Top 5 Small Business Blogs to Follow for Expert Tips, Trends, and Growth Strategies

Are you looking to learn “How to Use Social Media Effectively?” or maybe “Five Simple Tricks to Attract More Customers?” The answers to these questions and more are out there in the blogosphere, where countless blogs offer valuable insights and guidance for entrepreneurs. At Independent We Stand, we strive to bring small business owners the latest news, tips, and how-tos from industry experts, but we’re not the only ones. Here are some of the best small business blogs worth following, along with some of their must-read posts.

1. Duct Tape Marketing

This blog is run by John Jantsch, a marketing consultant, speaker, and author. Duct Tape Marketing offers simplified and actionable marketing strategies and tactics, covering topics like social media and marketing automation. Each week, the blog also features guest bloggers, making it relatable and useful for small business owners looking to boost their brands. Forbes previously recognized it as one of the 100 Best Websites for Entrepreneurs, underscoring its value as a marketing resource.

2. Financially inKleined

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Created by Karen Klein, a columnist for Bloomberg Businessweek, Financially inKleined provides in-depth analysis of the complex challenges small business owners face in today’s economic landscape. Her blog serves as a one-stop resource that gathers all her writing on small business trends, creating a central hub for important updates and insights. By offering a detailed look at issues such as healthcare policies like Obamacare, economic policies affecting small businesses, and licensing intricacies, Financially inKleined is essential reading for entrepreneurs aiming to stay ahead.

One standout feature of the blog is its focus on practical financial advice specifically tailored for small business environments. Klein frequently discusses topics such as budgeting for growth, ways to minimize operational costs, and financial risk management. Her articles are packed with actionable tips, like strategies for streamlining expenses and understanding loan options to help businesses survive in tough economic climates.

Another major strength of Financially inKleined is the emphasis on the digital marketing and advertising landscape, which is vital for modern businesses. Her popular post, “How to Improve Your Web Ad’s Chance of Going Viral”, explores effective ad strategies that resonate with audiences, regardless of the platform. Klein offers guidance on how to maximize ad reach by identifying target audiences, utilizing eye-catching visuals, and crafting compelling calls-to-action.

The blog also highlights the role of economic trends on small business operations. Klein often writes about the effects of inflation, tax changes, and federal regulations, helping business owners understand how these factors could impact their long-term success. By staying up-to-date on these critical issues, Financially inKleined readers gain insight into how they can proactively manage finances, reduce risks, and ensure sustained growth.

Lastly, Klein provides valuable tips on crisis management and resilience planning for small businesses. In an unpredictable economy, this type of content helps business owners build a safety net and develop strategies for financial recovery in the event of unexpected challenges. With her expertise and ability to simplify complex economic topics, Karen Klein’s Financially inKleined is a must-read for entrepreneurs focused on financial health and longevity.

3. Small Business Trends

Small Business Trends is a comprehensive platform that serves as a go-to resource for small business owners across various industries. The blog provides an extensive range of topics, including marketing strategies, management advice, technology updates, and industry-specific trends, ensuring that business owners can find valuable insights tailored to their field.

One of the unique features of Small Business Trends is its organization. The website categorizes content by major topics like Marketing, Social Media, Management, and Technology. This structured approach makes it easy for business owners to navigate directly to areas relevant to their current needs. For example, entrepreneurs looking to grow their social media presence will find guides and tools,

Additionally, the blog frequently highlights popular and trending posts, giving readers a sense of what’s resonating most in the small business community. This feature not only keeps readers updated with valuable insights but also helps them understand market trends and what other small business owners are focusing on. The popular posts section covers common pain points for small businesses,

Another notable feature is the blog’s expert contributors. The content on Small Business Trends is written by professionals and guest writers who specialize in various fields, ensuring that readers receive expert-backed information. Contributors like TJ McCue, who also writes for Forbes, provide valuable insights on topics like “30+ Ways For You To Use YouTube Effectively”, covering everything from video editing tools to YouTube SEO strategies that are accessible and easy to implement.

The blog also offers a newsletter subscription, which is especially useful for busy business owners. By subscribing, readers receive carefully curated articles directly to their inbox, keeping them informed on the latest small business trends and strategies without having to constantly check the website. This feature has proven valuable for business owners who prefer to stay updated on the go.

For readers interested in networking and growth opportunities, Small Business Trends also regularly posts about industry events, webinars, and workshops. These events cover topics like Business Growth Hacking, Financial Planning for Startups, and The Future of E-commerce, providing networking opportunities and expert insights that can benefit business owners directly. Additionally, the site has a section dedicated to small business tools, featuring detailed reviews of software and applications, such as CRM tools, project management software, and marketing platforms, which can simplify daily operations for small businesses.

4. Small Biz Survival

Small Biz Survival is a blog dedicated to supporting small business owners in small towns and rural communities. It offers specialized insights and solutions for tackling the unique challenges of these areas. Founded by Becky McCray, an entrepreneur from a small town, the blog captures the essence of life and work in such communities. This in-depth understanding is what sets Small Biz Survival apart, as it emphasizes how to build and sustain small businesses in environments often lacking the large urban resources.

The blog provides practical tools and articles that help entrepreneurs improve their businesses and navigate daily challenges, such as attracting customers in a small population base and effectively utilizing local retail spaces. A notable article, “How One Downtown Building Revitalizes Retail”, showcases how a single commercial space can act as a catalyst for new local stores and restaurants.

A unique feature of the blog is the weekly “Brag Basket,” where small business owners can share their success stories and achievements, providing a platform for networking and knowledge-sharing. Readers gain inspiration from these stories, learning about innovative strategies that may benefit their businesses.

Another valuable aspect of the blog is its content on local partnerships and community relationship-building. It offers advice on collaborating with neighboring businesses and organizing community events to raise brand awareness and attract more customers. The team also shares tips on managing resources effectively, such as promoting on social media with a limited budget and leveraging modern technology for business growth.

5. Small Biz Daily

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Small Biz Daily is a comprehensive resource offering ideas, inspiration, and information that entrepreneurs need to succeed. It provides a wide variety of content suitable for both beginner and seasoned entrepreneurs, covering topics such as management, finance, emerging trends, and women in business.

One unique feature of Small Biz Daily is its Loan Center, a resource offered in partnership with Fundera. This section helps small business owners explore funding options that match their specific needs, providing information on loan programs and financing opportunities. It also includes educational resources on how to apply for loans, improve business credit, and understand loan terms and conditions.

The blog also covers current topics affecting the small business market, including articles on regulatory changes, the digital transformation, and how small businesses can leverage technology for increased productivity. It includes startup-focused topics as well, such as business planning, identifying target markets, and building a strong brand identity.

Another unique aspect of Small Biz Daily is its focus on female entrepreneurship, showcasing success stories of women who have made inspiring accomplishments in the business world. The blog provides tips and guidance for women in overcoming the challenges they may face on their entrepreneurial journeys. It also publishes articles and studies on maintaining a work-life balance and building a supportive network of women in the field.

With a mix of diverse content and practical resources, Small Biz Daily is an excellent destination for entrepreneurs seeking guidance and genuine inspiration to achieve success and growth in the business world.