Stewart H. Gauld

Why do most small businesses fail? And how can you avoid small business failure?

Many new businesses enter the market yearly, yet unfortunately, only a fraction thrive long-term.

So, what factors contribute to the recurring phenomenon of businesses failing over time?

Well, that’s exactly what I’m going to uncover!

By identifying where most small businesses fail, you can determine the areas you need to zone in on to improve your chances of success!
https://stewartgauld.com/why-do-most-small-businesses-fail/

Do you have a Client Portal? 💬 👥

What if I said you could store and manage client conversations, files, invoices, projects, and more inside your own custom-built client portal...

And you can do this for free.

Interested?

I'm sure you are! I certainly was!

I've found a free way that you can build your no-code client portal using just two apps!

Monday and Softr.

I've recently talked about Softr for building a custom, no-code CRM, and many people enjoyed that content.

So, this time I decided to create a tutorial that shows you how to create a client portal using Monday and Softr.

Monday is your database and Softr is the no-code and visual app builder.

You don't need any experience or coding knowledge.

If this is something of interest to you, I'll link the full tutorial in the comments.

Enjoy! ✨

Jokes aside it can feel overwhelming being a small business owner.
Avoid the worry by reading this article
https://stewartgauld.com/what-do-entrepreneurs-worry-about-constantly/

I usually rave about Shopify! 🙌

However, today I want to share its limitations and situations when Shopify is not right for you.

Feel free to take a look at my top 10 disadvantages of Shopify👇

Top 10 Disadvantages of Shopify | Read This Before Choosing Top disadvantages of Shopify. Let's look at additional costs, the restricted visual builder, and more to see if Shopify is right for you.

Starting a new business venture can be daunting. Entrepreneurs often worry about financial stability, managing expenses, and staying ahead of competition.

Confidence in your offerings is crucial. Uncertainty and risk are part of the journey, but facing them head-on is essential.

Lack of experience can be challenging, so lean into your network for support.

Maintaining a work-life balance is vital to prevent burnout. Set boundaries and prioritize self-care to safeguard your well-being.
https://stewartgauld.com/what-do-entrepreneurs-worry-about-constantly/

Finding a way is part of the fun!

Thinking about starting an online store? Shopify is perfect for beginners and advanced users alike.

With an easy setup process, intuitive interface, and detailed guides, any business can get online quickly.

Shopify’s all-in-one eCommerce solution offers everything you need to run your store on one platform.

Its scalability means it grows with your business. Plus, with 24/7 support and a focus on profitability, you can concentrate on marketing your products.

Check out Shopify's pricing plans to get started!
https://stewartgauld.com/is-shopify-good-for-beginners-if-so-why/

I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 advantages of monday.com to show why it's a standout tool for small businesses.

1. Free Forever Plan: Perfect for small teams or individuals, the free plan includes unlimited documents, 200+ templates, 8 column types, and up to 3 boards for organizing tasks and projects. You can even use the mobile app!

2. Dynamic Management Tool: Whether you need a CRM, project management, or product development software, Monday.com handles it all. It's a versatile platform that consolidates various tools into one, saving time and simplifying work processes.

3. Beginner-Friendly: Despite its rich features, Monday.com is easy to use. With over 200 customizable templates and an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, even beginners can manage their work effortlessly.

4. Eye-Catching Interface: Monday.com’s vibrant, colour-coded design makes it visually appealing and easy to navigate. The well-organized layout ensures that you can quickly find what you need.

5. Versatility: Suitable for any business type and size, Monday.com adapts to various needs. Whether you’re a solopreneur or a large enterprise, this tool scales with your business and offers multiple views like Kanban, Calendar, and Timeline.

These are just some of the advantages that make Monday.com a top choice for businesses. Want to learn more?
Read the full article here:

Top 10 Advantages of Monday.com | What You Need To Know Let's look at the advantages of Monday.com and identify if this popular CRM and Project Management tool is ideal for your requirements.

Shopify is an excellent choice for anyone looking to create an eCommerce store.

Its ease of use and wide range of product types make it accessible for all businesses.

With an extensive app store and built-in SEO capabilities, you can customize and optimize your site easily.

The mobile app and built-in tools enhance functionality, while high security and 24/7 customer support offer peace of mind.

Best of all, Shopify scales with your business, ensuring long-term growth. Explore Shopify for your online store!
https://stewartgauld.com/top-10-advantages-of-shopify-what-you-need-to-know/

Are you looking for a website builder but feeling overwhelmed by the choices?

If you’ve tried Wix and it didn’t meet your needs or you simply want to explore other options, I've put together a list of the top 5 Wix alternatives to help you find the perfect fit for your small business.

1. Google Sites Google Sites is a no-code, free website builder that integrates seamlessly with your Google Workspace account. Whether you use Gmail, Docs, or Sheets, you can manage your website on the same platform. Google Sites is ideal for information-based businesses and can even support small online stores with the help of Ecwid, allowing you to sell up to five products directly from your site.

2. Squarespace Originally designed for creatives, Squarespace has evolved into an all-in-one website builder suitable for anyone. It offers stunning templates that you can customize to fit your brand. Squarespace’s pricing ranges from $12 to $40 per month, providing a more polished and professional look compared to Wix.

3. Shopify For eCommerce businesses, Shopify is a top-tier alternative. It’s a premium, all-in-one platform designed to help you start and scale your online store. With Shopify, you can personalize your site, sell products, and manage payments with ease. While it doesn’t offer a free plan, its robust features justify the cost.

Curious about the other Wix alternatives?
Read the full article to discover the remaining top picks and find the best website builder for your small business journey

5 Best Wix Alternatives For Small Businesses (Updated for 2024) Are you looking for the best Wix alternatives? These are my top website builders that I believe are better alternatives to Wix.

When you get a little too into data analytics...

If you're seeking a reliable hosting provider, Namecheap is a fantastic option.

Offering affordability and excellent value for money, it caters to various needs with multiple plan types.

It's user-friendly and ensures security with unmetered bandwidth.

Enjoy the benefits of free website migration, impressive speed, and high uptime.

Their outstanding customer service supports you every step of the way.

Discover why Namecheap is a top choice for your hosting needs!
https://stewartgauld.com/top-10-advantages-of-namecheap-what-you-need-to-know/

If you're looking for a powerful yet simple tool to track your business metrics, the all-in-one Google Sheets dashboard template for 2024 is just what you need!

No more expensive tracking software or complex spreadsheets.

Google Sheets can transform your data into a visually appealing performance dashboard.

Here are a few highlights:
1. Track Key Metrics: Easily measure your sales, inventory, tasks, team performance, and more.

2. Customizable: Adjust widgets, colours, and data to fit your specific needs, enhancing readability and functionality.

3. Automated Alerts: Get notified of data fluctuations to spot trends and make swift, informed decisions.

4. Centralized Source of Truth: Streamline reporting processes and align your team around common objectives with a single source of truth.

5. Efficient Collaboration: Enable easy collaboration and real-time updates, ensuring your data is always up-to-date.

Curious about the rest of the points? Discover more about how this dashboard can revolutionize your business operations by clicking here

All-in-one Google Sheets Dashboard Template for 2024 Create dynamic reports with a Google Sheets Dashboard Template. Discover how templates can simplify your data visualization and reporting.

Looking for a versatile project management tool? Monday.com has you covered.

It offers a free forever plan and a dynamic interface that's beginner-friendly and visually appealing.

Enjoy unmatched flexibility, seamless integration, and a range of third-party integrations.

Automations simplify your workflow, while comprehensive support ensures you have help when needed.

Whether you're managing projects or teams, Monday.com adapts to your needs and helps you stay organized and efficient.
https://stewartgauld.com/top-10-advantages-of-monday-com-read-this-before-you-buy/

My top 10 advantages of Google Sites for startups and micro businesses... 👇

Top 10 Advantages of Google Sites For Your Business What are the top advantages of Google Sites? Google Sites is a free website builder that offers many advantages for small businesses.

Is a Wix website really free?

If you're thinking about using Wix to build your website, you might wonder if the free plan is truly cost-free.

While Wix does offer a free plan that allows you to create a functional website, there are some caveats you should be aware of.

Here are a few key points:
1. Custom Domain: Wix’s free plan doesn't allow for a custom domain. Your website will have a subdomain like yoursite.wixsite.com, which isn't ideal for branding.

2. Storage Limits: The free plan comes with only 500MB of storage. This might be enough for a basic website, but as your business grows, you’ll likely need more space.

3. Wix Branding: Every page of your site will display Wix ads and branding. To remove these, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan.

4. Limited Features: Advanced functionalities like eCommerce, analytics, and additional plugins are not available on the free plan. For these features, you’ll need to consider upgrading.

Wix’s free plan is great for starting out, but as your business grows, you might find the limitations too restrictive.

Want to know more about the true cost of using Wix and whether it's the right choice for your business?
Read the full article here:

Is A Wix Website Really Free? What The Don't Tell You Is a Wix website truly free? Discover the reality behind Wix's pricing, features, and any hidden costs to determine if it's right for you.

Why do most small businesses fail? And how can you avoid small business failure?

Many new businesses enter the market yearly, yet unfortunately, only a fraction thrive long-term.

So, what factors contribute to the recurring phenomenon of businesses failing over time?

Well, that’s exactly what I’m going to uncover!

By identifying where most small businesses fail, you can determine the areas you need to zone in on to improve your chances of success!

https://stewartgauld.com/why-do-most-small-businesses-fail/

HubSpot's free CRM has several drawbacks to consider.

You're limited by HubSpot branding and user restrictions, and the calling capabilities are basic.

With one shared inbox and a single sales pipeline, scaling can be challenging.

Long-term, the contact list can become costly, and the automation features are quite basic.

Support is limited, and custom reporting isn't available.

Additionally, the templates offered are limited in variety.

Ensure these limitations align with your business needs before committing.
https://stewartgauld.com/10-disadvantages-of-hubspots-free-crm-what-you-must-know/

Exploring new platforms for scaling your business can be daunting, especially with so many options available.

I've recently dug into Skool.com, a platform designed to help businesses create and sell online courses.

Here are some key points to consider:
1. Straightforward Pricing: Skool.com offers a single pricing plan at $99 per month. This plan includes unlimited courses, unlimited members, and full access to all features.

2. No Hidden Fees: One of Skool.com’s strengths is its transparency. There are no hidden fees or restrictive yearly contracts, ensuring you know exactly what you’re paying for.

3. 14-Day Free Trial: You can try Skool.com for free with a 14-day trial. This allows you to explore the platform before making any commitment.

4. Personalized Groups: Think of Skool.com as a personalized Facebook or LinkedIn group. It’s designed to help you manage your community effectively, offering a dedicated space for discussions and content sharing.

5. Auto-Affiliate Feature: With Skool.com’s auto-affiliate feature, you can earn monthly commissions from members who sign up and create their own groups. This is a fantastic way to generate passive income.

Want to learn more about Skool.com and its affordability? See the rest of the details in my full article here:

How Much Does Skool.com Cost in 2024? Is It Affordable? Are you thinking about using Skool? This Affordable community platform offers everything you need to manage your online community.

Are you creating a brand-new website? Or maybe you’re looking to give your old one a makeover?

Whatever the reason, many business owners ask themselves the same thing. What are the essential web pages that will make my website truly stand out?

And trust me, it’s a question worth asking!

In 2024, it’s simply not enough to whip up a basic website and call it a day—that won’t cut it!
Read more here - https://stewartgauld.com/top-8-most-important-pages-on-your-business-website/

Too many cooks.
But there are 8 important pages to have on your business website.
Check them out here
https://stewartgauld.com/top-8-most-important-pages-on-your-business-website/

Curious about selling online through TikTok?

TikTok Shop is a powerful eCommerce tool that lets you list and sell products directly through your videos and profiles.

No need for a website—users can discover and purchase your products without leaving the app.

It's easy to set up, with low fees and seamless integration with other online store builders.

With features like in-feed video, live shopping, and an affiliate program, TikTok Shop offers a competitive edge.

Explore how it can boost your sales!

HubSpot’s Free CRM is known for its robust features and zero-cost entry, but it comes with its share of drawbacks.

I’ve looked at the top 10 disadvantages of using HubSpot’s Free CRM in 2024 that every small business owner should be aware of.

Here are the first five disadvantages:
1. HubSpot Branding: The free plan prominently displays HubSpot’s logo on emails, forms, and landing pages, which can undermine your brand’s professionalism.

2. User Limit: The free CRM only supports up to 5 users, making it less viable for growing teams.

3. Limited Calling Capabilities: You can’t make or receive calls within the CRM, hindering seamless customer communication unless you integrate third-party services.

4. One Shared Inbox: Having only one shared inbox for all teams can create chaos, especially as your business scales. This can lead to missed messages and overwhelmed support channels.

5. One Sales Pipeline: The restriction to one sales pipeline means you have to manage all sales activities within a single funnel. This can complicate tracking different sales processes or product lines.

To read about the other five disadvantages, click here https://stewartgauld.com/10-disadvantages-of-hubspots-free-crm-what-you-must-know/

Understanding these limitations is crucial in deciding if HubSpot’s Free CRM is the right fit for your business.

Top 10 Disadvantages of HubSpot’s Free CRM in 2024 HubSpot Free CRM is amazing! However, this free CRM has its limitations. Let's dive into its restrictions before you decide to sign up.

Running a small business can be scary!
Here are my top 7 concerns.
https://stewartgauld.com/what-do-entrepreneurs-worry-about-constantly/

The secret is to use good project management systems!
Here are my top 7.
https://stewartgauld.com/best-free-project-management-software/

Are you looking for a way to streamline your data management?

Gemini AI is the perfect tool to help you easily organize, analyze, and visualize your data.

Here's a quick guide to get you started:

1. Open a new Google Sheet.
2. Select ‘Insert’ and then ‘Help me organize.’
3. Click ‘Create a custom template’ and type a prompt.
4. Include details about the data you want to capture.
5. Watch as Gemini AI creates the spreadsheet of your dreams!

This powerful combination can boost your efficiency and provide valuable insights for your business.

It's designed to help you stay on top of your tasks and make informed decisions.

Don't miss out on the benefits of using these innovative tools.

Remember, the harder you work, the luckier you get.

Start today and see the difference it can make in your business.

https://stewartgauld.com/level-up-with-google-slides-ai-a-simple-guide-to-gemini-ai/

Nothing like coming back from a break!
The secret is to automate things so they run smoothly while you're away.
https://stewartgauld.com/pros-and-cons-of-hubspot-what-you-need-to-know/

I'm all for learning strategy. But the best concepts come from people actively running their business now.
https://stewartgauld.com/why-do-most-small-businesses-fail/