Nowadays, people seek time-saving and easy-to-use accounting software with integration APIs, time and expense, and workflow capability. QuickBooks is one of the market’s most famous, easy-to-use, and entry-level accounting software. It is the most popular small business accounting software option today, with more than 3 million subscribers. It can handle a good chunk of your daily accounting tasks but has some limitations, which can pose problems for you.
If you want to find software other than QuickBooks, no matter the reason, we have got you covered in this article. This article has made a list of software that rivals QuickBooks in terms of features, interface, and value for money. We have provided all the reasons why you should choose each software, including QuickBooks. In this way, you will have all the information required for comparing the software. Hopefully, after reading this article, you will find the best software for your business.
In today’s digital age, accounting processes are getting increasingly more complex each day. Moreover, the customers’ expectations are also getting higher from their accountants.
Top alternatives to QuickBooks as accounting software and their key benefits:
FreshBooks
It is one of the best and award-winning software in the accounting sector. According to the experts, FreshBooks can turn complex financial management into a smooth and straightforward experience. They also offer a free trial, so if you want to check the features yourself, you can try them out. You can use this time to check if this software matches your business needs.
This software allows the business owner to manage invoices and track and collect payments from a single platform. It works and collects payments smoothly from payment gateways like PayPal, Google Checkout, major credit cards, and many business applications. It gives you complete financial control without maintaining a complex manual system.
It also makes paying bills easier as it becomes easier to track invoices and pay any due amount. Moreover, you can set automated overdue payment notices to remind the clients of their scheduled payments. It is best for freelancers and sole proprietors as they can set it up quickly.
Wave Accounting
If you are on a tight budget but still want to use software, Wave Accounting is the best choice. It is free cloud-based accounting software. It is best suited for freelancers, sole proprietors, and small businesses that need all the accounting software features like double-entry accounting, purchases, banking, and decent reporting but don’t have the budget to pay for software. Wave is best for businesses that offer services rather than products, as it does not provide management capability and inventory tracking.
NetSuite ERP
It covers many business processes, such as vendor management and purchasing, fixed asset management, and warehouse management. It helps to streamline different business operations from a single platform. It is enterprise resource planning software that helps to grow mid-sized companies and large enterprises.
Sage 50Cloud Accounting
It is a hybrid application that offers the reliability of desktop applications with remote access options. It is best suited for small businesses and the more tech-savvy.
This software has many good features, including good customer management, sales tracking, a sound inventory management module, and purchase orders.
It offers two payroll options: Essential payroll for up to 15 employees and Full-Service payroll, which suits large businesses.
One of the best benefits it offers for small businesses is its scalability. It has three plans available. Sage 50cloud Pro accounting is a single system user that runs $340 per year. Sage 50cloud Premium accounting supports up to five users and ten companies and costs $510 per year. Sage 50cloud Quantum accounting supports up to 40 system users and costs $842 per year. It also includes vendor payment and bank feeds. They also offer customized reports in a variety of categories.
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 various methods to delete or remove your unapplied cash payments, income, and expenses in QuickBooks. You must go to the sales menu, and then you must select the customers. After that, you must choose the name of the customer you want to remove. It is present in the transaction on the list tab. Then, you can go to the transaction list tab and click the payment. Also, you must go further to the bottom, and there is a delete option. Two options are yes and no, and obviously, you must delete that cash payment by pressing yes to confirm it. Cash associated with unapplied amount is that income from the customers, or you can say that the customers paid that. So it is that payment received from the customer, which is still not applied to any of the sales but is recorded in the account. You can also say that it is the situation in which you took the money from the customer, but still, it declares the sales form.
Apply for Bill Payment
Sometimes, an incorrect amount is added to your account, and now you must remove that payment before it mentions your taxation or any other matter. So, there are several methods you can remove it. It is equal to cash payment income, known as the expense side on the other side. So, first, you must take note of the vendor and mention the amount entered in your bill payment. There is an option called to create an icon, and then the second option is to pay bills. These two options are present there; if you see that your accounts match the total payments that are present in the list, then there is an option known as checkboxes, and you must check that after that procedure is done. You must press your choice, which is called save. Suppose there is no matching bill for your payments. In that case, there is another option for you. That is, you can create an icon, and then another option calls for bills to fill out the form. There are certain vendors, amounts, and dates that have them. So, fill them in the state as the bill payment.
Invoice Report
You can see an unapplied cash payment income if you run a profit and loss report using the cash method. QuickBooks itself creates unapplied cash payment income for text reporting correctly. And sometimes, unapplied cash payment income appears on your report. There are several reasons for that. For example, if a customer paired you several times, you could say that a customer prepared you and recorded the payment without filling out the sales form. Then, it may appear as unapplied cash payment income on your profit and loss. Also, it may occur if you enter a customer’s payment without matching it with the sales form. There are a lot of methods through which you can solve this unapplied cash payment income problem on your profit and loss report. Running the open invoices report is perfect for resolving unapplied cash payment income on your profit and loss report.
Several steps are involved in running the open invoices report. First, you must go to the words, and there is a field known as an acceptable report by name, where you must enter open invoices. Then, you must set up the account. There is a box that is mentioned or named as the run report. You must select the run report option, and there is a column called the transaction type column. You must locate a transaction that mentions a payment there. If a transaction or payment matches an open invoice, open a satisfactory report by name field and enter open invoices. Still, you can set up the account if you do not see an available matching invoice. After that, you can select the run report option.
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.
Technological information practices are evolving in the public sector and making their operations more efficient. With new systems and skills embedded in these modernized systems, the public sector organizations’ operations have become more outcome-oriented and performance-driven.
Based on extensive innovative models for IT infrastructure management, government sectors are now implementing more technology advancements in their ranks.
In hindsight, ITaaS, or IT as a service, is a commodity-based method of delivering IT services to consumers and aligning these services with cloud computing. In other words, cloud platforms provide public sector organizations with the benefits of the on-demand pay-as-you-go model, which follows service-level agreements.
Putting things into perspective, implementing cloud platforms feels like buying service level agreements (SLAs), not a person. Considering that SLAs are essential for the model, let’s look at them in detail. SLAs consist of agreements between the customers and the service providers regarding the scope, quality, and responsibilities of the providers.
SLAs also include other factors such as the definition of terms, termination of terms, etc. However, the most important metric is response time, which measures the mean time to respond and resolve. For many cloud service providers, meeting SLAs means customers can call 24/7 to learn what is happening around them.
The public sector technicians can also manage the servers and ensure that everything is up and running according to the SLA standards.
Different implementation factors are required to transform the public sector’s infrastructure to ITaaS. One significant factor is cloud adoption, which requires extensive support operations after the transition. Moreover, you can save efficiently on infrastructure costs, which is an essential benefit of ensuring a cloud-based turnover.
Nonetheless, many organizations fail to understand the importance of baked-in support costs provided by default in the existing data centers. For instance, during the initial transition stage of the data center to the cloud, the agencies witnessed that the usual servers, which cost $1,000 a month, only cost about $43, excluding the maintenance cost.
There is also the lack of understanding that early adopters faced during their transition to the cloud, which is why those organizations may have paid a bit more than usual. Not to mention, the labor cost associated with the transition was further hidden during the legendary move.
Some companies, such as Aquilent, have been on the leadership board in cloud platforms ever since 2009. These companies have witnessed the evolution of disparity between the growing savings to the cloud with additional costs, such as labor. In other words, a federal agency may have to bear around $3,000 per month for running ten servers after the transition. However, they may have to spend $15,000 every month with the additional labor costs.
It does not work well since you expect cloud platforms to save a lot of money. Nonetheless, with the ITaaS model, federal agencies can better gauge their needs and reduce costs. For instance, the Aquilent model has a fixed rate per server, which is not a significant disparity considering that you must support and host the servers themselves.
Government officials do not need to be convinced about the importance of emerging technologies such as cloud-based systems. On the other hand, they are eliminating their data centers and drastically shifting to the cloud to save money. However, they must also address their labor costs with other cloud benefits.
However, the ITaaS model has three main benefits: scalability, predictability, and pay-as-you-go pricing structure. However, transitioning your agency to an ITaaS model doesn’t happen quickly. It requires an integration of people, processes, and governance; no matter how beneficial it may be, change always brings challenges.
In response, contractors are offering agencies new options. For example, they charge monthly rates to use servers of all sizes without requiring any further commitment. Agencies are buying a high-value service, not another pair of hands.
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.
All public, limited, and private businesses need to keep track of their accounting records. Maintaining company accounts helps businesses manage and monitor every aspect of their finances, from revenue to costs to taxes and more. Without proper fund management, it is difficult for an organization to know where it stands in real-time.
International accounting standards constantly change to simplify them, so organizations and businesses update themselves by implementing modern accounting techniques to ease the process flow of better financial management.
Cash-Based Accounting
Organizations follow a cash-based accounting system; this simplifies the process of preparing financial statements. Following this system, organizations only record their revenues when they are physically received and expenses when incurred. Rather than following an accrual-based accounting system that records income and expenses even if it is not received or incurred, the cash-based accounting system is considered the practice that provides accurate information on the company finances.
Standard Costing
Organizations prepare their financial budgets based on expected costs and then analyze the difference between expected and actual costs. With the latest accounting software and tools, business owners can quickly examine the variances between actual and anticipated costs in real-time. This information helps in better managing company finances. In the past, these techniques required trained accountants for manual calculations. Many accounting software packages include some of these functionalities for efficiency and accuracy.
Balanced Scorecards
Another modern accounting technique is the balanced scorecard, a performance management tool that combines financial and non-financial measures to give a holistic perception of the organization and individual’s performance. Despite some limitations, a balanced scorecard is still one of the latest accounting techniques used in many organizations. Business owners can measure the company’s financial performance, which helps in better decision-making.
Real-Time Inventory
With the change in technology and the advent of RIFDs, many company’s inventory management systems changed drastically, moving from manual counting of the stock with the chances of human error to the automation of inventory management. Accounting occurs with minimal mistakes. Based on the organization’s policies, business owners use periodic or perpetual inventory systems to increase profits. The invention of new technology has changed the inventory management process: periodic inventory systems record inventory purchases and payments at the month-end. In contrast, Perpetual Inventory systems account for and record every transaction in real-time. RFID technology has made this process much more manageable. Attaching RFID tags to the inventory allows business owners to track their inventory and its costs in real-time and with more accuracy. Just scan the merchandise at the time of sale, and the inventory management happens automatically. Using real-time inventory management with RFID technology reduces the chances of human error. Financial managers and business owners can now monitor their finances with accuracy.
Process Management
There have been profound changes in process management over the years. Previously, business owners’ focus was only that the process was working correctly, without any errors. For finished products, businesses in the manufacturing industry check every 100th finished product to track the quality. With modern technology and equipment, finished goods are passed through quality-checking machines and equipment to ensure that every product passes the quality control process. This quality control system improves the overall quality of products and limits the chances of product returns. Thus ensuring proper accounting management to improve financial management decisions.
Total Quality Management
With the traditional practices, there were no or lesser checks on the product quality. The improved systems and invention of the technology have eased the process flow with more significant quality checks. With increasing customer awareness about products and growing competition, businesses now focus on quality. A company without quality management practices will increase the number of product returns, meaning the company will suffer financial losses as these costs add up. By adding the total quality management system, companies focus on detecting and reducing or eliminating errors in the manufacturing process, streamlining the supply chain and logistics, enhancing the customer experience, and ensuring adequate employee training. This process improves inventory management and helps manage the company finances to invest in new opportunities.
The innovation brought in by improving accounting techniques and practices has immensely influenced organizational applications and procedures. The newly updated accounting standards have eased the accounting applications in organizations, ensuring accurate and appropriate delivery of relevant information within the same financial year. Modern accounting techniques cover the critical deficiencies in old accounting practices; this helps management accurately use company finances to make better financial decisions.
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.
In today’s business landscape, having a well-designed website is crucial for the success of most organizations, including restaurants. A notable trend in the restaurant industry that has been gaining momentum is the adoption of restaurant online ordering systems. This innovative approach not only helps to increase sales but also streamlines the overall operations of restaurants, making them more efficient. When customers visit a restaurant’s website, they expect to find comprehensive information about the establishment, including its menu offerings. In the past, a restaurant website only needed to provide basic details such as the menu and location. However, in today’s digital age, consumers have higher expectations and anticipate a more immersive online experience when interacting with restaurant websites.
As a restaurant owner, your list of essential tasks is longer than you would like.
They all have something in common: the importance of promoting and achieving the highest profitability for your restaurant in all possible channels. You may notice that most direct competition from your restaurant has a website, which should make you wonder:
Should I invest in the web of my restaurant?
What benefits will I stop having if I do not?
We will analyze everything you need to know about managing your restaurant’s website and how it will help you increase your sales.
Why does your restaurant urgently need a web page?
Nothing better than to tell you about the main reasons for you to be the one who realizes its usefulness:
Attract New Customers
If any of your potential customers enter Google right now and look for: Restaurants in Madrid (or in the city where you are), but your business does not have a website, you will never find it.
Not having it will not only cause you to lose hundreds of clients because it will be impossible to find you, but it will also prevent those people who happen to consider visiting you from having where to look for information about you.
Not having a website for your restaurant will limit your customers to people who pass through your door and those who can see you on social networks. But if they are not using the right strategies, they will not help discover you.
Getting your business to grow depends more on what you think of something as simple as a click.
Contains Vital Restaurant Information
Your customers or potential customers want to know everything about you, and if they do not get it or take too long to find that information, do not doubt that they have hundreds of options.
Nowadays, it is so easy to find the information you are looking for on a website that if your restaurant does not have it, few will decide to risk visiting you without it.
It is an Investment that Helps You Grow in the Short and Long Term
Do not forget that a website is a marketing tool, and investing in it will yield good results in the long term.
Furthermore, this investment does not have to be high since you can manage it yourself and save a lot of money on your budget.
If you do not want to hire another company to manage your website (especially at the beginning), opt for training because the little time you have should not be an excuse or a limit to your business’s success.
It Helps You Stand Out from Your Competition
If your competition does not have a web page, investing in yours will allow you to redirect all the traffic of customers looking for a place to eat that they are losing.
And until they realize their big mistake, you have seized the opportunity to take advantage, increasing your sales and creating an extensive list of customers who know you and are loyal to you.
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.
Unlock Efficiency with the Best Business Process Modeling Techniques
The best business process modeling techniques help organizations visualize their workflows through standardized visual methods like BPMN, flowcharts, SIPOC diagrams, and Value Stream Mapping to eliminate bottlenecks, reduce costs, and boost operational efficiency. According to recent market analysis, the global business process management market will explode from $21.25 billion in 2025 to $170.93 billion by 2032—a staggering 18.6% annual growth rate that proves organizations worldwide are investing heavily in process modeling solutions.
Over my 20+ years leading Complete Controller, I’ve witnessed firsthand how process chaos derails even the most promising businesses. Teams duplicate work without realizing it. Critical bottlenecks hide in plain sight. Compliance risks lurk in unstructured spreadsheets and email chains. The transformation happens when organizations finally map their processes visually. One of our manufacturing clients implemented BPMN modeling and slashed their order-to-delivery cycle by 18 months. Another service firm used SIPOC diagrams to spot three non-value-adding steps—saving $140,000 annually. This guide shows you exactly which modeling techniques deliver results, how to evaluate them for your specific needs, and the proven implementation steps that turn process chaos into operational excellence.
What is the best business process modeling technique for your organization?
The best business process modeling technique depends on your goals: BPMN for automation, Value Stream Mapping for lean efficiency, SIPOC for alignment, flowcharts for communication
BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) ranks as the gold standard for organizations planning automation or needing detailed, executable workflows
Value Stream Mapping excels at exposing waste and inefficiencies, making it ideal for lean transformations and cost reduction initiatives
SIPOC diagrams create stakeholder alignment and prevent scope creep before investing resources in detailed modeling efforts
Flowcharts offer intuitive visual communication for team engagement but lack the standardization needed for automation
The Five Best Business Process Modeling Techniques (And How to Choose)
Business process modeling encompasses multiple standardized approaches, each designed for different complexity levels and business objectives. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each technique is critical to selecting the one that aligns with your organizational goals.
BPMN (business process model and notation) — The gold standard for automation-ready processes
BPMN stands as the most widely adopted and standardized technique, developed by the Object Management Group (OMG) specifically for capturing business workflows. Unlike techniques adapted from other domains, BPMN was purpose-built for business processes, making it superior for detailed, executable modeling.
A 2016 business process survey found that 64% of businesses are interested in adopting BPMN to simplify their business processes, with 65% of survey respondents reporting that BPMN processes and technologies have helped their organizations improve efficiency, versatility, and customer satisfaction.
Key strengths of BPMN include:
Graphical clarity with standardized shapes and flows that bridge business and technical teams
Execution-ready design that integrates directly with BPM systems and automation platforms
Versatility to support everything from simple linear processes to complex, event-driven workflows with parallel activities
Industry-standard adoption—meaning your team, vendors, and future hires will understand your models
Choose BPMN if you’re planning automation, need detailed process documentation, or require enterprise-scale workflows with parallel activities and conditional logic. According to comparative analysis, BPMN ranks #1 among BPM techniques for direct representation, automation capability, and open standards adherence.
Value stream mapping (VSM) — The lean specialist’s tool
Value Stream Mapping visualizes every step in a process—from request to delivery—to distinguish between value-adding and non-value-adding activities. VSM focuses explicitly on time, flow, and waste elimination.
Companies implementing lean principles through Value Stream Mapping report an average 20-30% reduction in operational costs within the first year alone. When lean methodologies are applied systematically through process improvement, organizations typically achieve ROI between 200-600% in the first year.
Key strengths of VSM include:
End-to-end visibility across entire value chains, revealing hidden inefficiencies
Time-focused analysis that highlights lead time, cycle time, and delays
Waste elimination focus, aligning with Lean Six Sigma methodologies
Simplicity—VSM can be created with pen and paper, making it accessible to frontline teams
Choose VSM if your priority is identifying and eliminating waste, you’re implementing Lean methodologies, or you need to communicate process inefficiencies to leadership. VSM excels at exposing non-value-adding steps that BPMN might not highlight.
SIPOC diagrams — The high-level scoping tool
SIPOC (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, Customers) provides a simple, high-level technique that defines process scope and establishes a shared understanding before diving into detailed modeling.
Key strengths of SIPOC include:
Low complexity—easy to create and understand across all skill levels
Alignment function—stakeholders agree on scope before investing in detailed analysis
Foundation for deeper analysis—works as a starting point before transitioning to BPMN or VSM
Visual simplicity that engages non-technical stakeholders
Use SIPOC as your first step when initiating any process improvement initiative. It’s particularly valuable for large transformation projects where alignment is critical before deeper modeling begins.
Flowcharts — The intuitive communicator
Traditional flowcharts use simple shapes (rectangles, diamonds, circles) to represent process steps and decision points. They remain popular for their simplicity and universality.
Key strengths of flowcharts include:
Intuitive visual language that doesn’t require specialized training
Quick creation and communication—ideal for rapid prototyping and stakeholder discussions
No learning curve—nearly everyone can read and contribute to flowcharts
Limitations of flowcharts:
Lack standardization—different teams may interpret symbols differently
Poor for automation—flowcharts don’t translate directly to executable workflows
Struggle with parallel processes and complex conditional logic
Use flowcharts for initial brainstorming, stakeholder communication, and simple sequential processes. However, transition to BPMN for execution-ready precision if automation or detailed documentation is your goal.
UML activity diagrams — The systems integration specialist
UML (Unified Modeling Language) Activity Diagrams model system interactions, logic flows, and object-oriented processes, making them valuable for technical teams designing software-driven workflows.
Key strengths of UML Activity Diagrams include:
System-level precision for capturing complex logic and data flows
Integration with software design models for end-to-end traceability
Medium complexity that bridges business and technical modeling needs
Limitations:
14 different UML diagram types create a steep learning curve
Overkill for simple business processes without significant technical components
Use UML when modeling software systems, designing complex data flows, or documenting technical requirements alongside business processes.
How Business Process Modeling Techniques Compare (Side-by-Side Evaluation)
Selecting the best business process modeling technique requires evaluating your specific needs against five critical criteria: complexity, automation readiness, ease of use, tool availability, and cost.
Comparative framework for best business process modeling
Technique
Best For
Complexity
Automation-Ready
Learning Curve
Tool Examples
BPMN
Detailed, executable workflows
High
✅ Yes
Medium
Bizagi, Camunda, HEFLO
Flowchart
Simple, intuitive diagrams
Low
❌ No
Low
Lucidchart, Draw.io
SIPOC
High-level scoping & overview
Low
❌ No
Low
Excel, Templates
UML Activity
System interactions & logic
Medium
✅ Sometimes
High
Visual Paradigm, StarUML
Value Stream Mapping
Lean analysis & waste elimination
Medium
❌ No
Medium
Miro, Excel, Manual
Decision matrix: Selecting your technique based on business goals
When automation or digital transformation is the goal, BPMN becomes essential. Its execution-ready structure connects seamlessly with BPM platforms, RPA tools, and workflow engines.
If your priority is Lean improvement and operational efficiency, Value Stream Mapping reveals waste and clarifies flow in ways other methods simply don’t.
At the start of an initiative—especially during stakeholder alignment—SIPOC establishes shared understanding and minimizes scope creep before deep modeling begins.
Need fast communication and strong team engagement? Flowcharts remove complexity and invite participation from frontline staff and non-technical contributors.
In enterprise software development environments, UML Activity Diagrams deliver the technical precision and integration needed to model complex system logic.
Real-World Case Study: How Process Modeling Transformed Operations
Tessenderlo Kerley Inc. (TKI), a chemical company with 65+ years of experience, faced process inefficiencies in its order processing workflows that threatened its ability to scale. The company was processing 35,000 orders annually, with 75% arriving in the first five months, creating massive seasonal bottlenecks.
TKI selected an enterprise-grade process automation platform to document, map, and automate their order-to-cash processes. They implemented business process modeling to visualize current workflows, identified automation opportunities, and deployed automation across their entire operation.
Measured outcomes:
70% decrease in order processing time
80% decrease in invoice processing time
4 customer service representatives repurposed to higher-value tasks
30% more orders managed with fewer staff
100% visibility to retrieve and track sent invoices
This case demonstrates the complete lifecycle of process modeling—from identifying bottlenecks to implementation to measurable ROI. TKI’s results show that process modeling doesn’t just improve efficiency; it frees human resources for more valuable work while maintaining or increasing output.
Beyond Documentation: How the Best Business Process Modeling Drives Continuous Improvement
Many organizations stop at documentation—creating process diagrams and filing them away. The best business process modeling becomes a foundation for measurement, optimization, and organizational learning.
From static diagrams to dynamic optimization
While traditional business process modeling emphasizes documentation and visualization, process simulation software takes models further by testing “what-if” scenarios. The best approach combines both: use BPMN for documentation and compliance, then leverage simulation tools to test optimization hypotheses before implementing changes.
BPMN models connect to BPM platforms that track process execution in real time, revealing:
Actual cycle times versus expected timelines
Bottleneck patterns and their root causes
Resource utilization and capacity constraints
Compliance deviations and exception handling
The best organizations treat process models as living documents:
Model the current state (As-Is)
Analyze metrics and identify improvement opportunities
Design the future state (To-Be) with your best business process modeling technique
Implement and monitor execution
Use data to drive the next iteration of improvements
This cycle transforms modeling from a one-time project into a continuous capability.
Avoiding the automation trap
Not all modeling techniques are equally ready for automation. BPMN’s strength is its executability—BPMN models can be deployed directly to workflow engines, RPA platforms, and low-code automation tools. Flowcharts and SIPOC diagrams, while valuable for communication, don’t translate directly to automation without significant rework.
Organizations that account for automation’s “hidden returns” typically realize 3-4x the ROI they initially calculated. For example, an initial labor savings calculation of $22,000 was actually $212,000+ when error reduction, rework elimination, and faster restructuring execution were included.
If automation is on your roadmap, invest in BPMN from the start. The translation cost of converting other formats to executable BPMN is often underestimated in implementation plans.
Implementing the Best Business Process Modeling: A Phased Roadmap
Choosing the right technique is step one. Implementation strategy determines success. Here’s the phased approach that works:
Phase 1 — Scoping & alignment (Weeks 1-2)
Deliverable: SIPOC diagram for your first priority process
Identify Suppliers, Inputs, Process steps, Outputs, and Customers
Document assumptions, constraints, and improvement goals
Gain stakeholder alignment on scope before investing in detailed modeling
SIPOC prevents scope creep and ensures you’re modeling the right process. Skipping this often leads to detailed models of the wrong workflow.
Phase 2 — As-Is Modeling (Weeks 3-6)
Deliverable: Detailed BPMN model of current process (if automation is planned) or flowchart/VSM (for communication)
Actions:
Interview frontline process participants and document actual workflows
Capture decision points, exceptions, parallel activities, and handoff delays
Use BPMN 2.0 notation if you’re planning automation
Identify wait times, rework loops, and manual handoffs
Understanding current reality is essential. Many processes deviate from documentation. Frontline workers’ insights reveal inefficiencies that management never sees.
Phase 3 — To-Be Design & Validation (Weeks 7-10)
Deliverable: Optimized BPMN model representing desired future state
Create To-Be BPMN model showing improved workflows
Run stakeholder validation sessions
Calculate expected improvements: cycle time reduction, cost savings, error reduction
Designing improvements collaboratively increases adoption. When frontline staff help design changes, they become advocates instead of resisters.
Conclusion
The best business process modeling technique transforms organizational chaos into operational excellence. Whether you choose BPMN for automation readiness, Value Stream Mapping for lean efficiency, or SIPOC for stakeholder alignment, the key is starting with clear objectives and following a structured implementation approach.
According to BCG analysis, only 35% of digital transformation initiatives achieve their objectives. However, organizations with strong process alignment achieve 10.3x ROI compared to 3.7x for organizations with poor integration. Clear process documentation through business process modeling directly addresses these failure points by creating alignment, transparency, and a foundation for change management.
Your next step is selecting the right technique for your specific goals and beginning the journey from process chaos to operational clarity. At Complete Controller, we’ve guided hundreds of businesses through this transformation, helping them document, optimize, and automate their financial processes. Contact our team at Complete Controller to discover how the right process modeling approach can unlock efficiency and drive growth in your organization.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Business Process Modeling
What is the difference between BPMN and traditional flowcharts for business process modeling?
BPMN uses standardized notation specifically designed for business processes, making it executable in automation platforms, while traditional flowcharts use simple shapes that are easier to understand but cannot be directly automated. BPMN supports complex workflows with parallel activities and conditional logic, whereas flowcharts work best for simple, sequential processes.
How long does it typically take to implement business process modeling in an organization?
A complete implementation typically takes 15-20 weeks for a single priority process, including scoping (2 weeks), as-is modeling (4 weeks), analysis (3 weeks), to-be design (5 weeks), and pilot implementation (5 weeks). However, simple process documentation using flowcharts or SIPOC can be completed in days.
What ROI can I expect from investing in business process modeling?
Organizations implementing process modeling report 20-30% operational cost reduction in the first year, with ROI ranging from 200-600%. When accounting for hidden returns like error reduction and faster execution, the actual ROI often reaches 3-4x initial calculations.
Which business process modeling technique should I start with if I’m new to process improvement?
Start with SIPOC diagrams to establish process scope and stakeholder alignment, then progress to either BPMN (if automation is planned) or Value Stream Mapping (if waste reduction is the priority). Flowcharts work well for initial team engagement before moving to more sophisticated techniques.
Do I need expensive software tools to begin business process modeling?
No, you can start with free tools like Draw.io for flowcharts, Excel templates for SIPOC diagrams, or even pen and paper for Value Stream Mapping. However, organizations planning automation should invest in BPMN-compatible platforms like Bizagi Modeler (free version available) or similar tools.
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.
In the vibrant tapestry of the business world, proper bookkeeping stands out as the unsung hero of financial success and stability. Often perceived as the mundane backbone of a company’s financial health, bookkeeping, in reality, is a pulsating core that ensures the smooth operation of businesses, large and small. However, with the dawn of the digital age, this critical function has been given a sparkling makeover, transforming it into an exciting and dynamic field. The advent of online bookkeeping and virtual accountants has revolutionized the way businesses manage their finances, offering a slew of benefits that are too compelling to ignore.
At its heart, proper bookkeeping provides a clear snapshot of a company’s financial health, enabling business owners to make informed decisions.
It’s the meticulous recording of financial transactions, the diligent categorization of expenses and income, and the precise reconciliation of accounts that ensure a business can accurately track its profitability, manage its cash flow, and plan for the future.Without this clarity, businesses can easily find themselves navigating through the financial fog, risking late payments, incurring unnecessary debt, or missing out on growth opportunities.
However, the traditional image of bookkeeping as a tedious and time-consuming task has been forever altered by the introduction of online bookkeeping services and virtual accountants. These modern marvels harness the power of technology to streamline financial management processes, making bookkeeping not just a necessity but an exciting avenue for business innovation and growth.
Exciting New Benefits of Online Bookkeeping
Real-time financial insights
Gone are the days of waiting for monthly reports or year-end financials. Online bookkeeping platforms offer real-time access to financial data, allowing business owners to make swift decisions based on the latest information. This immediacy can be a game-changer in today’s fast-paced business environment, where timing often spells the difference between success and failure.
Cost efficiency
Virtual accountants eliminate the need for a full-time, in-house bookkeeping staff, significantly reducing overhead costs. Moreover, the subscription-based models common to many online bookkeeping services mean that businesses only pay for what they need, ensuring efficient resource use.
Enhanced accuracy
With sophisticated algorithms and automated processes, online bookkeeping services minimize human error, ensuring that financial records are accurate and reliable. This precision is critical for complying with tax laws and regulations and maintaining the trust of investors and stakeholders.
Scalability
As businesses grow, their financial management needs become more complex. Online bookkeeping services effortlessly scale with the business, providing more robust features and capabilities as needed without the hassle of hiring additional staff or upgrading software.
Security
Top-tier online bookkeeping platforms employ advanced security measures to protect sensitive financial data. Encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits are just some of the ways that these services keep financial information safe from cyber threats.
Industry-Specific Details, Data, and Facts
The benefits of online bookkeeping and virtual accountants are not just theoretical; they are evident in the success stories of businesses across various industries. For instance, in the retail sector, a survey conducted by a leading online bookkeeping service revealed that 82% of their clients reported improved cash flow management within the first six months of using the service.
In the manufacturing industry, companies have seen a 25% reduction in financial reportingerrors thanks to the precision of automated bookkeeping systems.
Furthermore, the hospitality industry, which often grapples with seasonal fluctuations in cash flow, has particularly benefited from the real-time financial insights provided by online bookkeeping services. This has enabled businesses to adjust their strategies on the fly, optimizing profitability even in off-peak seasons.
The construction industry, known for its complex project-based accounting needs, has found a valuable ally in virtual accountants.By leveraging industry-specific online bookkeeping platforms, construction companies can now track project costs with unprecedented accuracy, ensuring that they stay on budget and maximize their margins.
In conclusion, the evolution of bookkeeping from a necessary chore to an exciting opportunity for business growth and innovation is a testament to the transformative power of technology. The advent of online bookkeeping and virtual accountants has not only simplified financial management but has also opened up new horizons for businesses eager to thrive in the digital age. With the support of real-time data, cost efficiencies, enhanced accuracy, scalability, and robust security, companies can look forward to a future where financial health is not just maintained but optimized, propelling them toward unprecedented 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.
Discover Why QuickBooks Stands Out for Your Business Needs
Why QuickBooks is best for most small and midsize businesses is because it combines accountant-grade double-entry accounting, bank-feed automation, invoicing, payroll, reporting, and third-party integrations in a single platform that can scale from sole proprietors to multi-entity organizations. It offers multiple editions—Online, Desktop, Enterprise, and Self-Employed—so you can match features and price to your current stage while keeping the same ecosystem as you grow.
As founder of Complete Controller, I’ve overseen thousands of client books inside and outside of QuickBooks over the last two decades. I’ve watched businesses slash bookkeeping time by 25 hours per week, improve cash flow visibility, and keep auditors happy with the right QuickBooks version. I’ve also seen companies struggle with the wrong tool chain, creating costly workarounds and compliance risks their teams never see coming. The difference between success and struggle often comes down to choosing the right QuickBooks edition and setting it up properly from day one.
Why does QuickBooks stand out for your business needs?
QuickBooks is best for most small and midsize businesses because it combines robust accounting, flexible editions, and deep integrations in a platform that supports growth from startup to complex multi-location operations.
Its core features—bank feeds, invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, and reporting—cover 90%+ of day-to-day small business accounting needs in one system.
Multiple product tiers (Simple Start, Essentials, Plus, Advanced, Desktop, Enterprise, Self-Employed) let you pay only for what you need while preserving an upgrade path.
A huge ecosystem of apps and ProAdvisors makes support, customization, and industry-specific workflows easier to implement and maintain.
Compared with many alternatives, QuickBooks balances usability, feature depth, and total cost of ownership, especially when paired with an outsourced bookkeeping partner.
Why QuickBooks is Best for Most Small and Midsize Businesses
QuickBooks dominates the small-business accounting market with a 62.23% market share because it delivers enterprise-grade accounting in a package non-accountants can realistically learn and use. This isn’t just popularity—it’s proof that over 7 million businesses worldwide trust QuickBooks to handle their financial backbone.
Core advantages of QuickBooks for everyday operations
Complete double-entry accounting with A/R, A/P, bank reconciliation, and financial statements in all core editions.
Bank feeds and automation that import and categorize transactions, reducing manual data entry and errors.
Invoicing and payments so you can bill clients, accept online payments, and see who owes you money in real time.
Scalable plans: Simple Start, Essentials, Plus, and Advanced build features progressively—time tracking, inventory, projects, and automation as you grow.
Why QuickBooks beats generic spreadsheets and most entry-level tools
Spreadsheets might seem cost-effective until you realize that 94% of financial spreadsheets contain errors that go unnoticed during reporting. These mistakes range from simple typos to formula errors that corrupt entire financial statements. QuickBooks enforces accounting structure and offers GAAP-aligned reporting, eliminating the spreadsheet guessing game.
Many “starter” tools handle invoicing but lack full general ledger, inventory, or job costing capabilities. QuickBooks Plus and Enterprise cover these needs within one platform, saving you from stitching together multiple apps that don’t talk to each other. When businesses try to save money with basic tools, they often end up spending $3,000 per month on unused software and 25 hours weekly on manual data entry—costs that QuickBooks automation eliminates.
Why QuickBooks is Best When You Choose the Right Version
QuickBooks only delivers maximum value when you match the edition to your business model and growth plans. Picking the wrong version is like buying shoes two sizes too small—you’ll feel the pain with every step.
QuickBooks Online tiers and when they shine
Simple Start – Core income/expense tracking and basic reporting for solopreneurs and very small service businesses.
Essentials – Adds bill management, time tracking, and more users; ideal for growing service firms that need A/P and basic team access.
Plus – Adds inventory, projects, budgeting, and class/location tracking, making it a strong fit for product businesses and project-based firms.
Advanced – Workflow automation, batch transactions, advanced analytics, and up to 25 users for larger teams with more complex processes.
The cloud accounting market is growing 10% annually, reaching $5.39 billion in 2025, with 54% of U.S. companies already using cloud-based financial services. QuickBooks Online positions your business at the forefront of this shift, providing anywhere-access and real-time collaboration that desktop solutions can’t match.
Desktop, Premier, and Enterprise: when “bigger” QuickBooks is best
Desktop Pro / Pro Plus – Strong local performance, inventory, and reporting for businesses that prefer on-premise data and don’t need constant remote access.
Premier / industry editions – Job costing and targeted reporting for verticals like manufacturing, nonprofits, and contractors.
Enterprise – Up to 40 users, advanced inventory (multiple warehouses, barcoding), job costing, custom permissions, and HR/payroll features for complex, growing companies.
How QuickBooks Supports Different Industries Better Than “One-Size-Fits-All” Tools
QuickBooks serves diverse industries with 17.22% of users in construction, 13.40% in accounting firms, 12.5% in IT services, and 9.71% in software companies. This breadth proves its adaptability beyond generic accounting.
Service-based businesses and professional firms
Professional service firms need precise project tracking to maintain profitability. QuickBooks Online Essentials and Plus deliver:
Time tracking and billable expenses that support project-based billing and profitability tracking.
Class and location tracking in Plus and above to segment revenue by practice area, department, or office.
Product-based and inventory-heavy businesses
Inventory management separates profitable product businesses from those drowning in dead stock and stockouts. QuickBooks provides:
Inventory tracking in Online Plus with advanced capabilities in Desktop/Enterprise supporting multiple sites, barcodes, and sophisticated pricing rules.
Purchase orders, reorder alerts, and item-level reporting that maintain optimal stock levels and protect margins.
Freelancers and self-employed professionals
QuickBooks Self-Employed targets freelancers needing mileage tracking, basic income/expense capture, and quarterly tax estimates, with seamless TurboTax integration for year-end filing.
Why QuickBooks is Best (and Safest) for Compliance, Audit Trails, and Controls
Most comparison guides underplay compliance and control risk—one of the biggest reasons QuickBooks wins in real-world business. When the IRS comes calling or investors want due diligence, your accounting system becomes your best friend or worst enemy.
Built-in audit trails and user permissions
QuickBooks tracks every change with timestamps and user identification, creating an audit trail that spreadsheets can’t provide. This documentation proves invaluable during:
Lender reviews for business loans
Investor due diligence processes
IRS audits or state tax examinations
Internal fraud investigations
Enterprise and Advanced editions introduce granular roles and permissions, letting you separate duties across finance staff—a critical control for growing companies.
Support for accurate reporting and tax prep
Standardized financial statements reduce year-end cleanup from weeks to days. QuickBooks’ massive network of certified ProAdvisors means finding expert help takes hours, not weeks of training someone on niche software. Your CPA will thank you for using QuickBooks instead of arriving with a shoebox of receipts and a custom spreadsheet system only you understand.
Is QuickBooks Worth the Investment? Here’s the Math
Smart business owners look beyond monthly subscription fees to total cost of ownership. The real question isn’t “What does QuickBooks cost?” but “What does NOT having QuickBooks cost your business?”
Direct subscription costs vs. hidden manual costs
QuickBooks Online plans range from entry-level Simple Start to feature-rich Advanced pricing. Alternatives might appear cheaper monthly but often lack critical features like inventory management or job costing. These “savings” evaporate when you factor in:
Staff time spent on manual workarounds
Additional app subscriptions to fill gaps
Consultant fees to make systems work together
Lost revenue from cash flow blind spots
How automation and accuracy pay for themselves
Bank feeds and automated categorization rules typically save 3-5 hours weekly—more than covering the monthly license cost through time savings alone. Better reporting prevents costly mistakes like:
Overdraft fees from poor cash visibility
Late payment penalties from missed bills
Stockouts that lose sales
Tax penalties from filing errors
One accounting firm reported saving 3+ hours per client monthly after optimizing their QuickBooks workflows, freeing up 120 hours monthly across their client base—equivalent to hiring a new full-time employee without the overhead.
The Human Side: Why QuickBooks Plus Expert Support Beats “Software Alone”
Software provides tools; expertise transforms those tools into business growth engines. QuickBooks shines brightest when paired with experienced financial professionals who understand both the technology and your industry.
Where QuickBooks still needs human expertise
Even the best accounting software can’t replace strategic thinking. QuickBooks won’t:
Design your chart of accounts for maximum insight
Interpret financial trends and recommend action
Ensure compliance with industry-specific regulations
Spot opportunities for tax savings or efficiency gains
That’s where firms like Complete Controller add value beyond basic bookkeeping. We leverage QuickBooks as the foundation while adding the strategic layer that drives real business decisions.
How Complete Controller leverages QuickBooks for clients
Our standardized QuickBooks setups across hundreds of clients let us benchmark performance and implement best practices immediately. We design workflows around QuickBooks—approval chains, document collection systems, and reconciliation schedules—that keep your books audit-ready year-round while minimizing your time investment. This combination of powerful software and experienced guidance creates financial systems that grow with your business instead of holding it back.
Final Thoughts
After building Complete Controller around QuickBooks as our core platform for two decades, I recommend it for most small and midsize clients because it provides a reliable, scalable financial foundation we can trust. With the right edition matched to your needs and experienced bookkeeping support, QuickBooks becomes the financial backbone that lets you focus on growing your business instead of wrestling with spreadsheets and disconnected apps. To explore which QuickBooks setup and support model fits your business best, connect with our team at Complete Controller for a personalized consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Why QuickBooks Is Best
Is QuickBooks really the best accounting software for small businesses?
For most small and midsize businesses, QuickBooks offers the strongest mix of features, integrations, and support, which explains its 62.23% market share leadership position. Its combination of user-friendly design, comprehensive features, and massive support ecosystem makes it the safest choice for businesses that need reliable accounting without a steep learning curve.
What is better than QuickBooks for small business?
Some businesses may prefer alternatives like Xero for unlimited users, Wave for free basic accounting, or NetSuite for enterprise resource planning, but each comes with trade-offs in features, support, or complexity. QuickBooks remains the best all-around choice for most businesses needing professional accounting without enterprise-level complexity or cost.
Why do people like QuickBooks so much?
Business owners and accountants value QuickBooks for its familiar interface, comprehensive feature set, and ability to scale from simple bookkeeping to complex reporting without changing platforms. The massive ecosystem of integrations, certified ProAdvisors, and training resources means help is always available when needed.
What are the disadvantages of QuickBooks?
QuickBooks can feel overwhelming for very small businesses that only need basic invoicing, may struggle with extremely large transaction volumes, and some advanced customizations require workarounds or third-party apps. The cost can also add up with multiple users or advanced features, though this is typically offset by time savings.
Is QuickBooks easy to learn for non-accountants?
QuickBooks Online is specifically designed for business owners without accounting degrees, offering guided setup, built-in tutorials, and suggested categorizations. Most users become comfortable with daily tasks like invoicing and bank reconciliation within days, especially with help from a bookkeeping firm during initial setup.
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Intuit. “QuickBooks®: Official Site | Smart Tools. Better Business.” QuickBooks, 2025.
Irvine Bookkeeping. “Best QuickBooks Version for Small Business in 2025 (Comparison & Pricing).” IrvineBookkeeping.com, 2025.
Method. “QuickBooks Enterprise vs. Pro: 2025 Comparison Guide.” Method.me, 2025.
NetSuite. “NetSuite vs. QuickBooks: Why You Should Make the Switch.” NetSuite.com, 2024.
NextProcess. “Why 94% Of Financial Spreadsheets Contain Errors (And What It Costs You).” NextProcess.com, 2025.
Puzzle. “How This 25-Year Firm Saves 3+ Hours Per Client Every Month.” Puzzle.io, n.d.
Rippling. “Top 9 QuickBooks alternatives: Best options for businesses in 2025.” Rippling Blog, 2025.
Wave. “Best QuickBooks alternative for your business accounting.” WaveApps.com, 2024.
Xero. “Xero vs QuickBooks: Explore our QuickBooks alternative.” Xero.com, 2025.
Zapier. “The 10 best QuickBooks alternatives in 2025.” Zapier Blog, 2025.
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 Drive Traffic to Your Website: 10 Proven Strategies
To drive traffic to your website, implement astrategic combination of SEO optimization, content marketing, social media engagement, email campaigns, and paid advertising while tracking performance metrics to refine your approach. These proven strategies work together to create a sustainable traffic growth engine that attracts qualified visitors and converts them into loyal customers.
I’ve spent over 20 years as CEO of Complete Controller working with businesses across every sector imaginable, and I’ve witnessed firsthand how the right traffic strategies can transform a struggling website into a revenue-generating powerhouse. What you’ll discover in this article goes beyond generic advice—these are battle-tested tactics that have helped thousands of SMBs break throughtraffic plateaus and achieve sustainable growth. You’ll learn exactly how to master SEO fundamentals, create content that genuinely connects with your audience, leverage social platforms strategically, build high-converting email campaigns, and optimize every aspect of your digital presence for maximum impact.
What is drive-traffic and how do you achieve it?
Drive-traffic means systematically increasing website visitors through targeted organic, paid, and referral strategies
Organic traffic comes from search engines through SEO optimization and content marketing
Paid traffic includes PPC ads, social media advertising, and sponsored content placements
Referral traffic flows from other websites, social platforms, and email campaigns
Success requires continuous testing, data analysis, and strategy refinement based on performance metrics
Master SEO Fundamentals for Organic Growth
Search engine optimization remains the cornerstone of sustainable traffic growth, with organic search driving 47.8% of all website traffic in 2024 compared to just 10.2% from paid search and 16.5% from social media combined. This dominance makes SEO your most valuable long-term investment for attracting qualified visitors who are actively searching for solutions your business provides.
The foundation of effective SEO starts with comprehensivekeyword research using tools like Semrush or Google Keyword Planner to identify high-intent terms your target audience uses. Focus on commercial and transactional keywords that signal buying intent, then integrate these terms naturally into your page titles, meta descriptions, headers, and body content without forcing awkward placements that disrupt readability.
Keyword research and on-page optimization
Strategic keyword placement goes beyond simply inserting terms into your content—it requires understanding search intent and crafting pages that deliver exactly what users expect to find. Start by targeting long-tail keywords like “how to drive website traffic for small businesses” or “tips for increasing site traffic organically” since these specific phrases face less competition and attract more qualified visitors ready to take action.
Your on-page optimization checklist should include:
Title tags under 60 characters with primary keywords near the beginning
Meta descriptions between 150-160 characters that compel clicks
H1 tags that match search intent while incorporating target keywords
Natural keyword density of 1-2% throughout body content
Internal linking to related pages using descriptive anchor text
Technical SEO excellence
Technical SEO creates the infrastructurethat allowssearch engines to crawl, understand, and rank your content effectively. A technically sound website loads in under 3 seconds, displays perfectly on mobile devices, and provides clear navigation paths for both users and search engine bots.
Critical technical elements include fixing broken links, implementing proper 301 redirects, optimizing image file sizes and alt text, creating XML sitemaps, and ensuring your robots.txt file doesn’t block important pages. One SaaS company doubled their organic traffic simply by fixing crawl errors and implementing schema markup that helped search engines better understand their content structure and local service areas.
Create Value-Driven Content That Ranks
Content marketing serves as the fuel for your SEO engine, but here’s a sobering reality: 96.55% of all content published online gets zero organic traffic from Google.This statistic underscores the critical importance of creatinggenuinely valuable content that stands out from the millions of mediocre articles flooding the internet daily.
High-performing content addresses specific audience pain points with actionable solutions backed by data, examples, and real-world applications. Rather than churning out generic blog posts, focus on creating comprehensive resources that become the definitive guide for your topic—the kind of content other websites want to reference and link to naturally.
Strategic content planning
Your content strategy should balance evergreen topics that generate consistent traffic over time with timely pieces that capitalize on current trends and industry developments. Conduct regular content audits to identify underperforming pages that need updates, consolidation, or removal to maintain overall site quality.
How-to guides that solve specific problems step-by-step
Industry analysis backed by original research or unique data
Case studies showcasing client success stories and methodologies
Tool comparisons and software reviews for your industry
Templates and downloadable resources that provideimmediate value
Content format innovation
Modern audiences consume content across multiple formats, so diversifying beyond traditional blog posts significantly expands your reach and engagement potential. Video content particularly excels at capturing attention, with embedded tutorials or webinars keeping visitors on your site longer while providing richer learning experiences.
Interactive elements like calculators, assessment tools, or quizzes transform passive readers into active participants who spend more timeengaging with your brand. Buffer’s remarkable case study demonstrates the power of strategic content management—they doubled their organic traffic by deleting their traditional blog and restructuring content into a curated library of high-quality, evergreen resources that better served user needs.
Leverage Social Media for Referral Traffic
Social media platforms offer powerful channels for driving targeted traffic when you align your content strategy with each platform’s unique culture and user expectations. Rather than broadcasting the same message everywhere, successful brands tailor their approach to match how audiences naturally engage on each network.
LinkedIn excels for B2B content sharing, with industry insights, whitepapers, and thought leadership pieces generating meaningful engagement from professional audiences. Instagram and Pinterest thrive on visual content, making them ideal for showcasing products, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or infographic summaries of your blog content that boost website traffic with social media engagement.
Platform-specific content strategies
Each social platform rewards different content types and posting strategies:
LinkedIn: Share data-driven insights, industry analysis, and professional development content
Facebook: Focus on community building, customer stories, and interactive posts
Instagram: Create visually compelling stories, reels, and carousel posts
Twitter/X: Participate in trending conversations and share quick tips or insights
YouTube: Develop tutorial series, product demonstrations, and educational content
Measuring social media ROI
Track your social media traffic using UTM parameters in Google Analytics to understand which platforms, posts, and campaigns drive the most valuable visitors. Monitor not just raw traffic numbers but engagement quality—a hundred targeted visitors from a LinkedIn article might generate more conversions than thousands of casual browsers from other sources.
Key social media metrics to track include:
Click-through rate from social posts to your website
Time on site and pages per session from social traffic
Conversion rate by social platform and campaign
Cost per acquisition for paid social campaigns
Share of voice compared to competitors
Growth works best when your numbers keep up. See how Complete Controller supports businesses scaling with confidence.
Build Strategic Partnerships and Guest Blogging
Strategic partnerships and guest blogging createpowerfulnetworksthat expand your reach beyond your existing audience while building valuable backlinks that boost SEO authority. Focus on forming relationships with complementary businesses, industry influencers, and authoritative publications that share your target audience but don’t directly compete.
Guest blogging on high-authority sites positions you as an industry expert while driving referral traffic from engaged readers. Target websites with Domain Authority scores above 40 and audiences that align with your ideal customer profile, ensuring your contributed content provides genuine value rather than thinly veiled self-promotion.
Guest blogging best practices
Successful guest blogging requires a strategic approach that prioritizesrelationship building and value creation:
Research target publications thoroughly before pitching
Propose topics that fill content gaps in their editorial calendar
Deliver exceptional content that exceeds their usual standards
Include natural, contextual links back to relevant resources
Promote published posts through your ownchannels
Partnership development strategies
Build mutually beneficial partnerships through various collaboration models:
Co-hosted webinars that combine expertise and audiences
Joint research studies or industry reports
Reciprocal content contributions and cross-promotion
Affiliate or referral programs with aligned businesses
Sponsorships of industry events or podcasts
Email Marketing That Drives Recurring Traffic
Email marketing delivers exceptional ROI for driving website traffic, with email visitors converting at 4.24%—nearly double the conversion rate of search traffic (2.49%) and seven times higher than social media traffic (0.59%). This superior performance stems from email’s ability to nurture relationships over time and deliver personalized content directly to engaged subscribers.
Building a quality email list starts with compelling lead magnets that provide immediate value in exchange for contact information. For businesses wondering how to drive website traffic consistently, email newsletters create predictable traffic spikes with each send while keeping your brand top-of-mind between purchases.
List building strategies that work
Grow your email list with targeted tactics:
Exit-intent popups offering exclusive resources or discounts
Content upgrades within blog posts (checklists, templates, guides)
Free tools or calculators that require email registration
Webinar registrations for educational content
Quiz results delivered via email
Email campaign optimization
Create email campaigns that drive consistent traffic by focusing on value-first content that naturally leads readers back to your website. Segment your list based on subscriber interests, behavior, and lifecycle stage to deliver highly relevant messages that resonate with each group’s specific needs.
Effective email content strategies include:
Weekly newsletters highlighting your best new content
Exclusive subscriber-only resources and early access
Personal stories and behind-the-scenes insights
Case studies demonstrating client success
Limited-time offers creatingurgency to visit
Paid Advertising for Immediate Results
While organic strategies build long-term traffic foundations, paid advertising delivers immediate visibility and traffic for time-sensitive campaigns or new website launches. Smart paid strategies complement organic efforts by testing messaging, targeting underserved keywords, and retargeting visitors who didn’t convert on their first visit.
Modern advertising platforms offer sophisticated targeting options that help you reach exactly the right audience at the optimal moment in their buying journey. Focus your budget on campaigns that directly support business goals rather than vanity metrics like impressions or clicks without conversions.
Budget-friendly paid traffic tactics
Maximize limited advertising budgets with these proven approaches:
Retargeting campaigns focused on cart abandoners and past visitors
Local search ads targeting “near me” queries for service businesses
Long-tail keyword campaigns with lower competition and costs
Lookalike audiences based on your best customers
Dynamic product ads showcasing specific items users viewed
Ad copy that converts
Write compelling ad copy that addresses specificpain points and clearly communicates your unique value proposition.Test multiple variations of headlines, descriptions, and calls-to-action to identify which combinations drive the highest quality traffic at the lowest cost per acquisition.
Optimize for Mobile & Accessibility
Mobile devices now account for 59.7% of global website traffic in 2025, up from just 35% in 2015, making mobile optimization absolutely critical for capturing and retaining visitors. Sites that load slowly or display poorly on smartphones lose more than half their potential audience before contenteven appears.
Mobile optimization goes beyond responsive design to encompass the entire user experience on smaller screens. This includes simplified navigation, touch-friendly buttons, readable fonts without zooming, and forms optimized for mobile input methods.
Mobile-first design principles
Implement these mobile optimization essentials:
Page load times under 3 seconds on 4G connections
Compressed images and lazy loading for faster performance
Simplified menus and clear CTAs above the fold
Forms with minimal fields and smart input types
Click-to-call buttons for immediate contact
Accessibility best practices
Creating an accessible website expands your potential audience while improving overall user experience for everyone. Accessibility features like clear navigation, descriptive alt text, and proper heading structure also boost SEO by helping search engines better understand your content.
Essential accessibility elements include:
Alt text descriptions for all images and graphics
Proper heading hierarchy (H1, H2, H3) for screen readers
Sufficient color contrast for text readability
Keyboard navigation for all interactive elements
ARIA labels for complex interface components
Invest in Video Content
Video content drives engagement and traffic across multiple platforms, with YouTube serving as the world’s second-largest search engine and video posts generating higher engagement rates on every social platform. Creating valuable video content establishes authority while reaching audiences who prefer visual learning over text-based content.
Your video strategy should align with overall business goals while providing genuine value that encourages sharing and repeat viewing. Focus on solving specific problems or answering common questions your audience faces, positioning your brand as the helpful expert they turn to for guidance.
Video content ideas that drive traffic
Create videos that naturally attract and engage your target audience:
Step-by-step tutorials solving common problems
Behind-the-scenes glimpses of your business operations
Client testimonials and success story features
Product demonstrations and comparison reviews
Live Q&A sessions addressing audience questions
Video SEO optimization
Optimize your videos for search discovery by crafting compelling titles with target keywords, writing detailed descriptions that summarize key points, and using relevant tags that help platforms categorize your content. Create custom thumbnails that stand out in search results and accurately represent your video content.
Referral and Directory Listings
Strategic directory listings and referral programs create additional traffic streams while building local SEO authority and industry credibility. Focus on quality over quantity by selecting directories specifically relevant to your industry and geographic service areas rather than submitting to hundreds of generic listing sites.
Industry-specific directories often drive highly qualified traffic since users actively searching these platforms have clear intent to find service providers. Maintain consistent business information across all directories to reinforce localSEO signals and make it easy for potential customers to contact you.
Directory strategy for maximum impact
Select directories based on these criteria:
Industry relevance and audience alignment
Domain authority and traffic levels
Editorial standards and listing quality
Cost versus potential ROI
Customer review capabilities
Referral program development
Create referral programs that incentivize existing customers to spread the word about your business. Structure rewards to benefit both referrers and new customers, creating a win-win situation that encourages participation while maintaining profitability.
Effective referral program elements:
Simple sharing mechanisms via email or social media
Meaningful rewards that motivate action
Clear tracking systems for attribution
Regular communication about program benefits
Public recognition for top referrers
Analyze and Iterate with Data
Data-driven decision making separates successful traffic strategies from random tactics that waste time and resources. Regular analysis of your tips for increasing site traffic reveals which channels, content types, and campaignsdeliver the best results for your specific audience and business goals.
Set up comprehensive tracking systems that monitor not just traffic volume but quality indicators like engagement, conversions, and customer lifetime value. This deeper analysis helps you invest more in what works while cutting ineffective tactics that drain resources without delivering results.
Key metrics for traffic analysis
Monitor these essential metrics to guide strategy refinement:
Traffic sources showing which channels drive the most visitors
Bounce rate indicating content relevance and user experience
Average session duration and pages per visit
Conversion rates by traffic source and landing page
Mobile versus desktop performance differences
Continuous improvement process
Establish a regular review cycle for analyzing traffic data and implementing improvements based on findings. Test one variable at a time to clearly understand what drives performance changes, whether that’sheadline variations, content formats, or promotional channels.
With 15% of Google searches being completely new queries, staying agile and responsive to changing search behaviors keeps your traffic strategies fresh and effective. Monitor industry trends, algorithm updates, and competitor tactics to identify new opportunities for growth.
Conclusion
Building sustainable website traffic requires patience, persistence, and strategic thinking—but the payoff transforms your entire business. By implementing these 10 proven strategies systematically, you create multiple traffic streams that work together to deliver consistent growth month after month.
I’ve watched countless businesses struggle with traffic generation, trying random tactics without a cohesive strategy. The difference between those who succeed and those who stagnate comes down tocommitment to the fundamentals: creating genuine value, optimizing for user experience, and consistently measuring and improving based on real data.
Your next step is choosing one or two strategies that align with your current resources andgoals,then executing them thoroughly before adding more to your plate. Traffic growth compounds over time—smallimprovements today become massive advantages tomorrow.
👉 Ready to accelerate your business growth? Visit Complete Controller for expert guidance on implementing these strategies and accessing the financial insights that fuel sustainable expansion.
FAQ
How can I increase website traffic for free?
Focus on SEO optimization, create valuable blog content targeting long-tail keywords, engage actively on social media, build relationships for guest posting opportunities, and optimize your Google Business Profile for local searches.
What’s the fastest way to drive traffic to a new website?
Combine paid advertising for immediate visibility with content marketing and SEO for long-term growth. Launch with PPC campaigns while simultaneously publishing high-quality content and building backlinks.
How long does it take to see results from SEO efforts?
Most websites see initial improvements within 3-6 months, with significant results typically appearing after 6-12 months of consistent optimization and content creation.
Should I focus on social media or SEO for traffic?
Both serve different purposes—SEO provides sustainable long-term traffic while social media offers immediate engagement and brand building. A balanced approach leveraging both channels typically yields the best results.
What’s the most important metric for measuring traffic quality?
Conversion rate matters more than raw traffic numbers. Track how many visitors complete desired actions like purchases, sign-ups, or contact form submissions to gauge true traffic value.
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.
Understanding turnover rates is absolutely crucial for business owners as it offers invaluable insights into the efficiency, effectiveness, and financial health of their enterprise. By gauging how swiftly inventory is sold within a specific timeframe, business owners can evaluate their competitive position in the market and make well-informed decisions to maximize profitability. A high turnover rate is a clear sign of robust sales and efficient inventory management, indicating a flourishing business. Conversely, a lower turnover rate may prompt a reassessment of pricing, marketing strategies, or inventory selection. Additionally, grasping turnover rates is vital for accurately forecasting demand, optimizing cash flow, and reducing the risk of inventory obsolescence. In summary, mastering the concept of turnover rates empowers business owners to refine their operations, elevate customer satisfaction, and ultimately propel the business toward sustained success.
What are Turnover Rates?
Turnover rates, also known as inventory turnover, provide crucial insights into a business’s stock management and sales performance. This measure definitively quantifies how frequently a company sells and replaces its inventory within a specific timeframe. Essentially, it helps businesses understand how well they moveproducts off their shelves and replenish their stocks.
Businesses can gain a deeper understanding of their market competitiveness and overall profitability by analyzing turnover rates. A high turnover rate generally signifies that products are being sold rapidly, reducing the risk of spoilage or damage associated with prolonged storage. This, in turn, showcases efficient inventory management and contributes to sustaining strong customer demand.
To calculate inventory turnover, businesses utilize a simple yet powerful formula: dividing the cost of goods sold by the average inventory for a specific period. This computation offers valuable insights into how effectively a business manages its inventory and how quickly products are being sold or used up during the defined timeframe. A high turnover rate ultimately signifies swift movement of goods, ensuring product freshness and minimizing potential damage.
Ways of Calculating Turnover Rates
Now that we have a solid grasp of turnover and a simple formula to calculate it, let’s dive into the exciting process of understanding how to calculate turnover and the significance behind each value..
Determine a period for your calculation
Now that we’ve set the timeframe for turnover calculation let’s dive into confidently calculating the cost of goods sold within that specific period. This vital calculation allows us to understand the direct expenses involved in creating and distributing products. The inventory turnovers are calculated over a range of time, from a full fiscal year down to a daily basis. When the costs of sold goods are expressed as an instantaneous value, gaining meaningful insights from the data can be challenging. Therefore, we must view the cost of goods within a defined time frame. This approach ensures that we can accurately assess the financial health of our operations and make informed decisions for the future.
Utilizing the formula 365/turnover to find out the average time period of selling the products
Unlock the potential of this method to forecast the time required to sell all your inventory precisely! Calculating your annual turnover and dividing it by 365 is paramount.
This will provide you with the average time it takes to sell your products, offering invaluable insights into your business’s performance.
Divide the cost of goods sold from the stored average inventory
Calculating the average inventory is a crucial part ofsuccessfully managing your business! You gain critical insights by adding the beginning and ending inventory balances and dividing by two. Plus, dividing the cost of goods sold by the remaining goods offers valuable information for making informed decisions.
Using the formula Turnover=Sales/Average Inventory for quick estimates
In the realm of business, time holds significant value as entrepreneurs often struggle to find the time needed for intricate calculations. This formulaserves as a time-saving tool for calculating turnover rates, albeit with a potential risk of minor inaccuracies.
Notably, the values derived from this formula may not be precise due to the disparity between inventory calculations at wholesale rates and the recording of goods sold at customer prices. This paradox can lead to an inflated representation of the inventory total. Therefore, it is advisable to utilize this equation primarily for quick estimations and not as a definitive measure.
Use the inventory as an approximate measure of efficiency
It’s exciting to see how businesses work hard to move their inventory swiftly and get their productsout into the market as soon as possible. Analyzing a business’s performance compared to its competitors is essential for understanding its position in the market. Yet, it’s important to first delve into the business’s background and operational scale before drawing comparisons. One key performance indicatorto look at is the inventory turnover period, as it provides valuable insights into how well the business is handling its inventory and selling its products. This metric gives us a great understanding of the business’s operational efficiency and overall performance in the market. It’s wonderful to see businesses striving to improve and succeed in their ventures!
It’s essential to understand that low inventory turnover isn’t necessarilynegative; conversely, high turnover doesn’t always guarantee benefits. There are multiple factors to consider. The health of the business must record every single transaction meticulously. This comprehensive record should encompass the price of the stocked inventory, every product sold, the profit gained, and sales targets in a reliable bookkeeping system. This approach will facilitate calculating turnover rates without the need to gather all the information at the last minute. Being proactive in this manner will alleviate stress and prove to be a highly efficient practice.
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.
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.
