20 Most Popular Small Business Articles of 2014, So Far

11. Want a Killer Content Strategy? Do These 6 Things Well

    Online content is the Internet’s version of a Bosch power tool! However, just like any power tool, you’ve got to use it carefully. You would never use a power saw for the first time without reading the directions first, right? Well, the same goes for content marketing. If you don’t want to injure yourself (metaphorically speaking), you need to do a little prep work before you start publishing your brand’s content in every corner of the Web. Instead of reading an instruction manual, though, all you need to do is follow these six tips.

12. Tim Sykes Reveals 5 Keys to Building a Profitable Company (On Your Own)

    Yes, I have employees and partners. To build a healthy, fast-growing company (or companies if you’re ambitious like me) I’m not suggesting you do everything yourself. Instead I want you to be different from far too many founders and networkers who I’ve met over the years who inevitably failed by putting too much value in partnerships and relationships. As company founder, you are the soul of everything and it’s up to you to create great products and you are responsible for everything that happens from day one. Here are my tips for building a profitable company on your own.

13. 6 Business Franchise Opportunities to Consider This Year

    Owning a franchise is an opportunity for would-be entrepreneurs to to participate in an established business concept. This type of startup includes proven marketing strategies and techniques for day-to-day operations, support, access to expertise, and team coaching. Forbes writer Kevin Harrington explains, “When you break it down, franchising is simply a proven method of distributing products or services. But franchising happens to be a business approach that is booming at a time the rest of the U.S. economy is treading water.” So, if you’re looking to break into franchising this year, here are several franchises you may want to consider.

14. The Best Company Websites Have These 6 Things in Common

    Simply having a company website does not mean that online visitors will eagerly flock to it and magically become satisfied customers. It takes more than that. One of the most important aspects of creating a successful online presence is developing a properly optimized website. The most successful online businesses create experiences that make them irresistible to customers. So, here’s an inside look at how to achieve more online success.

15. 10 Habits of Highly Connected Entrepreneurs

    Over the years, through intense study and an innate fascination with people and social dynamics, I’ve noticed that the world’s best connectors do things in a pretty similar way. We all know the people who meet people with ease, seem to always have the influencers in their corner and are constantly surrounded by passionate and inspiring people. Whether they know it or not, they all follow a set of habits. Let these habits serve as guidance for how to approach the people around you. For me, they are a way of life. Without them, you’re nowhere. With them, anything’s possible.

16. This Outrageous Business Advice is an Entrepreneur’s Dream Come True

    There are a few words that can be used to describe entrepreneurship: roller coaster, cliff dive, marathon, rewarding, challenging, scary, confusing, and much more. But it’s always nice to hear hard-hitting, no nonsense business advice to bring clarity to chaos. Here’s a look at outrageously true business advice that every entrepreneur can benefit from.

17. Ensure a Successful Product Launch With These 7 Tips

    If someone asked you to complete a year’s worth of work in one week, could you do it? Would you? Most people would refuse the request, but hundreds of companies take on this challenge each year when launching new products. This means that issues which are normally mere annoyances — down servers, hour-long payment processor interruptions — become catastrophic money losses that might never be recovered. But they can be avoided. Even seasoned entrepreneurs make mistakes — but you don’t need to. Here are seven effective ways to prepare for a product launch.

18. Startup Diaries: 7 Ways to Waste Money When Starting a Business

    When you start a business, you will need to spend money, but it is important to invest in the right areas. I’ll admit, my personality leans toward perfectionism and liking shiny new things; this has definitely influenced my business in both positive and negative ways. One negative aspect being that I spent money where I shouldn’t have. Here’s a look at seven areas where I could have spent my money more wisely.

19. Confessions of a Female Entrepreneur [Infographic]

    I am young. I am female and I am an entrepreneur. Some studies suggest this is a recipe for unremarkable success. I have proven said theorists wrong. Hindsight is always 20/20. This is a true story – the real life confessions of a female entrepreneur. Disclaimer: These confessions will build confidence in your skills, confidence in your femininity, and confidence in your ability to build a successful business. Read at your own risk.

20. 5 Lessons I Learned My First Year Running an Online Business

    Running an online business, much less one in a highly competitive industry has its own share of risks and rewards. On one hand, you’re doing everything you possibly can to avoid competing on the downward spiral that is pricing, while keeping suppliers informed and customers happy. It sounds so simple at the outset: concentrate on quality and the sales will follow. But the reality is hardly ever that easy.

What are your top must-read small business articles from YFS Magazine? Share your favorites in the comments section below.