These sites provide pages of resources addressing the most common concerns among SMBs, especially those in the early-stages of development. They consolidate various articles, online guides, and quick tips that focus on funding, management, marketing, and growth. However, their primary focus is not necessarily this, rather they have their own areas of expertise that can relate to the needs of other businesses.
Guides
Overview: These sites provide pages of resources addressing the most common concerns among SMBs, especially those in early stages of development. They consolidate various articles, online guides, and quick tips that focus on funding, management, marketing, and growth. However, their primary focus is not necessarily this, rather they have their own areas of expertise that can relate to the needs of other businesses.
Type of content: Links to external websites, and sometimes, their own resources on pages separated by topic headings for facilitated browsing.
- Advantages: Can be considered a “one-stop-shop” for SMBs that don’t want to spend a long time searching for each category separately. Can be effective in providing general solutions and guidance, especially to organizations lacking experience or knowledge of basic, necessary tools for their company’s success.
- Disadvantages: SMBs often provide very specific or niche goods and services, meaning they require more tailored advice when faced with challenges. These websites sometimes prioritize their own services, rather than being objective towards the information they provide. In addition, they rarely receive customer feedback, and thus are unable to update their approaches appropriately.
Examples:
- https://www.bill.com/covid-smb-resources/
- https://www.salesforce.com/blog/2018/04/free-smb-resources-growth.html
- https://vcpov.com/top-43-smb-tech-go-to-market-resources-75edacb5b761
- https://www.ondeck.com/
Services
Overview: Organizations specifically created and used to provide information and resources to SMBs. They offer products and services, sometimes as paid subscriptions, that help with strategy and business planning, templates, CRM, PR, and more.
Type of content: Downloadable templates, handbooks, cybersecurity plans, mobile apps, personal agents or customer services.
- Advantages: Personalized tools and resources for SMBs that require a more in-depth and analytical overview of their products and services. More intensely addresses the components and established practices within each individual company. Reliable and credible.
- Disadvantages: Often a paid-for service, so inaccessible to early-stage or pre-launch SMBs with little funding or financial “wiggle room.” Can sometimes be outdated.
Examples:
- https://www.businesspowertools.com/
- https://smbresource.com/
- http://www.smbceo.com/
- https://www.sba.gov/
Media
Overview: Media forms, such as podcasts, have a more informal approach in serving as a resource for SMBs, but can have equally as important and useful information and tips. Either by listening on apps or streaming services, members of SMBs can learn about what “works” and doesn’t “work,” by people who have been through it before.
Type of content: General advice, anecdotes, informal and formal interviews.
- Advantages: Interviews about a variety of topics, but still focused on SMB needs. Personal advice and experiences from people in the industry that can connect with and/or influence others.
- Disadvantages: More difficult to put into action or apply directly within the company. Less tangible results than other services.
Examples:
Need to find a software or service? Techstep is here to help you find the perfect solution for your business with personalized recommendations and access to an expert consulting service.
