Top 20 Startup and Small Business Articles of 2014

From productivity and social media wisdom to must-have business apps and advice from successful entrepreneurs, we’re here to help you work smarter from the ground up and build a sustainable company. So, here’s a look at twenty popular small business articles published this year.

1. 5 Business Tools and Apps Your Employees Will Love

   Your workforce is the backbone of your small business… One of the best ways to equip your people is through the use of tools to help them do their job better, with ease. From task execution to expense reporting and more, here’s a look at five business tools that you, and your employees, will benefit from.

2. Luxury Marketing: How to Create a Luxury Market Brand Strategy

   Luxury is a hot growth market… So, how can an entrepreneur take advantage of the luxury market? If you want to step into the luxury arena, it’s all about branding. Here’s a look at five techniques luxury brands are currently using, successfully.

3. 40 Incredible Entrepreneurs to Follow on Instagram

   Collectively, these talented entrepreneurs are leaving their mark on everything from media, fitness and tech to social causes, fashion, eCommerce, entertainment and more. Based on what they’ve done so far, that’s only the beginning. At every stage of business, from bootstrapped to funded and freelance to the million dollar club, we’ve got you covered.

4. 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… So, if you’re looking to break into franchising this year, here are several franchises you may want to consider.

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

   Online content is ridiculously powerful. High quality content can communicate that you’re a bonafide expert, turn you into a member of the Twitterati, and make people fall in love with your brand. Online content is the Internet’s version of a Bosch power tool!

6. 3 Lessons Large Corporations Can Learn from Small Business

   It’s easy to think that big businesses must be doing everything right. After all, how else would they grow to such an impressive size? What most small business owners don’t realize is that while there are many advantages to doing business as a large company, there are typically some large flaws that hold many of them back.

7. Are You Making These Startup Mistakes?

   Starting a business is both exciting and challenging. Even though I completed an entrepreneurship class in college, when I started my company, Flashnotes.com, my lack of experience undoubtedly led to mistakes. But all of my startup mistakes were invaluable learning experiences on the path to success.

8. 10 Instagram Accounts Every Entrepreneur Should Follow

   Ultimately, Instagram is all about visual story telling which makes it a great platform to share your brand story one captivating photo at a time. So, if you love Instagram as much as we do – or if you’re just getting started – here’s a look at 10 #mustfollow Instagram accounts every entrepreneur should know about.

9. How to Make Your Brand #Instafamous by Using Instagram

   If you’re not using Instagram for business, you are leaving money on the table. Instagram is the hottest social platform and with the decreased visibility of Facebook brand pages, what better way to build your brand for free by having fun on Instagram and reaching thousands?

10. 5 Surprisingly Simple Business Ideas for First-Time Entrepreneurs

    In today’s market there have never been more ways for inventive and creative people to make money on their own terms. No longer do you need to come up with the next great invention to make significant sums of cash. As long as you have the determination and ability to make money and deliver excellent service, you can succeed as a first-time entrepreneur.