There is no right way to make a marketing plan, as every company has different products and customers. However, the work should start with getting to know your company’s business, strategy, and goals. The year clock is a widespread habit, but the plan must adapt to the times and have flexibility. You can add more effectiveness to your marketing efforts by breaking down your marketing plan into smaller sections with several cornerstones. Both management and monitoring are made more accessible for smaller entities.
An SME’s marketing plan does not have to be complex or lengthy. Still, it should include information on marketing schedules, responsibilities, markets and competitors, measures and their objectives, development, and coordination. The main thing is that the marketing plan is made systematically and is constantly updated. The design work is divided into two parts: strategic and operational planning. In this blogging, we’ll cover strategic planning.
Starting point analysis
Strategic planning should start with a starting point analysis. Its purpose is to map your own company’s situation and the market. The research aims to know who your customers are and where they are. Baseline analysis includes company, market, competitor, and environmental studies. Finally, everything is put together to conclude. From my experience, I know that SME resources are on the map, but it’s worth spending enough time on these analyses to stay even at some level on the map of where to go regarding your business and market.
The company analysis assesses the company’s internal functionality in terms of the company’s organization, expertise, and resources. The study should go through the current overall situation of your company, finance, marketing, product development, production, logistics, and personnel.
The business analysis aims to find out where we are going now. Marketing analysis seeks to determine how marketing has been handled and what results have been achieved.
The market analysis aims to answer questions about the market, purchasing behavior, market changes, and the direction of market development. The study should review the market situation, size, customers, purchasing behavior, buying potential, and modifications compared to the previous period. For example, the Boston Matrix is a good tool for doing market analysis.
Segmentation
An essential part of the marketing plan is to decide which target group or groups the company’s marketing will be aimed at. Before you can decide on the target group, segmentation is required. As you cannot determine the target group (s) without segmentation, and strategies should not be created without the selected target group, segmentation is crucial. That is the beginning of everything. That is why it has its song dedicated to it.
Every SME needs to do segmentation so you can choose the right audience for your business without throwing those scarce resources where you happen and lose money.
Segmentation is used to create a market map with numbers, from which you can see briefly all the market segments (size, return potential in euros, own market share). It is followed by one of the most critical strategic decisions, i.e., selecting the target group. The smaller you dare to limit the number of your target audience, the easier it will be to market in a way that appeals to your target audience. The aim is to identify customers who use the same selection criteria or behave similarly. Identifying the needs and desires of a selected segment will help you plan and make productive marketing communications. Read more detailed instructions on segmentation here.
Marketing strategy
The marketing strategy is the most important and often the only written plan of an SME. The marketing strategy provides an answer to how you will achieve the goals. Where to play and how to win.
For example, if the goal is to increase sales, the strategy will determine how to acquire new customers—conquering new markets and expanding to new customer groups. By increasing one-time purchases from existing customers or having customers buy more often and adding a product range?
So, there are plenty of options. In addition, your company’s marketing strategy should answer the following questions.
What target groups are you targeting (segmentation & targeting)? Where to play
What are the needs of your target group?
What are the ways to differentiate yourself from your competitors (positioning)? How to win
What is your growth strategy?
How do you price your product/service?
Do you compete on quality, price, or a superior customer experience?
What message tips do you use to sell your product/service?
When developing a marketing strategy, you should also consider your target group’s needs and how exactly your company will meet them. Why buy from you and not a competitor? You can answer all these questions by making a marketing strategy. Read here for instructions on creating a marketing strategy, or order a free online strategy course here.
Objectives as part of a marketing strategy
Goal setting is an essential part of your marketing strategy. Your business needs goals, so the action isn’t a search shoot pulled by the feel. At this point, every marketer will ask what a good plan is. More sales? Yes, that’s the correct answer because the only job in marketing and sales is to increase sales ultimately.
What exactly is your customers’ journey to make a final purchase decision? Building a purchase pipeline will help to outline the whole. However, remember that these are only theoretical models, and you need to develop your buying pipe as it is. If the goal is set at the wrong point in the buying pipeline, you can add almost no sales despite the investments. Therefore, it is essential to identify the things you can improve or money lost to appropriately direct marketing resources. Misdirected resources do not increase sales.
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
Discover the Best Wealth Management Firms for Your Needs
Wealth management firms provide comprehensive financial services including investment advisory, portfolio management, estate planning, and tax optimization tailored specifically for high-net-worth individuals and institutions. These specialized firms combine sophisticated investment strategies with personalized financial planning to help clients grow, protect, and transfer their wealth efficiently while navigating complex financial landscapes and achieving long-term financial objectives.
I’ve spent over two decades as CEO of Complete Controller working alongside businesses of every size and industry, and one truth stands out—financial success requires more than just making money; it demands strategic wealth preservation and growth. With global financial wealth reaching an unprecedented $305 trillion in 2024 according to Boston Consulting Group, the wealth management industry has become essential for anyone serious about securing their financial future. In this article, you’ll discover how to identify top-tier wealth management firms, understand the critical factors that separate exceptional firms from average ones, and learn proven strategies for customizing your wealth management approach to maximize returns while minimizing risk.
What are wealth management firms and how do they fit your needs?
Wealth management firms are comprehensive financial service providers offering investment management, tax planning, estate planning, portfolio optimization, and philanthropic guidance for high-net-worth individuals
These firms create personalized strategies combining multiple financial disciplines to achieve specific client goals
Key services include sophisticated asset allocation, behavioral finance insights, and access to alternative investments
Understanding a firm’s typical client profile helps match your wealth level and complexity to their expertise
Most firms require minimum assets ranging from $100,000 to $10 million depending on service level
What Are Wealth Management Firms and How Do They Fit Your Needs?
The wealth management industry manages an astounding $305 trillion globally, representing more than 8% growth from the previous year. This massive scale reflects the critical role these firms play in helping individuals and families navigate increasingly complex financial landscapes.
Wealth management firms distinguish themselves from basic financial advisors by offering integrated solutions that address every aspect of your financial life. Rather than focusing solely on investments, these firms coordinate tax strategies, estate planning, risk management, and philanthropic goals into cohesive plans that adapt as your circumstances change.
The most successful firms understand that wealth management extends beyond numbers on a spreadsheet. They recognize that each client brings unique family dynamics, business interests, and personal values that must shape their financial strategy. This holistic approach means examining not just how to grow wealth, but how to protect it across generations while fulfilling personal and philanthropic objectives.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Wealth Management Firm
Selecting the right wealth management partner requires careful evaluation of multiple critical factors that will impact your financial success for decades.
Competence & experience
The foundation of any successful wealth management relationship rests on demonstrated expertise. Look for firms with proven track records managing portfolios similar to yours in size and complexity. Investigate their investment philosophy, performance during market downturns, and experience with your specific wealth sources—whether from business ownership, inheritance, or professional earnings.
Strong firms maintain teams of credentialed professionals including Certified Financial Planners (CFPs), Chartered Financial Analysts (CFAs), and estate planning attorneys. They should demonstrate deep understanding of tax optimization strategies, risk management techniques, and the regulatory landscape affecting your wealth.
Durability & succession planning
McKinsey research reveals a looming crisis—the industry faces a shortage of approximately 100,000 financial advisors by 2034, while demand for wealth management services continues growing exponentially. This makes choosing a firm with robust succession planning absolutely critical.
Evaluate the firm’s organizational depth beyond your primary advisor. Ask specific questions about continuity plans, team structure, and how client relationships transfer when advisors retire. Firms with institutional backing and multi-generational advisor teams offer greater stability than solo practitioners approaching retirement.
Resources & services
Leading wealth management firms provide access to institutional-quality investment products, alternative assets, and specialized services typically unavailable to individual investors. These might include:
Private equity and hedge fund opportunities
Direct indexing for tax optimization
Concentrated stock position management
Family office services for ultra-high-net-worth clients
Coordinated teams of CPAs, attorneys, and insurance specialists
Performance & results
While past performance never guarantees future results, consistent returns across market cycles demonstrate disciplined investment processes. Request detailed performance reports showing both absolute returns and risk-adjusted metrics. Pay particular attention to how portfolios performed during market stress periods like 2008 and 2020.
Client retention rates and testimonials provide valuable insights into real-world satisfaction. Ask for references from clients with similar wealth levels and complexity who have worked with the firm for at least five years.
Compensation structure
Fee transparency directly impacts your long-term wealth accumulation. Most reputable firms have shifted to fee-based models charging 0.5% to 1.5% of assets under management annually, aligning their interests with yours. Avoid commission-based structures that incentivize frequent trading or product sales.
Some firms offer flat-fee or retainer arrangements for comprehensive planning services. Compare total costs including underlying fund expenses, trading costs, and any additional service fees to understand the true impact on your returns.
Top Wealth Management Firms to Consider
The wealth management landscape includes both established giants and specialized boutiques, each offering distinct advantages for different client needs.
Vanguard Group
Vanguard revolutionized investing with the first index mutual fund in 1976, growing to manage over $10 trillion today. Their client-owned structure eliminates conflicts of interest while their low-cost philosophy maximizes long-term wealth accumulation. Vanguard Personal Advisor Services combines human advisors with sophisticated technology, offering comprehensive planning for a fraction of traditional costs.
Fidelity Investments
Fidelity’s massive scale provides unparalleled resources including proprietary research, advanced planning tools, and integrated banking services. Their wealth management division serves clients from $250,000 to ultra-high-net-worth, with dedicated teams specializing in executive compensation, business owner transitions, and multi-generational planning.
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
With over 15,000 advisors nationwide, Morgan Stanley offers deep local presence combined with global investment capabilities. Their platform excels at handling complex situations including restricted stock management, lending solutions, and coordinated financial planning for executives and entrepreneurs.
UBS Global Wealth Management
UBS leverages its Swiss banking heritage to provide sophisticated international wealth management solutions. Their expertise in cross-border planning, global estate strategies, and currency management makes them ideal for internationally mobile families and global business owners.
Goldman Sachs Private Wealth Management
Goldman Sachs serves ultra-high-net-worth individuals with institutional-caliber investment strategies typically reserved for pension funds and endowments. Their minimum requirements start at $10 million, but clients gain access to exclusive alternative investments, IPO allocations, and direct deal flow.
Northern Trust
Specializing in multi-generational wealth preservation, Northern Trust combines investment management with trust and estate services under one roof. Their century-long history managing family fortunes provides unique expertise in dynasty trusts, family governance, and philanthropic planning.
Julius Baer
This Swiss private bank brings European wealth management traditions to global markets. Julius Baer excels at customized portfolio construction, offering bespoke solutions that might include direct real estate investments, private company holdings, and sophisticated hedging strategies.
Customizing Your Wealth Management Strategy
Creating an effective wealth management strategy requires careful consideration of your unique circumstances, goals, and values.
Personalized financial planning
Steve and Leslie’s story illustrates the power of truly personalized planning. This Bay Area tech couple wondered if Leslie could leave her stressful job without another position lined up. Their Graystone Advisor team analyzed their decade of disciplined saving and discovered they could reduce retirement contributions temporarily without jeopardizing long-term goals. Leslie left her job, and strategic planning allowed her to become permanently work-optional while maintaining their target retirement timeline.
This case demonstrates how sophisticated planning goes beyond maximizing returns—it optimizes for life satisfaction while maintaining financial security. Your wealth management firm should help identify similar opportunities to align money with meaning in your life.
Investment advisory services
Modern portfolio construction requires balancing multiple objectives: growth, income, tax efficiency, and risk management. Leading firms employ diverse strategies including:
Strategic asset allocation based on long-term capital market assumptions
Tactical adjustments responding to market conditions
Tax-loss harvesting to minimize current tax burdens
Alternative investments for enhanced diversification
Risk management approaches should reflect your specific situation. Business owners might need conservative portfolios to offset concentrated company risk, while professionals with stable incomes could accept more volatility for higher expected returns.
Asset management and portfolio optimization
Research shows 86% of millennials prioritize sustainable investing, with ESG-related assets projected to reach 46% of all managed assets by 2030. Forward-thinking wealth management firms now integrate environmental, social, and governance factors into portfolio construction without sacrificing returns.
Continuous portfolio optimization involves regular rebalancing, tax-efficient transitions, and adapting to life changes. Advanced techniques like direct indexing allow customization of index exposures while harvesting losses at the individual security level, potentially adding 1-2% annually through tax savings alone.
Estate planning and philanthropy
Cerulli Associates reports that $124 trillion will transfer between generations over the next 25 years, with baby boomers passing $79 trillion to heirs and charities. This unprecedented wealth transfer demands sophisticated planning to minimize taxes while fulfilling family and philanthropic goals.
Comprehensive estate planning encompasses:
Revocable and irrevocable trust structures
Generation-skipping strategies for multi-generational wealth
Charitable giving techniques balancing tax benefits with impact
Family governance structures preventing wealth from destroying family harmony
Business succession planning for closely held companies
Complexity Management: As wealth grows, financial lives become increasingly complex with multiple accounts, entities, and strategies. Top firms provide consolidated reporting, simplified dashboards, and dedicated teams ensuring nothing falls through cracks. They coordinate with outside professionals, manage deadlines, and handle administrative burdens so you can focus on what matters most.
Trust and Transparency: Building trust requires consistent communication, clear fee disclosure, and aligned interests. Insist on regular reviews explaining both successes and setbacks. The best advisors educate clients, empowering informed decisions rather than demanding blind faith. They provide real-time account access and detailed reporting showing exactly how your money works.
Adapting to Change: Life rarely follows straight paths—careers shift, families grow, health changes, and priorities evolve. Your wealth management firm must demonstrate flexibility, updating strategies as circumstances change. Whether navigating divorce, business sale, or sudden inheritance, they should provide steady guidance through transitions while protecting your financial security.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right wealth management firm fundamentally shapes your financial future and legacy. By evaluating firms across competence, durability, resources, performance, and compensation structure, you’ll identify partners truly aligned with your success. The best wealth management firms transcend investment management, becoming trusted advisors who understand your complete financial picture and help navigate life’s complexities with confidence.
The combination of the coming advisor shortage, massive intergenerational wealth transfer, and evolving investor priorities makes selecting the right firm more critical than ever. Whether you’re building wealth through business ownership, preparing for retirement, or stewarding family assets across generations, the right partner makes all the difference.
I encourage you to take action today—start interviewing firms, asking tough questions, and finding advisors who share your values and vision. At Complete Controller, we understand the importance of comprehensive financial guidance and stand ready to support your journey. Visit Complete Controller to discover how our expertise in cloud-based financial services can complement your wealth management strategy and help achieve your boldest financial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wealth Management Firms
What services do wealth management firms typically offer?
Wealth management firms provide comprehensive financial services including investment management, financial planning, tax optimization, estate planning, risk management, retirement planning, and philanthropic advisory services, all coordinated to help high-net-worth individuals achieve their financial objectives.
How do I choose the right wealth management firm for my needs?
Evaluate firms based on their expertise with clients like you, performance track record, service offerings, fee structure, succession planning, and cultural fit. Request references, compare multiple firms, and choose one demonstrating deep understanding of your specific financial situation and goals.
What is the minimum amount required to work with a wealth management firm?
Minimum requirements vary significantly by firm, ranging from $100,000 at robo-advisor hybrid services to $10 million or more at exclusive private banks. Most full-service wealth management firms require between $500,000 and $2 million in investable assets.
Are wealth management firms regulated?
Yes, wealth management firms face extensive regulation from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and state regulators. They must register as investment advisors, maintain fiduciary standards, and submit to regular compliance examinations protecting client interests.
Can small businesses also benefit from wealth management firms?
Absolutely. Many wealth management firms offer specialized services for business owners including retirement plan design, executive compensation planning, business succession strategies, and coordinating personal and business finances to maximize tax efficiency and wealth accumulation opportunities.
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
Jennifer BrazerFounder/CEO
Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.
Brittany McMillen is a seasoned Marketing Manager with a sharp eye for strategy and storytelling. With a background in digital marketing, brand development, and customer engagement, she brings a results-driven mindset to every project. Brittany specializes in crafting compelling content and optimizing user experiences that convert. When she’s not reviewing content, she’s exploring the latest marketing trends or championing small business success.
How to Choose the Best Business Idea That Actually Succeeds
Choosing the best business idea starts with evaluating your skills, market demand, and available resources to identify opportunities that align with both your strengths and genuine customer needs. The process requires systematic self-assessment, thorough market research, and validation testing before committing significant resources.
I’ve spent over 20 years as CEO of Complete Controller, working with businesses across every sector imaginable, and I’ve seen brilliant people fail with terrible ideas while ordinary folks build empires from simple concepts. The difference lies in their approach to selecting and validating their business idea. With 18% of small businesses failing in their first year and 50% by year five, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, choosing the right idea becomes your first critical business decision. This guide shares the framework I’ve developed through helping thousands of entrepreneurs make this pivotal choice.
What is choosing the best business idea, and how do you get it right?
The process involves evaluating skills, market opportunities, resources, and personal goals to identify high-potential ventures
Success requires self-assessment, market research, competitive analysis, and customer validation
The best ideas solve real problems at the intersection of your capabilities and market needs
Timing and execution matter as much as the idea itself
Most successful businesses emerge from problems you’ve personally experienced
Assess Your Foundation for Business Success
Your entrepreneurial foundation determines which profitable business opportunities will work for you. This goes beyond listing skills on a resume. You need to examine the problems you naturally solve, tasks that energize you, and areas where others seek your expertise.
Start by documenting your core competencies—those fundamental abilities where you consistently outperform others with less effort. Maybe you excel at simplifying complex information, building relationships, or spotting operational inefficiencies. These natural advantages often point toward unique startup concepts others might miss.
Identify your true capabilities
Core competencies reveal themselves through patterns in your work history. Notice which projects colleagues always bring to you. Pay attention to compliments you dismiss as “just doing your job.” These recurring themes indicate where you could build sustainable competitive advantages.
Natural talents feel effortless. They’re activities that make you lose track of time, problems you’re drawn to solve, and conversations that captivate you. If organizing chaos energizes you while others find it draining, that’s a talent worth exploring for business potential.
Define your vision and risk profile
Your long-term vision shapes which ideas deserve pursuit. Some entrepreneurs thrive building large organizations; others prefer manageable enterprises they can control directly. Neither approach is wrong, but choosing one that conflicts with your vision guarantees frustration.
Risk tolerance extends beyond comfort with uncertainty. Consider your financial runway, emotional resilience during setbacks, and decision-making ability under pressure. If you have limited capital but high risk tolerance, focus on innovative business solutions requiring creativity over cash. With substantial resources but a lower risk appetite, proven models like franchises might suit you better.
Research Markets That Need Your Solution
Market research for choosing the best business idea requires understanding customer behavior, not just demographics. Many entrepreneurs rely on industry reports without validating assumptions through real customer interactions. This superficial approach misses critical insights about what people actually buy versus what they say they want.
According to CNBC’s 2022 poll of 492 founders, 58% wished they’d done more market research before launching. This statistic highlights how even experienced entrepreneurs underestimate the importance of thorough market analysis.
Uncover real customer pain points
Genuine market demand exists where customers actively seek solutions and willingly pay for them. Study how people currently address the problems you’re considering solving. Their workarounds and complaints reveal opportunities for better solutions.
Document specific examples of customer frustrations. If small business owners constantly complain about bookkeeping complexity but still hire expensive accountants, that signals a pain point worth addressing. The most valuable problems are those that customers face regularly with inadequate current solutions.
Analyze competition beyond the surface level
Competitive analysis includes direct competitors, indirect alternatives, and DIY approaches customers use. Understanding this complete ecosystem reveals how customers evaluate options and make decisions. Focus on underserved segments and unaddressed needs rather than competing head-on with established players.
Healthcare businesses show 85% first-year survival rates, while construction companies have only 30% five-year survival, according to industry data. These statistics demonstrate how industry selection impacts success probability. Choose sectors where your capabilities provide genuine advantages.
Validate Before You Invest
Validation bridges the gap between ideas and commitment. Too many entrepreneurs skip this phase, trusting their instincts over market evidence. Effective validation tests your riskiest assumptions about customer needs, willingness to pay, and your ability to deliver value.
The Airbnb founders validated their concept by renting air mattresses during a sold-out conference. They built a simple website, pitched to design blogs, and secured three bookings. This minimal test proved strangers would pay to stay in someone’s home—their riskiest assumption—before building the full platform.
Build your minimum viable product
Your MVP should test core assumptions, not showcase every planned feature. Focus on the smallest version that proves customers want and will pay for your solution. If your assumption is that busy professionals will pay for meal planning services, test with manual service delivery before building an app.
Create testing conditions requiring genuine commitment from potential customers. Pre-orders, deposits, or signed agreements demonstrate real intent beyond polite interest. Document how customers behave when asked to commit, not just what they say they’d do.
Gather intelligence that matters
Customer feedback collection must overcome natural biases. People often say what they think you want to hear rather than sharing genuine reactions. Design feedback processes encouraging honest communication about actual behavior rather than hypothetical preferences.
Weight feedback appropriately. Input from paying customers matters more than opinions from non-users. Focus on patterns across multiple responses rather than individual suggestions. Look for underlying themes about value and satisfaction that might not surface in direct questions.
Plan Finances for Sustainable Growth
Financial planning determines whether your chosen business can survive startup phases and scale successfully. Many low-cost business ideas for beginners fail because entrepreneurs underestimate working capital needs or time to profitability.
A record-breaking 5.48 million new businesses started in 2023, representing 56.7% growth since 2019. This surge in entrepreneurship means increased competition for customers and resources, making solid financial planning even more critical.
Calculate true startup costs
Startup costs include obvious expenses like equipment and inventory, plus often-overlooked items like working capital, marketing budgets, and professional services. Many businesses fail not from lack of demand but from running out of cash before reaching profitability.
Operating expenses require equal attention. Fixed costs like rent and insurance continue regardless of revenue. Variable costs fluctuate with sales volume. Understanding this relationship helps you plan realistic financial projections and identify break-even points.
Project realistic revenue timelines
Revenue projections should reflect market realities, not optimistic hopes. Study comparable businesses to understand typical customer acquisition costs, sales cycles, and growth rates. Conservative projections protect against cash flow surprises that sink promising ventures.
Build multiple scenarios, including best-case, expected, and worst-case outcomes. Plan how you’ll respond if revenue develops more slowly than expected. Having contingency plans ready prevents panic decisions when facing inevitable business challenges.
Choose Ideas Aligned With Market Timing
Timing significantly impacts business success. Emerging market trends for startups create opportunities, but jumping too early or too late reduces the probability of success. The sweet spot exists where market readiness intersects with your ability to execute effectively.
Sustainable business ideas for eco-conscious entrepreneurs exemplify good timing. Growing environmental awareness creates demand while technology enables new solutions. Success requires matching trend momentum with practical execution capabilities.
Take Action on Your Best Option
Analysis paralysis prevents more businesses from starting than bad ideas do. Once you’ve assessed capabilities, researched markets, validated concepts, and planned finances, commit to your best option. Perfect certainty doesn’t exist in entrepreneurship.
I built Complete Controller by recognizing small businesses needed professionalbookkeeping and accounting services delivered affordably through technology. The idea wasn’t revolutionary, but timing, execution, and persistence made it successful. Your best business idea likely already exists in your experience—you just need the framework to recognize and validate it.
Ready to transform your business idea into reality? The experts at Complete Controller understand the financial foundations every successful business needs. Contact us today to learn how our comprehensive business services can support your entrepreneurial journey from concept through growth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing the Best Business Idea
How long should I spend researching before choosing a business idea?
Most successful entrepreneurs spend 3-6 months on research and validation before committing significant resources. This timeframe allows thorough market analysis, customer interviews, and initial concept testing without losing momentum or market opportunities.
Should I choose a business idea based on passion or profit potential?
The most sustainable businesses combine both elements. Choose ideas addressing problems you find meaningful to solve while ensuring adequate market demand exists. Passion sustains you through challenges, but profit potential ensures business viability.
How do I know if my business idea is too similar to existing companies?
Similar businesses can succeed by serving specific customer segments better or offering unique value propositions. Focus on differentiation through superior service, specialized expertise, or innovative delivery methods rather than completely novel concepts.
What if I have multiple good business ideas?
Test multiple ideas simultaneously through small experiments before choosing one to pursue fully. Compare validation results, resource requirements, and alignment with your long-term goals to identify which opportunity offers the best success probability.
Can I succeed with a business idea in an industry where I lack experience?
Industry outsiders sometimes spot opportunities insiders miss, but success requires quickly developing necessary expertise. Consider partnering with industry veterans, hiring experienced advisors, or starting with thorough research and smaller-scale testing.
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
Jennifer BrazerFounder/CEO
Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.
Brittany McMillen is a seasoned Marketing Manager with a sharp eye for strategy and storytelling. With a background in digital marketing, brand development, and customer engagement, she brings a results-driven mindset to every project. Brittany specializes in crafting compelling content and optimizing user experiences that convert. When she’s not reviewing content, she’s exploring the latest marketing trends or championing small business success.
Stock is essentially a part of a business. A stock is a type of security showing that the stockholder owns a part of the business; when an individual purchases a company’s stock, that individual becomes a co-owner.
Individuals need to decide which stocks they want to invest in. It is a decision with various components because people commonly make mistakes that any offered stock portfolio aims to increase profits. However, in certain situations, the aim can be to gain adequate profit with minimal risk. In other cases, it may maximize the profits by aiming for higher-than-average compliant securities.
Decide Aims and Objectives
The initial step to choosing a stock from many accessible options is for the individuals to decide their portfolio’s intention. Stockholders have various investment criteria that are based on income, capital security, or capital obligation. It is straightforward for individuals to choose which standards are to their liking. However, it isn’t easy to choose which stocks to pick. Even though there is no one right way of determining a stock, a simple procedure should enable the stockholder to limit their choices before selecting a final business to purchase stock.
Be Informed
When individuals have decided to invest in stocks, you must fully inform them about the current situation of the stock market and the opinions of other stockholders and investors. Keeping an eye on financial news, magazines, and websites is an easy way for an individual to be up to date on the daily reports of the market economy. A blog or a news commentary may help an individual to decide which stock they should invest in.
Looking for Businesses
It is the most critical stage of picking a stock. It includes finding the businesses that might attract individuals. An individual should invest in the stocks of a company that offers a straightforward plan of action. There are three basic methods of selecting a company:
An individual should look for Exchange-Traded Funds that track the actions of the business industry and check their estate value and capital.
An individual should utilize a screener to separate stocks according to an individual’s detailed criteria. Screeners also provide clients with different specialties, for example, profit yield, arranging businesses based on market value, and various other valuable investments.
An individual should keep looking through blogs, articles on stock analysis, and other financial news for ideas on businesses for the selected investment.
Corporate Presentations
When an individual decides to invest in a business, they should direct their attention toward the investor’s presentations. Even though the presentations are less thorough than the financial reports, they give a general outlook of how businesses make profits and are simpler to peruse.
The facts and figures that incorporate an investor’s reports include a cash flow statement, balance sheet, income statement, operational features, future development prospects, and a basic business summary.
Outcome
An individual is left with maybe a single business or even a list of companies. The qualities that a business may incorporate are:
The stock of companies with a lengthy and robust history of constant or growing profits through a whole business duration incorporates no less than one decline.
Stocks of businesses with an investor-friendly administration and board of directors are agreeable to returning the extra cash flow to the owners by regularly expanding profits and stock repurchases. It implies that the future benefits and losses are distributed among fewer shares.
Stocks of businesses with a substantial upper hand over their opponents will make it hard for the rivals to unseat the business venture.
To invest in stocks, individuals should have a significant amount of knowledge that will enable them to pick a stock that will be the most profitable for them.
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
Utility suppliers often run under monopolistic structures, leaving customers with no other options to switch to. Consumers are often left to make do with what they have even if, unfortunately, it is poor customer service provided. With the rapid evolution of technology and mobile apps, many utility companies have been able to get in touch with their audiences, dealing with issues and queries in real time and providing better customer experiences.
The practice has become a top priority for brands all over the world. Last year’s rise of the pandemic forced brands to establish an even more robust online presence, resulting in 24/7 customer service due to broad audiences that need catering around the clock. Brands have shifted to various data collection and mining software and predictive algorithms that help them work on calculated insights to solve future problems or, to an extent, even eliminate them. Results? Happier customers and growing businesses.
Companies that provide utilities are often long-standing.
At this point, it is noteworthy that these companies have also stayed stagnant and slow in terms of growth for years. This fact shows that even though newer brands have adapted to the digital way of life, these older companies still struggle to maintain or offer solid communication methods and sources.
However, thanks to the digitization of nearly all processes, utility companies have also been trying to provide better customer experiences. The long arms of artificial intelligence have spread into almost all processes to help humans perform their jobs better, and thanks to their automated processes and algorithms, we have solved many problems.
Humans have been able to produce machinery fitted with measuring items, optimizing the collection, sorting, and analysis of data and providing insights for managers to make informed decisions. Applied to businesses that provide utilities, many online portals collect complaints and information such as bill generation and payments, signing up to the application, tracking consumption, etc., that have helped them build bridges to better customer experiences.
Why do Utility Companies Struggle to go Digital?
Surveys carried out by companies to gauge the bottlenecks of one of such companies when going digital resulted in a statistic that shows that due to frequent outages of power, managers cannot even afford to invest in tools that will lead to good customer service. They spend most of their budgets on investing in other physical infrastructure to fulfill much more critical, basic needs such as the necessity itself.
While technology has evolved enough to generate usage reports and outages of power, water, and other utilities, companies have yet to adapt to a more helpful approach.
A more digitized approach would be usage reports and alerts linked to one’s mobile devices for conservation and safety purposes. Pretty cool, right? A flowing faucet caught on the company’s radar with the help of a measuring device can be reported to the house’s residents. Small-scale applications of technological advancements will be a step toward better customer experiences and help conserve resources we are short on!
Changing customer behavior dictates good value for money, and one way to provide this value could be through constant communication. Customers expect companies to care for them by providing up-to-date information about a unit price increase per hour or a power outage. The need of the hour is taking care of customers, not spending money but keeping them safe.
In markets where monopolies do not own utilities, companies have been able to spur traditional ways into a more contemporary fashion. They prioritize consumer needs and wants, trying to provide better experiences in the wake of technology and innovation. Utility companies can also consider cloud solutions to store the data received through their customer base.
What is Next?
Until the technology sector can give us self-serving robots and housekeepers, brands must step up and play their part in better customer experiences and consumer safety. Traditional utilities have been in the market for an exceptionally long time, and it is high time they caught up with the complementary and competing industries and went digital to provide solutions. Communication and customer service are crucial when resources are priceless, and brands go green and sustainable.
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
Top SEO Tools to Boost Your Site’s Rankings and Traffic
SEO tools are software platforms and applications designed to help website owners improve their search engine rankings and increase organic traffic through keyword research, content optimization, technical analysis, and performance monitoring. The right SEO tools can transform your digital marketing efforts by providing data-driven insights, automating time-consuming tasks, and revealing opportunities your competitors might be missing.
As someone who has built Complete Controller into a leading cloud-based bookkeeping service over the past two decades, I’ve learned that the right tools can make or break your online visibility. When we first launched, I was doing SEO manually—tracking keywords in spreadsheets and guessing at what Google wanted. But after implementing a strategic SEO tool stack, our organic traffic increased by 340% within 18 months, and we consistently rank on page one for our target keywords. In this article, I’ll share exactly which SEO tools deliver real results, how to choose the right ones for your budget, and the implementation strategies that have driven measurable growth for our business.
What are the best SEO tools to boost your site’s rankings and traffic?
SEO tools encompass keyword research platforms, content optimization software, technical audit tools, and performance monitoring systems that work together to improve search rankings
Essential categories include keyword research tools, on-page optimization platforms, technical SEO auditors, backlink analysis software, and rank tracking systems
Top-tier platforms like Semrush, Ahrefs, and Google Search Console provide comprehensive data for strategic decision-making and competitive analysis
Free alternatives, including Google Search Console, Ubersuggest’s limited features, and browser extensions offer valuable insights for budget-conscious businesses
Success depends on selecting tools that match your technical expertise, business goals, and integration requirements rather than simply choosing the most expensive options
Comprehensive SEO Analysis Tools for Complete Website Optimization
The foundation of effective SEO begins with comprehensive analysis platforms that provide 360-degree visibility into your website’s performance. These all-in-one solutions combine multiple SEO functions into unified dashboards, making them ideal for businesses seeking integrated insights rather than managing multiple point solutions.
Semrush stands as the most robust comprehensive SEO platform available today, offering an extensive suite that covers keyword research, competitor analysis, site auditing, and content optimization. What sets Semrush apart in my experience is its personalized keyword difficulty scoring system, which analyzes your specific domain authority and content performance to provide realistic ranking probability assessments. This feature has been invaluable for Complete Controller’s content strategy, helping us prioritize keywords where we actually have a chance to compete rather than chasing impossible targets.
The global SEO software market exploded from $74.6 billion in 2024 to a projected $154.6 billion by 2030, representing a 13.5% yearly growth rate. This massive expansion shows that businesses are investing heavily in SEO tools to stay competitive online, recognizing that organic search drives sustainable growth unlike paid advertising.
Advanced SEO monitoring tools
Ahrefs delivers exceptional value for businesses prioritizing competitive intelligence and backlink analysis. Its massive database of over 30 trillion links provides unmatched visibility into competitor link-building strategies. During our major website redesign in 2023, Ahrefs’ Site Explorer revealed that our top competitor had secured dozens of resource page listings that we had completely missed. By systematically reaching out to these same directories using Ahrefs’ exported data, we secured 47 new backlinks within three months, directly contributing to a 23% increase in our domain authority.
SE Ranking has emerged as a compelling alternative for agencies and growing businesses, offering enterprise-level features at mid-tier pricing. Its rank tracking capabilities claim 100% accuracy, and in my testing across multiple client projects, this holds true. The platform’s generous keyword allowances—up to 15,000 tracked keywords on business plans—make it particularly attractive for companies managing multiple service lines or geographic markets.
Best Keyword Research Tools for Strategic Content Planning
Effective keyword research forms the backbone of successful SEO strategies, requiring tools that can uncover high-opportunity terms while providing accurate difficulty and volume assessments. Modern keyword research extends far beyond basic search volume data.
Semrush’s Keyword Magic Tool generates extensive keyword lists with detailed difficulty metrics, search intent classification, and SERP feature opportunities. The platform’s Keyword Gap analysis has been particularly valuable for identifying competitor advantages—we discovered that our main competitors were ranking for over 200 finance-related long-tail keywords that we had never considered targeting.
SEO analysis tools for competitive keyword research
KWHero represents the new generation of AI-powered keyword research platforms. Its automatic keyword clustering feature groups related terms based on SERP similarity, enabling content creators to target multiple related keywords within single pieces of content. This approach has revolutionized how we plan our editorial calendar, allowing us to maximize the SEO value of each published article.
Mangools KWFinder specializes in identifying low-competition opportunities that larger businesses often overlook. For small businesses and startups with limited domain authority, this focus on achievable targets can mean the difference between ranking success and wasted effort. The tool’s SERP analysis shows exactly who is currently ranking and their relative domain strength, providing realistic expectations for ranking probability.
Free SEO tools for website optimization
Google’s suite of free tools remains indispensable for any SEO strategy. Google Search Console provides direct insights from Google itself, including actual search queries driving traffic, indexing status, and Core Web Vitals performance. The Performance report reveals which keywords are already generating impressions for your site, often uncovering optimization opportunities for terms you never actively targeted.
AnswerThePublic excels at uncovering question-based search queries that align with voice search trends and featured snippet opportunities. By analyzing the questions people ask about bookkeeping and financial services, we’ve identified dozens of content topics that consistently generate engagement and social shares.
On-Page SEO Tools and Content Optimization Platforms
Content optimization has evolved from simple keyword density calculations to sophisticated semantic analysis and user experience optimization. Modern on-page SEO tools leverage artificial intelligence to provide real-time content scoring and optimization recommendations.
Surfer SEO leads the content optimization category with its data-driven approach to SERP analysis. The platform analyzes top-ranking pages for target keywords and provides specific recommendations for word count, heading structure, and semantic keyword inclusion. Dapper Marketing, a small agency, used Surfer SEO to achieve remarkable results for one client. They delivered 100% growth in organic website traffic, generated 150 new leads, and closed 3 new sales worth thousands of dollars each—all within just 2 months of implementing the tool.
SEO tools for small businesses and content teams
Clearscope focuses specifically on content quality over keyword stuffing, making it ideal for businesses prioritizing long-term authority building. Its real-time content grading helps writers understand how their content compares to top-ranking competitors without encouraging over-optimization. The platform’s integration with Google Docs streamlines editorial workflows, allowing our content team to optimize articles during the writing process rather than as an afterthought.
For WordPress users, Yoast SEO remains the foundational on-page optimization tool. Its real-time content analysis, XML sitemap generation, and structured data implementation provide essential SEO functionality directly within the content management system. The plugin’s readability analysis has significantly improved our content engagement metrics by encouraging shorter paragraphs and clearer heading structures.
Technical SEO and Site Audit Tools for Website Health
Technical SEO forms the invisible foundation that determines whether even the best content can achieve its ranking potential. Site audit tools identify crawling issues, page speed problems, and structural concerns that prevent search engines from properly indexing and ranking website content.
Screaming Frog SEO Spider dominates the technical audit space with its comprehensive crawling capabilities. Unlike cloud-based alternatives, this desktop application provides unlimited crawling for websites, making it ideal for large sites with thousands of pages. The tool identifies broken links, duplicate content, missing meta tags, and crawl depth issues that can significantly impact search performance.
Comprehensive SEO toolkits for technical analysis
Ahrefs Site Audit combines technical analysis with the platform’s extensive SEO database, providing context for technical issues within broader competitive landscapes. Its Health Score system prioritizes fixes based on potential impact, helping SEO teams focus on changes that will drive the most significant improvements. During Complete Controller’s technical overhaul, Ahrefs identified over 300 crawl errors that were preventing Google from properly indexing our service pages.
Google’s PageSpeed Insights and Core Web Vitals reporting have become essential components of technical SEO audits. These free tools provide direct insights into user experience metrics that Google explicitly uses for ranking decisions. The recent emphasis on page experience signals means that technical performance now directly impacts search visibility in ways that were previously indirect.
Backlink Analysis Tools and Link Building Platforms
Link building remains one of the most powerful ranking factors in Google’s algorithm, making backlink analysis tools essential for understanding competitive landscapes and identifying link acquisition opportunities.
Ahrefs maintains the largest and most accurate backlink database available, with over 30 trillion links and continuous crawling that captures new links faster than competitors. Its Site Explorer feature provides comprehensive backlink profiles for any domain, including anchor text analysis, referring domain quality assessment, and historical link growth patterns. When Complete Controller launched our link building campaign, Ahrefs revealed that our industry competitors were securing links from accounting software directories and finance blogs that we had never considered targeting.
SEO tools for small businesses and link building
The platform’s Link Intersect tool identifies websites linking to multiple competitors but not to your site, creating prioritized prospect lists for outreach campaigns. This feature alone has generated over 80 qualified link prospects for our business, resulting in 34 secured backlinks from relevant industry publications and resource pages.
Moz Pro’s Link Explorer provides beginner-friendly link analysis with clear explanations of metrics and their implications. The platform’s spam score feature helps identify potentially harmful links that could negatively impact search rankings, which is crucial for businesses inheriting websites with questionable link histories.
Final Thoughts
Companies using SEO tools see an average return of $8.25 for every $1 spent on SEO over three years, which equals an 825% return on investment. This massive return shows why smart businesses prioritize SEO tool investments over other marketing channels. After two decades of building Complete Controller’s online presence, I can confidently say that the right SEO tools transform marketing from guesswork to strategic growth.
Start with free tools like Google Search Console and Ubersuggest to understand your baseline, then invest in comprehensive platforms like Semrush or Ahrefs as your needs grow. Focus on tools that match your technical expertise and business goals rather than chasing every new feature. Most importantly, commit to consistent implementation—even the best SEO tools only work when you actively use their insights to improve your website.
Ready to take your business’s online visibility to the next level? Contact the experts at Complete Controller for more insights on leveraging technology and strategic thinking to grow your business. Our team has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs build sustainable online presence while focusing on what they do best—running their companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About SEO Tools
What’s the difference between free and paid SEO tools?
Free SEO tools like Google Search Console provide essential data directly from search engines, but limit features and data volume. Paid tools offer comprehensive competitor analysis, unlimited keyword research, advanced filtering options, and historical data tracking. Free tools work well for basic optimization, while paid platforms become necessary for competitive industries or scaling content operations.
Can I rely solely on one SEO tool for all my needs?
While comprehensive platforms like Semrush and Ahrefs cover most SEO needs, specialized tools often excel in specific areas. Many successful businesses use a primary platform supplemented by specialized tools—for example, Semrush for overall strategy plus Surfer SEO for content optimization. Your ideal combination depends on budget, team size, and specific optimization goals.
How much should a small business budget for SEO tools?
Small businesses typically spend $100-500 monthly on SEO tools, starting with free options and scaling up. Begin with Google Search Console (free), add a keyword research tool like KWFinder ($30-50/month), then invest in comprehensive platforms like SE Ranking ($40-90/month) as you grow. Budget based on potential ROI—if organic traffic could bring significant revenue, tool investment pays for itself quickly.
Which SEO tool is best for complete beginners?
Moz Pro offers the most beginner-friendly interface with excellent educational resources and clear metric explanations. Start with their free tools to learn basics, then upgrade to paid plans for full features. Alternatively, Ubersuggest provides a gentle introduction to keyword research and competitor analysis without overwhelming new users with complex data.
How often should I use SEO tools to monitor my website?
Check Google Search Console weekly for indexing issues and traffic changes. Run technical audits monthly to catch problems early. Monitor keyword rankings weekly if you’re actively optimizing, or monthly for maintenance. Perform a comprehensive competitor analysis quarterly to identify new opportunities and adjust strategies based on market changes.
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
Jennifer BrazerFounder/CEO
Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.
Brittany McMillen is a seasoned Marketing Manager with a sharp eye for strategy and storytelling. With a background in digital marketing, brand development, and customer engagement, she brings a results-driven mindset to every project. Brittany specializes in crafting compelling content and optimizing user experiences that convert. When she’s not reviewing content, she’s exploring the latest marketing trends or championing small business success.
Investments are usually made with the help of financial advisors. What knowledge do financial advisors have besides a degree, you ask? Well, they know money like no other. They do not play with money; they juggle it. You say you do not want human error. Fortunately, we have automated investing! Let us talk about a few things to keep an eye out for when working with automated investing.
What is Automated Investment?
With automated investing, you use digital platforms to construct pre-programmed investing and trading decisions. They help with financial investments and retirement plans. Isn’t that complicated? Not really, because you use algorithms and variables to walk you through the process. These algorithms essentially work based on how old you are, your life goals, and, most importantly, your income.
These computerized algorithms need these key answers to justify the way investment works and develop a financial plan that would keep all these factors in line.
What is Robo’s Advisor?
A Robo-Advisor collects information from clients regarding their financial stability and how they want to shape their lives. After collecting all the required information, Robo-advisor assembles a plan for you. Why a Robo-advisor might or might not be a good choice for you depends on whether you agree with how it works. A Robo-advisor uses negligible human interaction, almost none.
After it has collected information on your financial stability and what you want to do with your money, it marries that with the factors mentioned above, such as age, which would play a key role in how you should be handling your money, and your income, which would play yet another significant role in defining the percentages you contribute to what every month.
Beware
Financial Advisors involve human interaction. Believe it or not, it does tend to make a difference. Constant interaction with your financial advisor can form a bond between you, contributing to the kind of advice you receive.
Your advisor can list intangibles affecting your finances and define them to be more tailored to your requirements. A computer, at the end of the day, is a computer. A financial advisor will also include many years of experience in your plan.
A computerized system can only go so far. It can use customized programming; however, there is no flexibility. They are not personalized on an individual basis. Two people with a similar income and age group might get a similar financial plan; however, there might be a factor that automated investing would be missing out on.
But is it Worth it?
Robo-advisors extend the market for more options. Now, with tailored made plans, what does happen is that human error does not occur. It gives information to the letter and presents a clear-cut image in front of the client. You will be aware of where your money is going, and if you trust the authenticity of a computerized system, you are good to go.
The market grows with financial advisors and Robo-advisors. Technology has taken another turn, and with more advancements, the algorithm is bound to develop more strategically.
WealthFront offers automated investing. They will build a portfolio for you, one that is customized to what you like and, more importantly, what you need. They handle the trade for you and keep you in the loop. They have tested their strategies and have an efficient system working out for them.
Conclusion
Automated investing is a brilliant idea, provided you also have financial knowledge. Money is one of our most essential assets; it leads our world, how we choose to live our lives, and, most importantly, how we plan our lives. Financial planning will lay your life out for you, so you must choose the right plan. You must be thorough in your research, which firm you use, and if you want to do it.
You can go to a financial advisor or participate in automated investing. Layout your pros and cons. Can you trust a machine to understand what you want, or do you trust a human being to use his knowledge, intelligence, and experience to plan for you? It is about who you trust with your money, a machine, or a human being.
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
There are many ways to earn online, and running an online business will make you a livable wage, provided you work hard and invest your time in it. Here are eight online businesses you can start today.
Paid Surveys
One of the quick ways to earn fast and easy money online is through paid surveys. Many companies do market studies. Manufacturers pay consumers to get their opinions about their products.
Paid surveys carry this out on the Internet, which is why they are willing to pay for the surveys and that this information is valuable. Although there are indeed many companies that only dedicate themselves to people, there are also many companies that are legitimate and pagan to complete their paid surveys. Learn how you can earn money with surveys.
Freelance Writing
One of the most popular ways to make money online is independent writing. You do not need to invest money. There is no need to own a website, although having one would help you earn more money. The best part is that you can win fast. In most cases, they are paid the same day they finish working on the project and deliver it.
There are a few places online where you can offer your writing services. There are even some websites where you are paid to write exclusive content for them. See how to earn money online by writing.
YouTube
YouTube is one of the most popular websites that people visit when they want to watch a video of something. If you have adequate equipment to shoot a movie at home (if you do not have one, you can get a cheap movie anywhere), you can start a business or develop an existing one by filming videos and uploading them to YouTube. You can learn how to make money with YouTube and generate a reasonable income.
Photography
If you like photography and can take interesting pictures, there are many sites where you can upload your images and pay for them each time someone downloads a snapshot of your images. The good thing is that a photo can be sold many times repeatedly. You may realize that the potential to develop this business is excellent. Suppose you have about fifty exciting photographs and each time you add more. In that case, this can become a perfect entry to earn extra money or supplement with another program to make more money. Learn how to earn money selling photos online.
Reselling
There are so many used things that we do not need, and we have them packed in our garage. If you put them on sale in the free market, you will be surprised at the money you can collect for them. You can also sell new products. It would help if you bought these products wholesale, that way you can get a good discount, which will allow you to earn profits from your sales.
Advertising
There are many ways to earn money with advertising, such as AdSense advertising, which can be used by putting it on your site or blog and in your YouTube videos. Whether you post notices on your blog or YouTube, you receive a percentage of money each time someone clicks on the ads. Create a Google AdSense account and post ads on your blog.
Ads Clicking
There are many sites where you can register for free, and you will be paid to navigate and click on the ads. However, you should also proceed cautiously and ensure you are not registering in places dedicated to tricking people. Therefore, be careful and sign up for known and trusted sites. There is little that is gained by navigating. It is to earn a few extra dollars only. Here, you can register with trusted companies that pay to navigate.
Domain Purchase
Buying domains and reselling them is a lucrative business. Websites or blogs are built, then they work for a while, and then are put on sale. Domains are considered real estate on the Internet because they work the same way as when you buy a property for investment. Going to an auction is about getting the house for a low price. You decide, then wait a few months and sell for a reasonable price to recover the investment and make a profit. The purchase and sale of domains work in the same way. Learn how to earn money with the purchase and sale of domains. Some people are willing to pay large amounts for the domains they wish to acquire.
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
Take bankruptcy as a motivational matter; it isn’t a barrier to success. After getting freedom from debts, you get a great chance to re-establish your credit score. And all your financial burdens pull out. But it doesn’t mean you will never experience adverse outcomes of bankruptcy. MyFICO says your FICO scores will vary after bankruptcy, for example.
Good credit score before bankruptcy – FICO scores will decrease substantially.
Average credit score before bankruptcy – the score reduction will be less severe.
In other conditions – your scores may vary around 300 to 850 scale.
A Chapter 7 bankruptcy gives you a clean and debt-free financial status to a great extent. It also affects your credit score for seven to ten years because all bankrupt accounts stay on your credit report. You can’t get another loan because of financial instability as well. However the weight of such problems reduces over time with on-time debt return and careful use of credit.
You can re-establish your credit score by implementing various intelligent strategies. Let’s have a look at a few of them.
Offset the Bankruptcy Effect in 12 Months
The US credit system discounts penalties as it is pretty forgiving. It is an excellent chance to offset the affected credit within 12 to 18 months. It can only happen when your credit score is 550 or lower after bankruptcy.
You can’t get a good credit score until the bankruptcy is removed from your credit report. But at least this strategy can improve your credit score.
Show Bankrupt Accounts with Zero Balance
Keep all bankrupt accounts with zero balance for a good credit score. Show this balance of accounts, including Chapter 7 bankruptcy, on your credit report.
If these accounts still have credit, the score will remain lower than its original amount. Regularly update your bankruptcy accounts and credit reports. It will not let any error exist regarding credit display. Also, an error-free credit report will increase your credit score.
Send your credit report to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau without paying a single penny. You can discuss any incorrect information on your credit report with them. They also adjust your error-free scores when you update your credit report.
Get Leverage from Reaffirmed Debts
You have an opportunity if you are still a debtor, even after bankruptcy. You use it to re-establish a good credit score. Use your current credit card rather than purchasing a new one. Pay all your bills on time. It will recover your payment history, the most vital credit scoring factor. So, it would be best to thank those debts or due dates.
The careful use of credit will help you in achieving good credit scores. The evidence of high-level responsibility will boost this achievement. However, chapter 7 bankruptcy will stay on your credit report for 7-10 years.
Keep a Secured Credit Card
If you don’t have an active loan or credit card, no problem. You can get good credit scores by applying for or having a secured credit card. You can keep the one whether you have a bankruptcy notation or extremely low credit scores.
You must deposit cash for a secured credit card safety that you will purchase. The amount of deposit cash is typically like the credit line. For example, if you deposit $500, your credit card limit will be the exact cost.
Mostly, creditors return the deposited money. It happens when you pay all credit bills on time. Then, your credit card will turn into an unsecured card. While a few creditors offer rewards so you can make the same money you will charge.
Fill Your Credit Profile with Alternative Data
Add alternative data to your credit reports, such as utility and mobile phone bills. It will increase your credit score. Also, fill your Experian credit report with this data by freeing the Experian Boost program of the credit bureau. There will be no terms and conditions for approval. Only you will need to pay all bills on time. According to Experian Reports, this program increases your bad credit range to 64%, a fair credit score.
Final Words
You don’t need to worry about bad credit scores after bankruptcy. For tremendous credit scoring strides, you need to focus on the following:
On-time debt and bill payments
Careful use of credit
The level of time and efforts
Don’t call bankruptcy a barrier to success; it is a motivational push to increase your credit score.
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
Launch Your Dream: Essential Steps for Starting a Business
How to start a business begins with validating your idea through market research, creating a business plan, choosing your legal structure, registering with authorities, securing funding, and launching operations—each step building the foundation for sustainable success.
Over my 20 years as CEO of Complete Controller, I’ve guided hundreds of entrepreneurs through their startup journeys, witnessing both spectacular successes and heartbreaking failures. The difference rarely comes down to the quality of the initial idea. Instead, success hinges on systematic preparation and execution. With nearly 1 in 4 businesses failing within their first year according to recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, understanding the complete startup process has never been more critical. This guide breaks down the exact steps that transform business dreams into profitable realities, drawing from real-world experience across every industry imaginable.
How do you start a business successfully?
Market research validation, business planning, legal structure selection, registration, funding acquisition, and operational launch form the core startup process
Market research proves demand exists and identifies your ideal customers before spending money
Business planning creates your execution roadmap and demonstrates credibility to stakeholders
Registration and licensing requirements vary by location and industry but must be completed correctly
Funding options range from bootstrapping to venture capital, each with distinct trade-offs
Understanding Market Validation Before You Invest
Market validation separates wishful thinking from viable business opportunities. Companies that frequently conduct market research report 76% revenue increases versus 65% for those who skip this step, according to Hanover Research data. This 11-percentage-point difference represents millions in potential revenue over time.
The validation process examines four critical dimensions. First, feasibility determines whether you can actually deliver the product or service sustainably. Second, viability analyzes if sufficient profit margins exist after all costs. Third, desirability confirms customers want and will pay for your solution. Fourth, ethical considerations verify positive societal impact.
Smart entrepreneurs test assumptions through customer interviews, competitive analysis, and prototype feedback before committing resources. This approach prevents the costly mistake of building something nobody wants.
Crafting Your Business Plan for Maximum Impact
Business plans serve as both execution roadmaps and credibility builders. Companies with formal plans grow 30% faster than those without clear goals, while being 133% more likely to secure investment capital according to Upmetrics research.
The executive summary opens your plan, synthesizing key points to capture the reader’s attention immediately. The company description follows, explaining your mission, vision, and unique value proposition. The market analysis demonstrates a deep understanding of industry dynamics, target customers, and competitive positioning.
The operational sections include organization structure, product descriptions, and marketing strategies. Financial projections, which include realistic revenue forecasts, expense budgets, and break-even analysis covering at least three years, cap the package.
Essential financial planning components
Conservative financial projections prevent cash flow disasters that kill otherwise promising businesses. They include detailed startup cost calculations, monthly operating expenses, revenue ramp timelines, and contingency reserves equal to 6-12 months of expenses.
Many entrepreneurs underestimate costs by 50% or more, creating immediate crisis situations. Professional bookkeeping systems from day one provide the visibility needed for course corrections before problems become fatal.
Choosing Your Legal Structure Wisely
Business structure decisions create permanent implications for taxes, liability protection, and growth flexibility. The four primary options each serve different entrepreneur needs and risk profiles.
Sole proprietorships offer maximum simplicity but zero liability protection—personal assets remain exposed to business debts and lawsuits. Partnerships split ownership between multiple people, requiring detailed agreements defining roles, profits, and decision rights.
Limited liability companies (LLCs) balance protection with flexibility, shielding personal assets while allowing operational freedom and pass-through taxation. Corporations provide the strongest protection plus easier investor access, but require more formalities and potential double taxation.
Registration and compliance requirements
Federal requirements start with obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS—your business equivalent of a social security number. State registration involves filing formation documents and paying required fees, typically $50-500 depending on structure and location.
Business licenses vary dramatically by industry and municipality. A home-based consultant might need only a basic business license, while restaurants require health permits, liquor licenses, signage permits, and more. Research requirements thoroughly to avoid expensive compliance violations.
Securing Startup Funding Without Losing Control
A record-breaking 5.5 million new business applications filed in 2023 represent a 56.7% increase from pre-pandemic levels, intensifying competition for funding sources. Understanding options helps match capital sources to business needs.
Bootstrap funding through personal savings and revenue maintains complete control but limits growth speed. Ben & Jerry’s famously started with just $12,000, proving modest beginnings can yield massive success through clear differentiation and systematic growth.
Angel investors provide $25,000-$1 million, typically, offering industry expertise alongside capital. Venture capital targets high-growth opportunities, investing millions but demanding significant equity stakes and board seats.
Alternative funding strategies
Crowdfunding platforms validate demand while raising capital, though success requires compelling storytelling and sustained marketing effort. Small business loans provide non-dilutive funding but require personal guarantees and fixed payments regardless of performance.
Government grants offer free money for qualifying businesses, particularly in technology, sustainability, and underserved communities. Revenue-based financing ties payments to actual sales, reducing pressure during slow periods.
Launching Operations With Professional Systems
Operational excellence separates sustainable businesses from those constantly fighting fires. Opening dedicated business bank accounts immediately protects personal assets and simplifies tax compliance—mixing finances ranks among the most dangerous startup mistakes.
Technology infrastructure determines scalability potential. Cloud-based accounting software, customer relationship management systems, and project management tools provide the foundation for growth. Starting simple and upgrading as needed prevents over-investment while maintaining flexibility.
Physical or virtual location decisions impact everything from customer accessibility to tax obligations. Even online businesses must consider state nexus rules affecting sales tax collection and business registration requirements.
Building Awareness Through Strategic Marketing
Limited budgets force startups to maximize every marketing dollar through targeted, measurable campaigns. Content marketing and search optimization generate long-term results by attracting customers actively searching for solutions.
Social media marketing enables direct customer engagement at minimal cost when focused on platforms where target audiences actively participate. Quality content providing genuine value outperforms promotional messages every time.
Email marketing delivers $42 return per dollar spent on average
Referral programs can reduce customer acquisition costs by 50-75%
Local SEO drives foot traffic for location-based businesses
Measuring marketing effectiveness
Track customer acquisition costs, lifetime values, and channel performance from day one. This data reveals which strategies deserve increased investment versus elimination, preventing wasted spending on ineffective tactics.
A/B testing different messages, offers, and channels systematically improves results over time. Small improvements compound into dramatic performance gains when consistently applied.
Common Pitfalls That Destroy New Businesses
Learning from others’ failures costs far less than making the same mistakes yourself. Inadequate market research tops the list—no amount of marketing fixes products nobody wants.
Insufficient funding reserves create immediate pressure, forcing poor decisions and preventing strategic investments. Most businesses require 18-24 months to reach profitability, making an adequate runway essential.
Hiring too quickly dilutes culture and burns capital
Ignoring customer feedback delays critical pivots
Mixing personal and business finances complicates taxes
Avoiding professional help creates expensive mistakes
Scaling prematurely increases costs faster than revenue
The entrepreneurs who succeed treat business building as a systematic process requiring patience, preparation, and professional guidance. After helping countless startups navigate these challenges, I’ve seen how proper support transforms overwhelming complexity into manageable steps. Ready to build your business the right way? Visit Complete Controller to discover how our comprehensive services guide entrepreneurs from idea to sustainable success.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Start a Business
What permits and licenses do I need to start a business?
Requirements vary by location and industry, but typically include a general business license from your city, state registration for your business structure, an EIN from the IRS, and industry-specific permits like health department approvals for food businesses or professional licenses for regulated fields.
How long does the business registration process take?
Basic registration can be completed in 2-8 weeks, depending on your state and business structure. However, some industry-specific licenses and permits may take several months, so research requirements early in your planning process.
Should I quit my job before starting a business?
Most successful entrepreneurs recommend keeping your primary income source while validating your business idea and building initial revenue. This provides financial stability and reduces pressure to make desperate decisions during the critical early stages.
What insurance does a new business need?
General liability insurance protects against customer injuries and property damage claims. Professional liability covers service-related errors. Property insurance protects equipment and inventory. Many businesses also need workers’ compensation, commercial auto, and cyber liability coverage depending on their operations.
When should I hire my first employee?
Hire when specific tasks consistently prevent you from focusing on growth activities that only you can perform. Start with contractors to test roles before committing to full-time employees, and prioritize positions that directly generate revenue or free you to do so.
Sources
Aspen Public Radio. (2024, May 16). “Report: Small businesses are failing at higher rates in their first year.” Retrieved from https://www.aspenpublicradio.org/economics/2024-05-16/report-small-businesses-are-failing-at-higher-rates-in-their-first-year
Complete Controller. “The 5 Best Startup Ideas.” Retrieved from https://www.completecontroller.com/the-5-best-startup-ideas/
Complete Controller. “Startup Launch Essential Steps.” Retrieved from https://www.completecontroller.com/startup-launch-essential-steps/
Complete Controller. “Startup Marketing Success.” Retrieved from https://www.completecontroller.com/startup-marketing-success/
Hanover Research. (2018). “Market Research Impact Report.” Retrieved from https://www.hanoverresearch.com/news/corporate/press-release-2018-market-research-impact-report/
Internal Revenue Service. “Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN).” Retrieved from https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-ein
MyBusinessGuys. (2025, March 5). “Business Plan Success: Real Stories to Inspire You.” Retrieved from https://mybusinessguys.com/business-plan-success-real-stories-to-inspire-you/
Oregon Secretary of State. (2025). “Oregon Start a Business Guide.” Retrieved from Business.Oregon.gov
Shopify. (2025, August 13). “72 Small Business Ideas for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in 2025.” Retrieved from Shopify Blog
Small Business Administration. (2025, May 3). “10 Steps to Start Your Business.” Retrieved from https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs
U.S. Chamber of Commerce. (2024, February 2). “New business applications are booming. Track them by state.” Retrieved from https://www.uschamber.com/small-business/new-business-applications-a-state-by-state-view
U.S. Chamber of Commerce. (2025, May 22). “Ready, Set, Startup Checklist: Steps to Starting a New Business.” Retrieved from USChamber.com
Upmetrics. (2025, June 9). “50+ Business Plan Statistics You Should Know in (2025).” Retrieved from https://upmetrics.co/blog/business-plan-statistics
Wikipedia. “Business Plan.” Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_plan
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
Jennifer BrazerFounder/CEO
Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.
Brittany McMillen is a seasoned Marketing Manager with a sharp eye for strategy and storytelling. With a background in digital marketing, brand development, and customer engagement, she brings a results-driven mindset to every project. Brittany specializes in crafting compelling content and optimizing user experiences that convert. When she’s not reviewing content, she’s exploring the latest marketing trends or championing small business success.
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
