Are you having difficulty increasing your Facebook ad’s CTR (Click-through rate)? Uncertain about how to enhance it? Getting people to click on your Facebook advertisement may be very difficult. However, if you put the right ideas and techniques to the test, the results will begin to flow.
The click-through rate is a statistic used to assess the relevancy of your advertisements. Optimizing your creatives and targeting may help you improve click-through rates, lowering your cost per action.
We did not utilize impressions while dealing with email but rather the number of messages sent. The remainder of the CTR computation will stay unchanged.
For instance, if your advertising campaigns generate 1000 impressions and 23 click-throughs, your formula will be as follows:
CTR = 23 / 1,000 x by 100 is 2.3%
The more individuals click on the links in the email, the more effective it is.
When I mention 2% account CTR, there is a chance that individual campaigns will have a higher or lower CTR. For instance, the CTR for your branded and retailads may surpass 2%, while others may fall below this mark. A high CTR does not necessarily indicate a successful campaign. This may indicate that your account decreases the probability of individuals spending money via advertising, meaning that your client is less interested in goods or services.
According to the study, the average CTR for Facebook Ads is less than 1%, indicating significant growth potential.
CTR stands for click-through rate and is a ratio of the number of clicks on your ad to the number of impressions. This statistic is computed as the number of links clicks divided by the number of images. Thus, if you get ten clicks on a video that receives one hundred impressions, your CTR is 10%.
Facebook’s average click-through rate is at 3%. It soared to 3.41 percent in June 2023 but predictably fell to 3 percent in the following months. This is unsurprising, given that everything went online in May and June 2023, and social media became the primary source of information. As a result, it’s only logical that the click-through rate was also affected.
Utilize Intriguing Visuals
Your Facebook ad should grab readers’ attention with the proper mix of text and graphics. Visuals create a good user experience, reflect your brand’s personality (e.g., friendly, inventive, fashionable, etc. ), and encourage visitors to click.
Some pointers for designing Facebook ad graphics include the following:
Avoid overcrowding pictures with text. Although Facebook eliminated word restrictions on advertisements, you do not want to overload your ad picture with text. According to Facebook, advertisements with less than 20% of the image covered by text perform better. Therefore, keep your text brief and concise.
Utilize the proper size ratios. Each Facebook ad type has its own set of technical specs and needs. Without adhering to these guidelines, your pictures may look fuzzy or low-quality. Always double-check picture requirements (and if in doubt, use our Facebook ad sizes guide sheet!).
GIFs and videos for testing purposes. Experiment with graphics like GIFs or video advertisements to see how people react. If a specific kind of ad performs better, invest more to boost your Facebook ad’s click-through rate.
Limit Your Audience
We’ve seen many Facebook advertising campaigns targeting millions of people, but this results in poor ad relevance and low click-through rates in most cases. If your audience is too broad, your message will often be very general in trying to appeal to everyone; at that point, it will be diluted and unlikely to have a strong appeal. Additionally, as your ads get more targeted, consumers are more likely to click on them, engage with them through comments, share them with friends and family, or click through to a sale. As a result, segmenting your audience is essential for improving your Facebook ad’s click-through rate.
Posting Schedule And Frequency
Thursday and Friday’s posts get an average of 3.5 percent more attention, while Monday to Wednesday posts receive 3.5 percent less. Timing is also critical. Some people suggest publishing between 9:00 and 19:00, but I believe this is an extensive timeframe. Posting begins at 1:00 p.m. and will likely get the most shares, while posts around 3 p.m. produce the most clicks.
Ascertain That Your Multimedia Content Is Visible
As stated before, the multimedia material you employ in your advertisements should be eye-catching. One method to do this is to avoid utilizing generic stock images. Choose more natural-looking picture advertisements. Otherwise, your Facebook Ad will be ignored by your target demographic. After all, people generally resist blatant ads that appear in their newsfeeds.
As an example, suppose you offer shoes with personalized artwork and design. Alternatively, you may utilize a picture of someone wearing one of your goods. Better still, have that person stroll through the streets to give your multimedia ad material a more natural appearance and feel.
Do you need more funds to employ a model for your business? Consider enlisting the assistance of your friends to model for you in return for a nominal fee.
Present An Attractive Offer
Knowing your target demographic and creating an appealing Facebook Ad is insufficient. Additionally, you must have an enticing offer. Your prospective consumers will want to know what they may get by clicking on your advertisement.
Your offer is what will entice them to click. And this will vary according to your advertising objective.
Therefore, if you want to attract new clients to your coffee shop, you may want to offer a discount to first-time visitors. Pair this with a pertinent call to action, such as “Get a Discount. “
This is likely to increase your Facebook ad’s click-through rate (CTR) since it plainly states what your audience may get by clicking your advertisements, not to mention that you made an enticing offer.
Conclusion
CTR for Facebook Ads is one of the most discussed performancemetrics. The greater the CTR, the more effectively your advertisement performs (at least in capturing your audience’s attention and directing them to your offer and landing page.).
The guidelines and methodology outlined above were created to assist you in increasing engagement and click-through rates on your Facebook Ads. They will act as a springboard and guidance for you as you work to improve the success of your advertisements.
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 April 2021, a Nevada court found David Gilbert Saffron guilty of committing ‘cryptocurrency fraud and misappropriation.’ As part of the judgment, Saffron will have to pay back $32 million to all those he defrauded. Defraud may be one of the most severe cases of cryptocurrency fraud we’ve seen lately, but it’s far from the first and won’t be the last.
As cryptocurrency trading rises in popularity across the digital world, so do scams and other cybercrime involving crypto. When cryptocurrency first rose to prominence on the internet, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) quickly warned against the various scams involved.
Types of Cryptocurrency Scams
Several such scams are just modern takes on classic illegal schemes. For example, the CFTC warned traders about pump-and-dump schemes, where scammers would bulk buy a particular cryptocurrency while its value is low, then release false news about a rich celebrity or organization investing in it, thus increasing the price. They would sell back their stock when the price was high, netting a substantial profit. The currency would fall in value once people realized they had been scammed.
Other scammers have posed as cryptocurrency trading outlets, inciting less informed traders to hand over their money, hoping to see profitable returns, but they never do.
Giveaway scams have become very popular on social media platforms, namely Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Scammers will post fake videos and images from well-known corporations and celebrities, encouraging people to invest in cryptocurrency. These posts will feature hyperlinks leading to websites that look like authentic crypto-trading platforms but are designed to steal your cryptocurrency, bank information, and other personal data.
Scammers may use data breaches on official platforms to obtain personal data and information about you. They’ll then use this data to extort money, or more recently cryptocurrency, out of victims.
Some scammers conduct employment scams. They post fake job postings online to gather personal data from applicants, which they then use to steal their cryptocurrency.
Not all illegal activity surrounding cryptocurrency trading is as complex, however. Some more insidious hackers will hack into people’s virtual wallets and steal the cryptocurrency people have accumulated.
According to The North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), cryptocurrency fraud is one of the significant threats to investors right now.
Advice From the U.S Government
Stay informed
Scammers have been using the Covid-19 pandemic to take advantage of people. The government advises citizens to remain informed about cryptocurrency and the pandemic in general, as scammers can spread false information to commit fraud.
If something is too good to be true, it probably is
This one might sound too pessimistic, but a bit of skepticism can go a long way in such uncertain times. Be wary of any service asking for personal information, and know who you’re sending money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to before sending it.
Don’t act immediately
Take all the time you need to assess your options and fully understand what kind of service you’re offering. A legitimate service would gladly assist and inform you if a service agent seems to be forcing your hand toward giving them your money and personaldata.
Advice from a Reputable Crypto-trading Platform
Since its launch in 2012, Coinbase has established itself as a leading name in the cryptocurrency industry, gaining the trust of both experienced and beginner traders.
To ensure a safe trading experience, Coinbase encourages users to be vigilant and protect their sensitive information. It’s important not to share any personal details with individuals claiming to be support staff or employees of a crypto platform, and never grant anyone remote access to your device.
Additionally, Coinbase emphasizes the importance of being cautious when approached by anyone asking you to send small amounts of cryptocurrency with the promise of receiving more in return. These types of offers are often scams, and it’s best to avoid them.
The platform also recommends maintaining a healthy skepticism toward investment offers that claim unreasonably high returns. If something sounds too good to be true, proceed with caution.
For those looking to invest in cryptocurrency, Coinbaseadvises thoroughly researching any platform before making a purchase. Engaging with company staff is beneficial, but seeking insights from experienced traders can provide valuable perspectives and enhance decision-making.
An Educated Buyer is a Happy Buyer
With the boom the crypto market is seeing right now, it’s no surprise how many people want to invest, but there will always be those looking to take advantage of buyers. Cryptocurrency can be an incredibly lucrative investment, but you must have an in-depth understanding of what you’re getting into. Don’t be frivolous with your money. Be patient, be informed, and hopefully, you’ll see positive returns in no time if all goes right.
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.
Unlocking the Potential of ETF Investing for Your Portfolio
ETF investing means using exchange-traded funds—diversified baskets of securities that trade like stocks—to build wealth through a simple, low-cost, tax-efficient approach that puts professional-level portfolio management within reach of any investor. These investment vehicles bundle dozens or hundreds of stocks, bonds, or other assets into a single security you can buy or sell instantly, giving you immediate diversification without the complexity of picking individual investments.
I’ve spent over 20 years as CEO of Complete Controller helping business owners and families take control of their finances, and I’ve watched ETF investing transform overwhelmed investors into confident wealth builders. The global ETF industry just hit a record $18.81 trillion in assets, with 24 million Americans now using ETFs—including a surge of first-time investors who discovered they don’t need Wall Street connections or massive portfolios to invest like professionals. In this article, I’ll show you exactly how to harness ETFs the same way sophisticated investors do, starting with clear goals and ending with a repeatable system that works whether markets soar or stumble.
What is ETF investing and how do you make it work for your portfolio?
ETF investing means using exchange-traded funds as core building blocks of a diversified, goal-aligned portfolio
ETFs bundle many stocks, bonds, or other assets into a single, low-cost, easily traded security, providing instant diversification
They trade throughout the day like stocks, allowing you to buy or sell and adjust exposure as markets move
Their unique structure makes ETFs typically more tax-efficient and lower cost than comparable mutual funds, helping you keep more returns
Effective ETF strategies start with clear goals and risk tolerance, then use a simple mix of core and satellite ETFs, reviewed and rebalanced regularly
ETF Investing Basics: What You’re Really Buying
Exchange-traded funds represent a fundamental shift in how people build wealth. Unlike buying individual stocks where you own shares in one company, an ETF gives you fractional ownership in an entire portfolio—sometimes hundreds or thousands of securities—through a single purchase. Think of it as buying a pre-made investment basket rather than filling your own basket one stock at a time.
How ETFs work: Structure, pricing, and liquidity
The mechanics behind ETFs create their unique advantages. Most ETFs track an index like the S&P 500, automatically holding the same stocks in the same proportions as that benchmark. This passive approach keeps costs low—the average index equity ETF charges just 0.14% annually compared to 0.40% for index mutual funds. When you buy an ETF, you’re purchasing it from another investor on the stock exchange at the current market price, which updates every second during trading hours.
This real-time pricing and exchange trading gives you control that mutual fund investors lack. You can use limit orders to specify your exact purchase price or set stop-loss orders to protect against declines. The creation and redemption mechanism—where large institutions can exchange ETF shares for the underlying securities—keeps ETF prices aligned with their holdings’ value and enables the tax efficiency that makes ETFs particularly attractive for taxable accounts.
ETF vs. Mutual fund vs. Individual stocks
Each investment type serves different needs. Individual stocks offer the highest potential returns but concentrate all your risk in single companies. Mutual funds provide professional management and diversification but only trade once daily after markets close, often with higher fees and tax bills. ETFs combine the best features: the diversification of mutual funds, the trading flexibility of stocks, and structural advantages that reduce both costs and taxes.
The numbers tell the story clearly. In 2024, only 7% of equity ETFs distributed taxable capital gains to shareholders, while 78% of mutual funds did. Over decades, this tax efficiency compounds into thousands of extra dollars in your pocket. Most ETFs also have no minimum investment beyond the price of one share, making them accessible whether you’re starting with $50 or $50,000.
Why ETF Investing Belongs at the Core of a Modern Portfolio
Modern investors face three major challenges: finding time to manage investments, controlling risk, and minimizing taxes. ETFs address all three with elegant efficiency. They transform portfolio construction from a complex puzzle into a straightforward process that even busy professionals can master.
Diversification made easy
Diversification once required buying dozens of individual securities and constantly rebalancing as prices changed. Today, a single ETF can spread your money across 500 large U.S. companies, 7,000 global stocks, or the entire bond market. This instant diversification dramatically reduces the impact of any single company’s problems on your wealth.
Historical data proves diversification’s power. Over 150 years, a balanced portfolio mixing 60% stocks and 40% bonds experienced about 45% less volatility during market crashes than an all-stock portfolio. During the Great Depression, stocks fell 79%, but a 60/40 portfolio declined just 52.6%. Even in 2022’s challenging market when both stocks and bonds dropped, the balanced approach limited losses better than either asset class alone.
Lower costs and better tax efficiency
Every dollar you save on fees compounds into future wealth. The difference between an ETF charging 0.14% and a mutual fund charging 0.40% might seem tiny, but over 30 years on a $100,000 investment, that gap grows to roughly $7,800 in additional wealth. Factor in the tax savings from ETFs’ efficient structure, and the advantage multiplies.
ETFs minimize taxes through their unique redemption process. When investors sell mutual fund shares, the fund must sell holdings to raise cash, potentially triggering taxable gains for all shareholders. ETFs sidestep this through “in-kind” redemptions where they exchange securities rather than selling them, avoiding taxable events. This structural advantage means more of your returns stay invested and compounding rather than going to the IRS.
Flexibility, transparency, and control
Unlike mutual funds that disclose holdings quarterly, most ETFs reveal their exact positions daily. You always know precisely what you own and can make informed decisions about overlapping holdings or sector concentrations. This transparency combines with real-time trading to give you unprecedented control over your investment timing and pricing.
The flexibility extends beyond basic buying and selling. You can use ETFs to quickly adjust your portfolio’s risk level, gain exposure to specific themes or sectors, or hedge against market declines. Professional investors use these same tools, and ETFs make them available to everyone without special accounts or qualifications.
Aligning ETF Investing With Your Goals and Risk Tolerance
Successful ETF investing starts with clarity about where you’re going and how much turbulence you can handle along the way. Without clear targets and risk boundaries, even the best ETFs become random bets rather than purposeful investments.
Step 1: Clarify your goals and time horizon
Your investment timeline shapes everything else. Money needed within five years belongs in conservative ETFs heavy in bonds and stable securities. Retirement funds with 20-year horizons can weather short-term storms in exchange for stock ETFs’ higher growth potential. College savings might start aggressive and gradually shift conservative as tuition bills approach.
Write down each financial goal with its timeline and dollar target. A business owner might list: emergency fund (immediate access needed), equipment purchase fund (2-year horizon), retirement (25-year horizon), and legacy wealth (indefinite). Each goal’s timeline determines its appropriate ETF mix—shorter deadlines mean more bonds and stability, longer horizons allow more stocks and growth potential.
Step 2: Define your risk profile
Risk tolerance combines emotional and financial factors. Can you watch your portfolio drop 30% without panic selling? Do you have stable income to ride out downturns? Your answers determine whether you belong in a conservative allocation (mostly bonds), balanced approach (mix of stocks and bonds), or aggressive strategy (primarily stocks).
Age provides a starting point—younger investors typically handle more risk—but personality and circumstances matter more. A 30-year-old entrepreneur with volatile business income might need a conservative portfolio, while a 60-year-old with guaranteed pension income could invest aggressively. Match your ETF allocation to your true risk capacity, not textbook recommendations.
Step 3: Choose a portfolio construction approach
Two main strategies dominate successful ETF investing. The core-and-satellite approach uses broad market ETFs as a stable foundation (perhaps 70-80% of holdings) with smaller positions in specialized ETFs for enhanced returns or specific exposures. Alternatively, target-date or balanced ETFs offer complete portfolios in a single fund, automatically adjusting risk as you age.
I typically recommend starting simple. A young professional might begin with just two ETFs: 80% in a total stock market fund and 20% in a bond index fund. As wealth and sophistication grow, they might add international stocks, real estate, or sector-specific satellites. The key is starting with a solid foundation you understand rather than chasing complexity.
Building an ETF Portfolio That Fits You (With Sample Allocations)
Theory becomes practical through specific examples. These model portfolios show how different investors might structure their ETF holdings based on common goals and risk profiles.
Model 1: Conservative ETF portfolio for capital preservation
This allocation suits retirees, risk-averse investors, or anyone needing funds within five years:
20% broad U.S. stock market ETF
30% international bond ETF
40% U.S. investment-grade bond ETF
10% real estate investment trust (REIT) ETF
This mix historically delivered modest growth with minimal volatility. The heavy bond allocation provides stability and income while the stock and REIT components offer inflation protection and mild growth potential. During market crashes, this portfolio typically declines far less than stock-heavy alternatives.
Model 2: Balanced ETF portfolio for growth and stability
Most long-term investors find balance here:
40% U.S. total market stock ETF
20% international developed market stock ETF
30% aggregate bond market ETF
10% emerging markets or REIT ETF
This classic allocation has proven resilient across various market conditions. The 60% stock allocation drives growth while 30% bonds provide stability and 10% alternatives add diversification. Historical data shows this mix capturing most of stocks’ long-term gains while dampening volatility by roughly one-third.
Model 3: Aggressive ETF portfolio for long-term growth
Young investors or those with high risk tolerance might choose:
40% U.S. total market stock ETF
25% international developed market stock ETF
15% emerging market stock ETF
10% small-cap stock ETF
10% aggregate bond ETF
This growth-focused allocation accepts higher volatility for potentially greater returns. The minimal bond position provides slight stabilization while the diverse stock holdings spread risk globally. Investors using this approach must stomach potential 40% temporary declines during bear markets while maintaining long-term perspective.
Turning ETF Investing Into a Repeatable System
One-time portfolio construction means nothing without disciplined maintenance. The most successful ETF investors create systems that remove emotion and ensure consistent execution regardless of market headlines.
Setting rules: Contributions, rebalancing, and “do nothing” discipline
Automate every possible decision. Set up monthly transfers from checking to investment accounts, then automatic ETF purchases maintaining your target allocation. Choose either calendar rebalancing (annually or semi-annually) or threshold rebalancing (when any position drifts 5-10% from target). Write these rules down and follow them mechanically.
The hardest rule might be doing nothing during market turmoil. When headlines scream disaster and your portfolio drops, your system should already dictate your response: rebalance if thresholds are hit, otherwise wait. Studies show investors who change strategies during downturns consistently underperform those who stick to their plans. Your written rules protect you from your emotions.
Where human expertise still matters
Even with ETFs’ simplicity, certain situations benefit from professional guidance. Complex tax situations like selling a business, concentrated stock positions from employer equity, or approaching retirement with multiple income sources often require expertise beyond basic ETF allocation. A qualified advisor can also help coordinate investment accounts with business structures and cash flow needs.
At Complete Controller, we see how proper financial systems multiply ETF strategies’ effectiveness. When your books are clean and cash flow is predictable, you can invest with confidence rather than keeping excessive emergency reserves. Professional guidance helps optimize not just your portfolio but your entire financial ecosystem.
Conclusion: How I Use ETF Portfolios to Help Clients Sleep at Night
After two decades helping businesses and families build wealth, I’ve learned that the best investment strategy is one you’ll actually follow. ETFs deliver institutional-quality diversification at retail prices while remaining simple enough for anyone to understand and implement. They’ve transformed investing from an exclusive club into an accessible tool for building lasting wealth.
The path forward is clear. Start by inventorying your current holdings and their costs—many investors discover they’re paying five to ten times more than necessary in fees. Sketch your target ETF allocation based on your goals and risk tolerance. Set up automatic contributions and rebalancing rules. Most importantly, begin now rather than waiting for perfect conditions.
If you’re ready to align your investments with your broader financial picture, visit Complete Controller to discover how we help entrepreneurs and professionals build integrated financial systems. Our team can review your current portfolio structure, coordinate it with your business cash flow and tax situation, and create an ETF-driven wealth plan you can maintain with confidence. The same discipline that makes your business successful can transform your personal wealth when applied through the right investment vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions About ETF Investing
Is ETF investing a good idea for beginners?
ETF investing offers an ideal starting point for beginners due to low costs, instant diversification, and simplicity. New investors can begin with a single broad market ETF rather than researching individual stocks, though they should avoid complex products like leveraged or inverse ETFs until gaining experience.
What is the minimum amount needed to start ETF investing?
You can start ETF investing with the price of one share—sometimes under $50. Many brokers now offer fractional shares, allowing investment with any dollar amount. The key is starting with regular contributions rather than waiting to accumulate a large initial sum.
Are ETFs safer than stocks?
ETFs reduce single-company risk through diversification but still face overall market risk. While one stock can lose 100% of its value, a broad market ETF spreads risk across hundreds or thousands of companies. However, ETFs can still decline significantly during market downturns.
How do I choose the right ETF for my portfolio?
Focus on ETFs matching your goals, tracking established indexes, with low expense ratios (under 0.20% for basic index funds) and high daily trading volume. Check the fund’s holdings, performance versus its index, and total assets to ensure stability and liquidity.
Can you lose all your money in an ETF?
Losing everything in a diversified ETF is virtually impossible since it would require every holding to become worthless simultaneously. However, specialized ETFs focusing on single sectors, leveraged strategies, or narrow themes carry higher risk and can suffer severe losses during adverse conditions.
Fidelity Investments. “How to Build a Portfolio with ETFs.” Fidelity Learning Center. https://www.fidelity.com
Investment Company Institute. (2025, March). “Trends in the Expenses and Fees of Funds, 2024.” ICI Research Perspective, Vol. 31, No. 1. https://www.ici.org/files/2025/per31-01.pdf
Westwood Group. “Why ETFs Might Be an Ideal Fit for Your Investment Portfolio.” Westwood ETF Insight. https://www.westwood.com
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.
Launch Your Food Processing Business Ventures Today!
A food processing business transforms raw ingredients into packaged food products for consumers, requiring careful planning, regulatory compliance, and strategic investment to achieve success in a competitive market. This venture involves converting agricultural products, meats, or other raw materials into finished goods through systematic production processes, quality control measures, and adherence to strict food safety standards.
As a founder who’s built Complete Controller from the ground up, I’ve witnessed countless entrepreneurs transform their culinary passions into thriving enterprises. Over 20 years as CEO, I’ve partnered with businesses across all sectors, learning what separates successful food processors from those who struggle. In this guide, I’ll share actionable strategies that work, regulatory insights that save money, and proven financial planning approaches that position your food venture for sustainable growth.
What is a food processing business—and how do you launch one successfully?
A food processing business converts raw food materials into finished, packaged goods through organized production and quality control, operating under regulatory standards
Success requires a comprehensive business plan, proper licensing, and a clear vision for your market niche
Regulatory compliance is non-negotiable—health, safety, and labeling rules vary by location and product type
Startup and operating costs depend on scale, facility, equipment, and process—accurate estimates are critical for funding
Strategic marketing, branding, and robust quality assurance set strong operators apart from their competitors
The Food Processing Business Landscape: Trends & Opportunities
The food processing industry presents extraordinary opportunities for entrepreneurs willing to innovate and adapt. Current market dynamics favor small processors who can respond quickly to consumer demands and fill gaps that larger corporations overlook.
The global plant-based meat market exemplifies this potential, valued at $7.17 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $24.77 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 19.4%. Similarly, the gluten-free food market stands at $7.75 billion in 2024, expected to hit $13.67 billion by 2030 with a 10% CAGR. These specialty segments grow faster than traditional food categories, creating openings for nimble startups.
Organic food sales tell another compelling story. U.S. organic food sales reached $71.6 billion in 2024, growing at 5.2% annually—more than double the growth rate of the overall food marketplace at 2.5%. The narrowing price gap between organic and conventional products makes this market increasingly accessible to both producers and consumers.
Food manufacturing industry growth
Small-scale processors benefit from several emerging trends:
Health-conscious consumers actively seek clean-label products with minimal processing
Ethnic and regional specialties gain mainstream acceptance
Direct-to-consumer models through farmers markets and online platforms reduce barriers to entry
Local sourcing preferences create advantages for regional processors
Subscription box services open new distribution channels for specialty items
Essential Steps to Start Your Food Processing Business
Launching a food processing business demands methodical preparation and attention to regulatory requirements. Each step builds upon the previous one, creating a solid foundation for operations.
Begin with market research to validate your product concept. Identify your target customers, analyze competitors, and determine your unique value proposition. This research forms the backbone of your business plan, which should detail your production processes, financial projections, marketing strategies, and growth trajectory.
Food business licensing
The licensing process varies by location and product type, but certain requirements remain universal:
Register your business entity and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Apply for state and local business licenses
Secure food handler’s permits for all employees
Complete food safety certification such as ServSafe or HACCP
Obtain facility permits from health departments
Register with the FDA if producing certain product categories
Networking with your local Small Business Development Center accelerates this process. These organizations provide guidance on regulatory requirements specific to your area and connect you with funding resources. They often host workshops covering food business basics, saving you time and preventing costly mistakes.
Calculating Startup Costs—Is a Food Processing Business Worth the Investment?
Understanding true startup costs separates dreamers from successful food entrepreneurs. Your initial investment varies dramatically based on scale, location, and production methods.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream demonstrates that massive capital isn’t always necessary. The founders started in 2008 with $60,000 raised from friends and family. Unable to afford an $85,000 new truck, they purchased a 1988 postal truck for $2,500 and converted it for $40,000. They taught themselves ice cream recipes and drove six hours to produce batches at a small dairy farm. Today, the company operates 75+ stores across nine states with a $55 million valuation.
Food processing business cost breakdown
Realistic budget planning requires accounting for these categories:
Facility Costs:
Shared commercial kitchen rental: $15-$30 per hour
Workers’ compensation: varies by state and payroll
Operating Capital:
Initial inventory: $800-$2,000
Marketing and branding: $2,000-$5,000
Three months operating expenses: $10,000-$25,000
Total startup estimates range from $35,000 for a basic operation to $150,000+ for a fully equipped facility. Always buffer your budget by 20-30% for unforeseen costs. Financial discipline during startup creates breathing room for growth.
Food safety regulations protect consumers and your business reputation. A single contamination incident can destroy years of brand building, making compliance your top priority from day one.
Federal oversight depends on your product category. The USDA regulates meat, poultry, and egg products, while the FDA oversees most other foods. State and local health departments add additional layers of requirements, often more stringent than federal standards.
Food processing regulations
Critical compliance steps include:
Developing a written food safety plan with hazard analysis
Implementing Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
Creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all processes
Establishing supplier verification programs
Maintaining detailed production and distribution records
Conducting regular internal audits
Document everything meticulously. When scaling operations, these records prove invaluable for demonstrating compliance history to retailers, insurers, and investors. Schedule quarterly compliance reviews to catch changes in regulations before they become violations.
Production, Sourcing & Operations: Building for Efficiency and Scale
Operational excellence determines whether your food processing business thrives or merely survives. Smart systems and supplier relationships create competitive advantages that compound over time.
Love Good Fats illustrates rapid scaling through strategic operations. Founder Suzie Yorke identified a market gap for keto-friendly snack bars in 2016. Rather than build her own facility, she partnered with co-packers for manufacturing. When her first production run required a $200,000 machine setup—far exceeding expectations—she raised $400,000 in angel investment. The initial 100,000 bars sold out in six weeks, validating the model. Through five funding rounds and strategic retail partnerships, the company reached $36 million in annual revenue within three years.
Food business inventory management
Efficient operations require:
Vetted suppliers with backup options for critical ingredients
Batch tracking systems from ingredient receipt through distribution
Quality control checkpoints at each production stage
Accurate demand forecasting to minimize waste
Scalable processes that maintain quality during growth
Invest in inventory management software early. Manual tracking becomes impossible as you scale, and retrofitting systems disrupts operations. Modern cloud-based solutions integrate with accounting platforms like those offered by Complete Controller, streamlining financial reporting and regulatory compliance.
Branding, Marketing & Finding Your Customers
Your product quality matters, but your brand story sells. Today’s consumers buy experiences and values, not just food items.
According to USDA data, farmers markets represent a powerful launch platform, with 77% of farms with direct sales serving consumers directly. In 2020, direct-to-consumer food sales totaled $2.9 billion, with farmers markets accounting for $1.7 billion. Producers at farmers markets experience lower failure rates than wholesale-only operations, particularly benefiting women entrepreneurs and those under 35.
Food product marketing strategies
Build your brand through:
Compelling origin stories that connect emotionally
Transparent ingredient sourcing and production methods
Professional packaging that stands out on shelves
Consistent social media presence showcasing your process
Customer testimonials and user-generated content
Strategic sampling at markets and events
Start with farmers markets for immediate customer feedback and cash flow. Test flavors, refine packaging, and build loyal followers who become brand ambassadors. Graduate to retail partnerships once you’ve proven demand and perfected operations.
Your Roadmap: 90-Day Launch Plan for Your Food Processing Business
Success comes from executing systematically rather than scrambling reactively. This proven timeline keeps you focused on critical milestones.
Food business launch checklist
Days 1-30: Foundation
Finalize your business plan with realistic financial projections
Secure initial funding through savings, loans, or investors
Register your business entity and obtain tax identification
Research and visit potential production facilities
Begin trademark and branding development
Connect with industry mentors and advisors
Days 31-60: Preparation
Sign facility lease or kitchen rental agreement
Order essential equipment and schedule installation
Complete food safety certifications
Develop SOPs and training materials
Source ingredients and packaging suppliers
Finalize product recipes and conduct shelf-life testing
Days 61-90: Launch
Produce initial inventory batches
Photograph products for marketing materials
Launch website and social media presence
Begin farmers market sales or local distribution
Gather customer feedback and iterate quickly
Track all financial metrics and adjust pricing as needed
Conclusion
Launching a food processing business combines culinary creativity with business discipline. Success requires more than great recipes—it demands regulatory compliance, financial planning, and operational excellence. The market opportunities are real, as demonstrated by the explosive growth in specialty categories and the success stories of bootstrapped brands scaling to millions in revenue.
Your next step starts today. Whether you’re perfecting recipes, researching regulations, or crunching numbers, each action moves you closer to launch. Let Complete Controller handle your back-office complexities—from bookkeeping to compliance tracking—so you can focus on creating products customers love. Visit Complete Controller to discover how our expert team supports food entrepreneurs like you in building sustainable, profitable businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Processing Business
What is a food processing business?
A food processing business transforms raw ingredients into finished food products through organized operations, quality control measures, and regulatory compliance. This includes everything from baking and canning to freeze-drying and packaging specialty foods.
How much does it cost to start a food processing business?
Startup costs typically range from $35,000 for a basic operation using shared kitchen space to over $150,000 for a dedicated facility with specialized equipment. Costs vary based on your production scale, facility type, and product complexity.
What licenses and permits are needed?
You’ll need state and local business licenses, health department permits, food handler certifications, and potentially FDA or USDA registrations depending on your products. Requirements vary significantly by location and food type.
What are common mistakes new founders make?
The biggest mistakes include underestimating startup costs by 30-50%, rushing to market without proper food safety protocols, neglecting to validate product demand before scaling, and failing to maintain adequate cash reserves for slow sales periods.
How do I scale my food processing business?
Scale through systematic steps: automate repetitive processes, implement robust inventory management, develop strong supplier relationships, consider co-packing partnerships, and expand distribution channels gradually while maintaining quality standards and positive cash flow.
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.
With time, social media has taken its toll on almost everything a person does today. The rise of social media has been so inspirational that it has caused people to switch their businesses to online stores. Nowadays, having an occurrence on social media has become everyone’s necessity instead of a choice. Undoubtedly, social media provides an excellent ground for online businesses and is also a valuable tool for an HR professional. Over time, more HR professionals have begun to use social media to connect and find new talent for different positions and purposes.
HR professionals can utilize social media in multiple ways, some of which are below.
Acquiring New Talent
By correctly utilizing the power of the platforms provided by social media, HR professionals can quickly enter a large pool of applicants. Social media platforms will allow HR professionals to post job vacancies on company pages or even on different public groups. It will also help in spreading the word about the new job position. Social media also allow HR people to view candidate profiles and their random activities before calling them. Social media will let a recruiter know candidates and their views regarding their personal and professional lives.
Employer Branding
With the help of social media, human resource personnel can utilize present and past employees as brand ambassadors. It can also use social media for promotional purposes regarding a brand, such as creating social media groups to share the company’s best accomplishments and undertakings. It can also use these platforms to post promotional images, videos of the company events, company culture, success stories, etc.
Employee Engagement
Social media has fantastic potential for keeping people engaged; HR professionals can use a social media platform to create in-hour forums that employees can use to communicate, share ideas, and collaborate. It can also use such discussions to express concerns and give logical suggestions regarding the improvement of the organization.
Through such random suggestions and conversations, HR professionals can better understand their employees‘ issues and address them adequately. HR personnel can also take advice from employees regarding company policies and improve them accordingly. Such activities allow employees to participate and discuss company policies, making them feel more responsible for the outcomes.
Productivity Enhancement
Human resource professionals can also utilize social media by asking senior and experienced employees to write company forums about their careers and work. They can use these HR blogs to post company policies, announcements, promotional events, appreciation programs, etc.
Employee Communication
Another handy use of social media, especially for big international firms, is that it will allow employees to communicate better with each other across the globe. Sharing videos and images on social platforms will help employees better display their motto rather than exchanging emails like old times.
Monitoring Employees’ Activities
HR professionals can also use these social media platforms to monitor employee activities. Using Twitter will allow HR people to see the employee messages they are posting, and following them on Facebook and LinkedIn will allow them to monitor their dailyactivities. However, to properly implement this, a robust social media policy must be a form that is entirely relevant and up to date based on that company’s policies. Also, any debating or controversial conversations need to be avoided at all costs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, social media’s pervasive influence has transformed not only personal interactions but also professional landscapes, particularly in the realm of human resources (HR). As businesses increasingly shift online, social media platforms have become indispensable tools for HR professionals seeking to recruit talent, enhance employer branding, engage employees, facilitate communication, boost productivity, and monitor activities.
By harnessing the power of platforms, HR professionals can tap into vast pools of potential candidates, effectively showcase company culture, and foster a sense of communityamongemployees. Social media not only streamline recruitment processes but also serve as vehicles for promoting organizational achievements and facilitating open dialogue between employees and management.
Moreover, monitoring employee activities through social media enables HR professionals to maintain awareness of their workforce’s online presence while ensuring compliance with company policies and regulations. However, it’s essential to implement robust social media policies that balance monitoring with privacy rights and ethical considerations. In essence, social media offers HR professionals a multifaceted toolkit for fostering a dynamic and thriving organizational culture in the digital age.
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 several countries, it is widespread practice for the most dependable companies to offer pension plans for their employees. This is a significant benefit that contributes to increasing our heritage, but few take advantage of it correctly.
What are the Pension Plans?
Given the low replacement rates in different countries, pension plans are often offered to complement social security.
The replacement rate is the proportion you will receive from your last salary as a pension. For example, when you say that the replacement rate is 40%, it means that you will receive 40% of what you earned before your retirement when you get your retirement.
For example, the replacement rate will be less than 35% for medium and high wages. This will not be enough for many people to survive, so it becomes essential to complement it with other types of savings, such as companies’ pension plans or personal retirement plans with a fiscal stimulus.
How do Company Plans Work?
Of course, there are many different pension plans. Still, companies generally supplement the employees’ savings up to a certain percentage of their salary.
The employee chooses what percentage of his salary he wants to save, and the company contributes an equal share (up to a limit that is usually between 4 and 5% of the salary, although sometimes it depends on the person’s salary level).
Therefore, by participating in these plans, we automatically get free money contributed by the company, which we would not otherwise see. We can only obtain it if we save.
For example, suppose we save 5% of our salary each month, and the company puts another 5%. In that case, this becomes 10% of our salary, which can grow significantly since, in many cases, the returns generated for such plans are exempt from taxes. Also, the company’s amount is not considered a cumulativeincome for employees. In other words, it is received free of charge (although at the time of retirement, the company’s contributions plus their income may be subject to taxes).
Difference Between Pension and Private Pensions
The core difference between pensions and private ones is the employer. The federal, government, national, and local representatives get private pensions. Police officers, firefighters, and schoolteachers may have pensions. Even private companies are still offering pensions to their retired employees. Multiple timeless companies have been providing pensions since the last century. Yet, most of them have frozen their pension policies. That is why new employees cannot get this opportunity.
Private pensions are more legitimately protected than public ones. According to the law, private pension funds must have adequate funding. The government pays the Corporation of Pension Benefit Guaranty premiums to ensure their pension funds. For public pensions, you do not need such requirements. This absence of legitimate protection prevents the government from assisting all their retired officers. Ultimately, there will be a drastic change in the sector’s benefits if governments do not act.
Risks of a Pension Plan
You are wrong if you think retirementplans or pension policies work without risks. You cannot say anything about the company’s pension fund investment. You acquire insufficient funds due to bad investment decisions. As a result, the benefits will be reduced without any warning. Usually, there is no command of the company’s control while finalizing the terms and conditions for the pension plan. And it is one of the examples of risks as well. Also, it can decrease the percentage of salary for each employee. It would be the employer’s choice to reduce or enhance the employee’s pension amount than alternatives.
In public pensions, the risk is that the country will have to face different economic issues and announce bankruptcy. Then, it will reduce all the rewards for candidates’ pension plans. So, you can save that money monthly as an alternative to your pension to get protected from all the risks. You wish to have a comfortable retirement without facing a shortage of funds.
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.
Car insurance is not merely a legal obligation; it’s a shield that protects vehicle owners and passengers from the financial fallout of unforeseen accidents. It’s a safety net beyond vehicle repairs, encompassing medical bills, personal liabilities, and peace of mind.
In this guide, we’ll delve into the multifaceted protection provided by comprehensive car insurance, emphasizing its crucial role in safeguarding all passengers, covering repairs regardless of the driver, mitigating repair costs, and offering personal coverage in unforeseen circumstances. Understanding the depth of coverage provided by car insurance is prudent and essential in confidently navigating the uncertainties of the road.
Here are five essentials for car insurance coverage.
Caring Coverage: Ensuring Protection for Every Passenger
Comprehensive car insurance extends protection to all passengers aboard. In the event of an accident, it offers reassurance by alleviating the burden of hefty medical bills. Regardless of who sustains injuries, the policy covers medical expenses, allowing the injured parties to concentrate on their recovery journey.
Superior car insurance encompasses every aspect of medicalcare, from surgical procedures to rehabilitation, ensuring thorough support throughout recovery. From doctor consultations to hospital stays and rehabilitation sessions, this coverage provides peace of mind to all occupants, particularly the vehicle owner, knowing that everyone is safeguarded in case of an unfortunate incident.
Protection Beyond the Driver
Most reputable car insurance policies extend coverage to any driver operating the vehicle. This provision proves invaluable, particularly when entrusting your car to a friend or family member who might encounter an accident.
With all drivers insured under your policy, you can confidently lend your car, knowing that any potential mishaps won’t result in financial devastation. Insurance, inherently, is designed to provide peace of mind. However, this reassurance is incredibly comforting when someone else is behind the wheel.
Eases the Burden of Repair Expenses
Repair costs following an accident can skyrocket, depending on the severity and type of vehicle involved. If you’re found at fault, you’re responsible for your vehicle’s repairs and potentially for the other drivers. Thankfully, with car insurance, the worry of shouldering these financial burdens fades away as your insurance company takes care of everything for you.
Furthermore, coverage extends to single-car accidents, such as collisions with trees or encounters with wildlife like deer. In these instances, where only your vehicle is damaged, having insurance coverage ensures that all repair expenses are promptly addressed, regardless of whether the damage involves multiple vehicles, solitary incidents, or acts of nature.
Providing Essential Protection
In an ideal scenario, accidents would be rare, and both drivers involved would seamlessly handle their costs. Regrettably, reality often paints a different picture, where only one driver is covered or found at fault. However, with comprehensive insurance coverage, you’re shielded from these uncertainties.
Whether the other driver lacks sufficient coverage or is entirely uninsured, you’ll find solace knowing that your full coverage insurance covers you in any situation. Regardless of the extent of their coverage, your peace of mind remains intact, safeguarded by your insurance provisions.
Comprehensive Personal Protection
Accidents are unpredictable; despite our best efforts, some events remain beyond our control. That’s why insurance policies are designed to offer coverage for the vehicle owner and all drivers involved. In the unfortunate event of an injury, even one resulting in long-term disability, the insurance company provides a predetermined settlement amount to alleviate any financial strain on the car owner.
Personal coverage extends beyond the individual car owner. It serves as a safety net for personal liability, ensuring that your insurance steps in to cover the costs if you’re deemed responsible for an accident. Additionally, this coverage safeguards you and your vehicle in cases where the other driver is at fault but lacks proper car insurance.
Conclusion
While adhering to the minimum liability insurance mandated by states is essential, your approach to car insurance should transcend mere compliance with the law. The aftermath of a car accident can be profoundly impactful and may reshape lives in unforeseen ways. Therefore, it’s imperative to carefully evaluate various factors, including your vehicle’s value, potential risks, and desire for peace of mind while on the road.
By investing in comprehensive car insurance that extends beyond legal requirements, you protect yourself financially and equip yourself with the assurance needed to navigate the uncertainties of driving with greater confidence and security.
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.
A group of self-employed workers is characterized by tax obligations differentiated from the rest of the self-employed. We refer to self-employed workers registered in the Special Regime of Self-Employed Workers (RETA). Their activity is linked to an autonomous business head to whom they are related up to the second degree of consanguinity.
What are the tax obligations of the self-employed collaborator? Pay attention to the following lines.
High in the RETA of the Autonomous Collaborator
What are the requirements for contributing to Social Security as a self-employed collaborator? This figure is subject to a series of conditions to become part of the self-employed regime:
Direct family member means spouse, descendants, ascendants, and other relatives of the employer—consanguinity or affinity up to the second degree inclusive and, where appropriate, by adoption.
They are employed in their center or work centers regularly, they share a place of work with the self-employed person, and it is not a punctual collaboration.
Share the same place of residence with the self-employed owner.
Have at least 16 years of age.
How to Manage the Registration of the Autonomous Employee in Social Security
If you do not know the method as a self-employed collaborator, you can either follow the detailed steps below or ignore the process that relies on online advice.While you think about it, we anticipate that for the registration in Social Security as a self-employed collaborator, you need to present:
The model TA0521 / 2 corresponds to the application for registration in the special self-employed regime for a family member of the holding owner.
Family book.
DNI.
Copy of registration in the Treasury of the business owner that must be the direct relative and the taxpayer, as we will see later.
Obligations with the Treasury of the Self-employed Worker
Self-employed collaborators must follow tax obligations. The collaborator does not have taxpayereconomicactivitystatus. Therefore, you do not have to register with the Treasury, and you will not have to pay IVA and IRPF quarterly.
Among the taxes that, as a self-employed collaborator, you will have to present is the Income Tax Declaration in your taxpayer status based on the income obtained through payroll.
Obligations of the Self-employed Person with the Self-employed Worker
We have already seen that whoever assumes the fiscal burden of the economic activity, the independent collaborator, is a subsidiary and an autonomous holder. The latter also has acquired the following obligations with the self-employed collaborator.
Make the payment of contributions to the Social Security of the self-employed collaborator. Pay your salary and deliver the corresponding payroll according to the professional category and the applicable agreement.
Obligations for Tax for Self-employment
Self-employed people must pay this tax as it is the employer’s portion of Social Security and Medicare. Employees must pay 7.65% self-employment tax, and self-employed people pay 15.30%. For 2024, each employee and employer must pay a wage limit of $168,600 and a 6.2% Social Security tax. The Medicare tax rate for each employee and employer is 1.45%, with no wage limit. This tax will cost you less than you imagine as you deduct half of your self-employment tax from your net income. The IRS considers the employer’s self-employment tax as their business expenditures, and you can remove it according to it. So, business owners pay 92.35% of their total income, their total business income, rather than their gross credit rate.
Tax Obligations for Health Insurance Premiums
Self-employed people can pay health insurance premiums if they are not eligible for coverage through their spouse. In this way, you can deduct all your tips. This payment is to give the courage to your children (younger than twenty-seven at year-end), dependents, and spouse. You can evaluate the deduction using the Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction Worksheet in the IRS publication. Also, you can deduct all of your qualified long-term care insurance premiums, including health and dental.
Meals
You must pay a tax on meals as significant business expenses, especially when traveling for business or entertaining clients. The meal’s tax deduction for business owners is around 50% of the actual price of the total feed. Remember to have a receipt with you. You can pay a standard meal allowance that can be 50%. That is why you must know the purpose of the travel, time, and place. In this case, you will not need your meal receipts.
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.
These days, social media has become a potent tool to garner potential customers and build brand loyalty. Some studies suggest that most people use social media for nearly two hours daily. Social media users can significantly impact your brand’s image in this digitally savvy world. Besides, users can decide which businesses they wish to follow and what type of content appeals to them.
So, if you want people to find and follow your brand on social media platforms, you need to create a targetedstrategy to engage maximum users. In this guide, we’ll discuss some social media services you can use to top your competitors.
Agora Pulse is an excellent service for social media management. It’ll help you schedule content for platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Besides, it is interactive and has dynamic features like generating detailed analytics reports for social media networks. You can also market new content quickly and run promotional campaigns directly from this service. And the best news is that they also offer a free trial period to new users. So, if you’re unsure whether to purchase this service, you can test it to see if it fits your requirements.
If you want to find out who and how many people accessed your links in Facebook and Twitter posts, Bitly is the best social media service to get your hands on. Bitly is a link-tracking software and is relatively straightforward to use. When you track your followers, copy a live website link like your latest tweet, type it into the service, and get shortened links.
These links look clean and track a significant amount of valuable data automatically. Bitly helps you keep track of how your links are performing. It’ll also enable you to understand where and why people clicked.
Quintly is another excellent social media service to help you track your social media performance. Google Analytics is excellent, too, but it’s not particularly helpful for social media analysis. Quintly allows you to benchmark your completion’s social media strategies, which is what you need to beat them back. It’ll provide you with crisp analytical reports to give you a crystal-clear idea about your progress. Quintly also comes with a 14-day trial that doesn’t require any billing information. How generous!
It has various remarkable features to help you navigate more easily. Like Google Analytics, it gives you a custom dashboard to link all your social media platforms. This makes it easier to monitor your performance. You can also set up a dashboard to compare your progress against your competitors.
MeetEdgar is a versatile social media service that delivers content and is a dedicated content marketer without a full-time salary. It is a powerful automation tool responsible for repeatedly sharing your best-featured content. Just think of all the time it could save you every week. It keeps you from going through the hassle of digging up old but killer social media posts. It automatically shares your evergreen content on social media, driving new engagement. MeetEdgar works for all popular platforms.
LinkedIn Sales Navigator is a powerful tool designed to empower B2B sales professionals in finding and connecting with high-quality leads on the LinkedIn platform. With advanced search filters and targeting options, Sales Navigator lets users pinpoint their ideal prospects based on industry, company size, job title, and location. Its personalized recommendations feature suggests potential leads tailored to the user’s preferences and previous interactions, streamlining the lead-generation process.
Moreover, Sales Navigator provides real-time insights and updates on lead activities, informing users about key developments and engaging with prospects at the right time. Through its integration with CRM systems and sales automation tools, Sales Navigator facilitates seamless lead management and conversion, ultimately helping businesses grow their revenue and expand their client base in the competitive B2B landscape.
Conclusion
So, these social media services you can utilize to beat back your competition. You must understand that social media is a potent tool to attract new customers to your business. You need to be on social media, but you can only spend a little time on it. Therefore, you must carefully curate an engagement strategy to retain your social media following. And this is where these social media services will come in handy. We hope you enjoyed reading this post and found it helpful to get ahead of your competitors and retain your customers.
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 rapidly evolving digital landscape, mastering the art of digitalmarketing is paramount for businesses striving to stay ahead of the curve. While advertising through search engines, optimizing landing pages, and crafting engaging social media campaigns are vital components of digital marketing, they represent only a fraction of the journey. The real challenge lies in understanding where to begin amidst the plethora of digital strategies and tools available. With the transformative power of digital marketing becoming increasingly evident, businesses must embrace this paradigm shift to attract new customers, retain existing ones, and enhance their brand image.
However, transitioning from traditional marketing to digital requires careful planning, meticulous analysis, and a deep understanding of consumerneeds and technical capabilities. This comprehensive guide delves into the essentials of embarking on a successful digital marketing journey, from formulating effective strategies to implementing practical actions. Join us as we navigate the intricate realm of digital marketing and unlock the keys to sustainable success in the digital age.
Embarking on Digital Marketing: From Strategy to Implementation
Advertising or publicizing through a search engine, points of arrival, site improvement, and painstakingly arranged web-based life crusades are pieces of advanced advertising; however, they are not the initial steps. These are apparatuses and methodologies that will assist you with accomplishing your exercises more productively and successfully. Yet, at present, your need is beginning with those exercises.
Realizing that it is significant for your business, you feel incapacitated and on edge, yet you do not learn to begin. Consistently you are not stepping toward advanced; you could be missing business and affecting your drawn-out progress. However, if only you recognized what those means were, you would happily take them.
Few brands have developed a digital communication and sales strategy to attract new customers, retain current consumers, or improve their image with the public. Digital marketing has become a staple and concerns increased support, from computers to touchpads via mobile applications of smartphones and modern technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, or interactive furniture. The digital revolution brings significant advantages to small and large companies, not only in terms of budget but also in offering a complete experience to consumers.
However, moving from traditional marketing to digital marketing and implementing practical actions requires accurate prior reflection and an in-depth analysis of the company’s consumer needs, technical possibilities, and skills. This is essential to facing the dangers of digital marketing and understanding its ins and outs.
Brand Image and Communication Control
Consider and manage the activity of Internet users on social networks. Social media have become one of the critical tools for companies to communicate, unite, and build consumer loyalty. They effectively offer many possibilities thanks to an increasingly connected population that wishes to give its opinion, exchange with the brand and other community members, and feel heard.
However, digital transformation and these networks are a double-edged sword: they allow businesses to create a privileged link with their customers and give Internet users new power. When they are satisfied, the impact will, of course, be positive. On the other hand, if the customers are dissatisfied and wish to denounce certain practices or ask disturbing questions, they also have the possibility there. This is more dangerous for the brand, as their comments will be visible to everyone.
Zara, among others, paid the price when she presented her new collection in 2014, with her striped top with an embroidered yellow star. It shocked internet users, who did not hesitate to share their thoughts quickly across networks. This controversy highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity and awareness in fashion design and marketing, prompting discussions about the impact of cultural appropriation and the need for brands to be mindful of the messages conveyed by their products.
Strategies for Proactive Online Reputation Management
Keep a constant watch to find out what is being said on your social pages and in the media so that you can act before harmful content spreads.
Respond quickly to unflattering reviews and posts from each user to resolve the issue or reassure other consumers.
Removedefamatory or abusive comments, which do not add value, where specific negative comments can help you improve your products and services and strengthen the bond with the customer in the medium and long term.
Finally, brands must remain vigilant against false influencers, such as people who hold pages whose subscribers or views have been purchased or are not real. These fake influencers will not add value to the brand’s image since their audience is biased and only publishes content that is of little use.
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.
