of as an educational resource. These websites are vast repositories of information about nearly any aspect of starting and running a small business. That said, they frequently center around one particular topic, although generalist websites are also common. A lot of these websites are 100% free, making them appealing to those working with a limited budget. Because of this, however, they can sometimes be difficult to navigate. The same goes for websites with a deep well of content – it can be easy to get distracted or become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information. Take things one step at a time, and stay focused on whatever it is you’re working on in order to be successful.
Invest in building your community
Being an entrepreneur can be a lonely road, especially if you’re going down the solopreneur path. Having access to a community of other small business owners can provide you with the opportunity to discuss challenges and successes with those who get it. It also provides business connections that you might not otherwise have. This type of community can be a source of support, inspiration, and practical business connections that is invaluable for small business owners.
With the above information in mind, if you’re one of those people who has a business idea they want to run with, and are looking for the best websites to glean insights from to start your business, check out our list below.
