MILWAUKEE – It’s rare that an NBA player misses 50-plus consecutive games within one NBA campaign, then returns before the season ends. Yet Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin pulled it off, missing 56 straight games from October 29 through February 24.

In that nearly four month span, Toppin was sidelined with a foot injury. In the Pacers third game of the season, the normally-durable forward exited the contest with what the team deemed a hamstring injury at the time. Further testing revealed Toppin had been diagnosed with a partial stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. The original estimate was at least a three month absence.

123 days later, he finally returned to the court. It was a long gap, and Toppin hasn’t reached 20 minutes in a game since his comeback. The Pacers want to be cautious with his playing time. But he’s back on the hardwood, and that means something to both him and the rest of his team.

Why did Obi Toppin return this season for the Pacers?

“Obviously, I love playing. I want to be out there as much as I can. I never want to sit any games out,” Toppin said of his desire to return this season. He couldn’t sit still during his rehab. At one point, he got up shots at the Pacers practice facility while riding around on a knee scooter. “We didn’t want to rush anything, but we still wanted to get out a couple of games just so I’m not going into the summer wondering how it’s going to feel when I’m out there playing real basketball. So that’s what we’re doing now and everything’s been good.”

Practice is one thing, and simulated games are another. But there is nothing like NBA action against an opponent to get rhythm and improve conditioning. That’s what Toppin has been doing the last four weeks. He’s started three times, seen his minutes increase, and played in all but two games – he missed one leg of two back-to-backs – since his return in late February.

At first, there were struggles. Toppin missed his first 10 three-point shots and didn’t make more than one field goal in a game until his fifth post-return outing. His non-rebounding numbers were muted outside of a five assist performance against the Memphis Grizzlies. A low minutes total was certainly a factor, but it was clear Toppin had to reacclimate to his teammates, some of whom were new, and to NBA action in general.

He’s been far more effective in recent games. Across his last four appearances, in which Toppin has only posted 16.3 minutes per game, he’s averaging 13.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per contest on 53% shooting from the field. Almost half of his outside shots have gone in. It took about 10 days, but Toppin looks more like himself of late.

“I’ll say after the first game. After [it], I got that ‘I can do this now’ feeling. Because you really don’t know coming back from injuries, putting a screw in your foot, and then playing that same year,” Toppin said when asked about what time he started to feel like himself on the court again. “You don’t know how that’s going to feel. So getting out there that first time, it was more just see how it feels, see if I can play through it and stuff. And everything felt good, I had no issues with my foot. Probably the second game I started to feel like myself. [I] need to make a couple more shots, but when I’m out there, I think I’m good.”

He has already started to make more shots and, importantly, play with more varied lineups. Toppin has played for 38 minutes with prized Pacers acquisition Ivica Zubac this season, and he also got some run with Kobe Brown, Micah Potter, Kam Jones, and Jalen Slawson for the first time. Those players are all new to the Pacers with the exception of Jones, a rookie who was injured early in the season when Toppin was initially playing.

Beyond Toppin getting his feet back under him, those moments of chemistry are important. That’s what the Pacers are trying to build in their games down the stretch of this season – while already eliminated from the playoffs, anything the Pacers can discover about their team right now that could help next season is beneficial. For example, it’s possible that Toppin and Jay Huff make up the Pacers reserve frontcourt next season. They’ve played together for just 68 minutes this season, including 47 since Toppin returned from injury. The more time they can get together to develop chemistry before the season ends, the better.

Chemistry for Toppin goes beyond the court. He’s one of the heartbeats of the Pacers team, and it’s easier to grow connections when actually playing in games. “He’s our engine. He brings energy on both ends of the floor,” Pacers guard T.J. McConnell said of Toppin. “To have him back, it’s just such a positive for our team. We’ve missed him dearly.”

Toppin has played in nine games since returning from injury. He’s averaging 7.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game so far, with those stats growing of late. It’s been a strange year for the Dayton product – he played in 79 games last season and all 82 the year prior.

Some of his talent comes from his natural athletic gifts. Toppin grabs rebounds simply by jumping higher than surrounding players and gets system buckets for the Pacers by lifting above the rim and outrunning players in transition. His athleticism has a significant function for the blue and gold.

The injury was a challenge for his pop. “It didn’t feel normal. I’m still working on that now. It takes in-game like dunks to get that feel back,” Toppin said last weekend of his athleticism. “So we’ll see how these next couple games go. I might take off a couple times and see how it feels. But other than that, doing that (jumping up and grabbing the rim) before the game, that’s been feeling regular.”

He has just five dunks this season, and a career-low 8.4% of his field goal attempts have been dunks. That’s the next step for Toppin individually – showing more of the natural traits that make him special. With a screw in his foot, there should be little expectation for an instant recovery. His former level will return eventually, though.

And there are recent signs, particularly from a shooting and minutes perspective, that Toppin is more comfortable and closer to his pre-injury self. He’s played 12 games this season, and the Pacers have 12 more before 2025-26 ends. Toppin will hope to show off some of his athletic gifts as he continues his rare in-season return from such a long absence.

North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham has broken his silence on head men’s basketball coach Hubert Davis.

There has been much speculation surrounding Davis’s future after back-to-back first-round exits in the NCAA Tournament.

“Every year at the end of the season, it’s important to evaluate all facets of the program and look for ways to improve,” Cunningham said via text message. “The Chancellor, Steve and I are doing that together now and will continue to have discussions over the coming days.”

North Carolina would owe Davis $5.312 million if it fired him on April 1, according to records reviewed by the New York Post, which also reported the coach’s base salary is $1.25 million. He earned an additional $1.8 million through supplemental income. His contract runs through June 30, 2030.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Saturday that Davis could be ordered to make staff changes following its first-round loss to No. 11 seed VCU on Thursday in which the No. 6 Tar Heels blew a 19-point lead.

Davis struggled to explain what went wrong in the post-game press conference. When asked about it, he said, “What do you mean?”

He was also asked why he went with a six-man rotation in the game.

“’Cause that was my decision,” he said.

The former Knicks guard is 125-54 in five seasons at his alma mater.

In his first year, he led the Tar Heels to the NCAA Championship game, where they blew a 15-point halftime lead against Kansas in the final.

Sign up for Sportico's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

While most of the top options in NFL free agency have been signed to new teams, there are still impact players available. Here are five intriguing options who are still on the market.

5 Remaining NFL Free Agents Who Can Help Super Bowl Contenders

WR Stefon Diggs

Diggs is now 32 years old, but he showed he can still be an integral piece of an offense with the New England Patriots. Per The Athletic’s Daniel Popper, Diggs finished seventh in yards per route run among receivers with at least 50 targets. In all, Diggs had 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns.

Diggs will likely have to settle for a short-term deal and he’ll also likely want to join a playoff contender as he’s been part of eight postseason teams in his career. Diggs can still stretch the field, get open and remains a route tactician. While his NFL career may not last much longer, he still has at least a couple productive years left in him.

DE Cameron Jordan

Jordan, 37, has spent his entire 15-year career with the New Orleans Saints, but where he plays next season is very much up in the air. Jordan had 10.5 sacks last season and recently said he’s prioritizing landing somewhere that he can reach or exceed that total in 2026. Jordan believes he can get upwards of 13 sacks next season.

“Value means position, rotation, monetary, sure, but more along the lines of if I want to get 10, 12, 13 sacks this next season, then I need to be in the best position to do so,” Jordan said, per Kevin Patra of NFL.com.

DE Jadeveon Clowney

Clowney, 33, was very effective in 2025 with the Dallas Cowboys, totaling 8.5 sacks. Clowney ranked No. 4 in pressure rate at 19.1% among players with at least 200 snaps.

Even if Clowney joins a new team in a rotational role, his recent success shows he still has some gas left in the tank. The former No. 1 overall pick ideally could serve at a No. 2 or No. 3 pass rusher for a contending team.

TE David Njoku

Njoku, 30, has been one of the most dynamic tight ends in the NFL the better part of a decade but doesn’t have much to show for it in nine seasons with the Cleveland Browns that has featured poor quarterback play.

While Njoku isn’t a premier blocking tight end, he has the speed and athleticism to thrive as part of a potent offense. Njoku played in just 12 games last season with 33 receptions for 293 yards and four touchdowns. His low totals will lead to him being a bargain for a team.

LB Bobby Wagner

It’s hard to believe that Wagner, 35, is still available after a strong 2025 season with the Washington Commanders. Wagner ranked No. 5 in the league with 162 tackles and No. 6 in tackles for loss with 9.5. Sure, Wagner’s pass coverage isn’t what it once was, but his football intelligence, play recognition and brute force tackling are all still top tier.

Even if Wagner’s snap count is reduced in 2026, he can be counted on in early down situations or when opposing offenses are in run-heavy formations.

WWE SmackDown (March 20, 2026) Key Points

• Randy Orton followed up from his heel turn last week saying he wants his legacy to be how much championship gold he put around his waist. Orton was cheered loudly as a heel while Cody Rhodes was booed.
• Jade Cargill formed an alliance with Michin and B-Fab, who attacked Rhea Ripley.
• Jelly Roll begged Randy Orton to revert to his good guy ways. Orton temporarily obliged before destroying Matt Cardona to end SmackDown.

WWE SmackDown Results (March 20, 2026)

• R-Truth and Damian Priest def. The MFTs | WWE Tag Team Titles
• MCMG def. Fraxiom
• Aleister Black def. Sami Zayn
• Carmelo Hayes def. Ilja Dragunov | WWE United States Title
• Nia Jax and Lash Legend vs. Bella Twins ends in DQ

WWE SmackDown Ratings And Viewership

• March 13, 2026 | 1.419 million
• March 6, 2026 | 1.190 million
• February 27, 2026 | 1.379 million
• February 20, 2026 | 1.113 million
• February 13, 2026 | 1.042 million

WWE SmackDown Ticket Sales On March 20, 2026

• WWE SmackDown Venue: Lenovo Center (Raleigh, N.C.)
• WWE SmackDown Ticket Sales: 12,986
• WWE SmackDown Tickets Available: 462

WWE SmackDown Results, Winners And Highlights

Jacob Fatu Goes To War With Drew McIntyre

• Drew McIntyre showed up in street clothes with his fists tape and attacked Jacob Fatu in the parking lot. McIntyre had apparently t-boned Jacob’s vehicle with his own car. Jacob was wearing all read, and Drew quickly made sure that his face matched his sweatsuit.
• After disposing of Fatu (for now), McIntyre made his way to the ring and trash-talked Fatu and Nick Aldis. McIntyre took a personal shot at Aldis’ father Donovan for "raising a corporate stooge of a son." Between Becky Lynch vs. Jessika Carr; and Drew McIntyre vs. Nick Aldis, WWE is doing side feuds with non-wrestlers but they have not led to any matches yet.
• Before Aldis could make it to the ring, Jacob Fatu bulldozed through WWE officials to get his 10 pounds of flesh. Fatu got the better of Drew McIntyre and finished him off with a Samoan Splash through the table. A wild start to SmackDown to pick up where they left off last week.

R-Truth and Damian Priest vs. MFTs Match Grade: B

R-Truth And Damian Priest Win WWE Tag Team Titles

• R-Truth and Damian Priest won the WWE Tag Team Titles when the Wyatt Sicks interfered. The Wyatts reclaimed their lantern (temporarily), and the distraction led to R-Truth hitting the AA on JC Mateo for the win. This came as a shock to everybody, including Truth himself.
• With Truth and Priest becoming new tag champs less than a month before WrestleMania, it’s likely the WWE Tag Team Title match at Mania is a multi-team match. That is, if there is one at all.

The Motor City Machine Guns Def. Fraxiom

• This match had as fast of a start as one would expect with both Fraxiom and MCMG showcasing their signature speed. Fraxiom hit a great suplex/superkick combination on Chris Sabin for a nearfall.
• The announcers played up the ongoing dissension between MCMG. Candice LeRae came out get a view of the match following their brief backstage interaction with Candice and a comatose Johnny Gargano.
• LeRae punched Nathan Frazer while he was against the ropes, leading to a rollup pin from Sabin and a win. MCMG had no idea LeRae got involved, but a win is a win.

Fraxiom vs. MCMG Match Grade: B-

Randy Orton’s Heel Promo

• Randy Orton, seated in the middle of the ring, talked about all the merchandise he’s signed for fans over the years and the love he gets from the WWE Universe. He says it put a smile on his face as this slow, southern crowd actually cheered. Orton inevitably insulted the fans as they booed. You’ve got to love the south.
• Orton said he wanted his legacy to be the amount of gold he put around his waist as fans cheered him all over again and chanted his name. When Randy brought up Cody, fans booed.
• Orton got fans to chant “RKO,” then repeated the opening lines to his Voices theme song. Orton vowed to beat Cody Rhodes to a loud pop.

Aleister Black Def. Sami Zayn

• Trick Williams interrupted before the match started and got a louder reaction than both Sami and Aleister combined. Williams ordered a drink while ringside.
• Sami Zayn became frustrated and attacked Trick Williams to a chorus of boos. Zayn then walked into a Black Mass Kick and Aleister won.

Sami Zayn vs. Aleister Black Match Grade: B

Jade Cargill, Michin And B-Fab Attack Rhea Ripley

• Jade Cargill stood on business and said she doesn’t need business. I love a proud, Black woman who stands in a WWE ring as world champion and says she doesn’t need them. This would be unheard of even 10 years ago.
• Jade told Rhea that she needs wrestling more than Jade does. Rhea said that she doesn’t need the title, but now that Jade is champion, she does. Rhea challenged Jade to a fight, but Jade walked out and said she’d do it on her time.
• B-Fab and Michin walked out appearing to be targeting Jade, who left SmackDown alongside B-Fab during a backstage segment. B-Fab and Jade then turned their attention to Rhea, and all three women beat the brakes off Rhea. This was the best segment between Jade and Rhea yet.

Carmelo Hayes Def. Ilja Dragunov

• Carmelo Hayes and Ilja Dragunov had yet another great US Title match as they remain pro wrestling soul mates. Before the match, Nick Aldis said the open challenge was closed, and Ilja would be Melo’s opponent.
• The two rivals wrestled a back-and-forth competitive match featuring a great counter where Melo turned a superplex into a cutter. Melo won with a sunset flip rollup. An Ilja heel turn is imminent.

Jelly Roll Vs. Kit Wilson In Slam Poetry

• Kit Wilson sent the opening salvo, calling him a blob of skin and roasting Jelly for using Ozempic. “Congrats on losing 300 lbs, maybe now you can see your little willy.” Raleigh was into it and very much behind Kit Wilson.
• Mr. Kit Wilson tried to destroy me. I don’t have to see my willy, your mother sees it for me, responded Jelly Roll to a bigger pop. Jelly doubled down on the jokes about fornicating with Kit Wilson’s mom before Kit attacked Jelly and laid him out with a corkscrew elbow.

Nia Jax And Lash Legends Vs. The Bella Twins Ends In A DQ

• Brie Bella looked very good despite recently returning to competition. She peppered Nia Jax with Yes kicks before tagging out. Nia caught Nikki in a super Samoan Drop for a nearfall.
• As Nia lined up for a shot on Brie Bella with the gold, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss interrupted, forcing a disqualification. It looks like there will be multiple multi-person tag team matches this WrestleMania season.
• After the match, Nia and Lash laid out both teams and broke Charlotte Flair in half with an assisted second-rope leg drop by Nia.

Nia Jax and Lash Legend vs. The Bella Twins Match Grade: C+

Randy Orton Destroys Matt Cardona

• Randy Orton attacked Matt Cardona in a backstage segment where Cardona stood up for Cody Rhodes. Orton called Matt an “indie mark” and made fun of his action figure collection. Jelly Roll cut a great promo backstage, begging Randy to be a good guy again. Randy was receptive to this advice.
• Randy called out Matt Cardona at the end of SmackDown and apologized. Cardona foolishly accepted. Randy Orton kicked Cardona in the groin and destroyed the artist formerly known as Zack Ryder to end SmackDown. Fans cheered Randy for the entire segment.
• After this segment, Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu battled atop an elevated trailer. They both fell off the structure as Aldis screamed for medical before SmackDown went off the air.

A big week for Braden Smith continued Friday night. After setting the NCAA all-time career assists record, the Purdue guard signed an NIL deal with State Farm, the company announced.

State Farm announced the partnership after Smith passed Bobby Hurley for the most assists in NCAA history. He found Trey Kaufman-Renn less than eight minutes into Friday’s game against Queens for his 1,077th career dime, putting him alone atop the all-time list.

SUBSCRIBE to the On3 NIL and Sports Business Newsletter

Following the historic moment, State Farm capitalized by adding Smith – who has a $1.1 million On3 NIL Valuation – to its athlete roster. He will take part in marketing initiatives, digital campaigns and social media content through the NCAA Tournament through the insurance company’s “With the Assist” campaign.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by State Farm (@statefarm)

“I’ve always believed that the best play you can make is the one that sets up a teammate for success,” Smith said in a statement. “Teaming up with State Farm just made sense because they share that same mindset of stepping up and being there to help others.”

Friday’s announcement continued a big week of NIL deals for Smith. He also signed a partnership with Great Clips, which referenced his Big Ten assists record. That added to a portfolio which also includes 2K Sports as part of NBA 2K26’s foray into college basketball.

Braden Smith’s $1.1 million On3 NIL Valuation puts him at No. 10 in the college basketball NIL rankings and No. 32 in the On3 NIL 100, the first of its kind and defacto NIL ranking of the top 100 high school and college athletes ranked by their On3 NIL Valuation. He joins a State Farm athlete roster that also includes Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, who signed with the brand while at Iowa, and USC guard JuJu Watkins.

“Braden’s selfless style of play and commitment to elevating his team make him a strong ambassador for our brand,” said Kristyn Cook, State Farm chief agency, sales and marketing officer, in a statement. “Breaking the all-time assist record is an incredible achievement, and it reflects what we stand for: Showing up with the assist when it matters most.”

Carter Baumler is showing this spring what he can do when healthy. The Texas Rangers are cautiously excited by it, the Pittsburgh Pirates have trader’s remorse and the Baltimore Orioles are keeping their fingers crossed they can get him back.

The Rangers are excited that the oft-injured right-hander will make the Opening Day roster and become a key pitcher during the 2026 season.

The Pirates are possibly regretting the trade that sent Baumler to Texas shortly after Pittsburgh picked him in the 2025 Rule 5 Draft last December. They like Jaiker Garcia, the 21-year-old pitching prospect they got in return and may be delighted down the road. He’s a project with command issues, however.

The pitching-needy Orioles hold hope that the Rangers decide not to keep Baumler on their big-league roster all season. Any Rule 5 selection must stay with their current big-league team all year or be offered back to their 2025 organization for $50,000.

Listening to Rangers manager Skip Schumaker, that’s not likely to happen.

“We got him for a reason,” he told reporters early in spring camp. “We believe that he can get outs at the Major League level. I want him to throw as many strikes, fill up the zone as much as he can.

"Obviously he's got a real power curveball. He's got real power on his fastball, it's stuff that we don't really have in the mix of the potential bullpen construction. The kid wants it.”

Baumler, 24, hasn’t allowed an earned run in five outings. He has struck out six over 6 2/3 innings, walked two and yielded four hits. It is hardly a sample size yet the Rangers have been impressed by Baumler’s coachability, poise, side work, velocity and spin rate.

They also employ a key figure in Baumler’s comeback from injury. Their team physician is Dr. Keith Meister, who performed Tommy John surgery on Baumler’s elbow in November 2020.

Unexpected Rocky Road

Baumler held all the cards entering the 2020 MLB Draft as a football and baseball star in Des Moines, IA. He had already signed a letter of commitment to play at Texas Christian and used that to get a big signing bonus.

Several MLB teams were interested after watching him in the 2020 Perfect Game Showcase. Only the Orioles were willing to meet his monetary demand that dropped him in the draft to the fifth round. Picked at No. 133 overall, he got $1.5 million to sign – more than 31 of the 32 picks ahead of him received.

All was good, until Baumler felt tightness while warming up in an instructional camp game that October. He had torn the ulnar collateral ligament. He didn’t take the mound against a hitter again until March 2022.

He had a 1.54 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 11 2/3 innings at Class A Delmarva when he felt soreness in his shoulder. He didn’t pitch after July 7, and had surgery that October. He pitched only 17 innings in 2023 and went to the Arizona Fall League for work. He was encouraged, but then pitched only 20 1/3 innings in 2024.

Last year, despite being limited for a time by back soreness, Baumler worked a career-high 39 2/3 innings. That gave him 88 2/3 total for his minor-league career. Overall, he has a 7-1 record, 2 saves, 3.04 ERA, 104 strikeouts and allowed 63 hits and 40 walks.

Rule 5 To Hall Of Fame

The ultimate rags-to-riches story has happened. Christy Mathewson, Roberto Clemente and Hack Wilson excelled after being picked up as Rule 5 eligible.

Many others such as Johan Santana, George Bell, Josh Hamilton, Paul Blair and Anthony Santander became all-stars.

Shane Smith was the No. 1 pick in the 2024 Rule 5 and had a nice 2025 season for the Chicago White Sox.

Brett de Geus was the last Rangers pick to make the Opening Day roster in 2021. The right-hander was the No. 2 overall Rule 5 choice from the Los Angeles Dodgers and struggled to an 8.44 ERA in 19 games for Texas.

Baumler And The Texas Rangers

The Rangers have rebuilt their bullpen, so why not try a guy with a top-level pedigree and rebuilt arm?

“We’re evaluating, can he go one-plus innings, can we put him in an inning where it’s dirty,” Schumaker told Matt Postins of SI.com earlier this week. “Hopefully we can get more answers in the next couple of days and really make a decision. But he’s doing everything he can to make the roster.”

Robert Garcia claimed the closer’s role a year ago. Veterans Alexis Díaz and Chris Martin have experience in the role. Baumler can join Tyler Alexander, Jakob Junis, Cole Winn and Josh Sborz in setup roles.

The Texas Rangers and Baumler have little to lose and much to gain by giving him a chance.

Topline

Just over 200 perfect brackets remain as the second round of the NCAA March Madness men’s tournament starts Saturday, with remaining entrants hoping to overcome the absurd odds of submitting a perfect bracket for all 63 matchups.

Key Facts

What Are The Odds Of A Perfect Bracket?

One in 9.22 quintillion if you flip a coin or guess every pick. However, odds improve to a still abysmal estimated one in 120.2 billion if entrants have knowledge of college basketball and the tournament’s teams, according to the NCAA. A perfect bracket requires entrants to pick 63 games correctly.

Surprising Fact

Those who submitted brackets through prediction market Kalshi can win $1 billion if they pull off the near-impossible with a perfect bracket. The highest scoring bracket will receive a $1 million prize.

Key Background

Nobody has ever picked a perfect March Madness bracket, according to NCAA data. The closest someone has come to beating the odds was an Ohio man, who in 2019 predicted 49 of the 63 games correctly. His bracket was busted during the Sweet Sixteen round. Last year, a bracket remained perfect through 42 games and was busted after No. 3 seed Kentucky defeated No. 6 seed Illinois, marking the first time since 2019 a perfect men's bracket lasted until the tournament’s second round. For women’s basketball, one bracket made it as far as 57 games out of the 67 games played.

What Teams Are The Favorites?

The University of Arizona is favored to win this year’s men’s tournament, according to DraftKings, which puts the juggernaut at a +320 betting line, just ahead of Michigan (+370) and Duke (+380). The University of Connecticut boasts a -265 betting line in the women’s tournament.

The Boston Red Sox have their sights set on a deeper playoff run after being bounced by the rival New York Yankees in a Wild Card series last year.

After cutting ties with franchise slugger Rafael Slugger well before the trade deadline, the Red Sox enjoyed a surprising surge in the standings that pushed them into the postseason. And following that success, the team has acquired several veteran stars to bolster the roster.

After the team added Ranger Suarez, Willson Contreras, Sonny Gray and Caleb Durbin to the roster, it’s easy to imagine the Red Sox battling the Yankees once again and with some better results next season. But as some heated matchups await, manager Alex Cora sent his rival skipper some praise.

“It’s more Boonie than anybody else,” Cora said of the other managers he is close to, according to The Boston Globe’s Peter Abraham. “We worked together (at ESPN). But I truly believe we feel for each other. We’re in similar cities.”

MORE FROM FORBESFormer Padres Player Who Made Perfect Game History Against Cubs DiesBy Peter Chawaga

Boston Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Responds To New York Yankees Aaron Boone Claim

While Cora’s relationship with Boone extends off the field, it’s also clear that the Red Sox manager is very aware of how the Yankees skipper utilizes his roster. When asked about a recent claim by Boone that the Yankees are the American League East division’s “least analytical” team, Cora was able to instantly identify Boone’s preference to avoid platoons.

“I don’t know what he meant by that, but if it’s platoons, he doesn’t platoon that much,” Cora told The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner. “If that’s what he meant, well, yeah, his personnel is that they play straight up. I think they’re really good with information and data on the pitching staff.”

Cora’s response about Bone’s claim seemed to be meant as a compliment, but it might have also included an inadvertent reference to one of the Yankees’ biggest roster issues.

MORE FROM FORBESYankees Make Ryan Weathers Decision After Brutal Spring Training Gets WorseBy Peter Chawaga

Boston Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Notes New York Yankees’ Anthony Volpe Decision Amid Struggles

Cora noted that Boone has refused to deploy a platoon for shortstop Anthony Volpe, among others, who has regressed offensively over the last couple of seasons.

“Jazz (Chisholm Jr.) plays against lefties, Volpe against righties,” Cora noted.

Many Yankees fans will be quick to point out that Volpe’s leash in general, and particularly against right-handed pitchers, has grown far too long. Volpe batted just .212 last season and just .195 against right-handed pitching as Boone stubbornly stuck with him last year. A warmer embrace of analytics and a platoon approach for Volpe would have been a go-to solution for many other managers, though Boone has continued to avoid it.

Cora’s message about Volpe did not seem to be meant as a criticism of the Yankees manager or the shortstop. But the Red Sox’s skipper was able to instantly identify Volpe’s offensive struggles as a clear example of how Boone refuses to embrace a solution that the hitting analytics make clear.

Facing some acute criticism about his decline at the plate, Philadelphia Phillies franchise slugger Bryce Harper offered an emphatic response on Tuesday.

In his most consequential plate appearance since Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski openly questioned whether he could return to his elite status, Harper hit a game-tying home run in the championship game of the World Baseball Classic.

Ultimately, Harper’s Team USA lost that game to Team Venezuela. But the home run was a reminder that Harper can still perform as one of the best hitters in baseball in the biggest moments.

MORE FROM FORBESDodgers’ 2-Time Champion Sends 3-Word Message On Joining NL Rival After CutBy Peter Chawaga

Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper Response To Criticism In Big Way

And some of his off-field World Baseball Classic moments became highlights as well.

“From his pregame address to Team USA to his game-tying two-run homer in the eighth inning, his postgame congratulations to Team Venezuela to a private moment he shared with U.S. manager Mark DeRosa, Harper on Tuesday was a portrait of class and grace,” The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal wrote. “His home run against Venezuela had the look of a warning shot. But his pregame talk to Team USA and postgame recognition of Team Venezuela were also vintage Harper. As much as any baseball superstar, he understands his place in the game and responsibility to the sport.”

Between Harper’s pregame speech, on-field performance and postgame gesture, the World Baseball Classic championship was a good reminder for Phillies fans about all of the positives the face of the franchise can still bring.

But Harper also utilized the tournament to send some praise to a rising star who pitches for his team’s biggest division rival.

“He's a special talent,” Harper said of New York Mets’ starter Nolan McLean, who was his teammate on Team USA, per MB.com’s Thomas Harrigan. “He's going to be a special talent for a long time.”

MORE FROM FORBESYankees’ Former All-Star Makes Contract Decision With Demotion LoomingBy Peter Chawaga

Philadelphia Phillies Star Bryce Harper Makes Surprising Admission About New York Mets’ Nolan McLean

Harper seemed to put aside his Phillies’ rivalry with McClean during the tournament, as he normally wouldn’t praise a pitcher or a member of the rival team. But speaking in the midst of the international tournament, Harper was apparently willing to make an exception.

“I don’t give pitchers much credit, obviously, as a hitter, but I think he was the best arm I saw last year,” Harper added, per Harrigan.

Harper took six at-bats against McLean last year after the pitcher saw his promotion to the Mets’ big-league club in August. Harper logged one hit with three strikeouts in those at-bats, for a .167 batting average that seemed to back up the Phillies star’s claim that he was his toughest opponent last season.

Detroit Tigers infielder, Kevin McGonigle is ranked the No. 2 overall prospect by MLBPipeline.com.

A left-handed hitter, McGonigle’s hit tool is a Grade 70, according to MLBPipeline.com.

A Grade 70 hit too equates to a consistent All Star type batting average, and offensive production.

But it isn’t only his batting average that could be special on the parent Tigers, as McGonigle also features Grade 60 power, which is well above major league average.

About Kevin McGonigle:

When he was still a freshman in high school, McGonigle committed to play baseball at Auburn University.

But…

The Detroit Tigers chose McGonigle in the supplemental 1st round of the 2023 Major League Baseball draft out of Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast High School, in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.

As a senior, McGonigle was named the Philadelphia Catholic League Player of the Year, and the Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year. He hit .474, with four homers, and 16 RBIs in 21 games.

The Tigers signed McGonigle for a bonus of $2.85M, which was above the MLB recommended $2.31M for that slot.

MLBPipeline.com shares the fact that McGonigle suffered from a fractured right hamate bone in 2024, and a right ankle sprain in 2025. However, McGonigle appears to be totally healthy, and raring to go.

fangraphs.com has listed McGonigle as the starting shortstop for the Tigers on opening day.

McGonigle won the 2025 Midwest League Top MLB Prospect Award.

Scouting Kevin McGonigle:

At 5-9, 187 pounds, McGonigle doesn’t have a huge frame. But he can rake.

McGonigle won the 2025 Arizona Fall League Most Valuable Player Award, when he hit .363/.500/.710, with five home runs, 22 runs scored in 19 games. He walked more than he struck out.

McGonigle has been called the best “pure” hitter in all of minor league baseball by several scouts.

McGonigle’s assault on the baseball begins with excellent pitch recognition. He is patient at the plate, knows his limitations, and selects pitches he can drive to the gaps.

Using superb barrel command, McGonigle can spray the ball all over the field, and over the fence.

Defensively, scouts are conflicted on McGonigle’s ideal position.

While he can play shortstop well, his footwork, and first step may be better suited for second base.

McGonigle has average arm strength, and his throws from the hole at shortstop may lack some strength and carry.

A left-handed middle-infielder with a great hit tool and emerging power is rare. But that’s who McGonigle is.

What They’re Saying About McGonigle:

McGonigle told justbaseball.com, ““Growing up, my dad always told me when it came to baseball, to just be prepared for every opportunity, no matter what position it is,” McGonigle said.

"That’s why you wait around for that at-bat, because something good can happen," is what was reported by msn.com, about comments from manager A.J. Hinch

SI.com also reported these comments from Hinch: "He's getting a good look to see where he's at amongst players he's never played around or played with, and he's holding his own, he's a tremendously talented player," Hinch said. "He's going to be a big leaguer at some point, whether that's opening day or whether that's in the season is to be determined."

Scouting Grade: 65

Driven by a tremendous hit tool, and emerging power, Kevin McGonigle could be a consistent Major League Baseball All Star. He’s that good.

By the time you read this, McGonigle could have been named the opening day shortstop.

We’ve all been there.

It’s Black Friday week, and your inbox looks like a warzone. “50% OFF EVERYTHING!” “LAST CHANCE!” “DON’T MISS OUT!” Every brand you’ve ever bought from (and a few you definitely haven’t) is screaming for your attention at the same time.

And what do you do? 

Delete, delete, delete.

But seasonal email campaigns don’t have to feel like a desperate pitch. Done right, they can actually strengthen your relationship with your audience, drive real revenue and leave your customers genuinely excited to hear from you, even during the busiest shopping periods of the year.

The secret? It’s not about selling less. It’s about selling smarter.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through proven seasonal email strategies that drive sales without making your subscribers want to hit “unsubscribe.” 

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

• Plan ahead: Map out your seasonal calendar early and mix promotional emails with value-driven content so your audience doesn’t feel bombarded.
• Lead with story: Open with a personal angle, behind-the-scenes moment, or customer story and let the offer emerge naturally.
• Segment your list: Even basic segmentation (new vs. returning customers) makes seasonal emails feel personal rather than mass-blasted.
• Build anticipation, not panic: Replace “LAST CHANCE” energy with early access, limited editions, and countdown sequences that create genuine excitement.

Plan Your Calendar Before the Season Hits

If you’re scrambling to put together a Valentine’s Day email on February 13th, you’ve already lost.

(The same goes for getting your partner a gift, but I’ll save that story for another day!)

The best seasonal email strategies start weeks, often months, in advance. And I don’t just mean pencilling in “Black Friday campaign” on a sticky note. I mean building out a proper content calendar that maps every seasonal moment worth showing up for.

Now, that doesn’t mean you need to email your list for every obscure holiday on the internet (nobody needs a “National Sock Day” campaign. Unless you’re the CEO of Socks ‘R’ Us). But it does mean identifying the moments that genuinely matter to your audience and planning a mix of content around them.

Here’s a good rule of thumb: for every promotional email you send, aim to send at least two that educate, entertain, or inspire. That way, when the sales email does land, your subscribers are already engaged and far more likely to open it.

I call this the give-and-take approach. Each sales email you are ‘taking’ from your audience, offering little support, asking them to take action. Each educational or entertainment piece builds trust, offering readers value and asking for nothing in return. 

Psychologically speaking, this makes the reader much more likely to purchase when the sales email does come their way.

Lead With Story, Not the Sale

Here’s something most founders get wrong with seasonal emails: they lead with the discount.

“30% off for summer!” “Holiday sale starts NOW!” Sure, it’s direct. But it’s also exactly what every other brand in your subscribers’ inbox is doing. And when everyone is shouting the same thing, nobody stands out.

Instead, try leading with a story. A personal angle. A behind-the-scenes look at why you created a particular product, or a customer story that ties naturally into the season.

For example, instead of “20% off our summer collection,” imagine opening with something like, “We designed this piece for those long weekends where you want to look good without trying too hard.” The offer can still live in the email, but now it has context, personality, and a reason for existing beyond just shifting stock.

People remember stories far more than they remember sales pitches. In fact, research suggests that people retain around 63% of stories but only 5% of standalone statistics. So if you want your seasonal emails to stick, give your subscribers something worth remembering before you ask them to buy.

The discount is the cherry on top, not the whole cake.

Segment Your Audience for Relevance

Let me ask you something. 

Would you send the same Christmas gift to your best friend, your boss, and your grandma?

Probably not. So why would you send the same seasonal email to every person on your list?

One of the fastest ways to make your emails feel “salesy” is to blast the same generic message to your entire subscriber base. It screams, “I don’t really know who you are, but please buy something.” And your audience can feel that a mile off.

Even basic segmentation can make a huge difference. Splitting your list into new subscribers versus returning customers is a great starting point. A first-time buyer might need more of an introduction to your brand during a seasonal push, while a loyal customer might respond better to early access or a “thank you” discount that rewards their loyalty.

From there, you can get more specific. Segment by purchase history, engagement level, or even browsing behaviour. The more relevant your email feels, the less it reads like a sales pitch and the more it reads like something that was written specifically for them.

The good news? You don’t need to be a data scientist to do this. Tools like Omnisend make segmentation straightforward, even if you’re a solo founder juggling a hundred other priorities. A few smart filters and your seasonal campaign suddenly feels a lot more personal than the “Dear Valued Customer” approach.

Create Urgency Without the Desperation

Urgency works. That’s not up for debate. 

But there’s a big difference between creating genuine anticipation and making your subscribers feel like they’re being guilt-tripped into a purchase.

We’ve all seen the emails. “FINAL HOURS!” “You’ll regret missing this!” “This will NEVER happen again!” It’s the email marketing equivalent of a used car salesman following you around the lot. And honestly? Most people see right through it.

The good news is you can still create urgency without resorting to the all-caps panic approach. It just requires a little more thought.

Early access is a brilliant example. Instead of pressuring everyone at once, reward your most engaged subscribers by letting them shop before anyone else. It creates exclusivity rather than anxiety, and your audience feels valued rather than rushed.

Limited editions and seasonal exclusives work in a similar way. If a product is genuinely only available for a short window, that’s real urgency, and your subscribers will respect it because it’s authentic, not manufactured.

Lily, the founder of Luu Lounge, nailed this approach. Before her drops went live, she had her entire email and SMS list waiting for the launch date, the time, everything. By the time the product was available, demand had already built. She wasn’t chasing customers with “LAST CHANCE” subject lines; she had them queuing up because the anticipation had been earned through genuine excitement, not desperation.

That’s the kind of urgency that drives sales and keeps people subscribed.

Automate the Heavy Lifting (So You Can Focus on What Matters)

Seasonal emails shouldn’t feel like shouting into a crowded room. They should feel like a well-timed conversation with someone who already wants to hear from you. The founders who win at email marketing aren’t the ones with the biggest discounts or the loudest subject lines; they’re the ones who treat their subscribers like people, not transactions.

That’s exactly what Foundr students are doing right now, building real businesses with email and SMS strategies that work around their schedules, not against them. And with the right tool, it’s a lot more achievable than you might think.

If you want to start building seasonal campaigns that drive revenue without doubling your workload, Omnisend makes it practical. Foundr readers can also get 50% off their first three months, just use code FOUNDR50 when you sign up, and start turning your seasonal moments into your most profitable ones yet.

 

The post Seasonal Email Strategies That Drive Sales Without Feeling “Salesy” appeared first on Foundr.

Lily didn’t set out to launch a clothing brand for the sake of fashion. The idea came from a daily frustration she couldn’t ignore. 

While working full-time in electric vehicle infrastructure, Lily found herself constantly battling pet hair.

“I work in electric vehicle infrastructure. It’s a nice eight-to-five, Monday through Friday. I have three dogs, and I was always just covered in fur all the time,” she explains.

The problem was simple, persistent, and personal.

“I pretty much thought to myself, how could I make clothes where the hair just doesn’t stick — or I could easily wipe it away?”

That question became the foundation of her brand. Lily began developing custom fabric designed to resist pet hair, committing to a process that would take far longer than a typical apparel launch.

“It’s been like over a year-long work in progress trying to find the right manufacturer because my clothes are made with the custom fabric,” she says.

Throughout that period, she chose to build in public, sharing the process openly as it unfolded.

“I was building in public, I put my idea out on TikTok, and it pretty much started going viral.”

What followed validated the demand she suspected was there all along. When her first drop went live, the response was immediate.

“When a drop came, I sold out in a couple of hours,” Lily recalls.

The challenge quickly shifted from proving interest to managing it — all while continuing to work a full-time job.

Learning Email Marketing From Scratch

As Lily moved closer to launch, she faced a new challenge beyond fabric and manufacturing: learning email marketing from the ground up while working full-time.

“Basically. I’m very new to email marketing,” she explains.

With a demanding Monday-to-Friday role, time was her biggest constraint.

“I needed something that was going to be easy enough for me to learn — something intuitive enough where I wouldn’t have to pour way too much time into it.”

She initially started with Klaviyo, intending to set up emails and automations herself.

“I started with Klaviyo first. Let me get on here, start making emails, and start doing my automations,” she says. 

But instead of clarity, the process became circular.

“I was kind of going in circles with it, and things weren’t looking like how I wanted them to look.”

As her audience grew, the frustration compounded.

“I felt like I was being punished for growing.”

That experience led her to switch to Omnisend — and the difference was immediate.

“That’s honestly how I felt when I made the switch to Omnisend, it was a lot easier to use,” Lily explains.

She moved quickly without overthinking the setup.

“I was able to pop all my automations together really quickly, and then things were also looking like how I wanted them to look.”

For a founder balancing a full-time job alongside a launch, that simplicity mattered. Omnisend helped Lily put essential systems in place without taking focus away from everything else she was building.

How Lily Uses Omnisend Day-to-Day

Day to day, Lily relies on Omnisend to keep customer communication running without demanding constant attention. With a full-time job and multiple priorities, the platform is something she can set up and trust.

“I’m glad I can just put it on and leave it so I don’t worry about it,” she explains, describing how email and SMS can run in the background once everything is in place.

Rather than managing campaigns manually, Lily uses Omnisend to support early access and launch coordination through straightforward automation. That hands-off structure is what allows Omnisend to fit into her routine.

Instead of pulling focus away from product development or fulfillment, her customer communication runs reliably in the background — helping her manage demand while balancing everything else.

The Impact Lily Is Seeing

For Lily, the impact of Omnisend shows up most clearly at launch. By building her audience ahead of time, she was able to start selling with demand already in place.

“I was around 3,000 when I launched,” she explains.

From there, growth continued as the brand moved out of development and into active drops. 

Also, that audience wasn’t passive. Lily used email and SMS to coordinate exactly when — and how — customers could access each release.

“I had everyone just sitting on that email list, waiting for their text or the email for the launch date, the time, everything,” she says, describing how anticipation built before products went live. 

Reflecting on the launch as a whole, Lily is clear about the role the platform played in turning preparation into results.

“Omnisend has been a big part of my launch,” she says, describing it as “definitely a major tool when it came to the early success of my brand.”

How Foundr Students Are Using Omnisend in Real Businesses

Lily’s experience reflects a broader reality for many Foundr students building businesses alongside full-time jobs. With limited time, energy, and margin for error, they need systems that are quick to learn, easy to implement, and reliable when it matters most.

Rather than treating email and SMS as separate, complex disciplines, founders like Lily integrate them directly into their launch process. By setting up essential automations early, they can build audiences in advance, coordinate demand, and manage access — without constant hands-on work.

That structure frees them up to focus on product development and fulfilment, while customer communication keeps running in the background.

If you want to build similar campaigns without doubling your workload, Omnisend makes it practical.Foundr readers can also get 50% off their first three months — use code FOUNDR50 when you sign up, and start creating emails that not only meet but exceed your customers’ expectations.

The post How Lily Launched a Custom Clothing Brand Alongside a Full-Time Job appeared first on Foundr.

Most businesses obsess over getting the first sale. Far fewer think about what happens next.

After a customer buys, there is a quiet window where decisions are already being made. Will they remember you? Will they come back? Or will your brand slowly fade while something else grabs their attention?

This is where timely email makes the difference.

Not more emails. 

Not louder promotions. 

Just the right message at the right moment.

When emails arrive in context, after a purchase, during a pause, or exactly when a customer is ready to re-engage, they feel helpful instead of intrusive. And that is what turns one-time buyers into repeat customers.

In this article, I will break down how timely emails work, why they are so effective for retention, and how you can use them to keep customers coming back without increasing your workload.

Why Timing Matters More Than Frequency

When email performance drops, most businesses respond by sending more. More campaigns. More promotions. More reminders.

But frequency is rarely the real problem.

Customers do not disengage because they receive too few emails. They disengage because the emails arrive at the wrong time. A message that feels relevant today can feel annoying tomorrow. The difference is context.

According to Omnisend’s 2025 ecommerce data, automated emails, despite accounting for just a small fraction of all sends, drove a disproportionately large share of revenue. 

In fact, automated flows generated around 37% of email-driven sales from just 2% of email volume, highlighting how behaviour-triggered email at the right moment outperforms generic campaigns. 

Timing gives your email meaning. It connects what the customer has just done, or is about to do, with a message that feels useful rather than promotional. That relevance makes the content feel personal, even when it is automated.

This is also why sending fewer, better-timed emails often improves retention. Instead of competing for attention, your brand shows up when it makes sense. When customers feel understood rather than marketed to, they are far more likely to come back.

The Psychology Behind Timely Emails

Timely emails work because they align with how people think, not how marketers plan campaigns.

Most purchasing decisions are shaped by emotion, habit, and context. When an email arrives at the right moment, it feels relevant without needing to work hard for attention. The timing does the heavy lifting.

One of the strongest psychological drivers here is recognition. When a message reflects something a customer has just done, bought, or shown interest in, it signals that the brand is paying attention. That sense of being understood increases trust and lowers resistance.

Another factor is momentum. After a purchase or interaction, customers are already mentally engaged with your brand. A well-timed follow-up keeps that momentum going. Miss that window, and the emotional connection fades faster than most businesses expect.

Timely emails also reduce decision fatigue. Instead of asking customers to think about whether they want to re-engage, the email arrives when the decision is already half made. The action feels natural, not forced.

This is why retention-focused emails rarely feel promotional when they are timed correctly. They feel supportive, helpful, and easy to act on. And when customers associate your brand with ease rather than effort, coming back becomes the default choice.

The Email Moments That Bring Customers Back

Understanding the psychology behind timely emails is only useful if you know where to apply it. Retention is not driven by constant contact. It is built through a small number of moments where timing, relevance, and intent line up.

Email works best when it supports those moments rather than interrupting them.

Right after the first purchase is one of the most important windows. Customers are still emotionally invested, but they are also subconsciously looking for reassurance that they made the right decision. A timely email here should focus on confirmation and confidence. Setting expectations, offering helpful guidance, or reinforcing the value of what they bought can reduce buyer’s remorse and increase the likelihood of a second purchase.

Then comes the quiet period. This is where many brands go silent or default to generic promotions. Instead, this is an opportunity to stay present without selling. Emails that educate, inspire, or help customers get more value from what they already purchased keep the relationship warm while trust builds.

Finally, there is the re-entry moment. This is when a customer is naturally ready to return. It might be driven by time, usage, or behaviour. When your email arrives at this point, it feels intuitive rather than persuasive. The action feels obvious because the timing is right.

These moments do not require more emails. They require better timing. When your messages align with where the customer already is, coming back feels natural, not forced.

A Timely Email That Brings Customers Back

Imagine a customer who made their first purchase a few weeks ago. They have not returned yet, but they also have not disengaged. 

This is a perfect moment for a timely email.

Instead of sending a generic promotion, the message arrives with a clear purpose.

The subject line focuses on relevance, not urgency. It references the customer’s last interaction or hints at what comes next. The goal is to remind, not pressure.

Inside the email, the opening line acknowledges where the customer is. It reinforces the value of what they already bought and helps them get more out of it. There is no hard sell. The tone is supportive and confident.

The body of the email keeps things simple. It highlights one useful tip, one insight, or one next step that feels logical at this stage. The message is short enough to scan and clear enough to act on.

The call to action reflects the moment. It invites the customer to return in a low-friction way, such as:

• Exploring a related product
• Restocking a previous purchase
• Seeing what other customers found useful next

Nothing feels forced. The email arrives when the customer is ready, and the action feels natural.

This is what an effective retention email looks like. Not louder messaging or deeper discounts, but thoughtful timing paired with relevance.

Final Thoughts

Customers don’t come back because they receive more emails. They come back because the right email shows up at the right moment.

When your messages are timed around real behaviour, not arbitrary schedules, email stops feeling like marketing and starts feeling like part of the experience. That is what builds trust, familiarity, and long-term loyalty.

If you want to keep customers coming back without increasing manual work, Omnisend gives you the tools to do it. With behaviour-based automations, dynamic personalization, and built-in social proof, it helps founders turn timely moments into repeat revenue.

Foundr readers also get 50% off their first 3 months. Just use code FOUNDR50 when you sign up and start sending emails that customers actually look forward to.

The post How to Keep Your Customers Coming Back with Timely Emails appeared first on Foundr.

You spend hours crafting the perfect email. The subject line feels sharp, the copy is polished, and you’re confident this one is going to drive serious clicks.

Then it lands in inboxes… and nothing happens.

No spike in traffic. No sales. No meaningful engagement.

Just another email your audience scrolls past.

If this feels familiar, you’re not alone. Even the smartest founders and marketers struggle to turn opens into clicks. And while it’s easy to blame “email fatigue” or shrinking attention spans, the real problem usually comes down to a handful of fixable mistakes.

The good news? Small, strategic tweaks can dramatically boost your click-through rate. In this article, we’ll break down why people aren’t clicking your emails and exactly how to reverse it using proven psychology and practical best practices.

Ready to turn passive readers into active customers? Let’s dive in.

Why Your Emails Aren’t Getting Clicked

Before you can fix low click-through rates, you need to understand why people aren’t taking action in the first place. Most email performance issues stem from a few common patterns. If your CTR is flat or falling, chances are one of these culprits is to blame.

Your subject line isn’t pulling its weight

The subject line is your email’s first impression, and in a crowded inbox, you only get a split second to earn attention. If your subject line is vague, predictable, or overly salesy, people will skip right past it.

Strong subject lines spark curiosity, promise value, or tap into a specific desire. Weak ones blend into the noise. If you’re not making people want to open your email, you’ll never get them to click inside it.

You’re not connecting with the reader’s mindset

Most emails fail because they talk at the reader instead of speaking to where the reader is mentally or emotionally.

People click when something feels relevant.

They click when they feel understood.

They click when the message aligns with what they’re already thinking about.

If your email jumps straight into a pitch without context or empathy, the disconnect kills engagement long before the CTA appears.

The email feels generic or impersonal

Sending one blanket message to everyone on your list doesn’t work anymore. Subscribers are used to personalized recommendations, tailored content, and experiences that feel crafted for them.

If your emails feel mass-produced, readers treat them that way.

When the message doesn’t match their interests, stage in the buyer journey, or past behaviour, they simply won’t engage.

Your formatting makes it hard to read

Huge paragraphs, cluttered layouts, weak hierarchy, and buried CTAs all cause friction. And friction kills clicks.

People skim emails, especially on mobile. If they can’t quickly understand what the message is about and what’s in it for them, they won’t take the next step.

Your job isn’t just to write well. It’s to make the message effortless to digest.

You’re not using psychological triggers that drive action

Clicks don’t happen by accident. They’re a response to emotional cues.

Urgency, curiosity, social proof, reciprocity, fear of missing out, clarity of benefit. These are the levers that turn attention into action.

When your email lacks these triggers, the message may be pleasant but ultimately forgettable. A good email makes people nod. A great email moves them to click.

How to Fix It (Step by Step)

Fixing low click-through rates isn’t about reinventing your entire email strategy. It’s about tightening a few key elements so your message feels clearer, more relevant, and more compelling. Here’s how to turn your emails into high-performing assets your audience actually engages with.

1. Write subject lines that spark curiosity or promise value

Great subject lines earn attention by doing one of two things:

They make the reader curious, or they make the benefit irresistible.

Keep them short. Avoid clichés. And focus on what the reader gets, not what you’re sending.

A few reliable approaches:

• Ask an intriguing question
• Tease a solution to a known problem
• Create an open loop that the reader wants to resolve

If the subject line earns the open, the content can earn the click.

2. Segment your audience and tailor the message

People click when the message feels made for them. Segmentation lets you send targeted emails based on behaviour, skill level, interests, or stage in the buying journey.

The more specific the message, the more relevant it feels. And relevance is the fastest route to clicks.

Start with simple segments such as:

• New subscribers
• Customers vs. non-customers
• Highly engaged vs. inactive readers
• Product interest groups

Even basic segmentation can double or triple click-through rates.

3. Personalize beyond first names

True personalization is about context, not just tokens.

Use behaviour, history, and preferences to shape your message. For example:

• Recommend content based on what they previously read
• Reference items they browsed
• Follow up on something they downloaded
• Tailor emails to the challenges of their specific niche or role

When readers feel like the email speaks directly to them, they’re far more likely to click.

4. Use psychology to guide your CTA

A strong call to action isn’t just well-worded. It’s strategically positioned, emotionally primed, and crystal clear.

To increase clicks:

• Make the CTA benefit-driven
• Use urgency that’s real, not force
• Leverage social proof near the CTA
• Reduce hesitation with risk reversals or guarantees

Your CTA should feel like the natural next step, not a hard sell.

5. Improve readability and layout

If readability improves, clicks improve.

Make your email effortless to skim by using:

• Short paragraphs
• Bullet points
• Clear subheads
• Bolded key lines
• One primary CTA

And don’t underestimate design hierarchy. Your CTA should be impossible to miss, especially on mobile.

6. Test, Measure, Iterate

The most successful email marketers treat every send as data.

A/B test:

• Subject lines
• CTA placement
• Send times
• Button colour and copy
• Email length and structure

What works for one audience may flop for another. Testing lets the numbers decide.

Quick Wins You Can Implement Today

You don’t need a full strategy rebuild to get more clicks. A few targeted adjustments can lift your CTR almost immediately.

Start by tightening your CTA. Vague prompts like “Learn more” or “Click here” don’t tell the reader what they’ll gain. Swap them for benefit-driven actions such as:

• “See the full strategy”
• “Download the guide”
• “Start improving your results”

Next, move your primary CTA higher in the email. Most subscribers skim, and if the only action appears at the bottom, many will never see it. Place one CTA early, then repeat it for readers who scroll.

Shortening your email also helps. Cutting around 20% of the copy reduces friction and makes the core message easier to digest. A tighter email naturally draws more attention to the action you want people to take.

A quick curiosity line at the top can also boost engagement. A simple hook like “Most people miss this step” keeps readers moving long enough to reach your CTA.

Finally, preview your message on mobile. Over half of your audience reads on a phone, so spacing, CTA size, and readability all influence whether they click.

Final Thoughts

The emails that earn the most clicks aren’t the loudest or the flashiest. They’re the ones built around how people actually make decisions.

If you want to build these kinds of campaigns without doubling your workload, Omnisend gives you everything you need. With behaviour-based automations, dynamic personalization, and built-in social proof, it helps founders pair smart psychology with effortless execution.

Foundr readers also get 50% off their first 3 months. Just use code FOUNDR50 when you sign up and start creating emails that get clicked, not ignored.

The post Why Your Emails Aren’t Getting Clicked (And How to Fix That) appeared first on Foundr.

Every great email campaign has one thing in common.

It makes people feel something.

It’s not just about clever copy or eye-catching design. The emails that drive serious revenue tap into how people actually think and behave, the subtle psychological triggers that move someone from scrolling to clicking “buy now.”

Because behind every open rate and conversion metric is a human brain making micro-decisions.

Do I trust this brand? 

Am I missing out?

Is this for me?

Understanding those instincts is what separates average campaigns from unforgettable ones.

In this article, we’ll unpack the four psychological levers that power the best-performing emails and make your emails stop feeling like promotions and start feeling like opportunities.

The Psychological Triggers Behind Every High-Converting Email

Before we dive into the mechanics of high-performing emails, and assuming you have already followed our steps to build your email list, it helps to understand one simple truth: people don’t make decisions logically; they make them emotionally.

Then they justify them with logic afterwards!

When someone opens your email, they aren’t analysing your layout or weighing up your CTA buttons. They’re responding to invisible forces that shape almost every buying decision they make:

• Urgency: The instinct to act before an opportunity disappears.

• Scarcity: The pull toward things that feel exclusive or limited

• Social proof: The comfort of seeing others make the same choice

• Personalization: The sense that a message was crafted specifically for them

These are the psychological levers that quietly guide behavior, and when you build your emails around them, everything converts better.

Urgency: Why timing triggers action

Urgency works because it taps into one of the most powerful human instincts. 

We all hate missing out on something good!

When a customer feels like they need to act now (not later, not “when I have time”), their decision-making shifts. The longer someone waits, the more doubts creep in. Urgency cuts through that hesitation by giving the moment weight.

That’s why phrases like “Ends tonight”, “Last chance”, or “Only a few hours left” consistently outperform softer messaging. They turn a passive reader into an active decision-maker.

But the key is authenticity. 

Fake urgency, like a flash sale every other day, trains customers to ignore you. Real urgency tied to a genuine deadline, product drop, seasonal moment, or limited bonus, creates momentum without damaging trust.

Scarcity: Why ‘limited’ can be so valuable

Scarcity isn’t about speed; it’s about value.

When something feels limited, exclusive, or hard to get, our brains automatically assign it more importance. 

We pay closer attention. 

We think harder about whether we want it. And once we want it, we want it more because we’re not guaranteed to have it.

In email, scarcity shows up in subtle but powerful ways:

• Highlighting genuinely low stock
• Launching limited-edition versions or seasonal items
• Offering bonuses only available to a specific group
• Giving early access to people on a particular list

The message isn’t “hurry.”

It’s “not everyone will get this.”

Suddenly, the product feels special. The customer feels like they’re part of something selective.

Social Proof: Why people trust people more than brands

If urgency moves people and scarcity elevates value, social proof removes doubt.

It’s the quiet psychological signal that says, “Others tried this, and it turned out well.”

In a world full of promises, customers are constantly scanning for clues that what you’re saying is actually true. Social proof gives them that reassurance. It bridges the trust gap faster than any headline, offer, or guarantee ever could.

This is why a single review can do more for conversion than a full paragraph of polished copy.

Why a real customer photo carries more weight than a studio shoot.

Why a quick video testimonial can overturn a shopper’s last remaining hesitation.

Social proof reduces the risk of buying.

In email, social proof works best when it’s woven naturally into the story you’re telling:

• A short testimonial placed above the CTA
• A customer photo beside a product feature
• A “Loved by 12,000+ customers” badge
• A case study snippet showing real results
• UGC used as the hero image instead of a polished creative

You’re not trying to “prove” your worth, you’re letting your customers do it for you.

Personalization: Why People Pay Attention When It Feels Personal

Most inboxes feel generic. 

Same offers. Same templates. Same tone.

(Unless you’ve implemented our 5 ways personalization in eCommerce can enhance customer experience!)

That’s why genuine personalization stands out, because it breaks the pattern.

Personalization in email works because it answers an unspoken customer question:

“Why are you showing me this?”

If you can answer that naturally, engagement goes up immediately. For example:

• Showing someone products that match their previous purchase.
• Recommending items based on what they browsed.
• Sending returning customers different content than first-timers.

Example email

Now let’s put all that into practise in this example email:

Subject: Your next match just got faster (limited sizes left)

Hi {{FirstName}},

You’ve been checking out our performance padel shoes lately, so we thought you’d want the heads-up on this:

Our new Velocity Pro 2.0 just dropped, built for players who want maximum grip, faster footwork, and a smoother slide on sand-based courts.

And early customers are already calling them a game-changer:

 “The stability is unreal. I’ve never moved this confidently at the net.” Mark R., Intermediate Player

Here’s why players are upgrading:

• 40% improved traction in lateral movements
• Lightweight cushioning for longer rallies
• Reinforced toe box for durability on abrasive courts
• Breathable upper to keep feet cool during tough matches

But a quick heads-up before you pick your size:

We’re already running low on the most popular sizes after the first 72 hours. Once they’re gone, they won’t be restocked until next month.

To make sure you don’t miss out, we’re giving subscribers early access for the next 24 hours only.

Your early-access link: [personalized link]

And because you’ve bought performance footwear from us before, this exclusive colourway comes with free shipping on your order, just for VIP customers like you.

See how they look on real players:

[UGC Gallery featuring the shoe in action]

Whether you’re working on your bandeja or powering through long defensive rallies, these were built to keep up with your game.

See the Velocity Pro 2.0 before your size disappears 

[CTA]

Catch you on court,

The PadelLab Team

Where the four triggers show up

• Urgency: “24 hours only,” “early-access window,” gentle time pressure
• Scarcity: Limited sizes, restock next month
• Social Proof: A real review and  UGC gallery
• Personalization: References past browsing and purchase behaviour plus VIP free shipping

Final Thoughts

The emails that convert best aren’t the ones with the loudest subject lines or the biggest discounts, they’re the ones that understand how people actually make decisions. 

When you blend urgency, scarcity, social proof, and personalization with intention, your campaigns stop feeling like promotions and start feeling like moments. Moments that move people, reduce hesitation, and guide them toward what they already want.

If you want to build these kinds of campaigns without doubling your workload, Omnisend gives you every tool you need. 

From behaviour-based automations to dynamic personalization and built-in social proof blocks, it helps founders pair smart psychology with powerful execution.

Plus, Foundr readers get 50% off their first 3 months. Just use code FOUNDR50 when you sign up and start creating emails that do more than just land in the inbox.

The post The Psychology Behind High-Converting Email Campaigns appeared first on Foundr.

Every founder knows the story.

You pour money into ads, tweak targeting, rewrite copy, and still watch your customer acquisition cost (CAC) creep higher each month.

No matter what you do, the tests you run, or the out-of-the-box ideas you try, that graph just keeps slowly climbing.

But it’s not (necessarily) that your product’s worse. It’s that your audience has changed.

Shoppers don’t just want to see your brand, they want to hear from people who’ve already trusted it.

Because today, attention is expensive. But trust? That’s priceless.

In this guide, we’ll break down how verified reviews and user-generated content (UGC) can build instant trust, lift your conversion rates and turn happy customers into your best-performing sales channel

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

• Trust is the new growth engine in ecommerce. Verified reviews and UGC are driving higher conversions than paid ads alone.
• Your customers are your best marketers. Authentic voices (through written, photo, and video reviews) build credibility faster than any campaign.
• Reviews are data, not just decoration. Analyse feedback trends, improve your CX, and use insights to drive repeat sales and loyalty.

Traffic Might Win Attention, But Trust Wins Sales.

There’s a point every founder hits. You’re getting clicks, your ads are sharp, and your traffic’s growing. But somehow, sales stay flat.

Perhaps you have spent a few sleepless nights checking the customer journey on your site or making sure every ad is running as planned, but in many instances, this approach will have no major impact on your conversion.

Why?

Because the reality is that it’s not that people aren’t interested, it’s that they don’t believe you yet.

The customer’s perspective

Put yourself in your potential customer’s shoes for a moment. You’ve been hit with an ad for something that is of interest. You head to the company’s website for the first time, having never heard of them before. 

Everything sounds great, from fast shipping to 24/7 customer service, but there’s still one major issue. All that information is coming from the company, not from it’s customers. Shoppers are smarter than ever, and they know when they’re being marketed to. They also know to take any and all promises from a brand with a grain of salt.

But when they hear it from an existing customer? That’s a game-changer.

Because when someone sees genuine reviews, unfiltered UGC, or a quick customer video, the story changes. It’s no longer your brand voice trying to convince them; it’s the voice of someone they can truly relate to.

While digital marketing is rapidly evolving, one constant that will continue to remain is that people sell to people, and there is no better form of marketing than word of mouth.

Customers can sell your product and brand better than you can. People trust people, not polished marketing messages. The customer’s voice validates what your brand is already saying—and that validation is what converts curiosity into confidence.

And that shift? That’s where growth really starts.

The data backing up this approach

According to a recent study from Dixa, as many as 93% of customers will search for online reviews before making a first-time purchase.

But not only that, 47% of those same people will also spread the word if they have a positive experience with a brand. And perhaps even more importantly, as many as 95% of them would let others know about a negative experience.

Your customers are your most important salespeople, and it’s important to use their words to build trust and convert new customers.

You only need to look at G2 to find the right tech for this, but when it comes to ease of use, REVIEWS.io is a clear standout. It’s simple to set up, flexible enough to fit into your existing stack, and backed by a team that genuinely cares (seriously, their support is next-level!). What they enable you to do (collect, verify, and showcase authentic customer voices) makes them a go-to for brands that want trust to be more than just a marketing line.

From written testimonials to photo and video reviews, it helps you showcase real voices that build instant credibility. By integrating directly with tools like Shopify, Klaviyo, and Omnisend, it ensures every potential customer sees proof, not promises, right when it matters most.

Your Customers Are Your Best Marketers. Let Them Convert for You

So, now you know just how important gathering customer reviews is for building trust and getting your customers’ voices heard, let’s look at some of the tools that can help you achieve that. 

Remember, your customers aren’t just leaving reviews; they’re creating some of your best-performing content. Real photos, quick unboxing clips, and short testimonial videos are the kind of proof that builds instant confidence.

The smartest founders and marketers treat this content like gold. They don’t just hide it on a “Reviews” page; they weave it throughout the entire customer journey.

Think:

• UGC galleries that showcase real customers using your products in your homepage feed.
• Social proof widgets that surface star ratings and review snippets right beside the “Add to Cart” button.
• Video reviews that play directly on your product pages, breaking down that last bit of hesitation before checkout.

These tools turn the customer’s voice into a genuine sales engine, one that works quietly in the background, building trust, reducing hesitation, and giving every new visitor a reason to believe.

The Benefits of Leaning in to Review-based Marketing

When you start treating reviews as a growth channel, they quickly become one of your most valuable assets. 

Here’s how they impact every stage of your customer journey:

They help turn proof into conversions

Every shopper hesitates before buying from a brand they don’t know yet. Reviews bridge that gap. Real stories, photos, and experiences from actual customers give potential buyers the reassurance they need to take action. 

Instead of relying solely on ad copy or product claims, review-based marketing puts proof front and center, right where decisions are made. The result? Higher conversion rates without needing to increase ad spend.

They build trust that compounds

Each verified review adds another layer of credibility that future customers can see, search, and believe in. Over time, that social proof becomes part of your brand identity. After all, a public record of customer satisfaction that outlasts any campaign.

And because it’s built by your community, not your marketing team, it carries ten times the influence of any branded message.

They attract customers who come back

Reviews don’t just attract new customers, they also help you keep the ones you’ve already won. When founders actively engage with feedback, respond to reviews, and make improvements based on what customers say, they build loyalty that can’t be faked. 

It turns a one-time purchase into an ongoing conversation, and that ongoing dialogue becomes the foundation for repeat sales, referrals, and advocacy.

Final Thoughts

At its core, ecommerce growth has never really been about algorithms or ad hacks; it’s always been about people trusting people.

The brands that win aren’t the ones shouting the loudest. They’re the ones giving customers a reason to trust their claims, through verified voices, real stories, and proof that feels human.

If you can turn your customer feedback into a key part of your marketing strategy, you won’t just earn more clicks, you’ll earn lasting credibility. That’s what drives sustainable growth.

And if you’re ready to make that shift, REVIEWS.io gives you everything you need to start.

• Collect verified reviews. 
• Showcase them where they matter most. 
• Bring photo and video UGC into your store and your marketing stack.

All without slowing down your team.

Explore REVIEWS.io today and start turning trust into your strongest growth channel.

The post Why the Future of Ecommerce Growth Belongs to Verified Voices, Not Ad Spend appeared first on Foundr.

What’s the fastest way to boost sales from your next email campaign? Offer a discount.

It works, at least in the short term. Open rates jump, clicks surge, orders roll in. 

But there’s a hidden cost. Every time you rely on a discount to make a sale, you’re quietly training your audience to wait for the next one. Over time, that chips away at your profit and your brand perception.

The smartest ecommerce brands know how to walk the line, using offers that drive excitement without eating into margins.

In this guide, we’ll unpack how to create email offers that feel irresistible but still protect your bottom line. 

Why Discounts Work (and Why They’re Dangerous)

Let’s be honest, discounts are addictive.

For customers, they trigger instant gratification. The thrill of getting more for less. For brands, they deliver fast results. Inboxes light up, conversions spike, and the sales graph shoots upward.

That’s not by accident. Discounts play directly into core psychological triggers like scarcity, urgency, and reward bias. When people see a limited-time deal, their brain releases dopamine. It feels like a win. That’s why a simple “24-hour flash sale” can outperform a beautifully written product story.

But here’s the catch. That same emotional response can work against you over time.

When discounts become predictable, customers start to wait for them. They’ll abandon carts knowing a sale email is coming. They’ll skip full-price items because they’ve been trained to expect 20% off next week. 

What started as a short-term sales tactic becomes a long-term habit, one that eats into your profit and erodes your brand’s perceived value.

It’s a balance problem. You need offers strong enough to motivate action, but not so frequent or aggressive that they undermine your positioning.

That’s why smart founders use discounts strategically, not as the story, but as the hook for a bigger one. They time them around product launches, new collections, or brand milestones, and they always have a plan for what happens after the sale ends.

The Long Game: What Sale Periods Are Really For

Too many brands treat discount periods as quick fixes. They see it as a way to clear stock, hit a monthly number, or win back customers who’ve gone quiet.

But the best founders know a sale is more than a short-term bump. It’s actually a moment to build something bigger.

A good sale does three things. It grabs attention, drives action, and teaches you something about your audience.

Maybe your Black Friday sale reveals which products people really care about. Maybe your “End of Summer” offer brings back lapsed customers you can now re-engage. Or maybe your anniversary event shows you what messaging tone hits hardest.

The point is, a sale isn’t just about selling. It’s about learning.

And the brands that win long-term know how to play both games. The one happening now (cash flow, conversions, excitement) and the one happening later (retention, loyalty, predictability). They think in cycles, not spikes.

The Give and Take Theory of Email Offers

So how do you keep that momentum going between sales without constantly discounting?

This is where what I like to call the ‘Give and Take’ approach comes in clutch.

“Give” emails are your relationship builders. They share something useful, inspiring, or entertaining. So that could be a story about your brand, a behind-the-scenes look at a new drop, a quick tip that helps your audience get more from your product. They build trust, and trust is what makes every future sale easier.

“Take” emails are your asks. These are the moments when you lean in and say, Hey, it’s time to buy. A product launch, a limited-time bundle, a 24-hour discount. These are the spikes of energy that drive revenue, but they only work when they’re supported by enough goodwill from your give emails.

The mistake most founders make? They take too often. Every email becomes a pitch, and over time, that drains the list. Engagement drops, unsubscribes rise, and customers tune out, not because your offer was bad, but because it felt expected.

Treat your email offers a little bit more like a healthy relationship of give and take. Give first, take later. Offer guidance before you sell. If your audience learns something or feels something in between the offers, your next “take” will land twice as hard.

How to Build Offers That Feel Generous (But Protect Margins)

Another common myth is that the most effective email offers are always the biggest discounts, but that’s not strictly true. Instead, they’re the ones that feel generous while quietly protecting your bottom line. 

It’s all about perceived value. When customers believe they’re getting something special, the actual cost to you matters a lot less.

Start by rethinking what “value” means:

• Bundle instead of slash. Pair complementary products and frame them as an exclusive set. That way, the customer saves, you move more inventory, and your average order value goes up.
• Add, don’t subtract. Instead of cutting prices, add a bonus. That could be free shipping over a certain threshold, a free gift with purchase, or early access to a new drop.
• Reward loyalty, not everyone. Your best customers shouldn’t get the same deal as a one-time buyer. Use segmentation to make loyal customers feel recognized while keeping margins tight.
• Create “next time” incentives. Offers like “£10 off your next order” encourage repeat business and keep your revenue compounding over time.

Each of these strategies gives the customer a win without conditioning them to expect permanent discounts. You’re adding perceived value (exclusivity, reward, belonging) instead of subtracting margin.

Final Thoughts

Used strategically, offers are one of the most powerful tools in your marketing arsenal. They grab attention, drive urgency, and give your audience a reason to act now. But when every email leans on a discount, you’re not building a brand, you’re teaching people to wait for one.

That’s where Omnisend comes in. Built for ecommerce founders, Omnisend gives you everything you need to send smarter, not just more.

You can:

• Build and automate your email flows with drag-and-drop ease
• Segment customers based on purchase behavior and engagement
• Test offers, incentives, and timing to see what really moves the needle
• Integrate seamlessly with your store and scale without extra effort

And right now, Foundr readers get 50% off their first 3 months.

Click here and use code FOUNDR50 to start sending emails that sell.

The post How to Create Irresistible Email Offers Without Killing Your Margins appeared first on Foundr.

What if your email list could sell for you while you sleep?

That’s the power of email automation. 

No manual broadcasts. No writing the same discount email over and over. Just smart, pre-built flows that turn browsers into buyers and buyers into loyal fans, automatically.

The best part? It doesn’t take a dev team, a giant list, or 10 hours a week to make it work. You just need to know what to send, when to send it, and how to set it up once so it runs on autopilot.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through:

• The 7 essential email automations every ecommerce brand should have
• What makes each one convert (without feeling robotic)
• How to start small and scale fast, even if you’re short on time

Whether you’re just getting started with email marketing or you’re tired of sending one-off campaigns that don’t move the needle, this is how smart founders grow revenue without adding work to their week.

First Off – What is Email Automation?

Before we dive in, I wanted to quickly clear up what I mean by the phrase ‘email automation’.

After all, email automation isn’t just a time-saver, it’s one of the most powerful growth levers in your entire business.

Think of it like this: every time someone signs up to your list, abandons their cart, makes a purchase, or goes quiet, you have a chance to guide them toward the next step.

But most founders try to manually send emails one by one, or worse, miss these opportunities altogether!

That’s not scalable. That’s exhausting.

Automation flips that script. Instead of blasting out one-size-fits-all newsletters and hoping for clicks, automation lets you build email flows that are triggered by real customer behavior. 

Someone signs up? They instantly get a welcome series that introduces your brand, offers value, and nudges them toward a purchase. They add to the cart but don’t buy? They get a perfectly timed reminder, maybe with a small incentive. Loyal customers? They get thanked, rewarded, and reminded that your brand still cares.

According to Omnisend’s latest benchmark report, automated emails generate 320% more revenue per email than regular one-off campaigns. 

Open rates are higher, click rates are higher, and most importantly, conversion rates are significantly higher, especially for flows like abandoned cart, welcome series, and post-purchase follow-ups.

For time-strapped founders, that kind of efficiency is game-changing.

Instead of writing dozens of one-off emails every month, you can build just a few key automations and let them run in the background, earning while you sleep. It’s like hiring a round-the-clock sales team that never forgets to follow up, never misses a customer milestone, and never needs a day off.

The 7 Email Automations That Quietly Scale Your Sales

If email automation is your 24/7 sales engine, these are the gears that keep it running. You don’t need dozens of flows to start making an impact. You just need the right ones.

Below are seven essential automations every ecommerce brand should have. Together, they form a complete system that welcomes new subscribers, recovers lost revenue, builds trust, and reactivates dormant customers.

1. Welcome Series

Your welcome series is the handshake, the first impression, and the start of a relationship. It should trigger immediately after someone joins your list, whether through a popup, landing page, or lead magnet.

A great welcome flow isn’t just a “thanks for signing up” email. It’s a sequence (usually 3 to 5 emails) designed to introduce your brand, share your origin story, showcase your bestsellers, and deliver any promised incentive (like a discount code). 

This is also the best time to build trust. Show social proof. Explain your mission. Let people know they’re in the right place.

2. Abandoned Cart

This is the highest ROI automation in your entire stack.

Cart abandonment happens constantly, whether due to distraction, second thoughts, or unexpected shipping costs. But just because someone didn’t buy doesn’t mean they’re not interested. In fact, they’re very interested. They just need a little nudge.

An abandoned cart flow sends a timely follow-up when someone adds products to their cart but doesn’t complete checkout. The best-performing sequences typically include 2–3 emails: the first within an hour (when intent is still high), and a final one 24–48 hours later, often with an added incentive like a discount or free shipping.

3. Browse Abandonment

Browse abandonment is like cart abandonment’s quieter, younger brother, but it’s just as valuable.

This flow targets users who view a product or category but leave without adding anything to their cart. Maybe they weren’t ready. Maybe they were comparing options. Either way, they were interested enough to click, which makes this a perfect re-engagement opportunity.

The email can be simple: “Still thinking about this?” along with a reminder of the product they viewed, maybe paired with customer reviews or a few similar items.

4. Post-Purchase

Most brands stop talking after the sale. That’s a mistake.

Post-purchase automation is where loyalty starts. This flow reassures your customer that they made the right decision, reduces buyer’s remorse, and sets expectations around shipping and delivery. It also offers a prime opportunity to upsell, cross-sell, or introduce them to your loyalty program.

Think: thank-you message, order summary, a follow-up with product tips or how-tos, and eventually, a gentle nudge toward their next purchase.

5. Win-Back Flow

No one wants to be ghosted—especially by someone who once cared. That’s what the win-back automation is for.

This flow targets customers who haven’t opened, clicked, or purchased in a set timeframe, usually 60 to 120 days. It’s your chance to reignite the relationship before they slip away for good.

Keep it honest and personal. Remind them what they loved about your brand. Offer an exclusive discount, ask for feedback, or give them a reason to come back. Even a simple “We miss you” can be enough to drive action.

6. Review Request

Social proof fuels ecommerce. Your happy customers are your best marketers—if you give them the chance.

This flow triggers a few days after a product is delivered, asking the customer to leave a review. You can make it easy with a direct link, offer a small reward (like 10% off their next order), and showcase examples of other customer reviews to set the tone.

7. Birthday or Anniversary

This one’s optional, but incredibly powerful.

Celebrating a customer’s birthday, signup anniversary, or even first-purchase milestone adds a personal touch that builds brand loyalty. It reminds them they’re more than just a transaction.

Whether it’s a one-time discount, a surprise gift, or early access to a new product, these milestone-based emails perform incredibly well, not just because of the offer, but because of the timing and emotional connection.

Don’t Set and Forget

Once those core flows are live, the real work begins: making them better.

The brands seeing the biggest returns from automation don’t stop at setup. They test, tweak, and improve constantly, because even a 2% lift in open rate or a 5% bump in conversion, when scaled across hundreds or thousands of sends, adds up fast.

Start simple. Look at how each flow performs. If your abandoned cart emails get opened but not clicked, test the CTA or add a review section. If your welcome series trails off after email #2, try changing the order or cutting it shorter.

Focus on one variable at a time: subject lines, timing, CTA copy, and offer format. Use a basic A/B test or the 20/20/60 split to see what actually moves the needle.

And don’t forget to check your timing. A cart email sent after one hour might be too soon. A second follow-up with a small incentive at 24 hours? That might seal the deal.

You don’t need to overhaul your flows every week. Just revisit them quarterly. 

Final Thoughts

Email automation isn’t about doing less; it’s about doing it smarter.

With just a handful of well-built flows, you can turn casual visitors into loyal customers, recover abandoned revenue, and build brand trust that compounds, all while you focus on the bigger picture.

You don’t need a massive list. You don’t need to write 100 emails a week. You just need the right strategy, the right flows, and the right tool to bring it all together.

That’s where Omnisend comes in.

Built for ecommerce founders, Omnisend gives you everything you need to automate smarter:

• Pre-built workflows
• Drag-and-drop builders
• Deep segmentation
• A/B testing tools
• And seamless integrations with your store

The best part? Foundr readers get 50% off their first 3 months. Simply click here and use code FOUNDR50.

The post Email Automation 101: Scale Your Sales Without Lifting a Finger appeared first on Foundr.

Most brands obsess over getting more subscribers. 

But what happens after someone joins your list? 

That’s where the real money (and loyalty) is made.

Your welcome series is the first impression of your brand at scale. It sets the tone, builds trust, and guides a new subscriber toward becoming a paying customer. 

Done right, it’s one of the highest-performing flows in your entire email strategy.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to build the perfect 3–5 part welcome series that not only introduces your brand, but builds long-term loyalty and revenue. 

Whether you’re launching your first flow or optimizing an underperforming one, this is how smart founders turn signups into superfans.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

Info

Why Your Welcome Series Matters More Than You Think

You only get one shot at a first impression. In email marketing, that moment is your welcome series.

And it matters. A lot.

According to GetResponse, welcome emails have an average open rate of 83.63%, compared to just 19% for typical promotional emails. That makes them the most opened emails you’ll ever send. 

Yet most brands blow this opportunity with a generic “thanks for signing up” message that does nothing to build trust, tell a story, or encourage a next step.

Here’s why a proper welcome series is a growth asset, not a formality:

• High intent, high attention: Your new subscriber just raised their hand and said, “I want to hear from you.” The next few emails either validate that decision—or make them regret it.
• Sets the tone for your brand: The welcome series is your chance to show personality, build credibility, and differentiate from the dozens of other brands crowding their inbox.
• Drives faster first purchases: A structured welcome flow that educates and incentivizes often converts first-time buyers within 24–72 hours.
• Builds long-term loyalty: You’re not just after one sale. You want to create a relationship. That starts by showing your brand understands, supports, and serves your customer, not just sells to them.

Think of your welcome series as onboarding for your brand. The better the experience, the more likely they are to stick around and come back.

The best part? Once it’s built, it runs on autopilot, welcoming every new subscriber like your best customer, 24/7.

The Anatomy of the Perfect 5-Part Welcome Series

This isn’t a random sequence. It’s a tested, high-converting structure designed to build trust, drive early sales, and turn new subscribers into loyal fans.

Whether you’re running a DTC brand, a digital product store, or a service-based business, this 5-part flow can be adapted to fit your goals.

Email 1: The Welcome and What to Expect

Timing: Immediately after signup

Goal: Confirm subscription, deliver any promised incentive, and set expectations

What to include:

• A warm, on-brand welcome message
• Delivery of discount code, lead magnet, or freebie
• Clear summary of what’s coming next (how often you’ll email, what type of content)
• Optional soft CTA to browse or follow on socials

Pro Tip: Use personalization here. First name, product interest, or “Hey, welcome to the crew” tone. The goal is human, not salesy.

Email 2: The Founder Story or Brand Mission

Timing: 1–2 days after Email 1

Goal: Build emotional connection and brand affinity

What to include:

• Short, punchy founder origin story or brand mission (not a novel)
• High-quality founder photo or intro video
• Relatable messaging around shared values (“We started this because we were tired of X…”)
• Optional CTA to “Learn more,” “See what we stand for,” or shop a curated category

Why this matters: People buy from brands they believe in. This is where you make them feel like they’re part of something bigger.

Email 3: Highlight Your Bestsellers or Categories

Timing: 1–2 days after Email 2

Goal: Showcase products they’re most likely to buy

What to include:

• 2–4 high-performing products or categories
• Customer favorites, “as seen on,” or trending picks
• Short testimonials or social proof (if available)
• CTA to “Explore” or “Shop Now”

Optional: If you’re using segmentation, tailor this email based on what they browsed or how they signed up.

Email 4: Build Trust With Reviews or UGC

Timing: 2–3 days after Email 3

Goal: Reinforce credibility and reduce purchase hesitation

What to include:

• Star reviews, quotes, or customer photos
• “Real stories from real customers” approach
• Option to include before/after content or influencer shoutouts
• Soft CTA to view the product or see the collection

Trigger: People trust people. This email creates FOMO in the best way.

Email 5: The Nudge (Offer and Urgency)

Timing: 2–3 days after Email 4

Goal: Push toward first purchase

What to include:

• Reminder of welcome discount or first-purchase incentive
• Deadline or urgency element (“expires in 48 hours”)
• Reassurance copy (easy returns, fast shipping, 1000+ 5-star reviews)
• Strong, clear CTA

Bonus: You can use this final email to invite them into a loyalty program, VIP list, or referral incentive. Keep the relationship going.

What Makes a Welcome Series Convert?

A welcome series isn’t just a checklist of emails; it’s a psychological journey. If you want your sequence to drive action and loyalty, you need to hit the right emotional triggers, at the right time, in the right way.

Here’s what separates a high-converting welcome flow from one that gets ignored.

• Timing is everything: The first email needs to land within seconds (not hours) of someone signing up. Why? Because intent fades fast.
• Design for mobile first: Over 60% of ecommerce emails are opened on a mobile device. If your welcome series isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re already losing.
• Clarity beats cleverness: Your subscriber just opted in. Don’t confuse them with cute wordplay or 9-button menus. 
• Use emotion to build connection: People don’t fall in love with products, they connect with stories. Inject emotion where it counts:
• Social Proof over self-promotion: You’re not the hero, your customer is.
• Consistency builds trust: Too many brands fire off one welcome email, then disappear for weeks. That silence breaks momentum and erodes trust.

Final Thoughts

Your welcome series isn’t just about saying hi. It’s your one shot to make a lasting impression. Nail those first few emails, and you don’t just get a sale… you start building a relationship.

The best part? Once it’s live, your welcome flow works in the background, greeting every new subscriber, telling your story, and driving revenue while you sleep.

But to make it work, you need the right tools.

That’s where Omnisend comes in.

Built specifically for ecommerce founders, Omnisend makes it effortless to:

• Build automated welcome sequences
• Segment your list based on behavior
• A/B test your emails for better performance
• Connect with your audience, without tech headaches

Foundr readers get 50% off their first 3 months with code FOUNDR50.

Claim your discount now and start turning new subscribers into loyal customers.

The post How to Create the Perfect Welcome Series and Grow Customer Loyalty appeared first on Foundr.

There’s a common yet very important saying in digital marketing.

What worked yesterday won’t always work tomorrow.

Attention spans shift, inboxes get noisier, and what you think is a great subject line means nothing if your audience doesn’t agree. That’s why A/B testing isn’t just a “nice to have”, it’s a non-negotiable.

Smart entrepreneurs don’t rely on hunches. They test everything: subject lines, CTAs, send times, even who the email appears to come from. 

Why? Because small wins compound. A 5% lift in open rates here, a 10% bump in clicks there, suddenly your same email list is generating 30% more revenue, without spending a dollar more on growth.

In this article, I’ll break down why you should always have at least one test running, the high-impact elements worth experimenting with, and how to do it without burning time or getting lost in the data. 

Whether you’re scaling your ecommerce brand or optimizing a lean SaaS funnel, these tactics will help you get more out of your existing audience.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

• A/B testing is non-negotiable if you want to increase opens, clicks, and conversions without growing your list.
• Always test high-impact elements like subject lines, CTAs, send times, and sender names. Small tweaks can lead to big results.
• Only test one variable at a time so you know what’s actually driving performance.
• The right platform makes it easy. Omnisend helps you automate, segment, and A/B test faster, with no clunky tech stack.

Why A/B Testing Isn’t Optional Anymore

Most founders obsess over growth, but often the real opportunity is right in front of them: conversion optimization. 

If you’ve built even a small email list, A/B testing is how you unlock consistent gains, without growing your list or budget.

The stats behind email optimization

Omnisend’s recent analysis of billions of emails shows average open rates rose from 22.9% in 2022 to 25.1% in 2023 among its merchants, and click rates rose from 1.2% to 1.5%, all driven by better testing and segmentation.

Automated emails delivered even stronger results. They had 52% higher open rates, 332% higher click rates, and a staggering 2,361% better conversion rate than regular campaigns. 

That means triggered flows like welcome messages and abandoned cart emails are massively more efficient at turning opens into sales, but only when they have been optimized through AB testing.

When small lifts compound

Even a 5% uplift in opens or a 10% boost in clicks doesn’t sound revolutionary, until it rolls through your entire funnel. Omnisend customers testing abandoned cart flows reported extra monthly sales gains of around $5,000, with small but consistent increases in open and click rates over just a few months of testing.

Better subject lines, smarter CTA copy, optimized timing, every improvement multiplies.

Real readers outpace assumptions

A staggering 43% of people decide to open an email solely based on the subject line. And poor copy? About 69% of users mark an email as junk based on subject alone, impacting both engagement and future deliverability.

Omnisend also confirms personalized subject lines boost open rates by up to 26%, especially when paired with segmentation and automation.

What You Should Be Testing

A/B testing isn’t just about finding “better” subject lines or button colors, it’s about deeply understanding your audience so you can serve them the right message, at the right time, in the right way. 

Here are the high-leverage elements every founder should be testing regularly:

Subject Lines

Goal: Improve open rates

Why it matters: If your email doesn’t get opened, nothing inside it matters.

What to test:

• Curiosity vs. Clarity (“You won’t believe this…” vs. “Your 15% discount ends today”)
• Personalization (first name, location, or purchase behavior)
• Emojis vs. plain text
• Urgency and scarcity language

CTAs (Call-to-Action)

Goal: Increase click-throughs

Why it matters: This is where opens become actions, like clicks, purchases, signups.

What to test:

• Button copy: “Shop Now” vs “Claim Your Offer”
• Button vs. hyperlinked text
• CTA placement: top, middle, or bottom
• Number of CTAs per email (single vs. multiple offers)

Send Time and Frequency

Goal: Maximize visibility and engagement

Why it matters: Even the best content gets ignored if sent at the wrong time.

What to test:

• Weekdays vs. weekends
• Early morning vs. afternoon vs. evening
• Time zone segmentation
• Frequency: daily, weekly, biweekly

Sender Name & Preheader Text

Goal: Boost trust and curiosity

Why it matters: The “from” field and preheader often influence opens more than the subject line.

What to test:

• Sender name: brand vs. personal (“Acme” vs. “Sarah from Acme”)
• Preheader style: benefit-driven, curiosity-based, or instructional
• Pairings: How subject + preheader work together

Audience Segments

Goal: Boost relevance and conversions

Why it matters: Blanket emails don’t convert. Micro-targeted ones do.

What to test:

• First-time customers vs. loyal customers
• High spenders vs. inactive users
• Product category affinity (e.g. men’s vs. women’s items)
• Cart abandoners vs. browsers

Why There Should Always Be One Test Running

Testing isn’t a one-off tactic; it’s a system. The best-performing brands don’t just test when they’re stuck; they make testing part of their everyday process. Here’s why that mindset matters, and how to bake it into your workflow.

Your audience is always changing

People don’t open, click, or buy the same way forever. Preferences shift based on seasonality, inbox fatigue, competitive offers, and even economic conditions. What crushed it last month might fall flat today. A/B testing helps you stay in sync with your audience.

Example: A subject line that wins in July (“Stay cool with this 1-day offer”) might flop in October when priorities have shifted. Testing gives you real-time insight into what’s actually resonating.

Test small, win big

Testing doesn’t require huge budgets or dev-heavy funnels. You can get statistically relevant results with:

• An email list as small as 1,000, using a 50/50 split
• Testing just one variable (e.g. subject line) per send
• Running the test until at least 25–30% of your total list has engaged

Small tweaks lead to big outcomes.

Testing builds intelligence, not just results

Every test gives you data you can reuse across emails, ads, landing pages, and beyond.

Learning that “curiosity-based subject lines” outperform benefit-driven ones for your audience? That applies everywhere. This is how small brands move fast and punch above their weight.

How to Run a Smart A/B Test Without Wasting Time

A/B testing only works if it’s set up right. Otherwise, you’re just comparing guesses. Here’s a simple, repeatable framework to follow every time:

1. Start with a hypothesis

Don’t test randomly. Know what you’re trying to learn.

Bad: “Let’s try a red button.”

Good: “We believe a benefit-driven CTA (‘Get My Discount’) will increase clicks by 10% over a generic one (‘Learn More’).”

2. Test one variable at a time

To know what caused the result, isolate a single change:
Subject line
CTA copy
Send time
✘ Subject line, CTA, and design (you won’t know what moved the needle)

3. Pick the right metric

Your test goal should match what you’re changing:

• Testing subject line? → Measure open rate
• Testing CTA? → Measure click-through rate
• Testing landing page copy? → Measure conversion rate

4. Send to a big enough sample

Avoid false positives. Most platforms (like Omnisend) recommend testing with at least 1,000 recipients per version to get meaningful results.

If your list is small, consider a 20/20/60 split:

20% see Version A, 20% see Version B, and the winning version goes to the remaining 60%.

5. Document and apply learnings

What worked? What didn’t? Why?

Track every test and result. Over time, this becomes your competitive advantage, a private library of what your audience actually responds to.

Final Word

You don’t need to overhaul your entire marketing strategy to get better results. You just need to test one thing consistently, and with intention. 

Whether it’s your subject line, CTA, or timing, each small experiment brings you closer to what actually works for your audience.

That’s where Omnisend makes a difference. Built for ecommerce brands that move fast, it lets you automate smarter flows, segment with ease, and optimize every send, without juggling multiple tools or workflows.

Foundr readers get 50% off their first 3 months with code FOUNDR50.

Start testing smarter. Start converting more. Claim your discount now.

The post Why You Should Always Be A/B Testing (And How to Do it Well) appeared first on Foundr.

You know the kind of email we’re talking about.

The subject line sounds like a corporate announcement. The body reads like a blog post with a call to action duct-taped to the bottom. 

And the CTA? Something like “Check it out!” (No thanks.)

The truth is: most marketing emails get ignored. Not because email is dead, but because the writing is.

That’s good news for you. Because writing emails your audience actually wants to read isn’t about being a wordsmith. It’s about knowing what grabs attention, what holds it, and what gets people to click without feeling like they’ve been sold to.

In this guide, I’m pulling back the curtain on the email strategies used by successful creators, ecommerce brands, and consultants who turn inboxes into income streams.

Whether you’re sending newsletters, launch emails, or “just checking in” messages, this article will help you stop second-guessing your copy and start sending emails people look forward to.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

• Structure matters: Use proven email copywriting frameworks like Story–Lesson–Offer or PAS to keep your message clear, engaging, and conversion-ready.
• Write for your reader, not your brand: Ditch the “we’re excited to announce” intros. Focus on what your audience cares about and how you can help them, fast.
• Your subject line is everything: If they don’t open, they don’t read. Test curiosity, value, and specificity-driven subject lines and don’t forget the preheader.

What Makes People Open (and Read) Your Emails?

Writing emails that get opened (and actually read) starts with one uncomfortable truth.

Nobody cares about your email.

At least, not at first.

People don’t open emails because you sent them. They open them because there’s something in it for them, like a benefit, a hook, or a reason to be curious.

Here’s how to give them that reason.

 

Email isn’t a mini blog post

You’re not writing a masterpiece. You’re writing a moment.

Long paragraphs, big intros, and “In today’s email, we’ll discuss…” intros? Skip it. People scan.

You have maybe five seconds to hook them before they swipe away, so don’t waste valuable digital real estate on content that doesn’t get to the point!

Reader-first vs brand-first copy

Picture this: You’re at a party, and someone walks up and immediately starts listing all their accomplishments. No context, no question, no interest in you. Just… “me, me, me.”

That’s how most emails sound.

If your email starts with “We’re excited to share…” or “Our latest feature…” you’ve already lost them.

The fix? Flip the lens.

Make the reader the hero of the story: their pain point, their curiosity, their goal. Speak directly to that.

Instead of “We’ve launched a new course on productivity.” Try “Still wasting hours on to-do lists that don’t actually get done? Here’s a fix that works.”

Know your email’s job

Not every email needs to sell.

In fact, this approach is one of tne of the fastest ways to lose subscribers is treating every message like a pitch.

Smart email marketers understand that every email serves a purpose. Before you write a single word, ask yourself:

• Is this email meant to build trust?
• Is it educating?
• Is it promoting something?
• Is it just showing up and reminding them you’re human?

Trying to do all of that in one email? You’ll confuse the reader, and a confused reader doesn’t click.

Here’s a simple framework:

Email Type	Goal	What It Sounds Like
Nurture	Build trust and affinity	“Here’s a lesson I learned the hard way so you don’t have to.”
Educational	Deliver value	“3 ways to fix [common problem] starting today.”
Sales/Promotional	Drive action	“Spots are filling, here’s how to grab yours.”
Relationship	Start conversations	“Got a quick question for you…”

When you get clear on the why behind your email, the tone, CTA, and structure fall into place naturally. You stop overexplaining. You start writing like someone with a mission, not just an Omnisend login.

And that’s when people start reading all the way to the bottom.

Proven Copywriting Frameworks for Emails

Here are three battle-tested frameworks that work especially well in email, and how to adapt them to your style.

The “story – lesson – offer” method

Best for: Nurture emails, launches, newsletters

This one’s gold for creators and service pros who want to connect before they convert.

Break it down:

• Story: A real, relatable moment. Something that happened to you or a client.
• Lesson: What it taught you, and why it matters to your reader.
• Offer: A natural segue into your CTA (download, reply, book, buy, etc.)

Example:

“Last week, I almost missed a deadline because I was so deep in busywork. Sound familiar? Here’s how I fixed it with one 10-minute tweak I now use daily. If you want the full system, it’s inside this week’s workshop.”

This approach builds trust fast because it feels like a conversation, not a pitch.

PAS: Problem – agitation – solution

Best for: Short, punchy promo emails

Simple. Powerful. And when done right, wildly effective.

• Problem: Name the pain. Be specific.

• Agitation: Twist the knife a little (not too much, this isn’t clickbait).

• Solution: Show how your product/service/idea is the fix.

Example:

“Still hitting snooze five times before dragging yourself into the day? That 3 a.m. scroll habit might be why. Here’s a better morning routine, one that starts the night before.”

PAS is all about empathy. You’re not selling a solution. They’re relieved to find it.

4Ps: Promise – picture – proof – push

Best for: Sales and launch emails

This one’s great when you need your email to convert, not just get clicks.

• Promise: Lead with the big benefit.

• Picture: Help them imagine the result.

• Proof: Show a testimonial, stat, or quick case study.

• Push: What’s the next step?

Pick one structure, tailor it to your voice, and write like you’re talking to one person, not your entire list.

How to Write Subject Lines That Don’t Get Ignored

You’ve written a killer email. It’s helpful, clear, and the CTA sings.

But none of it matters if no one opens it.

Subject lines are your first impression. And in a sea of inbox noise, you’ve got one shot to stand out, not by being gimmicky, but by being genuinely worth the click.

The anatomy of a great subject line

A strong subject line usually checks one or more of these boxes:

• Sparks curiosity
• Offers clear value
• Feels personal or emotionally resonant
• Creates urgency (but not fake FOMO)
• Sounds like it came from a person, not a marketing department

Here’s what that looks like in real life:

Type	Example
Curiosity	“This email isn’t for everyone…”
Specificity	“How I doubled my open rate in 7 days (with one tweak)”
Cliffhanger	“The lesson that nearly cost me $12K”
Question	“Still stuck on what to send your list this week?”
Urgency	“Enrollment closes tonight (and won’t reopen this year)”

Don’t sleep on preheader text

If the subject line is the headline, the preheader is the sneak peek. It’s your chance to reinforce the hook or add context.

For example:

Subject: “Why I stopped sending weekly emails”

Preheader: “(And what happened to my sales after I did)”

This is prime real estate, don’t waste it on “View this email in your browser.”

Keep testing (but test the right things)

A/B testing your subject lines? Good. But don’t just swap a word or throw in an emoji and call it a day. Test types, not just tweaks:

• Curiosity vs. clarity
• Short vs. descriptive
• Emotional vs. benefit-driven

And make sure you track more than opens. High open rates with low click-throughs? That subject line might be clickbait in disguise.

Write Emails They’ll Look Forward To

You don’t need a team of data analysts or a 47-step tech stack to make email marketing work.

You just need the right platform behind you, and that’s where Omnisend shines.

Built with e-commerce in mind, Omnisend makes it incredibly simple to send smarter emails. Segment your list, automate your flows, and drive real revenue without bouncing between five different tools.

From welcome sequences to abandoned cart nudges to VIP exclusives, it’s all there. Easy to build. Easy to scale.

Foundr readers get 50% off their first 3 months with code FOUNDR50.

Start sending better emails (and finally watch them convert).

Claim your discount today.

The post How to Write Emails Your Audience Actually Wants to Read appeared first on Foundr.

Think AI is only for Silicon Valley engineers and hoodie-wearing coders? 

Think again.

Artificial intelligence is no longer locked behind walls of complicated code or reserved for billion-dollar tech startups. Today, it’s available to anyone with a laptop or mobile phone, a solid idea, and the willingness to experiment, even if you’ve never written a single line of code.

From writing emails to building websites to analyzing customer data, AI is quickly becoming the ultimate co-founder. 

And the best part? You don’t need a computer science degree to use it.

In this guide, I’ll break down exactly how you (yes, you!) can start using AI in your business right now. Whether you’re a solopreneur building your first MVP or a founder looking to scale smarter, I’ll walk you through time-saving tactics and prove AI isn’t just the future, it’s the advantage founders need today.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

Info

Isn’t AI Too ‘Techy’ For Some Founders?

If you’ve ever caught yourself saying, “I’d use AI, but I’m not technical,” you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: being non-technical is no longer a barrier.

In fact, it’s an advantage so long as you play it right.

Because you don’t need to know how to build AI or become an AI content expert, you just need to know how to use it strategically.

Think of AI like a team member. It’s not perfect, it needs direction, and it won’t magically fix a broken business model. 

But with the right prompts and tools, it can handle tasks that used to take hours in just a few clicks. For all the entrepreneurs currently reading this, I know that improved productivity and efficiency are music to your incredibly busy ears!

Your role as a founder isn’t to dive into backend code or train neural networks. Your job is to be the architect, to understand the big picture and use AI tools as building blocks. 

The good news? You already have the skills to do this. Founders are creative problem solvers by nature. AI just gives you more leverage.

Here are a few examples:

Brainstorming new business ideas

Use ChatGPT to simulate customer personas and test value propositions. For example, if I were building a company in the fitness apparel space, I could get this information with a prompt like this:

I’m starting a fitness apparel company, focusing on providing consumers with great quality clothing that is built to last and keep up with their exercise habits. Brands I look up to in the space include Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, and GymShark. Using that information, please can you outline three main target audiences I should be looking at, including their goals, pain points, and the best platforms to reach them on.

Here’s the result:

Content design

Where you once needed the support of a designer, you can now use various tools to help produce product mockups, social content, and even your brand logo. Using the example above, I asked ChatGPT to mock up some logo examples, based on my favorite brands.

Mock up a logo that would match this brand’s goal, taking into account the brands I look up to

Sure, it might not be perfect, but it’s a strong starting point and can be improved with more detailed prompting.

Customer insights 

For better customer insights, you can feed your survey responses into an AI model to pull out patterns without digging through spreadsheets, saving you countless hours, improving your brand’s knowledge and also laying the foundations for excellent future content.

Prompt Engineering: The New Skill Every Founder Must Master

If AI is your new team member, prompts are your instructions.

You don’t need to be a developer, but you do need to know how to talk to AI tools in a way that gets results. That’s where prompt engineering comes in.

At its core, a prompt is just a well-worded request. But when done right, it can unlock insanely powerful outputs (think business plans, investor emails, product copy, or even customer support replies in your brand voice).

And the best part? 

You already do this every day. If you’ve ever written a brief for a freelancer, sent a detailed email, or jotted down a task in a project management app, you’ve written a prompt.

What makes a great prompt?

Here’s a simple formula that works almost every time:

Role + Task + Context + Style + Format 

For example:

“You are a marketing strategist [Role]. Write a 3-part welcome email sequence for a new fitness app [Task]  targeting women 25–35 who want short home workouts. [Context] Keep the tone friendly and motivating. [Style] Each email should include a CTA.[Format] ”

That one prompt could save you days of copywriting or hundreds in freelancer costs.

Founders are already using prompts like these:

• Market Research: “Summarize the top 5 pain points for solopreneurs trying to launch an online course.”

• Sales Emails: “Write a follow-up email for a cold outreach campaign where the lead clicked the link but didn’t reply.”

• Product Validation: “List 10 potential objections a user might have before signing up for a subscription-based productivity app.”

• Customer Service: “Respond to a customer asking for a refund due to a delayed shipment, in a polite but firm tone.”

Pro tip: Create a prompt library

As your business grows, save your best prompts in a Notion doc or Google Sheet. You’ll build a personal playbook that you can reuse or hand off to a virtual assistant (VA) or team member later.

Avoiding Pitfalls: What Not to Automate (Yet)

AI is powerful, but it’s not perfect.

When you start using AI more regularly, it’s easy to fall into the trap of overreliance.

Yes, it can write your emails, summarize your meetings, and help you build a landing page in an afternoon. 

But just because you can automate something doesn’t always mean you should, especially if it comes at the cost of clarity, trust, or connection.

As a founder, you need to know where to draw the line.

Pitfall #1: Automating too early

Before you hand off tasks to AI, ensure you’ve validated the process or message first.

For example, don’t automate your entire cold email outreach before you’ve tested which subject lines get replies. 

Pitfall #2: Replacing the human touch in high-stakes moments

Your first few customer interactions? They should feel personal.

Early investor outreach? Customize every message.

Negative feedback or refund requests? That’s where real empathy counts.

AI can help draft, but don’t let it become a wall between you and your users.

Pitfall #3: Blind trust in AI outputs

AI is confident, even when it’s wrong (which is far too often!). It might quote fake data, invent case studies, or misunderstand the tone if your prompt isn’t clear.

I had a genuine interaction with ChatGPT yesterday where I asked it for a quote about love from one of my favourite book series, The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. ChatGPT confidently gave me an answer, my fiancé found it so wholesome she shed a tear, only for us to discover that it was completely made up and not in any of the four books!

And you definitely don’t want to find yourself in a situation like the Chicago Sun-Times, which printed an AI-generated summer reading list featuring books that don’t exist.

Always:

• Double-check facts
• Run outputs through plagiarism tools (especially if you’re publishing content)
• Sanity-check AI recommendations with real-world logic

Pitfall #4: Losing your brand voice

AI tools like ChatGPT are great at “sounding professional”, but they’re not you. If everything you publish sounds like a generic LinkedIn post, you risk blending in with everyone else using the same tools.

Make AI Your Competitive Edge

The most successful founders aren’t the ones who know how to code; they’re the ones who know how to adapt.

You don’t need to become an AI expert. You simply need to understand how to apply it to your business more effectively, efficiently, and creatively than the next person. That’s your edge.

Currently, most entrepreneurs are either overwhelmed by AI or ignoring it altogether. That gives you a massive opportunity: to become the founder who knows how to think like a strategist and execute like a team of ten, all with smart tools and a few sharp prompts.

AI won’t write your vision. It won’t build your network. It won’t hustle on your behalf.

But it will help you:

• Launch products faster
• Market smarter
• Run leaner
• Learn faster than your competition

And it’s not just about saving time. It’s about buying back your focus so that you can stay in your zone of genius as a founder.

Get the AI Edge Your Startup Needs for Just $1

Ready to start using AI to work smarter, move faster, and scale without the overwhelm?

For just $1, unlock access to over 30 expert-led courses and 1,000+ lessons inside Foundr+, covering everything from building your first MVP with no-code tools to automating your marketing and creating AI-powered workflows that save you hours every week.

Whether you’re a solo founder or leading a lean team, you’ll learn how to harness AI like a pro, with no tech background required.

Join Foundr+ today and take the first step toward building your AI-enhanced business.

The post How Founders Can Leverage AI Without Writing a Single Line of Code appeared first on Foundr.

If you’re launching a business in 2025 and a sustainable business model isn’t built in from day one, you’re already behind.

Today’s customers demand more than great products. They want values-aligned brands they can believe in. Investors are pouring capital into climate-positive ventures. And the most forward-thinking founders are proving you don’t have to sacrifice profit for purpose.

But here’s the kicker: building a sustainable business isn’t about slapping a green label on your packaging or offsetting your carbon footprint after the fact. 

In this guide, we’ll break down how to design a business that is both profitable and future-proof, from your very first customer to long-term scale. 

Whether you’re bootstrapping your way to freedom or pitching a mission-driven startup to VCs, this is your blueprint for building smarter, leaner, and greener.

Let’s get into it.

Redefining Sustainability for Modern Founders

Forget the outdated idea that sustainability is just a “nice-to-have” or a luxury reserved for large corporations. In 2025, sustainability is a strategy, and founders who integrate it early are building a competitive edge from day one.

So, what does sustainability really mean in a startup context?

At its core, sustainability isn’t just about reducing harm; it’s about creating value that lasts. That means:

• Financial sustainability – building a model that can survive lean months, economic shifts, and scale smartly.
• Environmental sustainability – reducing your footprint, managing waste, and designing products or services with the planet in mind.
• Social sustainability – treating people (customers, employees, suppliers) as stakeholders, not just transactions.

Why founders can’t afford to ignore it:

• Consumers want brands to help them live more sustainably.
• Regulations are tightening globally on emissions, waste, and ethical sourcing.
• Investors are prioritizing ESG metrics when evaluating early-stage ventures.

If you’re still building your business model, now is the perfect moment to map your value creation against impact. 

Founders who do this not only de-risk their ventures; they also open new doors, including loyalty, press, partnerships, and often, better margins.

Sustainability is no longer a buzzword. It’s a blueprint for a resilient, modern business.

Choosing the Right Business Model Framework

Before you start building products, hiring talent, or pitching investors, you need to make one decision that will shape everything else.

Your business model framework.

Why? Because not every model scales well with sustainability in mind. And not every sustainable idea is financially viable without the right monetization strategy baked in.

Your two-lens filter

When choosing a business model in 2025, founders should evaluate ideas through two lenses:

1. Scalability – Can this model grow without requiring exponentially more capital, time, or emissions? 
2. Sustainability – Does this model inherently reduce waste, extend lifecycle value, or contribute to social impact?

Common business models that align well

Model Type	Why It Works for Sustainability
Direct-to-Consumer (DTC)	Greater control over the supply chain and materials, faster feedback loops for reducing waste.
Subscription / Membership	Encourages long-term customer relationships and predictable revenue; great for circular products.
Productized Services	Minimal environmental overhead, scalable, and efficient.
Marketplace / Platform	Enables sharing economies (e.g., rentals, resale, recommerce).
Circular or Regenerative Models	Built specifically to reduce or reverse environmental impact.

Design for Profit and Purpose

Building a sustainable business isn’t just about doing good, it’s about doing good business. The most successful founders in 2025 are designing business models where purpose is a growth engine, not a constraint.

Let’s break that down.

Start with your value proposition

Your value prop isn’t just “what you do”, it’s why it matters and who it’s built for. In a sustainable business model, this means answering:

• What problem are you solving without creating new ones (e.g., waste, overconsumption)?
• How does your product or service create long-term value for the customer and the planet?
• Would people miss your product if it disappeared? That’s product-market-purpose fit.

Pick your partners

Choose vendors who align with your mission, local, renewable, or ethical. This not only reduces your environmental impact but also builds trust with conscious consumers.

The product lifecycle

Can your product be reused, refilled, repaired, or recycled? Brands like Patagonia and Fairphone built loyalty by designing products people keep, not toss.

Your revenue model

Your revenue model matters too. Consider moving away from endless one-time transactions. Subscription models or rental systems can create more predictable income and reduce overproduction.

Build community, not just a customer base

Let your audience become part of the mission, whether that’s through education, co-creation, or even user-led advocacy. Purpose-driven brands win when their customers feel like stakeholders, not just buyers.

Building a Circular or Regenerative Value Chain

The traditional “take-make-waste” business model is broken, and in 2025, founders who build circular systems are not only reducing harm, they’re unlocking entirely new revenue opportunities.

A circular value chain is designed to keep resources in use for as long as possible. Instead of creating products destined for landfills, you create systems where materials, components, or products are reused, repaired, or returned into the loop.

Here’s what that looks like:

• Reuse: Designing durable products that can be repurposed or redistributed (think: secondhand, refurbished).
• Repair: Enabling customers to extend the life of your product, offering repair services, spare parts, or how-to content.
• Resell: Launching your own resale marketplace or partnering with one.

Regenerative vs. sustainable

If sustainability is about doing less harm, regeneration is about doing more good.

Regenerative brands build supply chains that restore ecosystems, strengthen communities, and increase biodiversity.

This might look like:

• Partnering with farms that use regenerative agriculture (e.g., improving soil health, carbon drawdown). 
• Funding reforestation, clean water access, or education as part of your product’s lifecycle. 
• Designing product models that directly improve the environment or community they interact with.

How to start building a circular system:

• Map your waste: Where are you leaking time, money, or materials? Can those be reused or recovered?
• Talk to your suppliers: Are there recycled or upcycled inputs you could switch to?
• Design for durability: What if your product were built to last 5x longer?
• Create an incentive loop: Offer customers discounts, credit, or perks for returning used goods or packaging.

Circular models aren’t just better for the planet, they’re sticky, defensible, and increasingly expected. If you can close the loop on value, you create something bigger than a transaction: you build trust, repeat business, and long-term growth.

Marketing Your Mission Without Greenwashing

You can build the most sustainable business in the world, but if you can’t communicate it authentically, you’ll lose trust faster than you gain traction.

In 2025, consumers and regulators are calling out greenwashing. They’re not interested in vague claims like “eco-friendly” or “natural.” They want proof, specificity, and a clear sense of why your sustainability efforts matter.

What greenwashing looks like today

• Using buzzwords without backing them up (e.g. “green,” “clean,” “planet-friendly”)
• Highlighting one sustainable action while ignoring a harmful core process
• Overstating the impact or using misleading imagery
• Lack of transparency in sourcing, operations, or carbon offsets

What to do instead

1. Be specific: Say, “Made from 90% post-consumer recycled plastic” Not “Eco-conscious packaging”
2. Be transparent: Share your wins and your work-in-progress. Customers respect brands that admit what they’re still working on.
3. Show the data: Use certifications (like B Corp, Fair Trade, CarbonNeutral), LCA reports, or emissions reduction targets.
4. Make it relatable: Show the human, environmental, or emotional impact of your efforts. Turn your sustainability into a brand narrative, not just a compliance report.
5. Educate, don’t preach: Empower your audience with tools, tips, or ways they can join your mission. Make it easy for them to care and act.

Final Thoughts

Building a sustainable business model isn’t a side project. It’s the foundation of long-term success in 2025 and beyond. But strategy alone isn’t enough.

If you’re serious about launching or scaling a brand that’s profitable and purpose-driven, you need the right tools, tactics, and mentorship.

For just $1, unlock access to 30+ expert-led courses and 1,000+ lessons tailored for modern founders, covering everything from building a sustainable brand to driving traffic, mastering growth, and funding your mission.

Learn how top entrepreneurs are balancing impact with income, and how you can, too.

Join thousands of founders who are building smarter, greener, and more resilient businesses.

Sign up for Foundr+ today.

The post How to Build a Profitable and Sustainable Business Model from Day One in 2025 appeared first on Foundr.

Ever find yourself spending hours crafting the perfect email, only to have it ignored by most of your list?

You’re not alone.

With inboxes more crowded than ever and customers expecting tailored content, the old “spray and pray” email strategy just doesn’t cut it anymore. That’s where audience segmentation comes in, arguably the most underrated tool in your email marketing arsenal.

The importance of audience segmentation cannot be understated. At its core, audience segmentation means breaking your email list into smaller, targeted groups based on traits like behavior, interests, or buying stage. 

The result? Your messages actually feel relevant, and that’s what drives opens, clicks, and conversions.

In this guide, we’ll unpack why segmentation matters more than ever, how to get started (even if you’re not a data geek), and how smart founders are using it to build stronger relationships and boost revenue, one email at a time.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

• Audience segmentation means grouping your email list by shared traits or behaviors, so you can send more relevant, higher-converting messages.
• Generic, one-size-fits-all emails often get ignored. Segmentation boosts engagement, builds trust, and increases conversions.
• Start with five simple segments: new subscribers, past purchasers, cart abandoners, inactive subscribers, and VIP customers.
• Use behavior-based triggers (like product views or clicks) to place subscribers into the right segments automatically.

What Is Audience Segmentation (and Why It’s a Game-Changer)?

At a glance, audience segmentation sounds technical. But it’s really just a fancy way of saying: Send the right message to the right people at the right time.

Instead of blasting one email to your entire list, segmentation lets you group subscribers based on things like:

• What they’ve bought (or haven’t bought yet)

• How often they open your emails

• Where they live or what they’re interested in

Imagine walking into a store where the clerk already knows your favorite products and what you looked at last time. That’s the experience audience segmentation creates in the inbox, and why it drives better results.

And the results speak volumes. According to Omnisend’s 2025 report, automated emails (which often utilize segmentation) achieved an impressive 40.55% open rate, significantly higher than the average open rate of 26.6% across all industries.

Why Generic Emails Are Costing You (And Your Brand)

It’s tempting to think that more emails = more sales. 

However, if you continue to send the same message to every subscriber, you may be doing more harm than good.

Today’s consumers expect personalization. They want emails that feel like they were written for them, not for your entire list. 

When your emails miss that mark, people tune out. 

Or worse, unsubscribe.

Here’s what happens when you ignore segmentation:

• Your open rates drop because your content doesn’t match your audience’s interests.

• Your click-through rates flatline because the CTA feels irrelevant.

• Your brand reputation suffers, especially if people feel like you don’t “get” them.

Put simply, sending the wrong message to the wrong person costs you conversions. For early-stage founders, every sale counts.

The 5 Types of Audience Segments You Should Be Using

So now you know that sending the same email to everyone is costing you opens, clicks, and real revenue.

The good news? 

You don’t need complex data or advanced tools to start segmenting. Just a few smart, simple groupings can dramatically improve your email performance.

Here are five audience segments that every founder can (and should) start using today:

New subscribers

These people are brand new to your world. Don’t hit them with a sales pitch right away; use this window to build trust and make a strong first impression.

Imagine you run an online tea brand. When someone signs up, you can easily set up a three-part welcome series that shares your founder’s story, how to brew the perfect cup, and offers a discount on their first order.

Past purchasers

They’ve already bought from you once. Now’s the time to turn that one-time buyer into a repeat customer by showing them what’s next.

Let’s pretend a customer bought a yoga mat from your store. A week later, you should send a follow-up email featuring resistance bands, foam rollers, and a video series on recovery routines, adding post-purchase validation and value, while also upselling them other products you sell.

Cart abandoners

These users came close to making a purchase, but didn’t. They’re clearly interested, and a well-timed reminder could be all they need. For example, someone added a handmade leather wallet to their cart but didn’t complete the checkout process. 

A day later, you send an email that says, “Still thinking about it?” with a photo of the wallet and a free shipping offer.

Inactive subscribers

These are people who haven’t opened or clicked your emails in a while. Rather than ignore them or delete them outright, try to win them back with a re-engagement campaign.

For example, if you ran a skincare brand, and some subscribers have gone cold, you could send a message with the subject line: “Still into self-care?” and highlight new product drops or a limited-time promo just for them.

VIP customers

These are your most engaged and valuable customers, also known as those who open every email, make frequent purchases, or spend a significant amount. Treat them like insiders.

Let’s say you sell digital courses. For VIPs who have taken multiple trainings, consider sending them early access to your next launch or inviting them to a private Q&A session with the instructor.

Tools and Tactics to Start Segmenting Today

Knowing who your audience is doesn’t help much unless you can act on it. That’s where the right tools and a bit of strategy come in.

You don’t need to be a tech expert or have a team of data analysts to build effective segments. Most email platforms already provide these features. It’s just a matter of using them with intention.

Step 1: Choose the right platform for your business model

If you’re running an e-commerce brand or a product-based business, Omnisend is one of the most effective tools available for segmenting your email audience without overwhelming complexity.

It’s designed specifically for high-growth businesses that want to do more than just send newsletters. With Omnisend, you can create detailed customer segments based on real-time behavior, no code, no friction.

Here’s what you can do with the platform:

• Pre-built segments for new subscribers, repeat buyers, cart abandoners, inactive users, and more, ready to launch from day one.
• Event-based automation that responds to customer actions on your site, such as browsing a product or abandoning checkout.
• Multi-channel integration, so your segments stay synced across email, SMS, and push notifications.
• Shopify and WooCommerce integration, making it easy to target users based on purchase history, order value, or frequency.

Step 2: Start simple and segment based on behavior

You don’t need a dozen categories to get results. The most powerful (and actionable) segments are based on what your subscribers do, not who they are.

• Clicks: If someone clicks on a product category (e.g. “Coffee Beans” vs. “Cold Brew Gear”), tag them accordingly and tailor follow-ups to that interest.
• Purchases: Segment by specific products bought, total orders, or time since last purchase.
• Engagement level: Separate frequent openers/clickers from dormant subscribers. You’ll write differently to each group.
• Lead magnet origin: Did they sign up for your webinar, your PDF guide, or your launch waitlist? Their entry point reveals what they care about.

Step 3: Automate flows that react in real time

Segmentation doesn’t mean constantly creating new campaigns. When done right, it powers automations that run quietly in the background, delivering personalized content based on subscriber behavior.

• Welcome Flow: When someone signs up, automatically send a series of emails introducing your brand, product benefits, and what they can expect next.
• Cart Abandonment Flow: Trigger an email 1–2 hours after someone leaves items in their cart. Include a product image, a benefit reminder, and a gentle nudge (not always a discount).
• Post-Purchase Flow: Based on what they bought, send care tips, tutorials, or cross-sells a few days later.
• Re-engagement Flow: If someone hasn’t clicked in 30+ days, automatically trigger a “We miss you” email with updated content or a small incentive to come back.

Step 4: Measure, iterate, and refine

Segmentation isn’t a one-time setup. It’s a system that evolves as your audience grows and your product offerings change. What worked when you had 500 subscribers might not work as well at 10,000.

The key is to treat your segments like experiments. Set hypotheses, track results, and make adjustments.

Here’s what to look at regularly:

• Open rate by segment: Are certain groups more responsive than others? If your VIPs are clicking like crazy but new subscribers aren’t opening at all, your welcome sequence may need work.
• Click-through rate (CTR): Segment-level CTR helps you spot what content or offers resonate with each group. If cart abandoners aren’t clicking, test subject lines or swap your CTA.
• Conversion rate: This is the metric that pays the bills. Don’t just track if people open, track if they buy (or take the next step).
• List health: Are some segments full of dead weight? Prune inactive contacts periodically to keep deliverability high.

Start Smart, Segment Small, and Save

You don’t need a huge team or complicated data systems. You just need the right strategy, and the right tools behind you.

That’s where Omnisend comes in.

Built specifically for ecommerce brands, Omnisend gives you everything you need to segment your audience, automate the right messages, and drive real revenue, all from one easy-to-use platform. 

Whether you’re welcoming new subscribers, recovering abandoned carts, or rewarding VIP customers, Omnisend helps you make every email count.

Foundr readers can get 50% off their first three months of Omnisend when you use code FOUNDR50 at checkout.

Activate your discount and start growing today.

No more generic emails. Just the right message, to the right people, at the right time.

The post The Importance of Audience Segmentation For Your Email Marketing Campaigns in 2025 appeared first on Foundr.

Looking for ways to build and grow your email list without paid ads?

Many people are quick to point out the benefits of having a large email database to contact, and the many ways you can do so.

However, when it comes to offering actionable ways to actually grow an email list, there are significantly fewer useful insights available.

Here, I’ll run you through 6 ways to build and grow your email list in 2025. The best bit? All of these strategies are completely free, allowing you to spend your precious marketing budget on other pressing matters.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

• Give them what they want: Create an eye-catching lead magnet that is sure to make your target audience sign up for emails to access.
• Strategic sign-ups: Popups are your friend, so don’t be afraid to add them everywhere it makes sense on your website.
• Additional downloadable resources: Take your best-performing blog posts and add a bonus download that’s related to that post, only available by signing up to your email list.
• Run a free challenge: Invite people to a 5-day challenge, free bootcamp, or educational email course for your niche. 
• Don’t be anti-social: turn your followers into subscribers.
• Add your email link…everywhere: Don’t keep your email link locked up on your website; get it added to all the other places you have a digital footprint.
• Collaborate: Team up with people in your niche for cross-audience success.

The Importance of a Big, Healthy Email List

But first, I want to quickly explain why having a big, healthy email list is so important for almost any brand, regardless of the industry.

For starters, having a large email database gives you direct access to your audience, taking out the volatility that can come from relying on social media algorithms, varying PPC costs, and the dreaded Google algorithm updates.

You own the channel, which means you have complete control of what gets sent to your audience, when it gets sent to them, and how your messaging is viewed.

Additionally, the ROI for email is significantly better than other marketing channels. According to The 2025 State of Marketing Report, an annual report produced by HubSpot, the average ROI for email marketing campaigns is 36 times. That means you can earn an average of $36 in pure revenue for every dollar you spend on your email marketing efforts, a return that other marketing avenues can only dream of!

But email marketing isn’t just about profit and topline numbers. It is also a fantastic way to build relationships, improve trust, and develop loyal, repeat customers. Think about the best brands out there right now. They all have highly personalized, insightful, friendly welcome programs, as well as excellent re-engagement tactics and educational content.

Building trust through email is one of the best ways to turn one-off customers into repeat purchasers, shoring up the long-term success of your business.

Lastly, a healthy email list allows for advanced segmentation. You can tailor your messaging based on user behavior, interests, or demographics, making your emails more relevant and more likely to convert. It’s one of the only marketing channels that gives you full autonomy over which customers receive what content, and when.

6 Ways to Build and Grow Your Email List Without Paid Ads

As you can see, there are a ton of reasons why you need a large active email list. However, founder budgets are often tight, so any opportunity to save on outreach should be snapped up with both hands! With that in mind, here are six tried and tested ways to build and grow your email list without the need for paid ads.

Give them what they want

One of the most successful ways to build your email list is through giveaways. Sometimes, you’ve got to give a little to get a lot.

However, if you don’t have the marketing budget to give away an expensive prize, you could also do so by providing something for free, such as a checklist, template, mini course, or even an eBook.

Just make sure that whatever you choose, it’s specific to your audience and genuinely useful. I see a lot of examples of brands going down this avenue, whipping up a resource on ChatGPT in five minutes, and then wondering why they have a high rate of users subscribing and then immediately unsubscribing from their email list.

If you’re asking readers to hand over their personal information, then you need to ensure that what you’re providing is genuinely insightful, offers expertise they couldn’t otherwise find themselves, and goes above and beyond the answers they could get themselves with a couple of well-worded prompts.

Strategic sign-up placements

It’s easy to focus on the content of your email opt-ins, but it’s also just as easy to forget about the placement of them.

Don’t just limit your email opt-in messaging to a singular place on your website. Consider adding it to your homepage, any blog posts you publish, your website footer, about page, and even via pop-up messaging.

Most email service providers allow users to easily set up pop-ups anywhere on the website, either after a set time spent on the website, or after a particular action, such as scrolling, or moving the mouse away from the website.

However, I’d strongly advise you to use popups sparingly. It can be tempting to put them everywhere, but it’s important to remember that you want the experience on your website to be a fun one, and too many popups can feel very intrusive and frustrate some visitors.

It’s a fine line between maximizing the options you have on your website and not overdoing it, so always keep track of metrics like bounce rates and time spent on your site.

Run a free challenge

Another excellent way to engage your audience and build trust is by inviting them to a brand-specific challenge or boot camp. These experiences feel interactive and valuable, and the only investment required is your time and expertise.

For example, if you run a wellness brand, you could host a 7-Day Wellness Reset Challenge, helping participants improve their energy, focus, and overall well-being.

If you’re a beauty brand, consider launching a 7-Day Skin Glow Challenge, sending daily skincare tips and routines directly to their inbox.

Own a fitness brand? Run a 7-Day Strength Challenge with simple workouts and motivational content.

Promote your challenge across your social media channels, inviting your audience to sign up for free. Each day, deliver valuable, actionable tips straight to their inbox, strengthening your relationship, showcasing your expertise, and priming your audience for future offers.

Don’t be anti-social

Speaking of social channels, why not turn followers into subscribers? These people are already actively engaging with you on social media, so there’s a good chance you could convert them into email list subscribers as well.

To do so, tease your lead magnets, free challenges, or other offerings in stories, posts, or lives, and use “link in bio” tools to drive people to your opt-in.
Don’t be afraid to promote your email opt-in as your social audiences grow and new people become exposed to your brand.

Add your email link…everywhere

However, your social media bio shouldn’t be the only external avenue you use to get your email opt-in link out there! There are also tons of other locations you can add it without damaging the consumer experience, such as your email signature, LinkedIn bio, your business cards, and even as part of a guest post outreach strategy.

Essentially, you should view any platforms that you have as an opportunity to funnel people into your list, so that you can contact them in the future.

Collaborate

Lastly, building your email list as an entrepreneur can feel like a very daunting task, and one that can seem hard to do as a solo effort.

But it doesn’t have to be a solo effort!

There are a ton of other entrepreneurs out there who will be interested in collaborating with you, sharing their audience with you in return for you sharing yours, a total win-win.

Team up with people in your niche for co-branded lead magnets, joint webinars, newsletter swaps, or guest blog posts.

How to Make the Most of Your Email List

Now you have all the free tools and tactics you need to grow your list. Don’t expect this to happen overnight, but a prolonged and multichannel approach will certainly gain traction over time.

However, it’s important to also consider what to do once you have grown your email list. After all, it’s one thing to grow your list, but it’s another to keep them engaged and excited about what you send them.

To cover this topic in great detail, we probably need to create a whole new article, but here’s a quick breakdown of the most important things to consider once your list has begun to grow:

1. Nurture, don’t just sell: People join your list for value, not just sales pitches. Focus on building a relationship with educational content, personal stories or behind-the-scenes, curated resources, and thoughtful opinions.
2. Segment your audience: Not all subscribers want the same thing. Group your list by interests, purchase behavior, and (most importantly) engagement levels.
3. Automate your welcome series: When it comes to a great email setup, triggered communications are your best friends. A welcome series is the perfect place to start, as he first few emails you send help set the tone and manage reader expectations. Create a welcome sequence that introduces your brand, provides instant value, sets expectations, and builds anticipation.
4. Track what works: One thing I was taught at the start of my email marketing journey? You should always be testing something. Use your email platform’s analytics to monitor open rates, click-throughs, unsubscribes, and conversions, and don’t be afraid to test and try new things.

Learn How Omnisend Can Maximize Your Email List’s Potential

Of course, you can only do all that with a brilliant email and SMS marketing service provider in your corner.

That’s where Omnisend comes in.

Omnisend is built for eCommerce brands that want to grow smarter, not harder. With powerful tools for email and SMS automation, intuitive drag-and-drop builders, and advanced segmentation options, Omnisend helps you turn your email list into a high-performing revenue driver.

Not only that, but when you use code FOUNDR50 at checkout, you also get 50% off your first three months of a paid plan. Simply copy the code and enter it at checkout to activate your discount. Click here and start today

The post 6 Ways to Build and Grow Your Email List Without Paid Ads in 2025 appeared first on Foundr.

Trying to decide which payment system you should be using?

Fortunately, there are plenty of payment systems for small businesses to consider in 2025, so whether you’re unhappy with your current provider or setting up for the first time, you’ve got plenty of choice.

Almost too much choice!

So, I’ve decided to make the process easier for you, testing several of the most popular options and identifying the top seven options to consider.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

1. Stripe: Offers a flexible, developer-friendly platform with powerful tools for online payments, subscriptions, and global scalability.
2. PayPal: Provides a trusted, easy-to-integrate payment solution with broad consumer recognition and built-in buyer protection.
3. Authorize.net: Gives small businesses a reliable gateway for accepting credit cards and e-checks with strong fraud protection and recurring billing options.
4. Amazon Pay: Enables small businesses to boost checkout conversions by letting customers pay quickly using their existing Amazon accounts.
5. Square: Offers an all-in-one solution with easy-to-use hardware, software, and payment processing for both online and in-person sales.
6. WePay: Backed by J.P. Morgan, provides seamless integrated payment solutions that are ideal for platforms, marketplaces, and SaaS businesses.
7. SecurePay: Delivers simple, secure online payment processing with customizable fraud prevention and flexible integration for small businesses.

What is a Payment System?

Before we jump straight in, let me quickly clarify what I mean when I say ‘payment system’.

A payment system is a platform, network, or technology that facilitates the transfer of money between a buyer and a seller, enabling transactions in exchange for goods or services.

Payment systems can include credit card processors, online payment gateways, mobile wallets, and even bank transfer networks, all designed to securely and efficiently move funds.

Payment systems aren’t:

• Banks: Payment systems move money but don’t hold deposits or offer loans like traditional banks.
• Accounting platforms: They process transactions but don’t handle bookkeeping, taxes, or full financial reporting.
• Marketplaces: Payment systems enable transactions but don’t create listings, sell products, or match buyers and sellers.
• Payment methods: A payment system supports methods like credit cards or Apple Pay, but isn’t a method itself.

Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a Payment Method

Now we’ve got the housekeeping out of the way, let’s take a look at the key factors to consider when selecting a payment method.

These are the key factors that I considered in my research when narrowing down this list to the top seven options.

Payout times.

Firstly, I wanted to look at solutions that provided reasonable payout times. When a customer makes a transaction, it actually takes a little time for a payment gateway to get those funds from the user and into your account. Each payment solution has its own time frames, but for small businesses and founders, budgets can be tight, so quick payment times are essential.

Ease of payment.

However, fast payments are pointless if they aren’t easy for consumers to make! You also need a payment solution that makes it as easy as possible for customers to check out, or you risk ending up with some extremely high bounce rates and less than ideal profits.

Accessibility.

Are you selling locally or aiming to appeal to a global audience? While some payment solutions allow for debit and credit card payments around the world, others only allow them in specific countries.

Price structures.

It’s no secret that the industry of processing payments has some very complex pricing systems, based on volumes, variable rates, and a heck of a lot of head scratching. The price structure for each payment system varies, so you need to choose one that suits the trends and purchasing habits of your target audience.

Security.

Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, I made sure that this list only includes the safest and secure solutions. Each of these solutions complies with PCI-DSS, so you can be confident taking recurring payments, credit and debit card information, and processing payments for your customers.

6 Payment Systems For Small Businesses to Consider in 2025

With those key factors in mind, here are six online payment methods to consider for your business, each with its own benefits and drawbacks to be aware of.

Stripe

Pros:

• Highly customizable and developer-friendly.
• Supports global payments and multiple currencies.
• Strong recurring billing and subscription management tools.

Potential drawback:

• Requires technical expertise for advanced setup.

Pricing

• Online transactions: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
• In-person transactions: 2.7% + $0.05 per transaction
• ACH payments: 0.8% per transaction (capped at $5)
• Subscription billing fee: 0.7% of recurring charges

First on the list (and probably my favorite solution) is Stripe. The reason I think Stripe is such a great option for small businesses is that it’s incredibly easy to install and maintain, both of which are crucial for owners that have a thousand other important tasks to get to.

Unlike other popular solutions like PayPal, Stripe provides customers with a seamless payment process, keeping users on the website while making a purchase, reducing friction, potential for bouncing, and improving the customer experience along the way.

Just be aware that if you want a more advanced setup for your business, you will need to invest in a technical expert to do so effectively.

PayPal

Pros:

• Extremely trusted and widely recognized by consumers.
• Easy to set up and integrate with most platforms.
• Offers buyer and seller protection programs.

Potential drawback:

• Higher transaction fees compared to some competitors.

Pricing

• Online checkout transactions: 3.49% + fixed fee (varies by currency)
• Standard credit/debit card payments: 2.99% + fixed fee
• QR code payments (in-person): 2.29% + fixed fee

Could I really do this list without including PayPal as an option? It’s by far and away one of the most popular solutions, and for a good reason.

PayPal lets you accept payments in several currencies across the world, as well as being a very well-known (and therefore trusted by customers) solution.

Authorize.net

Pros:

• Very reliable for traditional credit card processing.
• Includes advanced fraud protection features.
• Supports recurring billing and invoicing.

Potential drawback:

• Monthly gateway fees can be costly for very small businesses.

Pricing

• Monthly gateway fee: $25
• Transaction fee: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
• eCheck (ACH) processing: $0.75 per transaction

When I started researching this list, Authorize.net really stood out to me, most notably due to it’s extremely developer-friendly API. It offers great versatility, allowing users to offer a unique, satisfying user experience.

It also offers advanced fraud protection features, which adds a level of reassurance to both you as the seller, and your customers as the buyers.

Amazon Pay

Pros:

• Increases conversion rates by leveraging Amazon’s trusted checkout experience.
• Easy integration with many eCommerce platforms.
• Secure payment processing backed by Amazon’s infrastructure.

Potential drawback:

• Only available to businesses selling online (not for in-person payments).

Pricing

• Web and mobile transactions: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
• Alexa voice transactions: 4.0% + $0.30 per transaction
• Cross-border fee: Additional 1.0% per transaction

When you think of Amazon, your mind may not instantly think of Amazon Pay. However, it is rapidly becoming one of the preferred payment methods for small businesses.

It also offers an in-depth fraud protection solution, and (as you can imagine!) it integrates easily with almost any eCommerce platform.

Not only that, but customers often feel safe and your brand seems trustworthy as they recognize the Amazon brand.

Square

Pros:

• Simple, all-in-one solution with hardware and software.
• Transparent pricing with no monthly fees for basic services.
• Excellent for both in-person and online sales.

Potential drawback:

• Limited customization for online checkout compared to other processors.

Pricing

• In-person transactions: 2.6% + $0.15 per transaction
• Online transactions: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
• Manually keyed-in transactions: 3.5% + $0.15 per transaction

Another extremely popular solution for small businesses with a physical store is Square. Infact, if most of your business is done via in person payments, this would be my number one recommendation for you!

The best solution Square offers is it’s virtual terminal, which allows users to accept payments from almost any device, making it ideal for stores that require an on-site payment solution, but don’t necessarily have the busiest online store.

SecurePay

Pros

• Easy to set up for small and mid-sized businesses.
• Customizable fraud prevention and risk management features.
• Offers flexible API integration for online stores.

Potential drawback:

• Less brand recognition compared to Stripe or PayPal, which can affect customer trust.

Pricing

• Domestic Visa/MasterCard transactions: 2.4% flat rate
• Setup fees: None
• Monthly fees: None

Finally, don’t forget to consider SecurePay! It’s a very useful alternative for small businesses and startups as it offers all available payment options, and has a very handy free trial that you can try before you buy.

It’s another solution that’s very easy to setup, with some great API integration features, which is essential for eCommerce businesses, especially those that aren’t set up on the most popular platforms like Shopify.

The biggest downside to SecurePay is that most people have never heard of it! That might not seem like a big deal, but it can actually have quite a significant impact on customer trust, especially for new customers who are already wary of parting with their hard-earned cash.

Gain Other Essential Business Tips For Just $1

Choosing the right payment system is just the start. If you want to level up your business in 2025, mastering payments, marketing, and online growth is essential.

For just $1, unlock access to 30+ expert-led courses and 1,000+ lessons designed to help small business owners and entrepreneurs build, scale, and streamline their brands.

Learn everything from selecting the right payment system to driving traffic, increasing customer loyalty, and building a powerful online presence.

Join thousands of entrepreneurs growing smarter and faster.

Sign up for Foundr+ today.

*I pulled the latest pricing information available as of early 2025. Most of these rates are correct for standard accounts (no heavy customization, no negotiated enterprise deals). However, payment processors frequently change pricing (sometimes even quarterly!) depending on new features, local regulations, volume-based discounts, and other key factors. Before picking a provider, I’d highly recommend double-checking each provider’s official site or support documentation to check the rates still stack up.

Frequently Asked Questions About Payment Methods

What is the best payment processing software for small businesses?

The best payment processing software for small businesses offers easy integration, transparent fees, and support for multiple payment methods. Options like Square, Stripe, and PayPal are popular because they allow small businesses to accept in-person and online payments with minimal setup.

How do mobile payments and contactless payments work for small businesses?

Mobile payments (like Apple or Google Pay) and contactless payments allow customers to pay using smartphones, smartwatches, or contactless cards by tapping or scanning at a payment terminal. Small businesses can accept these payments by using point-of-sale (POS) systems or card readers that are NFC-enabled.

What are payment service providers and why are they important for small businesses?

Payment service providers (PSPs) like Stripe, Square, and PayPal simplify the payment process by handling card transactions, fraud protection, and deposits into your business bank account, making it easier for small businesses to accept payments without needing complex merchant accounts.

Do small business payment systems charge monthly subscription fees?

Some small business payment systems charge monthly subscription fees for premium features like advanced reporting, lower transaction rates, or additional hardware support, while others offer free plans and charge only per transaction.

The post 6 Payment Systems For Small Businesses to Consider in 2025 appeared first on Foundr.

As your business grows, so does your responsibility to your employees.

As a solo entrepreneur, you can (and often need) to work quickly, putting in the long hours needed to get your business up and running.

But you also need to make sure that you’re taking care of your employees.

To do that, you need the HR software solution in your corner.

However, with so many options to choose from (and likely a limited amount of time to do your research!), finding the right HR software can be hard.

With that in mind, I’ve done the hard yards for you! Here are 6 of the best HR software solutions for small businesses.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

• Gusto: Offers an all-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR platform that’s simple and affordable.
• Zoho People: Offers highly customizable HR management tools at an affordable cost.
• Homebase: Specializes in easy scheduling, time tracking, and team communication.
• Deel: Streamlines global hiring and payroll for small businesses looking to easily expand their remote or international teams.
• Connecteam: Delivers an intuitive mobile-first platform for workforce management.
• Rippling: Combines HR, IT, and payroll into one powerful system that scales as you grow.
• BambooHR: Offers a user-friendly HR software focused on employee experience.

What is HR Software?

But before we jump straight in, let’s quickly look at what an HR software solution is, and also what it isn’t.

HR software (also known as Human Resources software) is a digital solution that helps businesses automate, organize, and optimize their human resources processes.

It encompasses a wide range of functions, including recruiting and onboarding new employees, managing payroll and benefits, tracking performance, storing employee records, ensuring legal compliance, and enhancing internal communication.

For small businesses, HR software is especially valuable because it streamlines administrative tasks, reduces human error, saves time, and allows business owners to focus more on growth and leadership rather than paperwork.

HR software doesn’t:

• Conduct interviews or evaluate candidates: It can schedule interviews and track applicants, but humans still need to assess skills and ensure a cultural match.
• Onboard and train new employees: HR software can manage documents and checklists, but real onboarding requires human interaction.
• Resolve workplace conflicts: It can log complaints or track incidents, but managers or HR leaders must actually handle disputes.
• Understand employee emotions or morale: Some tools can measure engagement scores, but spotting burnout, dissatisfaction, or motivation still requires human intuition.

Key Factors to Consider When Selecting an HR Software Solution

Now the basics are covered, I want to take a moment to highlight the key factors that I considered when compiling this list.

After all, there are several ‘non-negotiable’ factors that any good HR software must have. I’ve listed them below, and they are the foundations of the companies I have selected for you to consider.

Ease of use

For starters, the right HR system should be simple and intuitive for both admins and employees. As a small business owner, you want to ensure that HR tasks aren’t taking up too much of your time, as you also have several other important tasks to focus on to make the business a success.

Core features

The right human resource management software also needs to cover all the basics you need. That means picking a platform that offers payroll processing, onboarding new employees as the business grows, and employee management.

Scalability

Choose a system that can grow with your business, not one you’ll outgrow in a year. As you continue to successfully grow your brand, you want to ensure that your HR operations can keep up with the rest of your business.

Integration and compatibility

The right HR management software should also easily connect with your existing tools, like accounting, scheduling, performance management tools, and communication platforms.

This goes back to focusing on ease of use. I’m a strong believer in ensuring small businesses meet all the necessary employee standards, but that they do so in a way that doesn’t slow down their brand’s growth or cause unnecessary issues.

Security and compliance

Lastly, you can’t ignore security and compliance! Small businesses need an HR portal that offers strong data protection and helps with legal compliance, both of which are non-negotiable.

The 6 Best HR Software For Small Businesses in 2025

Now that you know the benchmarks I used to build out this list, let’s dive straight into the best solutions for you to consider.

Gusto

Pros:

• Easy-to-use interface perfect for non-HR experts
• Strong payroll and benefits management, especially for U.S. teams
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

Potential drawback:

• Limited international support compared to some competitors

Pricing

• Simple – $49 per month (plus $6 per month per person)
• Plus – $80 per month (plus $12 per month per person)
• Premium – $180 per month

Gusto is a top choice for small businesses looking for an easy-to-use, all-in-one HR platform. It offers full-service payroll, benefits management, hiring tools, and employee onboarding in a straightforward dashboard, making HR tasks much easier for busy small business owners.

Known for its friendly interface and transparent pricing, Gusto is particularly well-suited for U.S.-based businesses that want to stay compliant and support their expanding teams.

However, it’s worth noting that Gusto has limited support for international employees, which could be a drawback for businesses planning to expand globally.

Zoho People

Pros:

• Highly customizable workflows and modules
• Affordable pricing plans, especially for small teams
• Seamless integration with other Zoho apps

Potential drawback:

• Some users find the interface less intuitive and outdated

Pricing

• Free Plan: Available for up to 5 users
• Essential: $1.50 per employee per month (or $1.25 when billed annually)
• Professional: $2.50 per employee per month (or $2.00 when billed annually)
• Premium: $3.50 per employee per month (or $3.00 when billed annually)
• Enterprise: $5.00 per employee per month (or $4.50 when billed annually)
• People Plus: $10 per employee per month (or $9.50 when billed annually)

Zoho People is a flexible and affordable HR software solution that’s perfect for small businesses requiring customizable workflows and strong employee management tools.

It offers features like time tracking, leave management, onboarding, and performance reviews, all integrated with the broader Zoho ecosystem.

Zoho People is ideal for businesses seeking a highly adaptable system without a substantial price tag. However, some users find the interface less modern and occasionally challenging to navigate compared to newer competitors.

Homebase

Pros:

• Excellent free tier for basic scheduling and time tracking
• Great for managing hourly and shift workers
• Simple team communication tools built in

Potential drawback:

• Payroll features cost extra and are U.S.-only

Pricing

• Basic: Free for one location with up to 20 employees
• Essentials: $24.95 per location per month
• Plus: $59.95 per location per month.
• All-in-One: $99.95 per location per month

Homebase is a user-friendly HR platform tailored for small businesses, especially those with hourly employees in sectors like retail, hospitality, and food service. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including employee scheduling, time tracking, team communication, hiring, onboarding, and labor cost management, all accessible through a mobile-friendly interface.

While Homebase is excellent for small teams, it may not be ideal for larger organizations or those requiring advanced customization. From my experience, there were some limitations in configurability and scalability, which could pose challenges as your business grows. ​

Deel

Pros:

• Simplifies global hiring, compliance, and payroll
• Built-in contractor and employee management for multiple countries
• Strong compliance and legal document handling

Potential drawback:

• Overkill (and pricey) if you only hire domestically

Pricing

• Contractor Management: Starting at $49 per contractor per month
• Employer of Record (EOR): Starting at $599 per employee per month
• Global Payroll: Starting at $29 per employee per month
• Deel HR: Free for teams with up to 200 people

Deel is a comprehensive global HR platform designed to simplify international hiring, payroll, and compliance for businesses of all sizes. It enables companies to hire full-time employees and contractors in over 150 countries without the need to establish local entities, making it an ideal solution for small businesses aiming to expand globally.

While Deel offers a robust solution for global HR management, I noticed a few issues with customer support responsiveness and occasional system complexities. Additionally, the cost is higher compared to other platforms that made the list, which could be a consideration for small businesses with limited budgets.

Connecteam

Pros:

• Mobile-first design that’s easy for field employees to use
• Affordable plans tailored to small teams
• All-in-one app covering scheduling, forms, chats, and task management

Potential drawback:

• Feature depth may feel shallow compared to specialized tools

Pricing

• Free Plan: Available for businesses with up to 10 users
• Basic Plan: Starting at $29 per month (billed annually)
• Advanced Plan: Starting at $49 per month (billed annually)
• Expert Plan: Starting at $99 per month (billed annually)

Connecteam is a mobile-first HR and workforce management platform designed for small businesses, particularly those with deskless or frontline teams in industries like retail, construction, hospitality, and field services.

It offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including employee scheduling, time tracking, task management, internal communication, and HR functionalities such as onboarding, training, and document management.

While Connecteam excels in managing deskless workforces, it may not be the ideal choice for businesses seeking advanced payroll functionalities or extensive desktop-based operations.

Not to mention the fact that researching pricing made my head hurt!

Rippling

Pros:

• Combines HR, IT, finance, and payroll management in one place
• Scales easily as your business grows
• Automates onboarding and offboarding tasks efficiently

Potential drawback:

• It can get expensive quickly as you add more modules

Pricing

• Base Platform: Starts at $8 per user per month
• Core HR Features: From $21 to $29 per employee per month, depending on the selected modules
• Additional Modules: IT management features can add $5 to $20 per employee per month

Rippling is a comprehensive HR platform that unifies HR, IT, and finance systems into a single, easy-to-use solution. It offers a wide range of features, including payroll processing, benefits administration, time and attendance tracking, device management, and expense management.

Rippling’s modular approach enables businesses to tailor their plans by selecting only the features they need, making it scalable for companies of all sizes. Its intuitive interface and automation capabilities streamline complex processes, reducing manual work and improving efficiency.​

While Rippling offers a robust and flexible platform, I did find that the pricing structure can become complex and potentially costly as additional modules are added. Additionally, customer support is primarily chat-based, with phone support available only for clients with over 150 employees, which may be a limitation for smaller businesses seeking immediate assistance. ​

Gain Other Essential Business Tips For Just $1

Choosing the right HR software is just the beginning. If you want to scale your business in 2025, mastering HR, leadership, and team growth is essential.

For just $1, unlock access to 30+ expert-led courses and 1,000+ lessons designed to help small business owners and entrepreneurs hire smarter, build strong teams, and streamline operations.

Learn everything from selecting the best HR tools to managing employee data, boosting retention, and creating a thriving company culture.

Join thousands of entrepreneurs growing smarter and faster.

Sign up for Foundr+ today.

Frequently Asked Questions About HR Software

What are the main HR functions in a small business?

The main functions of HR include recruiting, onboarding, managing employee data, handling payroll and benefits, ensuring compliance, and fostering employee engagement.

Why is managing employee data important in HR?

Accurate employee data management is crucial for tracking performance, maintaining legal compliance, streamlining payroll, and making informed business decisions.

How can small businesses create effective HR processes?

Small businesses can create effective HR processes by clearly defining workflows for hiring, onboarding, time tracking, performance reviews, and employee offboarding.

What types of HR data should small businesses track?

Small businesses should track HR data like employee personal information, job history, time-off records, performance evaluations, and compensation details to support operations and compliance.

The post The 6 Best HR Software For Small Businesses in 2025 appeared first on Foundr.

Trying to work out which slides you must have in your pitch deck for 2025?

Perhaps you’re at the start of your business journey, and you want to bring your product to market.

Or maybe you’ve started to make some sales, and you want to scale your brand up and take it to the next level.

Here, I will talk you through the 10 slides you need to include in your pitch deck, as well as the key points you need to include in each slide.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

1. Title slide: Include your company name, tagline, and contact info to make a strong first impression.
2. Problem slide: Highlight the pain point you’re solving. Keep it clear and relatable.
3. Solution slide: Show how your product or service solves the problem effectively.
4. Product or service slide: Give a quick overview of your offering: features, visuals, and benefits.
5. Business model slide: Explain how you make money and why it’s sustainable.
6. Go-to-market slide: Outline how you plan to attract and retain customers.
7. Competitor slide: Show who else is out there and what makes you stand out.
8. Team slide: Highlight your team’s relevant experience and why you’re the right people.
9. Finances slide: Share key numbers and funding needs—keep it simple and realistic.
10. Why now slide: Explain why this is the right time for your business to take off.

10 Must-Have Slides You Need For An Impressive Pitch Deck

Let’s dive straight into the essential slides you need in your pitch deck to turn your business idea into a business dream.

A great title

First off, what’s a good pitch deck without a great title slide?

Think of the title slide as your first opportunity to impress. A great title slide can be the make or break for some investors, as you have a split second to capture their attention or lose them for the entire presentation.

A great title slide commonly features your brand name, logo for professionalism, and a strong tagline that highlights your mission statement.

That tagline should highlight what you will cover in your pitch deck and not overly promise and underdeliver.

What’s the problem?

Once you’ve nailed your title slide, it’s time to consider your problem side.

What is it that your product or service is trying to resolve?

The pain point slide should identify the common problem that your target audience faces and also highlight why there should be some major urgency put towards solving it. You want to create a sense of urgency and highlight the true significance of the problem your audience is experiencing.

How can it be solved

Once the problem has been identified, it’s time to explain how your product or solution solves it. Here, spend time going into details where necessary, forming a clear narrative that your business solves this issue, is of high demand, and is a no-brainer when it comes to profitable investments.

How your product or service does just that

But you can’t just tell your audience that you can solve the problem with your product or service, you need to show them.

In this slide, you can identify and explain the benefits, key features, and unique selling points of your particular solution.

The business model slide

Money talks, and that’s exactly what the business model slide is all about. Investors want to understand how your company plans to generate profit. Use this slide to break down your revenue streams, pricing model, and sales channels. It’s your chance to prove that your venture is financially sound and built for long-term success.

The go-to-market slide

Your customer acquisition strategy is key, and that’s the focus of the go-to-market slide. Use it to outline how you’ll market, sell, and distribute your product and how you plan to win over and keep your ideal customers. This slide gives investors a clear view of the actionable steps behind your growth plan.

What about the competition?

The competition slide shows you know the landscape (and how you stand out!). Acknowledge your competitors, then highlight what sets you apart. This slide proves you understand the market and have a clear edge in your positioning.

Who are they investing in?

While understanding the competitive landscape is important, it’s not as important as ensuring potential investors understand your team.

After all, that’s who they’re going to invest in, so you need to ensure they are confident in the experience, passion, and skillset your team has to offer.

Focus on aspects that investors want to see, such as experience, success stories, and any additional value they bring to the business (think, acquiring customers, creative marketing, and so on).

The financial projections

Okay, so far, you’ve likely highlighted the problem, impressed with your business model, team, and market research, and investors are seriously considering working with you.

Now it’s time to seal the deal with your financial projections. That means showing off detailed revenue forecasts, expenses, and your break-even point. Venture capitalists want to ensure there is an exit strategy in place and that they can be confident that they’ll make their money back and more.

When pitching your potential revenue model, don’t be afraid to use detailed competitive analysis to back up any statements.

Why now?

Lastly, you need to finish your pitch deck with a sense of urgency.

After all, if you’ve just made a killer pitch, now is the time to strike while the iron is hot! The last thing you want is to lose the momentum you’ve generated and ultimately lose sales or investors.

That’s where the why-now slide comes in, highlighting marketing trends, outlining why this market opportunity needs to be taken now to gain a competitive edge, and pushing venture capitalists to act now.

The Importance of a Great Pitch Deck

Having a high-quality pitch deck ready is something you certainly shouldn’t take lightly. A winning pitch deck can be the difference between potential investors backing your business venture and walking away from the negotiating table.

Venture capitalists want to ensure you have a true competitive advantage and have conducted the relevant market research. A pitch presentation is the perfect place to convince investors of your unique selling proposition, raise money to take your business model to market, and turn your business dreams into a reality.

Take Your Go-to Marketing Strategy to the Next Level for Just $1

Ready to level up your eCommerce strategy in 2025? Learn how to drive more traffic, captivate your audience, and build a standout brand with Printful.

For just $1, you can access 30+ expert-led courses and 1,000+ lessons designed to help you launch and scale a thriving print-on-demand business. From mastering Printful and social media to building a powerful online presence, everything you need is here—alongside a supportive community of ambitious entrepreneurs.

Join Foundr+ today and take the first step toward launching your Printful-powered brand.

The post The 10 Slides You Must Have in Your Pitch Deck for 2025 appeared first on Foundr.

What is Printful?

Perhaps that’s a question you often find yourself asking when you read about other entrepreneurs and their production line processes.

Or perhaps you have been searching for a new solution to some current supply line issues, and you want to see if Printful is the right option for you or whether the services offered aren’t quite up to scratch.

Here, I will discuss Printful in more detail, helping you understand if it’s the right option for your print needs.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

• Printful simplifies eCommerce for creators: Printful is a user-friendly print-on-demand platform that lets you design, sell, and ship custom products without holding inventory. It integrates seamlessly with major e-commerce platforms, making it ideal for entrepreneurs, creators, and small businesses.
• Low risk, high flexibility: With no setup fees, minimum orders, or upfront costs, Printful is a low-risk way to test new product ideas and grow your brand. It’s perfect for early-stage founders looking to scale without worrying about warehousing or fulfillment logistics.
• Some limitations to keep in mind: While Printful is convenient and accessible, profit margins are lower than with wholesale, and customization options can be limited. Quality control is also in the hands of Printful, not you—something to consider when building customer trust.

What is Printful?

First off, let me explain what Printful is!

In simple terms, Printful is a print-on-demand service that allows users to create, print, and sell their products quickly and easily.

The platform can easily be integrated into your store whether that’s Amazon, Etsy, or even eBay, and offers a wide variety of customizable print products.

Some of the most commonly chosen product ideas include:

• Bags
• Clothing
• Stationary
• Posters
• Tech accessories.

Not only that, but unlike other competitor apps in the world of print on demand, it also offers a built-in design feature, making it even easier to develop products quickly.

Plus, if you’re unsure how you can improve on a design, the Printful design tool also offers several useful recommendations.

The benefits of Printful for founders

One of the biggest benefits of Printful is the fact that you don’t have to hold any inventory.

You can opt to keep a few extras if you feel it’s necessary, but ultimately, when a customer purchases an item, Printful then makes it and delivers it, meaning you don’t have to worry about order fulfillment.

Not only that, but delivery is incredibly fast, too! Once you receive an order, Printful automatically starts creating the custom products without you needing to do anything.

As mentioned already, Printful seamlessly connects with major e-commerce websites like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce, and also offers global fulfillment, meaning you can sell products across the U.S, Canada, Europe, and even further afield.

One of the biggest benefits for founders is that Printful doesn’t require a minimum order amount, making it ideal for testing new products and growing your brand without the pressure of extra products sitting on the shelves.

Another major benefit for customers is that Printful stays behind the scenes; your brand takes the spotlight.

Lastly, it’s important to highlight the quality of the products. From my experience, Printful does a fantastic job on this front, providing companies with the quality their audience has come to expect.

The drawbacks to be aware of

Of course, you can’t have all those benefits without a few drawbacks to be aware of!

The biggest drawback (one that almost all print-on-demand systems have) is the profit margin.

Margins are often significantly lower compared to bulk ordering from wholesalers, making revenue growth much slower.

There is also quite significant limits on customization, as some design placements and customization options are restricted.

The other major issue with opting for a print-on-demand platform is that quality control is completely out of your hands.

Mistakes (though rare) can happen during fulfillment, and no matter how much great marketing and advertising you do, it can be very hard to regain customer trust and create loyalty if you aren’t able to sort issues quickly when they arise.

Is Printful Right For You?

Ultimately, whether or not Printful is right for you depends entirely on your brand, goals, and the products you want to sell.

If you want to sell these types of products on your site, Printful could be a good option for you to consider before moving on to a wholesaler when you have a built-in audience for better product margins.

For example, you could use Printful for about two years, gain a loyal following, and then move to a system that offers better profits when you’re confident you won’t be left with stock collecting dust.

Get All the Advice Your Startup Needs for Just $1

Looking to elevate your eCommerce game in 2025? Discover how to attract more traffic, engage your audience, and grow your brand using Printful.

For just $1, unlock access to over 30 expert-led courses and 1,000+ lessons focused on building and scaling a successful print-on-demand business. Learn the ins and outs of using Printful, mastering social media, and creating a strong online presence—all within a thriving community of modern entrepreneurs.

Join Foundr+ today and take the first step toward launching your Printful-powered brand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Printful

Can you create custom products with Printful?

Yes, you can create custom products with Printful. The platform lets you design and sell a wide range of products, like t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and more, using your own artwork, logos, or text through an easy-to-use mockup generator.

Is Printful free?

Yes, Printful is free to use. There are no setup costs, monthly fees, or minimum order requirements. You only pay when a customer places an order, covering the product and fulfillment costs.

Who pays for shipping on Printful?

The end customer typically pays for shipping. As the store owner, you set your retail prices, including shipping fees. Printful charges you their shipping rate, and you can either pass that on to the customer or include it in your product pricing.

What is the minimum order for Printful?

There is no minimum order requirement on Printful. You can sell and fulfill orders one at a time, making it ideal for startups, small businesses, and creators testing new designs.

The post What is Printful? The Definitive Guide appeared first on Foundr.

If you’re reading this, chances are you already know about dropshipping, how it works, and some of the profits other people have made.

But one big question may still remain.

Does dropshipping work in 2025?

After all, the concept of dropshipping is no longer new. Now, with more dropshippers joining the party every day, there is more competition than ever, with some being quick to claim that ‘dropshipping is finished.’

But that’s not entirely true. Instead, you need to be savvy, calculated, and driven to see success. Here, I’ll show you that dropshipping continues to be profitable in 2025 and how you can get started today.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

• While dropshipping is certainly more saturated than it was a decade ago, it can still be extremely profitable for the right products, brands, and marketing.
• The key to a successful dropshipping business is to choose the right products and niches that meet several important criteria, such as profit, ease, and audience size.
• Successful branding can help differentiate yourself from others in your niche.

Dropshipping in 2025

It’s easy to understand why some people think dropshipping is dead in 2025. After all, there are more people than ever trying their hand at it.

Anecdotally speaking, I was in Bali recently, and I would say one in every three people I met was doing dropshipping!

However, there’s a reason why people continue to give it a go. Here are some of the most notable dropshipping statistics for you to be aware of, highlighting just why it’s still a profitable endeavor.

1. $85 billion in sales are made via dropshipping. That’s almost 23% of all online sales. 
2. Dropshipping stores with at least one social media account tend to generate 32% more revenue. 
3. The dropshipping market is expected to be valued at $372.47 billion in the year 2025. 
4. The e-commerce market share of the US is expected to reach 19.4% in 2025.

How to Start Dropshipping

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the steps you need to take to start your dropshipping business.

Choose a business model

First off, you need to decide what business model you are going to opt for. Are you going to niche down and select a store that focuses on a very small but fiercely loyal community? Are you going to try and set up a general store that appeals to a larger audience but comes with more competition? Or are you going to go down the ‘one-product store’ approach?

Each option comes with its own pros and cons, so it’s important to identify a route and ensure everything you do helps you achieve that goal.

Want to understand niche markets in more detail? Check out this article.

Research your niche

Once you have decided on your niche, whether it’s a very specific or broader one, it’s important to swat up on everything you can about it. This will help you understand what your competition is selling, what your audience is looking for, where they shop and engage with brands on the internet, and any potential pain points you could look to exploit for quick success.

To do this, tools like TikTok, Instagram, Amazon Best Sellers, and Google Trends are all excellent options. They will help you understand what the competition is doing well and also what you could do better than them, allowing you to carve out a much-needed USP, especially in a saturated market.

Another important factor to consider at this stage is profit margins and feasibility. If you can’t find a way of making a profit from your chosen niche, then it’s essentially a non-starter. You need to be confident that sales will at least cover your costs at first and have the potential to scale smoothly, thanks to easy shipping.

As a dropshipping company, not handling inventory can seem excellent, but it does also come with some downsides, most notably, if there are issues with shipping, it can have a major impact on your brand’s perception as it can be tricky to rectify issues that are out of your control.

Find a reliable supplier

Firstly, you need to find a reliable supplier. I cannot stress enough how important this step is. So much so that everything else from this point becomes significantly less impactful if you fall at this hurdle.

Some of the most popular options include AliExpress, DSers, Zendrop, CJ Dropshipping, and Spocket, but we also have a fantastic video training course on this subject.

If you’re planning on dropshipping on Amazon, you need to be really careful who you partner up with. Amazon has some pretty strict policies on suppliers and wholesale distributors, so I strongly recommend checking out their list of vetted candidates.

Once picked, take time to order samples, making a note of the product quality, delivery speed, and other important aspects of the customer experience.

Set up your online store

Once you’re happy with the supplier you opted for, it’s time to consider where you’re going to set up your online store. 

The most popular options tend to be Shopify or Amazon, each of which comes with its own benefits.

Shopify is an excellent option as it offers a lot of excellent eCommerce features, it’s easy to set up, and it gives you control over the design of your page and branding.

However, it is trickier to get people to find and purchase from your brand at first, especially when compared to setting up on Amazon.

As you can imagine, setting up on Amazon means you open yourself up to a much bigger target audience automatically, which is very attractive for new dropshippers.

However, Amazon is also aware of the many benefits they offer you and that your choices are minimal due to their market dominance. As such, they often take significant fees, monthly costs, and a percentage of sales.

Fortunately for you, I’ve compiled a list below of some excellent Shopify guidance, ensuring you give yourself the best chance of success:

• The Absolute Best Premium and Free Shopify Templates
• How to Set Up a Shopify Store in 8 Easy Steps
• 11 Proven Strategies to Increase Shopify Sales
• Shopify SEO Tools for Your New Store

Sort the boring bits

Okay, calling them ‘the boring bits’ might be a bit harsh, but I know I would much rather be working on the creative aspects of a brand rather than setting up policies for shipping, returns, and refunds.

However, these pieces of legislation are all absolutely crucial for protecting yourself in case of any issues, which can get quite complicated as a drop shipper.

You also need to consider other important aspects like basic liability insurance or whether you want to set up as an LLC or a sole proprietor.

Luckily, you can learn a bit more about all that here: Sole Proprietorship vs. LLC: Everything You Need to Know.

Optimize

Now that those bits are out of the way, it’s time to optimize your website. That means writing compelling product descriptions that are SEO-friendly and what the consumer wants to see. Focus more on the benefits of your products rather than the features.

Does a consumer want to know that your vacuum has powerful 26kPa suction? No, probably not. Do they want to know that it has the power needed to suck up everything, even dog hair? Yes!

You should also focus on using other important user-focused features, such as high-quality imagery. It makes your brand look professional and your products more valuable.

Lastly, test out different urgency elements, such as highlighting limited stock and countdowns; just make sure not to overdo it.

Launch marketing campaigns

Once all your foundations are in place, it’s time to get your brand in front of your target audience.

Start getting an email list in place for future discounts and new products by adding pop-ups to your website and promotions on social media.

Use micro and macro influencers to promote your product, ensuring you work with influencers specifically within your niche.

Tips and Tricks for Success

While it’s easy for almost anyone to set up a dropshipping business in 2025, making it a success is a different matter altogether. Here are a few tips and tricks I recommend that will help you ensure your brand gets off to a great start and builds sustainable long-term success.

Branding

For branding, it’s absolutely crucial that you invest time and effort into this early on. Use websites like Fiverr to get a quality logo made, ensure you have a consistent color palette in place, and don’t be afraid to lean into the story of how your brand came to be and what you want it to represent.

Consumers also want to see other trust signals, especially those who haven’t purchased from you before. That means collecting legitimate reviews, laying out a detailed frequently asked questions page for customer support, and adding real photos of the products you’re selling.

Marketing and ads

When it comes to marketing, it can be very tempting to spend big in the hopes of attracting new customers.

However, the best approach is to actually start small, testing each route before identifying where you are seeing the most success and then spending more in those areas.

Mindset and strategy

Dropshipping is not passive income.

I can’t stress this enough: Anyone who tells you it is passive either doesn’t do dropshipping themselves, or if they do, they don’t do it successfully!
You have to treat your dropshipping like a real business, focusing on long-term strategies like focusing on customer experience.

Always be learning

Lastly, it’s important to know that once you’ve done all of the above, the work doesn’t stop there! Dropshipping and eCommerce as a whole are rapidly evolving, and staying up to date with the most recent trends, success stories, and products is a must for long-term success.

There are plenty of great resources, such as r/dropshipping on Reddit, but for the very best results, joining Foundr’s community is the best solution, as it will put you in touch with authentic, current eCommerce business owners and dropshippers, allowing you to learn and grow with each other.

Get Started Today For Just $1

Ready to build a successful dropshipping business in 2025? Learn how to drive high-converting traffic, grow a loyal customer base, and turn your store into a powerful brand.

For just $1, unlock instant access to 30+ expert-led courses and 1,000+ lessons on Shopify, Amazon, social media marketing, and online branding. Join thousands of ambitious dropshippers and digital entrepreneurs inside Foundr+—your ultimate resource for eCommerce success.

Sign up for Foundr+ today and start scaling smarter.

The post Does Dropshipping Work in 2025? The Definitive Guide appeared first on Foundr.

For most founders, securing funding to get started is often one of the most difficult hurdles to overcome.

Often, it can be hard to get the credentials required for a business loan, and in many cases, owing someone money or handing over business equity is not very appealing!

That’s where grants for small businesses come into play!

In this article, I’ll take you through the grant programs you should be capitalizing on this year, helping you get the funding you need without the strings attached.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

• Small business grants can be an excellent way to get more cash into your business without giving away any of your ownership.
• Grants are available and can be industry-specific or targeted toward particular demographics, such as women-owned or underrepresented businesses.
• There are a wide variety of grants available to certain small businesses, but you will need a robust and enticing business plan to access them.

What is a Small Business Grant?

First off, let me quickly explain when I refer to a small business grant, as there is often a little confusion between the difference between a loan and a grant.

A small business grant is a form of funding provided by government agencies, private foundations, or corporations to support the growth and development of small businesses.

Unlike loans, grants do not require repayment and typically come with specific eligibility criteria and designated purposes, both of which I will discuss in greater detail later in this article.

For a comprehensive guide to bootstrapping vs. external funding, check out our recent article!

The benefits of small business grants

There are a ton of benefits that small businesses can get from a successful grant application. Most notably, grants provide funding that doesn’t have to be repaid, reducing financial stress during early growth phases.

Not only that but you can also maintain the full control of your business, as no equity stake is taken. However, there are also some less obvious benefits to securing a grant, such as the credibility and visibility it can offer your brand.

Securing a grant often signals that an external party believes in your business, which can boost credibility with investors and customers.

Grants for Small Businesses

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most common grants that small businesses can attempt to take advantage of.

Federal grants

Federal agencies could be handy places to start your search! Federal grant programs like the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) are excellent options for any startup that has launched a tech-focused company.

The added benefit of these grants is that they don’t just offer funding, but they also help you validate your technology or service.

State grants

However, while federal grants can be very beneficial for certain businesses, they are tricky to acquire for most businesses, especially for those not focused on technology.

State grants could be a solution to that issue, as many local governments offer unique grant programs to promote entrepreneurship and economic development in their area.

These grants also tend to target specific industries based on their needs at that time, but it’s always worth reaching out to their small business administration to see what may be on offer.

Corporate-sponsored grants

As a small business owner, it can sometimes feel hard to compete with the larger companies in your industry. However, large companies tend to help give you a leg up occasionally, running grant competitions to foster innovation in sectors they care about.

These may be technology-based, but they can also be for a wide range of industries, such as businesses that support community services.

Foundation and nonprofit grants

For nonprofit organizations, there are specific grants you can go after, such as the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation or local economic development nonprofits. These grants are often relied on by nonprofits to stay afloat, and as such, there are likely plenty of options to look into in your area.

Women-owned business grants

There are also plenty of funding opportunities in place for anyone who starts a women-owned small business, with numerous programs focusing specifically on promoting women’s business ownership.

Eligible businesses will need to prove their ownership is women-led, but with more small business loans and grants becoming available, it’s an avenue worth looking down.

Underrepresented founder grants

For eligible small businesses, there are also minority and veteran-owned grants to consider. Often, these grants don’t just offer funding, but also mentorship and networking opportunities.

Innovation funding

If you’re shaking up an industry with a potentially ground-breaking technology, you may be eligible for grants that cover research and development expenses, which can be a game changer.

These opportunities help reduce the financial risk of innovation without taking on debt or equity dilution, allowing you to truly test your thesis, create product prototypes, and get them to market.

How to Get a Grant For Your Business Ventures

Lastly, let’s talk about how you go about enquiring about potential grants, as the routes for nonprofit organizations and for-profit businesses differ slightly.

The best place to start your search is with good ol’ Google! Search for ‘government grants for small businesses,’ and you’ll be able to see specifically what is on offer in your area. As I mentioned earlier, local areas tend to provide grants with different criteria unless you’re interested in federal contracts.

However, as the local or federal government isn’t your only option, you should also attempt to identify private companies and foundations that support entrepreneurial ventures.

For women entrepreneurs, minority-owned ventures, or industry-specific initiatives, these grants aren’t always clearly advertised, so don’t be afraid to reach out to someone you think may be able to help.

When you have uncovered a potential grant opportunity, it’s important to spend time learning the requirements.

Each grant comes with specific requirements, so make sure your business qualifies before investing time in the application.

Determine if the grant is intended for research and development, expansion, marketing, project costs, or another specific area. Tailor your application to show how the funds will meet these goals.

If you think you meet the criteria in question, then it’s time to craft your pitch! After all, you can’t expect an entity to just give you money because you asked for it.

Within your plan, include clear objectives, detailed financial projections, and measurable outcomes. Demonstrating a well-thought-out strategy reassures grantors of your business’s viability and dramatically improves your chances of a successful application.

Final Thoughts

Small grants can provide a vital boost, but they’re only one piece of the entrepreneurial puzzle. To build a thriving business, you need comprehensive guidance that covers everything from branding and design to eCommerce and marketing.

That’s where Foundr+ comes in. For just $1, you’ll get instant access to 30+ expert-led courses and over 1,000 lessons designed to guide you through every aspect of setting up and growing your business.

Whether you’re learning how to secure grants, perfect your brand identity or master digital marketing strategies, Foundr+ equips you with the tools, insights, and community support you need to succeed.

The post Grants for Small Businesses: Grants You Should Be Taking Advantage Of in 2025 appeared first on Foundr.

What is Canva?

As a business, it is crucial that your website and marketing collateral match the high quality of your services or products.

However, with your time and effort getting pulled in multiple directions, taking night classes to become a master at graphic design probably isn’t too high on your to-do list!

That’s where Canva can help.

But what is Canva? Here, I’ll explain what Canva is, and how you can use it for your business in 2025.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

• Canva is an excellent alternative to more advanced (and more expensive) alternatives like Adobe Illustrator.
• The Canva Free version is very inclusive, allowing you to do most things other than access specific premium templates or create transparent backgrounds.
• To get the most out of Canva, I recommend signing up for the free version of the tool first, getting comfortable with the user interface, and then investing in the affordable pro version for maximum impact.

What is Canva? Everything You Need to Know

Firstly, what is Canva?

Canva is a fantastic design tool that businesses can use to create high-quality marketing materials, regardless of their design skills.

The tool uses a clever drag-and-drop interface, making it much more simplistic (but also significantly easier to use!) than more advanced tools like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop.

As a result, it is a much more accessible tool for creating professional designs, especially given the pricing. ‘Canva Free’ is an incredible free version of the tool that lets you access almost every aspect of the platform at no cost whatsoever.

I have used Canva myself for several years, and only started paying for Canva Pro in the last year or so to access some of the premium templates. It’s a brilliant tool for people like me who are not advanced enough to get the most out of Adobe products but still need to be able to produce the odd Instagram post and blog header from time to time.

What is Canva and How Can It Be Used For Business?

And on that note, let’s take a look at how Canva can support your design process, helping you create a range of forms of content for your marketing efforts.

For brand assets

Canva can be a brilliant tool to start brainstorming your potential brand assets. If you’re like me, you would count yourself as creative but sometimes need a little bit of extra support to get kickstarted. With Canva, you get that little bit of help and so much more!

Simply log in, click Create New Design, and search ‘brand’.

 

As you can see, the first option that comes up is ‘Brand Board’ click on that and you’ll immediately be shown some brilliant brand templates.

Let’s say I’m starting a new game company that focuses on video editing and graphic design for gaming companies, called ‘Gaming Graphics.’ A quick scroll and a few tweaks, and we have a great starting point for our brand!

For social media content

Canva is also brilliant for creating social media posts, with templates for TikToks, Instagram posts, stories, and Facebook posts.

Using our Gaming Graphics example, here are a few quickly worked-up posts based on our branding from above and the templates available in the platform.

For blog headers and additional visuals

When it comes to creating high-value, truly engaging blog content, you need to be able to produce excellent blog headers and additional visuals, such as tables and infographics.

These keep your readers engaged, and also act as useful SEO signals for the Google algorithm as well!

With Canva, you can use the infographic or blog header Canva templates to create high-quality content, even if you don’t have a graphic design background.

For lead magnets

Another essential aspect of any marketing effort is a strong lead magnet, such as a free eBook. Again, it is essential that these pieces of marketing collateral look the part, and Canva can help ensure your work looks professional and of the highest quality.

Fun fact: If you want to ensure your whole team has access to Canva, there are multi-person subscriptions available as well, called Canva Teams and Canva Enterprise (ideal for large organizations.).

Learn About More Great Tips and Tricks For Just $1

In conclusion, Canva is a fantastic design tool, and one you should definitely consider adding to your marketing suite.

But to truly harness Canva’s potential, you need comprehensive guidance that covers all aspects of running a successful business.

That’s where Foundr+ can help.

For just $1, gain instant access to over 30 expert-led courses and 1,000+ lessons on branding, marketing, eCommerce, and beyond.

Ready to elevate your business in 2025? Take the next step and unlock your entrepreneurial potential with Foundr+ today.

The post What is Canva? 6 Ways to Use It For Your Business in 2025 appeared first on Foundr.

Trying to show off all your great digital content on social media can be tricky at the best of times.

Should you direct followers to your company website? What about a current offer? Or even your other social accounts?

Well, you have to choose, as you can only put one link in your bio!

Or can you?

With Linktree, you can create a landing page that your target audience can use to seamlessly move around your brand’s digital pages, allowing you to promote new offers, YouTube videos, a company contact page, and everything in between.

Here, I will answer the question ‘What is Linktree?’ As well as showing you how to set one up for your brand this year.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

• Linktree allows multiple links in a single bio, making it easier to share content across social media.
• Linktree is free to use, with a paid version offering more customization and analytics.
• Setting up a Linktree is quick and simple, requiring just a few steps to add links and personalize your page.
• Linktree can boost engagement by directing users to your website, offers, social profiles, or content.

What Is Linktree?

First off, let me explain what a Linktree is for those that are not aware. For those who already know this, you can skip to the next bit!

Linktree is a tool designed for social media users to add personalized links to their platforms, acting as a jumping-off point for their many other digital content.

You might think your favorite social media channel features multiple links, but most of them only allow one, making it hard for users to pick the right one to promote.

Linktree takes away that issue, taking fans and viewers to a Linktree landing page, where social media celebrities and brands can show several different links.

Linktree (not ‘link tree’) has a free and paid version, with the paid version offering advanced customization options, as many links as you want, and in-depth analytics data.

How to Set Up a Linktree

Fortunately, it’s incredibly easy to set up a Linktree landing page and start promoting various links.

• Go to www.linktree.com and create a free subscription.
• Input the information requested about your account.
• Choose your plan (we recommend testing the free tool first before paying out for the paid version.)
• Alter and tweak your page appearance (we suggest altering it to match your own website. That way, any direct traffic that comes through won’t be surprised by the disparity!)
• Add at least one single link.
• Select a header, title, and thumbnail.
• Copy your unique URL and put it into your chosen social media channels as in your one bio link spot.

Should Linktree Be Part of Your Marketing Plan?

Now that you know how to set up your Linktree link, one important question remains: is it actually worth doing? Does your website need all the important links in your Instagram bio, or can you make do with one link in bio?

The benefits of setting up a Linktree URL

One of the biggest and most obvious benefits of implementing a Linktree as part of your social media marketing efforts is that all of your links are easily accessible in one simple location.

Rather than asking customers to come through to your website and then try to get them to follow your other accounts, check out product drops, and other actions, you can do all of that from your brand’s Linktree landing page.

The other major benefit is that you can use Linktree to add links to almost every social media platform. Instagram, X, YouTube, and TikTok all only allow one bio link as standard, so this link-in bio tool really can come in handy!

Another major benefit? It’s completely free! For startups that are keeping their budget tight, you’ll be pleased to hear that you can set up and start using a Linktree account without spending any money. You will have to deal with the Linktree logo on your Linktree page, but as soon as you see the platform bringing you success, you can always upgrade to a pro version to customize colors, branding, and fonts.

One of the reasons I particularly like the Linktree website compared to the alternatives is that it has some very detailed tracking data and analytics.

Much like when your executing search engine optimization marketing, you want to ensure that your social media marketing efforts are actually driving traffic and conversions.

Linktree lets you gather insights into how many users are clicking each link, as well as where those link clocks are coming from.

As a paid plan user, you can also prioritize and schedule lists, ensuring certain ones go live at specific times and also get removed automatically at a later date. This is a fantastic tool for brands running offer periods where they want to launch a limited-time deal to generate interest.

Linktree alternatives to consider

Of course, if Linktree isn’t quite to your liking but you’re still interested in the concept in general, there are a few other options to consider:

Milkshake: The best alternative, in my opinion, as I feel like the user interface is the easiest, especially on mobile, where most of your clicks will be coming from.

Beacons: Another good option, mainly as it offers some minor customizations as part of a free plan, as well as arguably providing more advanced analytics than Linktree.

Koji: Not my personal favorite, but it offers customizable storefronts as well as some interesting built-in mini-apps.

How to Make Your Linktree a Success

Creating a Linktree? Piece of cake.

Making it a success? That takes a little more skill!

After all, if you’re going to go through the effort of setting one up, then you must ensure it is optimized for maximum engagement and conversions.

To do this:

• Prioritize the most important lists: Stick your most important links at the top of your page.
• Customize it to match your brand: Opt for colors and fonts that match your branding.
• Catch attention with titles and thumbnails: Make links stand out with fun and engaging text. Make the CTA’s compelling and unique.
• Regularly check analytics: Don’t forget to track performance, adjusting your strategy and Linktree order accordingly.
• Promote it everywhere: Add your link to all your social pages, as well as other places like email signatures, business cards, and even website footers.

Gain Other Essential Marketing Tips For Just $1

Want to maximize your online presence in 2025? Learn how to drive traffic, increase engagement, and grow your brand.

For just $1, get instant access to 30+ expert-led courses and 1,000+ lessons designed to help you master Linktree, social media marketing, and online branding. Join a community of forward-thinking entrepreneurs who are building powerful digital presences.

Sign up for Foundr+ today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Linktree

Can you set up multiple links on Linktree?

Yes, Linktree allows you to add multiple links to your profile. You can customize the order, add thumbnails, and include icons to make all your links more engaging.

Is there a free version of Linktree?

Yes, Linktree offers a free version that includes basic features like unlimited links and some customization options. However, premium plans provide advanced features like analytics, custom branding on your Linktree landing page, and integrations.

What social media platforms can you use Linktree on?

Linktree can be used on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter (X), Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and other platforms where you can share a single bio link. It helps you share multiple links in one easy-to-access landing page for social media users.

The post What Is Linktree? How to Set One Up in 2025 appeared first on Foundr.

What has no physical presence and haunts every entrepreneur’s dreams?

No, I’m not talking about actual ghosts.

I’m talking about building a ghost e-commerce brand!

Many entrepreneurs dream of opening their own ecommerce store, selling products and services online, and growing their own businesses in the process.

However, one major barrier is that a physical inventory can be too much of an upfront cost, not to mention the issues that can arise with inventory management.

But what about exploring a simpler business model like ghost commerce?

Here, I will take you through the concept of ghost commerce business, as well as highlight some of the major upsides and potential drawbacks to consider before going all in on this unique twist on traditional ecommerce.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

• Ghost commerce can be an incredibly effective way to get into the world of ecommerce without taking on large volumes of inventory.
• Customer satisfaction must be a top priority to build trust and encourage repeat business.
• Common challenges of ghost commerce include high competition, reliance on third-party suppliers, limited brand control, and difficulties in customer retention.
• Success in ghost commerce requires a strong online presence, strategic marketing efforts, and a willingness to invest in marketing efforts.

What is Ghost Commerce? Everything You Need to Know

First, let me explain what I mean by the term ‘ghost commerce.’ Ghost commerce is the phrase used to describe running an online store that has no physical store for shoppers to visit or any physical inventory to manage.

Instead, a ghost commerce business sells products or services from third-party manufacturers.

The benefits of starting a ghost commerce business

When reading that description of ghost commerce, chances are a few benefits immediately come to mind.

First and foremost, the barrier to entry is almost non-existent! You have the potential to run a ghost commerce store from anywhere, without worrying about creating a product, managing inventory, or even fulfilling orders.

That means the upfront costs are significantly lower than traditional ecommerce businesses.

You can also act much quicker and adapt to changes in trends, rotating products in and out based on consumer behavior.

Rather than waiting for manufacturers to create new products and set up the line of production, ghost commerce business owners can simply host another third-party product at a minute’s notice.

Lastly, the ghost commerce business model is also ideal for anyone searching for the holy grail: passive income.

While no business venture is ever truly passive, ghost commerce requires minimal day-to-day maintenance, as you can automate the process of passing order information to suppliers and vice versa.

The potential drawbacks of ghost commerce to be aware of

Sounds pretty great, right?

Well, there are some potential drawbacks to consider as well.

For starters, ghost commerce means you have much less control over the quality of the products and shipping process, which means you’re relying heavily on the partners you work with.

In many instances, this won’t be an issue, but a bad customer experience could lead to negative feedback and a lack of repeat purchases.

As you’re not the owner of the products, you also need to adjust your expectations when it comes to profit margins.

As a ghost commerce owner, you’ll only be able to charge a small markup, meaning you’ll need to grow to become a large brand before the income earned becomes significant.

How to Create a Profitable Ghost Commerce Business Model

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the steps you need to take to give your ghost commerce business the best chance of succeeding. With tight profit margins, ensuring you put your brand in the best possible position is crucial.

Opt for a niche that you know well

First and foremost, look for a niche that you know very well or at least feel very passionately about.

Niching down can sometimes feel like a limiting decision as it cuts down your audience size, but as a new brand, it is often impossible to compete with a generalist approach. Instead, focus on trying to build a loyal customer base within your niche. The key to long-term success is repeat business and word of mouth, both of which can be achieved by choosing a specific niche.

Not only that, but picking a niche you know well will ensure you remain passionate about your business venture and also allow you to use your inside knowledge of current trends to promote products you know your target audience will want to see.

Optimizing now will make your life much easier later

Optimizing whilst you go through the online store setup is crucial for getting all your digital ducks in a row early. It can be tempting to quickly set up your store, skipping key aspects like meta descriptions and alt-tag text on imagery, in an attempt to go live as quickly as possible.

However, optimizing as you go ensures you won’t need to go back and troubleshoot issues after going live, which can be difficult to do and will cost you valuable time. Take the necessary steps to conduct search engine optimization during the setup process, and your future self will be very grateful!

Identify reliable suppliers

Another crucial step in ensuring your setup for success is to partner yourself with reliable suppliers. As mentioned above, as a ghost commerce business, you have minimal control over the delivery of your products, yet any negative customer reviews will impact your business and not the manufacturer.

Therefore, you must control the controllables! If a manufacturer’s rates or lead times seem too good to be true, it’s best to steer clear and stick to suppliers that have a strong track record for hitting their deadlines and meeting customer expectations.

Tailor marketing strategies specifically for your target audience

Laslty, ensure that all of your marketing strategies are tailored specifically to your target audience. It can be tempting to try and attract the most people with your efforts, but that generalist approach will likely mean you attract no one.

Instead, lean heavily into your niche, conducting targetted social media ads that reach them specifically, and focusing on PPC topics that they search.

One of the most obvious examples is via your SEO efforts. If, for example, your ghost commerce business is selling functional fitness sneakers, it can be tempting to write content for your website that focuses on the keyword phrase ‘sneakers.’

After all, as you can see below, there is plenty of traffic for that search term:

However, it is also a very competitive keyword (56) and you will be competing with leading brands like Adidas and Nike.

Instead, opt for a search term like ‘functional fitness’ which has less search volume (4.1k) but also much lower competition (23).

As a new website, your domain rating will be very low, so tackling topics with less difficulty is crucial as you grow your brand.

Learn All You Need to Know About Setting Up an Online Store for Just $1

Ghost commerce is one of the most low-risk, high-reward ways to start an online business—no inventory, no upfront stock costs, and no need to handle logistics. But to succeed, you need the right strategies, suppliers, and marketing tactics to make it work.

That’s where Foundr+ comes in. For just $1, you’ll get instant access to 30+ expert-led courses and 1,000+ lessons on eCommerce, branding, digital marketing, and supplier sourcing—everything you need to launch and scale your ghost commerce brand.

Start building your ghost commerce brand today for just $1.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Ghost Commerce Business Model

What are the cons of ghost commerce?

1. High Competition
2. Market Saturation
3. Dependence on Third Parties
4. Lack of Brand Control
5. Limited Customer Relationship & Loyalty

How do I identify a target audience for my online business?

To identify your target audience, you must evaluate your competitor’s content marketing strategies, see who they’re going after, and identify common traits that you can then bake into your ideal customer profiles. As you start to make sales, you can then look for common traits in your purchasers to make more specific target audiences.

How do I get more people to visit my online store?

Ecommerce ghost commerce only works with a strong online presence and plenty of visitors. To get more people to your site, ensure your content marketing efforts are aligned, and you must be willing to spend on advertising through social media accounts or via PPC.

The post What is Ghost Commerce? The Definitive Guide appeared first on Foundr.

Interested in learning how to make money fast in 2025?

The good news is, it’s not as difficult as you may think.

And no, this isn’t another article about how you can ‘earn passive income by buying our AI software’.

These are real, unique ways that you can tap into online money making opportunities that will help you earn quickly, and also for the long-term.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

• Drop new products with limited stock: By limiting stock, you create urgency for your products, which generates more demand.
• Trendspotting and fast-moving inventory: Set up an online store that tracks trends and turns them into relevant, fast-moving products.
• Niche subscription boxes: Niche markets are a great starting point for earning extra cash, and can become a very steady income stream.
• Buy local, but sell national: Use the local aspect of your products as a digital marketing tactic, allowing you to make more money from attracting a global audience.
• Branded merch: If your online business already has loyal customers built-in, they may be interested in branded merch.
• Sell in bulk to businesses: While many people try to earn money by selling to consumers, why not try selling in bulk to other businesses?

Making Money Quickly (The Right Way)

Before I dive into some clever ways that you can make money quickly in 2025, I just want to quickly explain how I researched and pulled together this list.

After all, there are lots of ways to make money online quickly, but some of those are not quite as morally correct (think crypto rug pulls, sports gambling, or selling online courses that are just a collation for freely accessible content).

I wanted to provide you with real ways to make money fast, and from my market research, I’ve come up with six options that are not only great for short-term gains but also long-term success.

Many of the below also require limited additional knowledge, and all you need is a strong internet connection, a few digital marketing skills, and some old-fashioned hard work!

How to Make Money Fast in 2025 in 6 Unique Ways

With that in mind, let’s take a look at six unique ways to earn money online. Some have minimal upfront investment, whereas others will require you to put in some additional extra money and time. However, these ideas all aim to provide you with unique ideas for your own online store rather than simply telling you to sell online courses or take part in dropshipping.

There’s a ton of information on how to earn money in those ways, so let’s take a look at some more interesting options!

Drop new products with limited stock

It can be difficult to get your products to stand out in today’s overcrowded digital marketplace. Sometimes new products can take a while to gain the traffic, reputation, and customer reviews needed to become a popular product.

However, there is a way that you can skip the digital queue.

Brands have seen great success limiting stock, drumming up demand through scarcity, and earning money fast.

Not only that but limiting stock also ensures you never get caught out with a lack of stock compared to demand, which is a lovely bonus!

The fitness shoe company R.A.D has done this really well, rising from relative obscurity to become the must-have functional fitness shoe in just a couple of years.

Here’s an example of their upcoming drop, where the product is not currently available and will sell out in a matter of minutes, much like coveted gig tickets for a Dolly Parton reunion tour would.

And here’s a traffic graph highlighting the brand’s growth in recent years since taking this approach to product launches.

Trendspotting and fast-moving inventory

Another way to help get your foot in the digital door and start making money quickly is by focusing on trend-specific products.

Rather than setting up an online business that focuses on one specific niche or industry, one way to ensure traffic is to quickly adapt to current trends, selling products or services that are in high demand. One of the benefits of being small team or independent business is that you can be much more flexible, adaptable, and quick than market-leading businesses.

Thanks to advances in technology, you don’t need any web development skills to quickly set up a high-quality shop with sites like Shopify. For this venture to be successful, you’ll need to ensure you keep abreast with any new trends, and also find yourself a reliable supplier than can produce the products you need, at a timeframe that ensures they are still relevant.

For example, remember fidget spinners? One entrepreneurial teen managed to make hundreds of thousands of dollars by jumping on the craze, setting up an online shop and gaining large volumes of traffic almost overnight.

Niche subscription boxes

However, if the generalist approach isn’t right for you, niching down could be a great alternative. Creating a business model that focuses on a very specific niche can seem limiting, but it’s a fantastic way to build a strong online presence and brand loyalty.

For example, your brand may start as one that focuses on high-quality coffee beans, but in the future that can easily branch out into a brand that focuses on all kinds of coffee, tea, and other relevant products.

Subscription boxes are also an excellent choice because they help brands get a much better understand of monthly demand, not to mention a consistent income each month. They take a little bit of effort and upfront costs, but one of the benefits of subscription models is that once everything is in place, the process requires minimal tweaks and time managing.

I actually covered How to Build a Subscription Box Business in a separate article, which dives into the subject in greater detail.

Buy local, but sell national

The allure of purchasing local produce has never been more attractive for consumers.

It is easier than ever for consumers to get a taste of any part of the world, without ever having to leave their home!

As a brand, the best way to capitalize on this is to lean into your local produce, and sell it on a global scale.

For example, if you’re based Texas, a quick ChatGPT search can help you identify what type of products could gain quick traction.

Who is going to resist the chance to purchase BBQ sauce, made and distributed directly from the Lone Star State?

Branded merch

For companies that already have a following of sorts, one way to quickly capitalize on that is by created branded merch.

For several customers, purchasing branded merch is their way of showing their support for the brand, while also getting their hands on something unique that helps them show off their style and interests.

I recently explained How to Make and Sell Merch For Your Brand in this detailed article. If your business is in a position to start profiting from branded products, be sure to check it out!

Sell in bulk to businesses

Lastly, while every other business is trying to sell to customers, why not flip the script, and focus on selling to other businesses instead?

For example, you could start selling custom office supplies for other startups, or branded packing for small businesses.

One of the biggest benefits of pitching your products to businesses is that they are much liklier to purchase in bulk, ensuring you can earn money quickly that can then be reinvested back into your business.

Get All the Insights You Need to Earn a Consistent Monthly Income, For Just $1

If you’re serious about making money online and want expert guidance to help accelerate your success, then Foundr+ is the perfect solution. For just $1, you’ll get 14 days of live coaching, direct support from real experts, access to an engaged community of 30,000+ entrepreneurs, and over 30 business courses designed to fast-track your business growth.

Whether you’re launching a niche subscription box, branded merch, or a trend-driven online store, having the right strategies in place can make all the difference.

Claim your $1 trial now and start scaling your business today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Making Money Online Fast

Is it possible to make passive income by selling courses online in 2025?

While it is possible, it is very difficult, most notably due to the saturation of the market, plus the bad reputation that online courses have gained after many poorly put-together courses have let consumers down before.

How can I identify my target audience and what they need?

For businesses that already have a following, you can identify your target audience by tracking common traits in your existing customer base. For businesses that are still starting out, use a combination of ChatGPT and your competitor’s customer base to identify who your ideal audience is.

Should I quit my full-time job to set up my own website?

Each person’s situation is completely different, but we would recommend that you only take this step if you are confident that your essential payments are all covered, at least until your new business is up and running.

The post How to Make Money Fast in 2025: 6 Easy Options appeared first on Foundr.

When running a startup or small business, finding new revenue avenues can be significantly beneficial.

After all, building a brand isn’t always cheap, so any way that you can generate additional income should be welcomed with both arms.

That’s exactly what high-quality merch can do for you! Here, I’ll show you how to make and sell merch for your brand in 2025, expanding your business and making some additional funds along the way.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

• Step 1: Build a brand identity: Start by identifying what your brand is popular for and how that can be reflected in your merchandise.
• Step 2: Know your audience: Next, understand the buying habits and traits of your audience, as this will impact marketing efforts and designs.
• Step 3: Choosing what to sell: Select what type of products have a good profit margin and meet audience expectations.
• Step 4: Design time: Once selected, start designing the style you want to see from your merchandise.
• Step 5: Test and learn: Get samples of your first design efforts and ask friends and family for feedback.
• Step 6: Choose a manufacturer: Once you’re happy with them, organize manufacturing and start stocking your merch, ready to sell.

Firstly, What is Merch?

Before we jump straight in, I wanted to quickly touch on what I mean by the term merch. Merch is a common abbreviation for merchandise, and you’ll likely hear influencers, YouTubers, and streamers refer to it as one of their main sources of income.

In simple terms, the phrase ‘merch’ refers to any products that are branded in line with a company or popular personality and sold to fans of that business or person.

While it has often been popular with social media celebrities, it has become more and more popular option for more mainstream businesses as well, most notably coffee shops, bookstores, or other locally run businesses.

Why is merch so popular?

The popularity of merch doesn’t just come from one key reason; there are actually several reasons why customers would opt to purchase a brand’s merchandise.

One of the main reasons is that it is a great way to show support and loyalty to that brand and allows them to feel a little bit closer to the inner workings of the business.

That’s why merch is so popular with shops that operate locally in the community, as people appreciate that running a small business can be challenging and purchase merch as a show of their appreciation.

It also offers sentimental value, as it can be seen as a memento from a memorable experience, such as a t-shirt from a concert of your favorite brand. Speaking from experience, I have several Sam Fender t-shirts that fill this reason, and also a t-shirt from a coffee shop I have many fond memories for that closed down in 2020.

It also allows customers to not just show support but also personality. People want to wear clothes that represent who they are and what they like, and what better way to do that than by purchasing merch from their favorite brands?

As you can imagine, setting up a successful merchandise shop can be incredibly successful. Because of this, many brands and influencers are also attempting to get into the merch game, so it is crucial that you create the sort of products your audience want to see, or you will struggle to get a foothold in the market.

Your 6-Step Plan to Selling Merch Successfully

With all that in mind, here is a very quick six-step process that you can follow to start selling merch successfully. For a more detailed approach to selling and scaling, be sure to check out Gretta’s fantastic course on the subject in this free training video.

1. Build a brand identity

Before you go ahead and plunge valuable funds into your merch adventure, you need to ensure that you have an audience that will be receptive to what you put out.

After all, your customers might be happy with your IT solutions, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they want your brand plastered on their tote bags and mugs.

You must, therefore, ensure you have established a clear and exciting brand identify first. That’s more than just an eye-catching logo, though. It’s also the image and personality that is related to your brand and what people think about when they see your branding.

Some of the most successful merch sellers are trendy coffee shops, popular influencers, and cool content creators. That’s because merch for these brands allows customers to show off their love of the brand while also projecting to other people that they are cool because they are fans of those brands and personalities.

Here’s a quick guide to creating a quality, authentic brand.

• Define your core values: Identify the principles that guide your brand and ensure they align with your mission and audience expectations. Authenticity comes from staying true to these values in all aspects of your business.
• Know your audience: Understand your target market’s needs, desires, and pain points. Speak their language and create content that resonates with them on a deeper level.
• Craft a unique brand voice: Develop a distinct tone and messaging style that reflects your brand’s personality. Consistency in voice builds trust and recognition.
• Design a memorable visual identity: Your logo, colors, and typography should reflect your brand’s essence and make a lasting impression. Cohesive visuals help reinforce brand identity.
• Tell a compelling story: Share your brand’s origin, purpose, and journey in a way that connects emotionally with your audience. People engage more with brands that feel human and relatable.
• Be consistent across all platforms: Whether it’s your website, social media, or packaging, maintain a unified look, voice, and experience. Consistency builds trust and recognition.
• Engage and listen to your community: Foster meaningful interactions by responding to comments, gathering feedback, and showing appreciation. A strong community reinforces brand loyalty.
• Deliver on your promise: Quality and reliability are key to building an authentic brand. Ensure your products, services, and customer experience align with your brand’s messaging.
• Showcase real people and experiences: Highlight customer testimonials, behind-the-scenes content, and real-life brand applications. Authenticity is strengthened through transparency.

2. Know your audience

Once you’ve nailed down your branding, it’s time to get more familiar with your audience. Understanding your audience’s behavior, wants, and needs will greatly help when it comes to choosing the type of products you should be selling.

If you already have a group of loyal customers, gathering this information should be quite simple and can be done by reviewing feedback, reviews, and engagements on social media.

If you haven’t got a large dataset just yet, you can pull together all the information you have on your existing audience, running it through ChatGPT to glean more insights and expand on the limited data you have available.

If you do have the audience size necessary, running surveys or asking for comments on social posts is a great way to take the guesswork out of product selection.

Failing that, review your current customers, establish their other likes and dislikes in your industry, and see what those competitors seem to be selling and to what level of success they are doing so.

3. Choosing what to sell

Next, it’s time to pull those product ideas together and identify what you want to sell. While most of the information you will use for this will be based on audience preference, you will also need to factor in costs, profit margins, and availability.

Melisa Vong has a fantastic free masterclass on How to Find a ‘Hot Product’ that you should definitely check out for inspiration!

Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the most popular choices that many businesses and individuals opt for:

• Hats
• T-shirts
• Mugs
• Phone cases
• Hoodies
• Sweatshirts
• Tote bags

4. Design time

This step is perhaps the trickiest, as it doesn’t matter what merch you have lined up if the designs are no good! Create designs that you know will resonate with your target audience, leaning heavily on your brand colors and only using the highest quality imagery and graphics.

I always suggest to brands that they keep things as simple as possible, focusing on clear and easy-to-read fonts and easy-to-recognize designs.

5. Test and learn

Once you’re happy with your designs, it can be very tempting to quickly rush to get your products to market, but this is one of the biggest mistakes that you can make.

After all, what if you’ve made a horrific spelling error? Suddenly, your ‘Getting Your Ducks in a Row’ hats might not be so child-friendly!

To prevent such expensive problems from arising, chat to friends and family for honest advice on your efforts. You need to choose people that you trust will tell you what they really think, as purchasing stock is not cheap.

Feedback is the best way to identify what is most likely to work and what isn’t, and gives you the confidence you need to sell your products online.

6. Choose a manufacturer

Once you’ve got your honest feedback, swallowed your pride, and made any necessary changes, it’s time to turn your merch ideas into tangible products!

When it comes to producing and stocking your merch, you have two main options to choose from: Print on demand or via a Manufacturer.

Each has its own benefits, so it’s important to research both in as much detail as possible. Print-on-demand allows you to keep costs low and reduces any inventory concerns you may have, which can be very helpful for anyone who is unsure how well their merch will be received.

For those who are confident they will sell their merch quite quickly, you may want to opt for a manufacturer, as purchasing in bulk is often significantly cheaper than a print-on-demand alternative.

Want to learn more about creating the perfect product blueprint? Check out Kian Golzari’s brilliant course on this subject.

Create and Sell Your Own Merch with Foundr+

Want to launch a successful merch brand? Foundr+ gives you everything you need to make it happen. For just $1, you’ll get instant access to 30+ expert-led courses and 1,000+ lessons covering branding, design, eCommerce, and marketing.

From crafting standout designs to choosing the right suppliers and growing your audience, Foundr+ equips you with the tools, strategies, and community support to build a profitable merch business.

Don’t wait—start creating and selling your merch today.

The post How to Make and Sell Merch For Your Brand in 2025 appeared first on Foundr.

Starting a business can be tricky.

Not only does it require a lot of time and effort, but it can also be very daunting to consider quitting your 9-5 without knowing whether or not you’ll be successful.

With that in mind, I’ve pulled together eight unique side hustles for you to try this year. The aim is to provide you with potential side hustle ideas that you can scale and grow into full-time businesses over time.

That way, you can build an audience and an income stream before taking the ultimate leap and laying the foundations for your future success.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

1. Create an e-course: A high-value niche course can still provide a great form of passive income.
2. Social media management: With more brands expanding their social media marketing efforts, you could use your expertise to manage multiple channels.
3. AI automation consultant: The rise in AI capabilities has left a gap for skilled experts to consult and support.
4. Domain flipping: As it’s easier than ever to create a website, hunting for domains is also more popular.
5. Ghostwriting for CEOs & influencers: Thought leadership is becoming increasingly important, but often, people don’t have the time to do it properly
6. Local drone photography and videography: Drones are a great way to get memorable shots and videos, and they only cost a small amount upfront.
7. Personalized embroidery business: Personalization is a fantastic way to diversify yourself from the competition.
8. Subscription-based coffee roasting business: Subscription-based businesses are a great way to manage inventory and growth in line with demand.

8 Unique Side Hustles to Try This Year

Create an e-course

Pros: 

• Limited upfront costs
• The main investment is time
• Once live, minimal work to maintain

Cons: 

• There are a lot of other eBooks to compete with
• There is a generally negative perception of eBooks
• Building your initial reputation takes time

Firstly, you could opt to create an online course to make a little bit of extra money on the side. Creating an eCourse is easier than ever, with minimal upfront costs other than your time and effort in researching and writing.

Plus, once your course is live, there’s minimal upkeep required, just quick edits and amends where necessary when information changes.

Of course, it’s important to note that the internet is flooded with average, at best, eCourses, so it’s very important that you produce something that doesn’t just regurgitate already available knowledge. Instead, focus on providing true value, accept that this will take a little longer in the short term, and you’ll slowly build a library of popular eCourses that provide you with a healthy monthly income.

Social media management

Pros: 

• Completely remote and easy to scale
• High demand due to increasing brand awareness of social media marketing
• Posts can be scheduled to meet client time zones

Cons: 

• Requires a level of skill, qualification, or experience to start
• It can be difficult to find initial clients
• Constant work to upkeep, manage, and expand

Another popular side hustle you could consider is social media management. One of the biggest benefits of this approach is that you can do the work completely remotely and use tools to schedule content in advance, ensuring it meets client deadlines without taking over your entire life.

Plus, thanks to increased awareness of the value of having a brand presence on social media, there is plenty of opportunity here to scale up your efforts and turn it from a side hustle to a full-time business.

AI Automation Consultant

Pros: 

• Extremely topical
• Scope for growth as the technology develops
• Company concern and lack of understanding are driving high demand

Cons: 

• Requires certain skills and experience
• Must maintain constant learning to stay on top of the newest innovations
• Convincing brands it’s necessary can be tricky

I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I’ve gone a day without hearing about the advancements or capabilities of AI so far this year!
However, while some of those advancements either seem minimal at best or hard to understand, the evolution of AI has led to companies desperately searching for ways it can increase production and improve profit margins.

That’s where an AI consultant can help. There’s a ton of scope for growth with this role as the technology develops and becomes even more mainstream, and although it requires consistent upskilling to keep up with the updates, this side hustle could be very profitable.

Domain Flipping

Pros: 

• More and more demand for good domains
• Easy to do at a time of the day that suits you

Cons: 

• Turnover is minimal per domain
• It can be hard to find good domains without taking a gamble
• Difficult to scale without investing more time and money

Domain flipping is another from-home side hustle that can quickly start to make you a nice little second income. 

As it becomes easier and easier for people to create websites, web domains are also becoming more sought after, increasing the demand (and therefore competition) for good quality domain names.

However, I would be wary of expecting this to turn into a full-time role. It can be hard to pick domains that will one day be worth a lot more than you paid from them, and it can be difficult to scale without investing more time and money.

Ghostwriting for CEOs & Influencers

Pros: 

• Fully remote and can be done at a time that suits you
• Potentially high-paying clients
• High demand for quality work that differentiates from the norm

Cons: 

• Hard to expand by investing more time
• Some clients can be very specific or critical
• Establishing rates will likely vary per client

The rise of generative AI would have many people thinking that the role of a ghostwriter is no longer needed. In actual fact, high-quality writing is now more important than ever!

High-quality content is now a significant differentiator for brands, and especially for CEOs and influencers, whose personal brand is absolutely critical for business growth.

You can offer this service fully remotely and work at a time that works for you around other commitments, although it is worth noting that rates will often be dictated by clients somewhat, so income may vary.

Local Drone Photography and Videography

Pros: 

• Drones are now much cheaper than when they first launched, making the startup costs cheaper
• Provide a service normal photographers can’t
• High demand for beautiful imagery and aesthetics thanks to social media growth

Cons: 

• There is a startup cost to factor in
• Work is not remote, and travel is required

When drones first became available, many people (myself included) scoffed at the price. However, now they have been in the market for several years, drones are much more affordable, and as such, have become a very useful tool for setting up a photography or videogreaphy business. 

Whether you specialize in weddings and work your side hustle at the weekends, or work with brands that want more marketing collateral, drone-based photography and videography can be very attractive for many businesses in your area.

Personalized Embroidery Business

Pros: 

• Customers demand personalization
• Personalization can help differentiate from other services
• Turn a craft into a source of income
• Patterns can be produced on a ‘set and forget’ service

Cons: 

• Time-consuming and often demanding delivery times
• Requires specific skills and resources

When launching an eCommerce brand, it can be tricky to show audiences your USP. After all, what separates your brand from others in the industry?

One way to truly differentiate is to offer a personalization-based service. It could be embroidery, it could be metalwork, it could be anything in between! The main thing is that you adhere to a specific type of customer, building a loyal audience that people will make repeat purchases from, helping you grow your side hustle into a business.

Subscription-based coffee roasting business

Pros: 

• Subscription businesses are easy to scale and manage inventory
• The packaging is small, making it easy to store at home until you scale
• Simple to setup, with minimal upfront costs for equipment

Cons: 

• It will take time to build a consistent audience
• Requires time and effort to continue running

Lastly, I wanted to include a subscription business as part of this list, as they are an excellent option for founders who want to track consistent sales and manage inventories on a budget. The reason I chose coffee subscriptions is that it is a commodity that coffee lovers are willing to spend money on, it’s a product that people frequently use each month, and it’s a product that has been proven to be popular for generations.

All of that ensures that coffee-roasting brands are not going anywhere any time soon and that there is a built-in market ready to taste your delicious concoctions.

Final Thoughts

Looking to start a unique side hustle this year? Foundr+ provides the perfect resources to help you turn your ideas into reality. For just $1, you’ll gain instant access to over 30 courses and more than 1,000 lessons, all taught by industry experts. 

Whether you’re launching a passion project or building a profitable business, Foundr+ equips you with the skills, strategies, and community support you need to succeed.

Don’t wait—take the first step toward your next side hustle today. Sign up now.

The post 8 Unique Side Hustles to Try This Year appeared first on Foundr.

Traditionally, new businesses would need to set up a brick-and-mortar shop in the middle of their city to start making sales.

But the world has changed significantly since then, with more avenues than ever available for launching a brand.

One such avenue is the TikTok shop, which can be incredibly successful for some brands but also difficult to understand.

Here, I will discuss how businesses can thrive on TikTok Shop in 2025 and successfully grow their brand.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

• Promote urgency: Try to capture your audience’s attention before they decide to swipe and move on.

• Don’t be afraid to discount: TikTok exclusive discounts are a great way to promote action from your viewers.

• Limit volume: By limiting volume, you ensure that viewers will act due to the fear of missing out.

• Engage with your audience: Audience engagement is essential to make your viewers feel heard and seen.

• Focus on the visuals: Your background and setup must be eye-catching, as TikTok is a video-first platform.

• No dead air: The more dead air on your page, the more chances you give for your audience to consider moving on.

What is TikTok Shop?

TikTok Shop is a feature within the TikTok app where users can make purchases while browsing the social media app.

It is well known that TikTok shop is one of the most popular social media apps, especially with the younger generation, and being able to reach them where they already are is much easier than convincing them to come across your website or social channels.

If you use TikTok yourself, you’ll notice that TikTok shops appear infrequently as you’re scrolling, showing up in between the content you follow and what the algorithm recommends and sends your way.

The videos are often of a very passionate seller, confidently communicating and engaging with the chat while also promoting products, regularly with some form of urgent discount.

For those of you reading who are old enough to remember, it is the closest thing to a modern-day version of the TV shopping channels you’d stumble upon when flicking through terrestrial TV channels.

The stats

All that sounds great, but what’s really impressive is the numbers behind TikTok Shop. In 2024, there were as many as 264,500 TikTok shops, with the gross merchandise value sitting at just over 11 billion dollars!

The main winners are fashion and beauty brands, with beauty and personal care (22.50%), Womenswear & Underwear (12.56%), and Menswear & Underwear (8.06%) dominating the market.

However, other industries like Health (5.42%) and Phones & Electrics (3.88%) also have plenty of market share.

You can see plenty more insights and data in this great report from AfterShip.

How to Be Successful on TikTok Shop

Now that you know some of the incredible numbers behind TikTok Shop, let’s discuss how to be successful on the platform. After all, simply setting up a TikTok Shop does not guarantee success. You need to ensure your shop is well set up and you’re doing everything you can to bring in new customers.

Promote urgency

The first tactic to be aware of is the need to promote urgency when selling on TikTok. User’s engagement time per post is so short that you need to capture their attention immediately by promoting the need to act urgently.

Not only that but the more time you give your viewers to weigh up and consider whether they should purchase from you, the more chance there is that they opt to swipe and move on without buying from you.

Of course, I’m not saying you should lie to promote urgency to your audience, but you should use incentives to motivate quick action.

Don’t be afraid to discount

One of the best ways to do that is by offering a ‘here and now’ discount that isn’t available on your website. This tactic is very common on TikTok and motivates viewers to act now rather than wait or move on from your shop.

Not only that, but you could also run occasional giveaways for those who comment on the live video. People love the idea of winning free stuff, even when it isn’t something they need! Plus, by doing this through the comments section of the video, you also please the TikTok algorithm gods with your consumer interaction, which in turn will mean your shop is shown to more potential customers, and the cycle continues.

Limit volume

Another way to promote action is to limit volume. You’ll notice that most of these suggestions are all focused on not only keeping your audience for longer but also driving them to take action.

By limiting the volume (aka, stating you only have three left in stock), you tug on people’s fear of missing out. This approach will push some people who were unsure about purchasing into purchasing out of fear that if they don’t act now, they’ll miss out.

Again, it’s important to keep the ethical aspect of your business in mind here. If you say you’re only selling 10 items at a specific price, it’s important that you stick to that and not expand the offer or lie about the volume.

Not only is this unethical, but your audience will quickly see what you’re doing and move on while also no longer trusting you in the future.

As a founder of a small business, trust is everything, and building a loyal customer base is the first step to achieving long-term sustainable growth.

Engage with your audience

Another essential tip for success on TikTok Shop is to engage with your audience. Keep an eye on the comments that are coming in, as they are likely questions about your product, similar to what you would see answered on an FAQ page.

Not only will this turn those potential customers into paying ones, but it also shows other viewers that you’re listening and engaging, which adds authenticity and trust, two essential signals for new brands trying to get a foothold in the market.

Focus on the visuals

Next, it’s important not to forget the importance of visuals on TikTok Shop. According to DigiDay, as many as 75% of social media users scroll their apps with the sound on mute.

Therefore, the only way to capture their attention is by providing them with an interesting and engaging visual.

That means being conscious of the backdrop you are streaming live from, as well as the lighting situation and where you are positioned within the frame.

This all might seem like little things, but they all add up to ensure more people stay on your video for longer.

It’s also important to show physical copies of the product that you’re selling. Not only will this excite viewers, but it also makes them more trustworthy that you will deliver the product if they make a purchase.

No dead air

Lastly, any dead air is an opportunity for your audience to swipe and move on. Practice your talking to the camera by doing the same in the mirror, cutting out any empty space in your selling, and trying to cut out any mumbling or filler words like ‘um’.

Unfortunately, this just comes more naturally to some people compared to others! But it is also a skill that you can work on.

After all, practice makes perfect!

Final Thoughts

Looking to leverage TikTok Shop to drive your business growth in 2025? Discover proven strategies and expert tips with Foundr+.

For just $1, unlock instant access to over 30+ expert-led courses and 1,000+ lessons tailored to help you excel on TikTok and beyond. Join a vibrant community of forward-thinking founders who are mastering the art of online selling.

Sign up for Foundr+ today.

The post How Businesses Can Thrive on TikTok Shop in 2025 appeared first on Foundr.

Do you have a grasp on the potential niche your brand might operate within?

While niche markets are much smaller than broad ones, successfully tapping into them can be incredibly lucrative in the long run.

In this article, I will show you the value of moving into niche markets, and how to reach the target audience of your chosen one.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

• For brands with little reputation or awareness, niching down can be a fantastic way to get a foothold in their desired market by building a loyal customer base.
• Niche markets can be found by reviewing competitor behavior, as well as selecting broader categories and niching down from there.
• Niche markets may seem like a step back because they are smaller, but a loyal following is vital for any startup brand to gain traction in a broader market.

What is a Niche Market?

But first, I should start by defining what I mean by a ‘niche’ market. In simple terms, a niche market is a smaller segment of a much larger market. For example, the broader market could be male trainers, and the niche market would be Olympic-lifting male trainers.

The audience for these trainers is much smaller but also much more specific. Catering to this particular group of consumers means adhering to their specific needs and preferences, which in this example would be trainers with a flatter sole and a wide toe box.

When deciding whether or not you have identified a niche market, here’s a quick checklist you can use:

• What is the size of the market? Niche markets tend to be much smaller than broader ones.
• What is the target audience? For a niche market, you should be able to identify a well-defined group of customers with shared interests, characteristics, and needs.
• Does this audience show signs of brand loyalty? Customers in nice markets are often incredibly loyal to brands that cater to their unique needs.

Why Are Niche Markets so Important for Startups?

Now I know what you’re probably thinking. ‘Why on earth would I cut my target audience by as much as 75%? Surely, as a new brand, I should be trying to reach as many people as possible?”

Well, the truth is that if you take a generalist approach to your targetted audience, you will struggle to meet any of their needs completely, making it hard to sway them to change from their usual brand purchases.

Remember, as a founder, you are fighting a fun (albeit uphill) battle as you are competing with established brands, trying to convince their customers to jump ship and give you a try.

So, put yourself in your target audience’s shoes. If you are not meeting their specific requirements, why would they change their consumer behavior?

Instead, by focusing on fully meeting a select few’s needs, you stand a much better chance of turning them into loyal repeat customers, which can then set the foundations for your business to grow into a larger marketplace in the future.

How to Reach a Niche Market

With that in mind, let’s take a look at how you can reach a niche market.

Start niching down from broader categories

The best place to find a niche market is by starting in a broad one! Let’s say, for example, you’re interested in creating a new clothing brand. You can start by looking at male and female clothing and niche down from there.

For example, you could close in specifically on male and female sports clothing, and from there, you could niche down into specific clothing within specific sports.

You could become the go-to brand for brand-new golf trousers before venturing further into other golf clothing further down the line, and then other sports, and so on.

A great example of this in action is Three Putt Golf Clothing, a brand that has niched down from the broader apparel market into the intersection of golf and streetwear culture. Rather than trying to compete with the major sportswear giants across all categories, they’ve focused on a specific audience of golfers who want something different from the traditional, corporate look that dominates the sport.

You may know Amazon as one of the biggest brands in the world, offering almost everything under the sun, but that isn’t how it started. 

Instead, it started focusing on the niche market of selling second-hand books online and has gone from strength to strength since then.

Identify niche market keywords

Once you’ve identified your nice, it’s time to reach your target audience. Using our golf trousers example, you can then search for related golfing terms that will attract the right audience to your brand, writing SEO-friendly content that suits their needs.

Another benefit of going after a niche market is that the ranking difficulty becomes much easier. 

Take a look at this data from Ahrefs, using the golf example once more.

Keyword term: Golf

Keyword difficulty: 84

Search volume per month: 81,000

Keyword term: Golf clothing

Keyword difficulty: 56

Search volume per month: 5,300

Keyword term: Golf

Keyword difficulty: 84

Search volume per month: 81,000

Keyword term: Golf trousers

Keyword difficulty: 5

Search volume per month: 7,500

As you can see from this snapshot of data, the term ‘golf trousers’ is much easier to try and rank for than ‘golf’ and still provides plenty of traffic potential for new brands.

As a new business, Google needs to see that you are a legitimate company before providing you with what’s known as a high ‘Domain Rating’. Without a high DR, it doesn’t matter how great your content is; Google won’t rank it highly in the results.

However, that issue largely disappears for low-competition keywords, and as more customers come to your site from these sources, purchase from you, and leave reviews, your DR will increase, and then you can tackle larger terms.

Identify potential groups on social media

Another way of reaching your niche market is via social media, either by creating content they want to see or even by DMing them directly. It’s a tactic several of our founders have used to build hype and expectation before brand launches and to great success.

Engage with your target audience in a friendly manner, and try not to be too pushy or ‘salesly’ in your messaging. This can be a big turn-off for potential customers, as they are often bombarded by brands trying to get their attention.

Track competitor performance

Lastly, a great way to identify and contact your niche market is to track competitor performance and behavior. Identify brands in your niche, find their social media profiles, and note down their followers. 

As your competition, you know these followers are already interested in the product or service you provide, so reaching out to them is likely to be much more successful.

Found Your Niche? Now it’s Time to Grow Your Brand

If you’re seeking advice on how to plan a marketing strategy or need a personal coach to discuss the best business practices for growth, consider Foundr+. By signing up for just $1, you gain instant access to over 30 courses and more than 1,000 lessons led by top experts, including multi-millionaire Gretta van Riel. Sign up here.

The post What Is a Niche Market And How to Find One For Your Brand appeared first on Foundr.

As a founder, there are many things you have to consider, such as product development, marketing, accounts, and much (much!) more.

Understandably, it can be easy to get caught up in the day-to-day requirements and not think enough about the steps you need to take to future-proof your business.

One such step is developing excellent leadership skills. In this article, I’ll share with you some great tips you can use to develop leadership skills in 2025 and ensure you are perfectly placed to grow and scale your business effectively.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

Work on your emotional intelligence: The best leaders are receptive to the needs of their team.

Think flexibly: As the leader of a small team, flexibility is key for continued success.

Challenge regularly and respectfully: Don’t be afraid to challenge your team, but do so in the right manner.

Understand incentives: Not all of your team will be incentivized by the same rewards and goals.

Overcommunicate: In a small dynamic team, there is no such thing as too much communication.

Why is Leadership so Important for Founders?

First off, let’s touch on why leadership is so important for company founders. After all, as a founder, you may not currently have a team working for you, and your primary focus is on more short-term objectives, such as product ideation and building a community.

However, while most of your efforts certainly should be on the near-term success of your business, you should also have at least one eye toward the future.

It’s much better to have high-quality leadership skills in place BEFORE you onboard members of staff or work with freelancers on a regular basis rather than losing valuable time trying to learn after they’ve joined.

The difference between great and weak leadership can have a monumental impact on the success of your brand, and given it is still in its infancy, you need to give yourself every chance of success!

4 Ways to Improve Your Leadership Skills

With that in mind, let’s take a look at a few ways you can improve your leadership and ensure you’re prepared to be the founder that your team needs you to be.

Think flexibly

Just as you have to think flexibly and adapt quickly to get a successful brand off the ground, you also have to be flexible with your leadership.

As a founder of a small, growing business, hiring the right people for your team is absolutely crucial. You need someone who is able to work in a small team, highly driven, and open to learning on the job.

After all, you may hire someone to do a specific role, but that role will likely change and differ day to day, depending on your needs.

Therefore, you must be flexible with how you hire, as this will greatly improve the quality of the candidate you take on, making your role as a leader much easier.

Once you have onboarded someone, you also must be flexible with your expectations as they get their feet under the table. Remember, you founded the business, so you know everything inside out. Before it even became a brand, you had a full understanding of it in your head!

Understand that it may take some team members longer to adapt to the business you have created, and try to provide them with the time and resources they need to succeed.

Challenge regularly and respectfully

As a leader, it can sometimes feel difficult to challenge those that work for you. After all, you don’t want them to take any constructive feedback personally, and you definitely don’t want to demotivate them.

However, if you aren’t challenging your team to strive for the absolute bust on a regular basis, you will struggle to continue growing your brand quickly and effectively.

That’s why you need to develop the art of challenging without offending. When providing feedback, ensure that you call out your employee’s great work as often as you challenge things you’d like to be done differently.

Plus, when you do challenge things, do so in a completely pragmatic manner, ensuring none of your feedback can be taken personally.

It’s also important to ensure any challenges are conducted as a discussion, where your team feels confident pushing back, adding their own thoughts, and contributing to changes. Businesses that allow their team to feel like they are heard and their opinions are validated tend to be significantly more successful. That is especially true for small businesses, who need to be highly adaptable and flexible.

Lastly, remember that each person is unique in how they like to receive feedback or constructive criticism. What works for you may not be right for them, so always be mindful of what they prefer and try to make them as comfortable as possible with the process.

Understand incentives

It’s also very important to factor in what incentivizes your team. A good leader will do everything in their power to understand their staff’s incentives, as this can greatly help improve productivity and output.

After all, while your passion may be the success of your business, that may not be the case for your staff, and it’s important to understand that is absolutely okay!

Instead of trying to get them to be incentivized by the business’s top line, ask them what they would like to see as rewards for achieving performance goals. It may be more time off, it may be more work-from-home flexibility, it may even be more pay. 

Whatever the case, you can then use that as your incentive for achieving goals and exceeding expectations, as this will have a much greater effect than simply asking them to care more.

For many people, a job is a job. Some people are meant to start a business, and others aren’t. Once you realize this, and realize there is no problem that, and with the right incentives these members of staff can be very productive, you will see much greater results.

Overcommunicate

Lastly, there’s no such thing as overcommunication for a leader of a small business. Small businesses require employees to wear many different hats, and as such, it’s easy for things to get missed.

A great leader ensures that not only does everything stay on track but also that staff members have the time and support they need to succeed, and that only comes from constant lines of communication.

That doesn’t mean you should be asking for constant updates on projects and digitally looking over their shoulder all the time, though. That’s called micro-management, and no employees will stick around for a long time if you’re conducting yourself in this way!

However, it does mean you ensure you push your team to keep you updated where possible and make them feel like they can ask any questions they need to succeed.

Final Thoughts

To enhance your leadership skills effectively, explore the resources available at Foundr+. By signing up for just $1, you gain immediate access to an extensive collection of over 30 courses and more than 1,000 lessons, all led by industry experts. F

oundr+ offers valuable educational content and connects you with a community of forward-thinking entrepreneurs. To start your journey towards becoming a stronger leader, register now.

The post How to Develop Leadership Skills in 2025 With These Top Tips appeared first on Foundr.

Owning a business can be a complicated and long journey.

Especially when you get stuck at the first hurdle: knowing the different types of business ownership and picking the right one for you!

Here, I’ll provide you with all the information you need to set your startup up for success, picking the right business ownership type for your specific needs.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

• Sole proprietorship: A single owner controls the business and is personally responsible for all debts and liabilities.
• Partnership: Two or more individuals share ownership, profits, and liabilities based on their agreement.
• Private limited company (LTD): A legally separate entity from its owners, offering limited liability and restricting share transfers.
• Non-profit: An organization that reinvests profits into its mission rather than distributing them to owners or shareholders.

What is Business Ownership?

First off, before I dive into the different types of business ownership structures, let’s quickly touch on what I mean by the term ‘business ownership.’

In simple terms, business ownership covers the legal control and structure of a business, identifying who owns the brand, what percentage they own, and the legal structure they must adhere to.

For many founders, that can seem quite confusing (if not rather boring as well!), but it is something you should be aware of, as each type of business ownership comes with its own pros and cons.

Types of Business Ownership Structures

Sole proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is one of the most commonly chosen options, mainly due to how simple it is to set up. For those working as solo entrepreneurs, this option is a good one as everything is owned by one person.

The main advantages of a sole proprietorship are that all the income and business assets are owned by the individual, you don’t have to worry about corporation tax, and you get to make all the decisions.

On the flip side, it also means that you are completely responsible for all business debt or losses, and there is very little to differentiate between business and personal income, which can cause problems when it comes to paying taxes at the end of the year.

Partnership

Another business ownership option you may want to consider is a partnership, which can come in two different forms: a general partnership or a limited liability partnership.

For a general partnership, all partners are responsible for making joint decisions and handling finances, whereas an LLP protects each partner against the potential debt of another partner.

This is a much clearer way to share profits and division-making compared to a sole trader, but it does mean you can be held liable for the actions of your partners on behalf of the business.

Private limited company (LTD)

Private limited companies are incorporated businesses that are owned and controlled privately. The ownership of an LTD is split by shares in the brand, allowing multiple people to own a part of the business.

One of the biggest advantages of choosing a private limited company is that it offers owners limited liability, keeping their personal assets protected from any liabilities the business incurs, which means no more sleepless nights worrying about your mortgage!

The other benefit of an LTD is that it can continue to exist after the death of any owner, making it the best option for passing the business on to a family member or friend.

Unfortunately, it is more expensive to set up an  LTD due to legal and administrative costs, and you also need to factor in other aspects, such as corporation tax, but it’s a small price to pay for the security of the business and your finances.

Non-Profit

Lastly, in specific instances, you could set up a non-profit organization, so long as you have set up your business for purposes other than profit.

In this instance, any profits the business makes don’t go to you as an owner but instead go to the cause you set it up for.

Aspects to Consider When Picking a Business Structure

With all that in mind, here are a few important aspects to consider when choosing the right business structure for you. While each business ownership type has its pros and cons, choosing the right one for you will depend entirely on your specific situation.

Start-up finance

As a founder, keeping on top of your budget is absolutely crucial. After all, regardless of how you’re funding your business, you need to ensure you are maximizing your money, and setting up a business can be quite expensive, depending on which business structure you choose.

Liabilities

One of the major issues with sole proprietorships and partnerships is the unlimited liability, which can cause some anxious entrepreneurs several sleepless nights. For many owners, they would rather not be liable for any debts that their business incurs, and for good reason!

If you opt for a limited liability company or a corporation, you can build your brand with limited liability, although there are other caveats to consider, such as corporation tax.

How many owners are there?

Are you starting your entrepreneurial venture alone or with a group of like-minded individuals? The number of owners you have as part of your structure will also be a major factor in which structure you choose. You don’t want to set up as a sole proprietor on paper, with a verbal agreement to share ownership, only to end up having some difficult conversations down the line.

Transferring the business ownership

The last thing to consider is how long you plan to own your business. After all, sole proprietorship businesses rely heavily on the owner and rarely outlive them.

Is it important to you that the business continues running after you’ve finished with it? If you want to pass it on to family or friends, it’s important you choose an ownership that makes that easy and seamless.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right business entity can feel overwhelming, but understanding your options can make all the difference in your success. From sole proprietorships to corporations, the structure you choose will impact everything from liability to taxes and decision-making power.

For more expert guidance on business ownership, financing, and scaling your venture, check out Foundr+. Learn from successful entrepreneurs, including industry leaders like Alexa von Tobel, through our exclusive courses and insights.

Get full access to expert-led courses and invaluable resources with a Foundr+ membership—try it for seven days for just $1.

The post What are the Different Types of Business Ownership? Everything Entrepreneurs Need to Know appeared first on Foundr.

Being one of the first brands to adapt to a new trend can have monumental benefits.

And as a new brand, you should always be looking for ways to differentiate yourself from the competition!

In this article, I’ll take you through the importance of marketing trends for startups and some key trends you should consider in your marketing this year.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

• As generative AI continues to take center stage, brands will be able to use human touch as a unique selling point.
• As a founder in 2025, you need to consider clever and out-of-the-box ideas to get ahead of the competition.
• With people searching and interacting with brands in new ways, you need to ensure your brand is ready to adapt to those changes.

A Word on Marketing Trends

Before we dive into the trends you should consider this year, let’s talk about the importance of marketing trends for founders specifically. Jumping onto a marketing trend effectively as a brand can have significant benefits, especially for a brand that is just starting out and looking to gain a foothold in the market.

The main reason for this is that lots of marketing efforts at this time are either very expensive or won’t have an impact until much further down the line.

For example, you can write some very high-quality SEO-friendly blog content as a new brand, but without any Domain Reputation or authority in your industry, then Google will not rank your content as high as it maybe should be ranked based on quality alone.

So instead, you’re forced to focus on paid marketing avenues like PPC, which can quickly eat into your budget and take valuable resources.

So, if you are able to jump on a marketing trend, that can lead to a quick boost in awareness, which can have a notable knock-on effect on all your other marketing efforts.

Of course, marketing trends do have their limitations, which is why I’ve focused on picking ones that are more long-term than suggestions like ‘jump on TikTok trends quickly.’ But with that said, staying aware of the most effective trends for the year is a great way for Founders to gain an edge in 2025.

4 Marketing Trends in 2025

With that in mind, let’s take a look at four marketing trends that you should consider for your brand in 2025.

The rise of AI will lead to… a craving for humans?

There’s plenty of chatter at the moment about the rise in AI and what it can do for your company, and I did wonder about including all the potential benefits to brands that engage with generative AI and AI agent capabilities.

But then I also figured you likely can see that information on any other website! Instead, I want to talk about the potential of using human touch as your USP in 2025.

As a small brand or solo entrepreneur, you are in a unique position that larger brands can’t compete with you on, and that is customer care.

Rather than forcing your brand to chat to chatbots and engage with AI agents on your website, why not take advantage of the fact you’re a small brand and build true customer loyalty by personally responding to queries and concerns>

In a world where AI responses are becoming the norm, this approach can be a major benefit for those who are willing to put the time in.

A new social channel may take center stage

There has been a lot of talk in recent months about social media channels, most notably X and it’s ‘eccentric’ owner, and also the lingering potential TikTok ban in the US.

Not to mention Australia’s recent move to ban social media for children under a certain age.

As a result, 2025 could easily be the year we see a new social media channel reach the mainstream. One current contender is BlueSky.

Bluesky is a decentralized social media platform that prioritizes user control over their data and the content they see. Users can customize their feeds using various algorithms, enhancing privacy and offering a tailored browsing experience. 

It’s risen in popularity due to many X users claiming the platform is not as enjoyable as it once was, but we’re yet to see whether or not it will truly take off.

However, as a founder it’s important to keep your eye on these trends, as regular posters on these platforms will put themselves in a great position to gain lots of traffic if consumers flood to the website and other brands play catch up.

Community will be more important than ever

Speaking of communicating with customers, building a community will also be a major USP in 2025. Brands that are able to work and chat with their customers will reap the rewards this year, and there are several ways to do so.

While influencers can still play a large role in your marketing efforts, several brands are moving toward customer collaborations instead, with the influencer world becoming slightly oversaturated and consumers becoming more familiar with that form of marketing.

Not only that, but Google has also introduced a new feature within the search results that highlights the best discussion forums on any given topic. If you’re able to meet your brands in their digital communities, not only will you improve that relationship, but you’re also putting yourself in the shop window for new, like-minded customers.

Optimize for voice search

Lastly, I wanted to include a slightly ‘out there’ suggestion to try and give you as many potential options as possible to stand out from the crowd!
With voice search consistently rising each year, tailoring your content to suit this new approach could be a good way to outperform in the search results.

It’s become increasingly hard to rank for competitive keywords as a new brand using traditional measures, so optimizing for voice search could be the way to go.

But how do you optimize for voice search?

In simple terms, take a more conversational tone with your content. For example, rather than writing an article that focuses on the keyword phrase ‘fitness,’ focus instead on an article surrounding ‘how can I get a bit fitter this year.’

The reason for this is that people are much more conversational in their voice search than in traditional typed search, so accommodating that in your writing will benefit your performance.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of brand marketing, especially as we navigate through 2025, Foundr+ offers a strategic advantage. For just $1, gain access to 14 days of live coaching tailored to the latest marketing trends. 

You’ll also receive support from industry experts, connect with a vibrant community of over 30,000 professionals, and explore over 30 courses designed to fast-track your learning and business growth. Dive into Foundr+ and propel your brand to new heights this year.

The post Brand Marketing Trends in 2025 appeared first on Foundr.

There are many aspects of starting a business. 

People will be quick to tell you about the importance of marketing, different sales techniques, and everything you need to know about getting a product to market.

But in truth, without the necessary discipline, all the information becomes much less important. However, discipline is not something you are born with. It takes constant work and dedication, but the results are significantly more success and better obstacle management.

Here, we will look at six ways you can improve your self-discipline and give you all the skills you need to become a productive entrepreneur.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

• Reframe the concept of ‘discipline’: Many people see discipline as punishment. Reframing it will help you build it.
• Start small: Elite-level self-discipline isn’t born overnight.
• Establish clear (and reasonable) expectations: Expectations are great to aspire to, but only if they’re feasible.
• Make a list: Nothing beats a good to-do list!
• Make conscious steps to minimize distractions: Removing distractions is a great way to help pave the way for self-discipline. 
• Technology is your friend: When used correctly, technology can greatly aid your journey to self-discipline.
• Each temptation is an opportunity to grow stronger: Discipline is something you will always have to work on.

The Importance of Discipline for Founders

The world of a founder is certainly a rollercoaster ride! There are days when the business thrives and others where you are faced with challenges you may never have even considered.

However, with the help of discipline, founders can ensure consistent progress, even in the face of adversity.

I for one, often find myself caught out by distractions or unforeseen circumstances that need resolving. But it is the discipline that ensures those situations don’t derail you. Remember, building a business is not a sprint. It’s a marathon that requires structure and focus, which are two things that discipline can provide.

Entrepreneurship is fraught with obstacles, and a disciplined mindset will let you remain composed under pressure, assess situations, and make pragmatic decisions.

6 Ways to Become More Disciplined

Reframe the concept of ‘discipline’

First off, it’s important to address the term discipline. Ever heard of a child getting ‘disciplined’ for bad behavior? 

Or perhaps a teenager who people describe as lacking discipline when they show bad behavior? There are countless examples of these interactions when we grow up, and as such, we often see discipline as a response to bad behavior or something we don’t want to do.

But building self-discipline shouldn’t focus on making yourself do things you don’t want to. Instead, it should be viewed as making positive changes for future success.

For example, if you were trying to become more helpful, you would have much more success if you opted for healthy habits you enjoyed. The same can be said for business. Opt for habits and goals that you are truly passionate about first to help instill self–discipline as an ingrained habit.

Start small

It’s also important to start small and not try to work on everything all at once. Going back to our health and exercise example from before, if you’ve ever tried to increase exercise, improve your diet, and reduce your alcohol intake all in one go, then you’ll know how hard that can be!

Sure, you might be able to keep it up for a short time, but ultimately, one aspect will likely slip, demotivating you to the point where you give up.

Instead, you’d like to have much more success by focusing on one of these aspects first, engraining it as a habit, and then moving on to the next. 

The same can be said for business. Rather than aiming to run the perfect business overnight, focus on small wins. Start by working on your project consistently each day at the same time in the morning. A small accomplishment like this is great for setting the tone and showing immediate progress.

Make a list

Next on the list? Make a list!

One of the most important aspects of self-discipline is understanding what needs doing. There is nothing more satisfying than ticking things off your to-do list, and that act alone can add valuable motivation as you continue to work through it.

If you’re not used to acting with self-discipline, you may find yourself scratching your head, trying to work out what to do next. 

The best way to overcome this is to start the day by writing down everything you want to achieve. As you become more self-disciplined, you may even expand your to-do list to cover a week or a month in advance. 

There are several tools that can help you make such a list, but my personal preference is a simple Google Sheet, where I list out my plans per hour, per day, per week, and per month. 

It isn’t a perfect system, but then no list-making system is! The important thing is that it gives a great jumping-off point to know you’re being productive and disciplined with your time.

Make conscious steps to minimize distractions

I don’t know about you, but I often find myself looking at the time on my phone, only to see that a solid 20 minutes have passed since I started scrolling through social media.

Mobile phones aren’t the only distraction founders face, but they can be a big one. Unless you are expecting a call or working on your social channels, try leaving your phone outside your office while at work. Little steps like this can greatly minimize your distractions and keep you focused on the matters at hand.

Another solution is to set alarms for certain projects during the day; this will prevent your whole day from getting wiped out by one that overruns.

Technology is your friend

While some technology can cause distractions, other technological tools can also benefit you on your journey to self-discipline. Platforms like Trello are great for organizing your tasks, ChatGPT can be a brilliant tool for content ideation and brand brainstorming, and there are plenty of others that can help speed up your productivity and motivate you to continue being disciplined. When tasks take time it can lead to distractions seeming more tempting, but the right technology can help ensure tasks are resolved quickly, allowing you to move on to the next project without any unnecessary breaks.

Each temptation is an opportunity to grow stronger

Lastly, it’s important to remember that self-discipline is not easy. After all, if it was, everyone would practice it! 

That said, each temptation you avoid helps you train your discipline muscle, making it easier to avoid the next temptation.

Removing temptations where you can in life will make a huge difference to the effort you are able to instill into your business ventures and is sure to help you turn your fledgling idea into a roaring success.

You Have the Discipline, Now Get the Resources You Need

Seeking advice on how to attract customers to your website? Or perhaps you’d like a one-on-one coach to guide you through proven business strategies to grow your brand? Foundr+ can help. For just $1, you’ll gain access to more than 30 courses and 1,000 lessons led by top industry experts. You’ll also join a growing community of like-minded founders. Sign up today to get started.

The post How to Build Discipline in 6 Easy Ways appeared first on Foundr.

Considering joining one of the millions of small businesses by purchasing an established brand?

Congratulations, you’re on step one to becoming a business owner!

That said, while there are many benefits to purchasing an established business as a startup or entrepreneur, there are also lots of things to factor in along the way.

In this article, I will take you through the steps you need to consider when buying a business in 2025, to help you decide whether or not it’s the right idea for you.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

Step 1. Find a Business to Buy: Search for a business that meets your requirements regarding price, industry, and profitability.

Step 2. Establish a Budget: Make a budget to ensure you don’t overspend or walk away from negotiations too early.

Step 3. Do Your Homework: Buying a business is a big purchase, so make sure you’re doing plenty of due diligence beforehand.

Step 4: Value the Business: Don’t just take a seller’s valuation at face value. Get the business valued independently.

Step 5: Create a Business Sale Agreement: Work up a detailed business sale agreement to ensure you receive all assets and avoid future issues.

Why Would You Consider Buying a Business?

Now, you might be asking yourself, why would I buy a business? I’m an entrepreneur. I’m looking to start one!’

Well, buying a business doesn’t necessarily mean you aren’t starting it, and can also come with several benefits that starting from scratch can’t offer.

For example, perhaps you buy the domain and trademarks associated with a specific name before turning it into a completely different business. Or maybe you are interested in launching a new product or service in an industry, and you want to start with an established customer base.

Buying a business comes with some costly upfront costs, but access to customer information, existing infrastructure, and brand recognition can save you a lot of money and time (and headaches!) down the line.

It also ensures you can start generating revenue much quicker than starting from scratch, which will help you invest more back into your business and scale quicker.

5 Steps to Buying a Business in 2025

Step 1. Find a Business to Buy

First things first, you need to a find a business you want to buy! 

The easiest way to start would be to search ‘business for sale,’ but that advice is about as good as saying, ‘just Google it.’

Instead, start by narrowing down these important questions.

• What knowledge do you have? While it can be tempting to move into a brand new industry because of the profit margins, if you don’t understand the inner workings, you will struggle to continue or improve on that success without a steep (and likely expensive) learning curve.
• What do you feel passionately about? However, it’s not just about your knowledge, it’s also what you care about! After all, many people start a new business venture because they don’t enjoy the industry they’re currently working in, so there’s no point in buying a business that is in that same industry just because it is comfortable. It’s much easier to succeed in business if you enjoy going to work.
• What is the end goal? Lastly, consider what it is you want to get out of purchasing your business. Is the aim to build up the business and run it yourself, or do you plan to sell it for a profit in the future? Is the goal to become self-sufficient or build a global empire? 

Once you’ve answered those key questions, you can start searching for the right business that meets those key points. 

However, I still wouldn’t recommend doing this on Google! Instead, look at online marketplaces like Upflip, Flippa, or MotionInvest. Or, consider working directly with a business broker. They’ll likely charge a big fee, but they will also significantly reduce any risks involved.

Step 2. Establish a Budget

Next, it’s also important to establish your budget. For some, this may actually act as step one, but personally, I think it’s best to scope out what you are looking for first. After all, if you finish step one and realize you don’t want to buy a business and would prefer to launch your own, then you don’t need to worry about pulling a budget together to buy one!

Creating a budget is crucial for purchasing a business as it prevents you from overspending and making emotional decisions rather than ones based on analytics.

Make a note of your current financial picture, and think about how you plan to purchase your chosen business. For some, all funds will come from savings and personal accounts, but for others, it may be that investment comes from external sources, such as angel investors or a bank.

When you’re doing your budget, don’t just focus on purchase prices. You also need to factor in how much income you hope to make, how much you might lose if you’re leaving a 9-5 to start your business and any large monthly expenses the business may require, such as commercial rent.

Step 3. Do Your Homework

Now that you’ve followed steps one and two let’s say you’ve found a business that meets all your expectations. It’s in your ideal industry, it’s got all the potential in the world, and it’s coming in under budget.

Now it’s time to get to work. Buying a business shouldn’t be something you rush, and doing your due diligence is crucial for ensuring everything is as it seems. By conducting thorough research, you ensure there won’t be any nasty surprises when you take the leap.

Doing your homework also gives you more time to get familiar with the ins and outs of running that business and deciding whether or not you still want to sign on the dotted line.

Step 4: Value the Business

If the chosen business passes all your checks, it’s time to get it valued. Sure, the person selling the business will give you a price, but it’s always necessary to conduct your own valuation, even if you think what they are asking for is fair.

Many small business owners have never had their financials audited, making it difficult to be sure you are getting an honest view of the business performance.

You need to see a few years of financial records, cash statements, and balance sheets to truly understand what’s going on behind the scenes. 

Ask your own accountant or bookkeeper to go through the documents as well to ensure nothing is getting hidden from you.

Fortunately, there are several laws in most countries around disclosing certain business information. It’s worth swatting up on what sellers must tell you before engaging in negotiations to see whether or not your chosen business sellers are acting in good faith.

Step 5: Create a Business Sale Agreement

If everything lines up as it should and your accountant is happy with the business records, you’re ready for the final stage: creating a business sale agreement.

Your business sale agreement needs to include every detail of the sale, regardless of how small, ensuring the transfer of ownership goes off without a hitch.

That might sound quite complex, and that’s because it is! However, you need a detailed business sale agreement to ensure you are protected from any potential issues. I’d always recommend getting a lawyer to help create or review your agreement, but that isn’t always the most cost-effective approach. 

There are also platforms like nolo.com or lawdepot.com that offer templates for sales agreements that you can then tweak to suit your needs.

Before You Buy, Why Not Try?

Looking to attract more customers to your website or need expert guidance to refine your business strategy and grow your brand? Foundr+ is here to help! 

For just $1, you’ll unlock instant access to 30+ courses and 1,000+ lessons led by industry-leading experts. 

Whether you’re starting a business from scratch or considering buying one, you’ll gain actionable insights to accelerate your success.

The post 5 Steps to Buying a Business in 2025 appeared first on Foundr.

As an entrepreneur, your time and energy are likely getting pulled in several different directions.

While you may get energy from the passion you have for designing products, planning marketing, and setting up your store, you may not have that same energy when it comes to bookkeeping!

But it is just as important as any other aspect of your business and should be treated as such. In this article, I will take you through the top 5 accounting software opportunities for startups to ensure you play by the book and play to win.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways

FreeAgent: For anyone who wants an affordable and user-friendly platform.

QuickBooks: For those who want a scalable platform for growing businesses.

Wave: For anyone searching for cheap options.

Zoho Books: For anyone who wants software that integrates with other business tools.

Xero: For anyone searching for a highly popular and trustworthy brand.

What Decided This List

But first, I wanted to quickly take you through the criteria I considered when collating this list. After all, there are a ton of articles out there pushing affiliate links to convince you to choose their preferred options!
So, I wanted to put it on record that all of the below suggestions have come from first-hand research, and none of these brands have paid for promotion.

Instead, these accounting software options were hand-picked based on pricing, user-friendliness, simplicity, and any unique selling points that ensure they’re a good fit for startups and entrepreneurs!

The Importance of Paying Your Taxes on Time

As a business owner, you may be asking yourself, ‘Do I really need to pay taxes when I haven’t even sold any products yet?’ and the answer is, yes!
I learned this the hard way when I first set up my business and ended up getting hit with a rather annoying fine.

But a fine is just one of the issues that can come from not paying taxes correctly or on time. In the worst case scenarios, you could end up with much more serious issues, potentially even jail time.

The Top 5 Accounting Software for Startups

With all that in mind, let’s take a look at five of the best accounting software that you can consider for your new business venture.

FreeAgent

 

Link: https://www.freeagent.com/ 

Pricing: $40 per month 

User-friendliness: 9/10

The first software on this list is FreeAgent, as it is my go-to choice for accounting software. From my experience using the tool, it’s extremely simple to track income and expenditure and categorize that income and expenditure as you go. That way, when it comes to paying taxes at the end of the year, everything is ready to be shared if required.

It’s ideal for solo entrepreneurs who are looking for a platform that suits their accounting needs while also having the capabilities to scale up as their business grows.

QuickBooks

Link: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/ 

Pricing: $35 per month

User-friendliness: 8/10

Another great option is QuickBooks, which offers all of the same features you’d expect from FreeAgent and other leading accounting software brands. One of the big benefits of using QuickBooks is the brilliant offers that they tend to run for new customers. In the UK, for example, you can get a whole year for just £35! After your first year, that price jumps significantly, but Quickbooks is hoping to convince you it’s easier to stay with them than move again. Those offers also differ depending on which country you are based in.

However, for startups looking to save vital cash for other aspects of their business, look out for great discounts where you can.

Image

Link: https://www.waveapps.com/ 

Pricing: From free

User-friendliness: 8/10

For those who really want to keep the purse strings tight, Wave can be an excellent option, as the core accounting features are completely free! As you might expect, the actual features and design are not as detailed as the paid versions on this list, but for basic bookkeeping and invoicing, it’s a fantastic option.

One thing I love about Wave is that the free plan really is free! You can produce an unlimited amount of invoices, and even the paid version with more detailed features is just $16 per month.

Zoho Books

Link: https://www.zoho.com/books/pricing/ 

Pricing: From $0 per month

User-friendliness: 6/10

Zoho Books also offers a free version of its accounting software, but in the form of a free trial rather than a free subscription. That said, the paid versions of this platform are still very low. One of the biggest benefits I found when looking into Zoho Books is that it is part of the much bigger company, Zoho, which also offers several other software solutions that could benefit your business.

For some startups, having accounting, CRM, Payroll, and more all in one place can be a lifesaver.

Xero

Link: https://www.xero.com/ 

Pricing: From $20

User-friendliness: 7/10

If you’ve done any research into accounting software, chances are you will have heard of Xero! Xero is one of the largest accounting software companies, and is a great option for any startups that have raised significant investment to launch their business and need a platform that reflects the size of their launch.

It isn’t the easiest to use for small startups, but if you’re a big startup that wants to put the right professional foot forward, this could be a great option for you.

Grow Your Business Today

Looking to attract more customers to your website? Or need a dedicated coach to guide you through proven strategies for building your brand? Say hello to Foundr+!

For just $1, you’ll unlock instant access to over 30+ expert-led courses and 1,000+ lessons designed to help you scale your business. Plus, you’ll become part of a thriving community of ambitious founders just like you.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Sign up today!

The post The Top 5 Accounting Software for Startups: Keep Your Brand on Track in 2025 appeared first on Foundr.

When it comes to social media marketing, you’d be forgiven for forgetting about Pinterest.

After all, there’s so much more noise surrounding Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and even LinkedIn.

But more noise also means more competition, and for that reason, it might be worth considering Pinterest as part of your social media strategy.

Here, we’ll break down how Pinterest can drive sales for your brand in 2025 and offer insights into a different way to get your brand name out there.

Key Takeaways 

1. Be shiny – Pinterest is ultimately a visual board, so your images need to be eye-catching and appealing! 
2. Make shopping on Pinterest as easy as clicking ‘BUY ME NOW’ – add quick links to your products.
3. Pinterest may be a visual platform, but SEO is massively important, too – put as much effort into your keywords as you do your imagery. 

Ways That Pinterest Can Drive Sales for Your Brand

Pinterest is often overlooked for business purposes in comparison to other, more prominent platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn. 

However, there are plenty of ways Pinterest can help increase brand sales. Here are a few of my favorites.

1. Make engaging pins

Like any social media content, it needs to be engaging. Sometimes with content marketing, brands get sucked into thinking that simply ticking it off their to-do list is enough. In reality, one well-thought-out, engaging pin will be worth more to your brand than 100 bland, uninspiring ones.

To create the most engaging pins, utilize a multi-pronged approach of well-planned topics, visual appeal, and optimization for discovery. Opt for clear and high-resolution imagery, ideally with vibrant colors that will catch users mid-scroll.

2. Nail your SEO strategy

However, while Pinterest is an image-based social media platform, it also requires a level of SEO to gain true traction. That means writing descriptive titles that include relevant keywords for searchability and also adding informative descriptions with relevant hashtags. 

Not only does this help with SEO, but it also provides much-needed context and allows Pinterest to categorize your content accordingly, ensuring your target audience sees it.

3. Utilize rich pins

Rich pins automatically sync important information about your brand to your pin, including additional information that potential customers may need to convert.

For example, if you used a Product Pin, you can provide your audience with availability, pricing, and where to buy information, making those pins much likelier to drive sales by breaking down any potential barriers to purchase.

To implement a rich pin, you need to ensure everything on your website is ready to go and in line with Pinterest’s specifications. Otherwise, the information may not pull through correctly. You can find those specifications here.

Once your brand has been approved for Rich Pins, your site content will automatically sync, making it easy for you to create great pins and for your audience to understand your brand’s positioning.

4. Run Pinterest ads

Another option available to you is to run ads, much like you can do on other social media platforms. For brands without much of a social presence, the paid ad approach can be a good way to boost online presence and drive more traffic to your site.

Pinterest ads (aka Promoted Pins) ensure your content reaches a wider audience while still keeping it within your target demographic, thanks to the filters within the setup process.

As you may have guessed, this approach comes at a financial cost, so I suggest testing content organically first, getting comfortable with the platform and what resonates with your brand’s audience. 

That way, you can ensure that when you do opt for a paid approach, you know you’re promoting the right content to maximize exposure and interactions.

5. Engage at every opportunity

There’s no such thing as too much engagement for new brands and startups!

It’s a theme we’ve constantly seen across multiple successful founder stories. Brands that launch successfully don’t have audiences fall into their lap. Instead, they spend hours responding to comments, DMing potential customers, and building a fiercely loyal community.

This approach can be used on any social media platform and is extremely effective on Pinterest. Brands have built entire businesses off their Pinterest audiences, and one of its biggest benefits is how loyal the platform users are to brands that take time to engage. Use that to your advantage.

Invest in Your Businesses Future Today

If you would like some personalized business coaching to help skyrocket your Pinterest and your business, then look no further. You can get access to Foundr+ for just $1. This gives you access to 14 days of live coaching, real-life human support, a community of over 30,000+ like-minded professionals, and over 30 business courses to fast-track your learning and business growth. 

FAQs

What type of content should I post on Pinterest?

Use vertical images (2:3 aspect ratio) that are visually appealing. Or try step-by-step instructions or infographics that provide value.

How can I optimize my pins for search?

Include relevant keywords in your pin descriptions, titles, and board names. Consider what your audience might search for.

How often should I post on Pinterest?

Consistency is key on Pinterest! Ideally, aim to post 5-10 new pins per week to maintain visibility and engagement. However, it’s essential to focus on quality over quantity.

The post How Pinterest Can Drive Sales for Your Brand in 2025 appeared first on Foundr.

Trying to get traffic to your website is trickier than ever.

With more and more content to compete with, it can often feel like there is no single approach that can get people to come to your website.

And in truth, there isn’t!

But there is a combined approach you can take, each with its own creative flair that is sure to get you noticed.

Here, I’ll take you through several ways you can attempt to attract new customers to your website. Some you may have heard of, and some are a little more ‘creative’ for startups looking to gain a foothold in the market.

Key Takeaways

• Make it more user-friendly: Ensure that your website loads quickly, navigates easily, and provides a pleasant user experience, optimizing for both user satisfaction and search engine rankings.
• Build a lead magnet: Offer high-quality, free content like eBooks or exclusive guides to entice visitors to your site, which also helps in gathering their email addresses for future engagement.
• Chat to competitor audiences: Engage with individuals who interact with your competitors by connecting with them on social media, encouraging them to explore what your brand has to offer.
• Build your email list: Develop your email list by offering unique discounts and exclusive content to subscribers, making it an attractive proposition despite the common reluctance to provide personal information.

Ways to Attract Customers to Your Website

As you are already aware, attracting customers to your website is essential. After all, how else are they going to go through the incredible purchasing funnel you’ve created?

With that in mind, here are four different ways to do just that.

Make it more user-friendly

First off, you need to ensure that your site is as user-friendly as possible. That might sound obvious, but you’d be amazed at how many websites I see that load too slowly, have pages that contain broken links, and aren’t well-optimized for users.

Some marketing experts will tell you that you need to optimize for Google, but really, you need to optimize for your users. 

For starters, not all of your traffic will come from Google, so your site needs to be set up to accommodate users who find you from other avenues. 

Secondly, optimizing for users IS optimizing for Google! Sure, Google values certain keywords in particular places, but its main indicators are user experience, such as time spent on the site, users clicking on other pages from your home page, and so on.

So the first thing you should do is a complete audit of your website, from the shoes of your customer. Click through from an ad, imagine you’re trying to learn more or make a purchase, and make a note of the experience.

Build your email list

Another way to ensure more people visit your website is to build up your email list. That way, you can contact people when there is new content to consume, new products launched, or offer periods that are underway.

However, people are not going to sign up to your email list because you tell them to. After all, many people are bombarded with emails every day, so adding another email sender to their list does not come easily.

People are reluctant to part with this information unless they absolutely have to, and for good reason.

However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get them to do so. Take advantage of offering unique discounts and incentives for opted-in customers, such as 15% off your first order or ongoing offers that are specific to email users.

You could also create a waitlist before product launches, offering unique insights, behind-the-scenes, and updates that other non-email customers won’t get. This tactic has been extremely successful for other startup entrepreneurs, such as Alicia Scott, who went on to turn her business into a billion-dollar venture.

Build a lead magnet

Another way to incentivize website traffic is to give something away for free. It could be a digital eBook, a unique guide, or even a detailed study. Whatever it is, it needs to be your highest quality content, as you can then plaster it all over your various platforms and advertising channels, pushing people to come and get something for free.

This action will also ensure you get more email addresses on your list, which will help with the point above, so it’s a win-win!

But let’s go back to my point about the quality of the content for a second. When creating free content, it is tempting to rush it or just get something out there. Of course, something is better than nothing, but your lead magnet really should be your very best work.

Put yourself in your potential customer’s shoes. They’re not expecting it to be that good because it’s free, so if you knock their socks off with a fantastically useful resource, just imagine how highly they will value your product or service. 

‘If this company gives me this for free, imagine what their paid product/service is like!’

Chat to competitor audiences

Lastly, don’t be afraid to get a little creative with your competitor’s audiences. Of course, you can gain a lot of insight from tracking your competition and seeing how they gain traffic and attention, but there’s also another tactic you can use.

Look at who is engaging with your competition, make a list, and start interacting with them directly, likely via social media. This will help get your brand name out there and also incentivize your target audience to go learn more about what you have to offer.

These are the people you want to come and visit your website, so why not go to them instead? If your product of service is to their liking, they’ll be sure to follow you back to your website from there.

Invest $1 in Your Future

Need more advice on how to attract customers to your website? Or maybe you want a 1-2-1 coach to talk you through the best business strategies to build your brand? Well, look no further than Foundr+! When you sign up for just $1, you will receive instant access to 30+ courses and 1,000+ lessons led by top experts. You’ll also join the growing community of like-minded founders. Sign up here.

The post Attract New Customers to Your Website With These Creative Approaches appeared first on Foundr.

For most business owners and marketers, deciding how to allocate a marketing budget across various channels is a tricky balancing act. It’s challenging to make sure each dollar goes towards efforts that will move the needle, especially in a crowded, ever-evolving digital landscape. To help simplify the process, here’s an 8-step guide to creating a monthly marketing budget that will help you spend strategically, align with your goals, and maximize ROI.

Key Takeaways

• Businesses that have a clear, documented budget and track their ROI see a 43% higher return on marketing investment.
• 48% of small businesses allocate a significant portion of their marketing budget to digital channels, often without a structured plan, which means many opportunities for optimization are missed. 
• Setting SMART goals will help map out your long-term and short-term marketing plans as well as help guide what channels you spend your dollars on!

8 Steps to Mapping Out a Monthly Marketing Budget

By breaking down marketing spending into clear, actionable steps, businesses of all sizes can make the most of their budgets, track progress, and pivot as needed to achieve meaningful results. A strong budget isn’t just about numbers—it’s about aligning spending with your brand’s vision and goals for lasting impact.

Step 1: Set Clear Marketing Goals

Your marketing goals should guide every aspect of your budget. Start by identifying what you want to achieve over the month. This could be:

• Increasing website traffic by a specific percentage
• Driving a certain number of qualified leads
• Boosting conversion rates on a new product or service

Once you’ve set your SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) goals, you’ll have a much easier time determining how much to allocate to each channel. Struggling to set SMART goals? Look no further. Read this guide! Studies show that goal-setting increases marketing effectiveness by up to 10%, so don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Know Your Total Budget and Get Creative

Plan your business finances and work out your total budget available per month. The U.S. Small Business Administration recommends that small businesses spend 7 – 8% of their revenue on marketing if they’re generating less than $5 million annually and have a profit margin in the 10–12% range.

So, if your monthly revenue is $50,000, that means a marketing budget of $3,500–$4,000 is advisable. But remember, this is just a guideline. You’ll need to adjust based on your unique situation, industry, and goals. 

Also, don’t be afraid to get creative to make your budget go further! Instead of overspending on traditional advertising, Airbnb invests heavily in content marketing and user-generated content. Their budget prioritizes building a strong community, fostering user trust, and creating shareable content, such as their “Live There” campaign. By focusing on content and UGC, Airbnb achieved 4.5x higher ROI on its marketing spend compared to competitors relying on paid media. As of 2023, Airbnb reduced its overall marketing spend to focus more on unpaid strategies, helping the company grow revenue by 40% year-on-year! 

Step 3: Analyze Past Performance

Benchmarking is vital when it comes to reviewing your budget and performance. Review the previous month’s data to see which channels or campaigns delivered the highest ROI. Struggling to calculate your ROI? Read this article for some top tips! Many marketers get caught up in spreading funds across all channels evenly, but this can dilute the effectiveness on the platforms that perform better. Statistics show that 76% of businesses experience wasted spend on ineffective channels – don’t be one of those businesses! 

Analytics tools like Google Analytics and Facebook Insights can be used to identify which campaigns drove traffic, conversions, and engagement. Make sure you have a baseline for key metrics like cost per lead, customer acquisition cost (CAC), and return on ad spend (ROAS). Nike leverages data analytics to allocate marketing dollars efficiently across digital, social media, and experiential marketing. They shifted a significant portion of their budget from traditional TV ads to digital channels to better target younger audiences. Nike’s 30% increase in digital marketing spend drove a 59% growth in online sales in 2022, contributing to their overall revenue increase of 13%. Digital now accounts for over 50% of Nike’s total marketing budget, a strategy that aligns with their direct-to-consumer focus. 

Step 4: Break Down Your Budget by Channel

Once you’ve analyzed past data, allocate your budget according to channel performance. Here’s a simple breakdown of how your marketing budget could be spent: 

• Digital ads: 40%
• Content marketing: 25%
• Social media: 15%
• Email marketing: 10%
• Other (print, events, etc.): 10%

Keep in mind that these percentages are only starting points and will vary depending on the size, audience and industry of your business. 

Step 5: Allocate for “Always-On” Marketing

Some marketing efforts need consistent funding, regardless of monthly goals. “Always-on” marketing ensures that your brand stays visible and relevant to your audience. Here are a few common “always-on” strategies:

• SEO efforts (5 – 10%): Organic traffic often takes time to grow, but this is budget-friendly, so invest in SEO continuously to support long-term organic traffic goals. SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. 
• Social media management (5 – 10%): Maintaining active profiles across social channels helps build brand trust and can be a constant driver of engagement.

Studies show that businesses with “always-on” marketing grow their leads by up to 70% over those with sporadic campaigns. Coca-Cola allocates the majority of its marketing budget to brand-building campaigns rather than short-term promotional efforts, spending 6–7% of its revenue on marketing globally, which amounted to $4 billion in 2021! They focus on storytelling and emotional branding to maintain their status as one of the world’s most valuable brands. As a direct result of this strategy, Coca-Cola has held its position as the 6th most valuable brand in the world, with an estimated value of $57 billion! 

Step 6: Allocate for Short-Term Campaigns

Aside from “always-on” marketing efforts, make room for short-term or seasonal campaigns that align with monthly business goals. These might include:

• Product launches
• Seasonal promotions
• Targeted ads for specific events

For example, if you’re launching a new service this month, allocate 10 – 20% of your budget to promoting it across relevant channels, particularly ones with high engagement rates like paid social media or Google Ads. 

Step 7: Plan for Testing and Adjustments

It’s smart to keep 5 – 10% of your budget flexible for testing new strategies or as a contingency plan in case a campaign is running particularly well or, not so well. Testing can include anything from trying out a new ad platform to running A/B tests on emails or landing pages. You can read more about A/B testing here. In fact, companies that regularly experiment see up to a 30% higher ROI than those that don’t. 

If you’re allocating $4,000 for the month, set aside around $200 – $400 for testing. This will give you the chance to try out different strategies and adjust your approach based on what’s working.

Step 8: Track, Measure, and Reallocate

Tracking your budget throughout the month is key to making sure you’re on track with spending and performance. Set weekly check-ins to review campaign results, which will ensure nothing is running over budget; you can highlight areas for improvement quickly and can equally add a little extra spend into channels that are working well.  

Reallocate funds to high-performing channels if possible. For instance, if a social media ad campaign is driving tons of traffic but costing less than anticipated, you might decide to put more dollars there. Businesses that continuously reallocate marketing budgets to match performance see a 20% higher marketing ROI. 

Crafting a monthly marketing budget takes careful planning, but the payoff is worth it. By breaking down your budget into clear, goal-aligned steps, you’ll be able to stretch every dollar for maximum impact! Remember to make data-driven decisions and align your test and learn strategy with your monthly marketing budget. 

Need more advice on how to plan a marketing strategy? Or maybe you want a 1-2-1 coach to talk you through the best business strategy to maximize your growth? Well, look no further than Foundr+! When you sign up for just $1, you will receive instant access to 30+ courses and 1,000+ lessons led by top experts like multi-millionaire Gretta van Riel. Sign up here. 

FAQ: 

How much should I allocate to my monthly marketing budget?

The ideal monthly marketing budget varies depending on factors like your industry, company size, growth stage, and revenue. A common guideline is to allocate 7-8% of your revenue to marketing if your annual revenue is under $5 million and you aim for a 10-12% profit margin. However, if you’re in a competitive market or in growth mode, you may want to invest more—up to 10-15% of revenue.

How can I make sure I’m getting a good ROI on my marketing spend?

To maximize ROI, track key performance indicators (KPIs) for each campaign. These might include cost per lead,  customer acquisition cost, and return on ad spend. Set measurable goals and adjust your budget based on performance data. Regularly reallocating funds from underperforming channels to high-performing ones can boost ROI significantly—businesses that do this can see up to 20% higher returns.

How often should I revisit or adjust my marketing budget?

A monthly budget doesn’t mean you set it once and forget it! Weekly check-ins on spending and performance are essential to stay agile. If certain channels exceed expectations, consider reallocating additional funds mid-month. Businesses that frequently adjust their budgets based on real-time data generally see better returns and can adapt to shifts in consumer behavior faster.

The post 8 Steps to Mapping Out a Monthly Marketing Budget appeared first on Foundr.

Project management tools can be a game-changer for any business struggling with productivity, organization, and effective communication. 

Whether you’re a one-man band, part of a small team, or a large organization, having the right tools in place will help streamline your workflows, improve team collaboration, and track progress effectively. All of these factors can save you time and money, helping make your business more effective and profitable. 

Key Takeaways 

• Picking the right project management tool for your business can improve efficiency by 30%! 
• Organizations that invest in project management tools see an average ROI of 20% on their projects – tools enable better budget management and resource allocation, reducing costs and improving the overall financial performance of projects.
• Project management software can reduce project costs by up to 15% due to better planning and efficient task management – with clear task assignments, fewer delays, and automated workflows, companies can minimize overheads and reduce costly project setbacks.

8 Project Management Tools To Make You More Efficient

Never used a project management tool before? Or maybe you have, but it became more of a hindrance than a help? Well, picking the right tool all depends on personal preference and what you need it for. 

Here’s a curated list of the top 8 project management tools to help you optimize team performance and achieve better project outcomes and ROI. If you want to learn more about how to calculate your ROI, click here.

1. Asana

One of the most popular project management tools – Asana is free for basic use, is fairly user friendly, and is great for visual projects. 

• Price: Free for Basic, Premium at $10.99/user/month, Business at $24.99/user/month
• Pros:
  • User-friendly interface
  • Great for visual project tracking (timeline, board views, ability to color code)
  • Offers automation for recurring tasks
• Cons:
  • Limited reporting in the free version
  • Overwhelming for very small teams due to a variety of features
• Best For: Teams of all sizes, especially those focused on task management and collaboration.
• Example of Use: Marketing and product teams use Asana to manage campaign tasks and product launches, ensuring smooth collaboration and meeting deadlines.

2. Trello

Trello is widely used and is easy to use. You are able to link ‘cards’ and projects to each other in a user-friendly path. This is a great project management tool if you like a clear, visual representation of complex projects. It is easy to link documents and tag your colleagues, making this a great option if you’re new to using this type of software. 

• Price: Free for Basic, Standard at $5/user/month, Premium at $10/user/month, Enterprise at $17.50/user/month
• Pros:
  • Intuitive and easy-to-use boards with easily editable ‘card’ features 
  • Power-ups and integrations for added functionality
  • Good for visual organization
• Cons:
  • Limited features for advanced project management
  • Hard to manage large projects with many tasks
• Best For: Small teams and individuals, especially those with simple task-tracking needs.
• Example of Use: Creative agencies often use Trello to brainstorm and manage ideas visually, enhancing team communication and creative workflow.

3. Monday.com

You may recognize Monday from their extensive marketing campaigns! It is a great tool, slightly on the more expensive side; however, if you’re a larger business or looking to scale up, this a great project management tool that can handle complex projects. It also has a mobile app for ease of access to your projects. This is ideal for Project Managers and business owners. 

• Price: Basic at $8/user/month, Standard at $10/user/month, Pro at $16/user/month, Enterprise upon request.
• Pros:
  • Highly customizable workflows
  • Multiple view options (Gantt, calendar, Kanban)
  • Strong collaboration tools with file sharing and comments
• Cons:
  • Pricey for smaller teams or businesses
  • Some customization options are overly complicated 
• Best For: Medium to large teams with complex workflow needs.
• Example of Use: Software development and customer service teams use Monday.com for project tracking, customer service task prioritization, and collaborative work.

4. ClickUp

ClickUp has a wide range of project management features that are great for more complicated projects and give the wider team visibility on complex workflows. 

• Price: Free for Basic, Unlimited at $5/user/month, Business at $12/user/month, Enterprise upon request
• Pros:
  • Versatile with many features, including goal tracking, task management, and easy document sharing 
  • Customizable to fit various workflows
  • Affordable pricing
• Cons:
  • Interface can be complex and overwhelming
  • Limited integrations in lower plans
• Best For: Growing teams and businesses looking for an all-in-one solution.
• Example of Use: Remote teams use ClickUp to manage projects and communicate effectively across time zones with all tasks and documentation in one place.

5. Smartsheet

Smartsheet is like a giant spreadsheet (shock, right?!) – it is good for large projects with unlimited users; however, it can get quite complicated if you’re not used to working with a lot of data and Ghant chart style project management tools for larger, more complicated projects. 

• Price: Pro at $7/user/month, Business at $25/user/month, Enterprise upon request
• Pros:
  • Spreadsheet-like interface for ease of use
  • Strong reporting and data visualization capabilities
  • Automated workflows and reminders
• Cons:
  • Higher pricing compared to other tools
  • Limited customization on lower-tier plans
• Best For: Data-heavy projects and teams that enjoy spreadsheet-based tools.
• Example of Use: Construction companies use Smartsheet to track project costs, timelines, and updates to enhance efficiency.

6. Notion

Notion is free for personal use, which is always a win if you’re a freelancer, sole trader, or just looking to test various tools! It’s pretty simple to use and has an app version that allows you to work from your phone or tablet. It’s basic but really handy for smaller or simple projects. 

• Price: Free for personal use, Team plan at $8/user/month, Business at $15/user/month
• Pros:
  • Highly versatile with note-taking, database, and task management
  • Customizable templates for various project needs
  • Affordable and flexible
• Cons:
  • Lacks some advanced project management features
  • Limited offline capabilities
• Best For: Creative teams, startups, and remote teams that prioritize documentation. If you’re interested in learning more about how to win funding for your start-up, look no further! 
• Example of Use: Remote teams use Notion to manage project documentation, team notes, and brainstorming sessions in one place.

7. Basecamp

Basecamp is a great tool with a lot of functions, such as chat, message boards, deadline reminders, lists, and document sharing. It has an app as well as a desktop version, which means you can easily log in and work on the go. 

Again, it is quite basic, so it may not be the right choice for massively complex projects. However, it’s a great tool for collaboration between teams. 

• Price: $15/user/month, free for educators and students
• Pros:
  • Simple and straightforward interface
  • Strong collaboration tools, including messaging, task lists, and file sharing
  • Flat-rate pricing, great for large teams
• Cons:
  • Limited advanced features like Gantt charts or time tracking
  • Not ideal for complex workflows
• Best For: Small to medium teams and businesses with straightforward project management needs.
• Example of Use: Agencies use Basecamp to manage client communications and keep team tasks organized.

8. Teamwork

As the name suggests, it’s great for collaborative working. It’s simple to use, which means your clients will have full transparency over projects. Read more about how collaboration and teamwork are integral to growing a business (with data to back it up!) here. 

• Price: Free for Basic, Deliver at $9.99/user/month, Grow at $17.99/user/month, Enterprise upon request
• Pros:
  • Excellent time-tracking and budgeting features
  • Client-facing features for project transparency
  • Detailed task management and tracking
• Cons:
  • Interface can feel dated compared to newer tools
  • Higher price point on advanced plans
• Best For: Agencies and teams that work with external clients and need time tracking.
• Example of Use: Marketing and design agencies use Teamwork to manage client projects, track time spent, and create client-access portals for project updates.

Choosing the Right Tool for Your Business

Each tool offers unique features and pricing models that fit different team sizes, project scopes, and workflow requirements. Consider factors like team size, the complexity of your projects, collaboration needs, and budget when choosing the best tool for your team. 

Implementing the right project management tool can lead to streamlined processes, improved productivity, and better project outcomes.

If you’re looking for ways to make your business more efficient, enable quick pivots, and become more profitable, sign up for Foundr+ for just  $1 a month. 

You will also gain access to over 1000+ lessons that will accelerate your business growth and development, and you’ll be able to ask your business coach questions directly! If this sounds like the support you need – get access here. 

FAQs: 

What features should I look for in a project management tool?

The features you need depend on your team size, project complexity, and workflow requirements. However, the most useful features generally include:

• Task and project tracking: Visual tracking options like Kanban boards, Gantt charts, and lists.
• Collaboration tools: Real-time messaging, commenting, and file sharing.
• Time and resource management: Tools for tracking time spent on tasks and managing workload.
• Automations: Automate repetitive tasks like status updates and reminders.
• Reporting and analytics: Dashboards and reports for tracking progress and performance.
• Integration options: Ability to integrate with other tools you use, such as Google Workspace, Slack, or CRM software.

Can small businesses benefit from project management tools?

Yes, small businesses can significantly benefit from project management tools. These tools provide structure, help manage resources, and reduce manual administrative tasks, which are essential for small teams that may have limited time and resources. Additionally, many project management tools offer affordable pricing plans or free versions that are suitable for smaller teams. By improving organization and collaboration, these tools enable small businesses to operate more efficiently and scale more effectively.

What is a project management tool, and why is it important?

A project management tool is software that helps teams organize, plan, execute, and track tasks and projects from start to finish. It includes features like task tracking, time management, collaboration, document sharing, and reporting. These tools are crucial for businesses because they improve productivity, streamline communication, and enhance project visibility, helping teams complete projects on time and within budget.

The post 8 Project Management Tools That Can Lead to Better Efficiency appeared first on Foundr.

Starting a new business is exhilarating, but it can also be daunting – especially when it comes to building your online presence. With a tight budget, limited resources, or SEO expertise, you might be wondering how to get your brand noticed. SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is a cost-effective way to attract your target audience, but it’s also scalable as your business grows. 

There are specialists and search engine wizards who understand the intricacies of gaining online visibility. However, if you don’t have the budget or technical knowledge, don’t fret. There are simple steps that you can follow to help get you started and offer some clarity on what SEO is and how it all works.

Key Takeaways

• SEO is a cost-effective way to drive organic traffic to your website. In fact, it can boost your organic traffic by up to 1,000% compared to social media campaigns. 
• Patience is key. SEO can take 6 – 12 months to get going, so don’t be disheartened if you don’t see massive results straight away. 
• Don’t panic if you don’t have a large budget – there are a lot of free tools like Google Search Console, UberSuggest, and Google Keyword Planner that can help you with technical SEO, keyword research, and competitor analysis. 

Why SEO Matters for Start-Ups

Did you know that 93% of online experiences begin with a search engine? This statistic highlights the importance of SEO for startups who are looking to grow organically. 

By optimizing your website for search engines, you can significantly increase your visibility and drive organic traffic without the hefty price tag of paid advertising. 

Plus, SEO is a long-term strategy. Once you establish a solid foundation, the results can be exponential. But how do you get there? Here are six key tips… 

1. Put ‘The Key’ into Keyword Research

Understanding what your audience is searching for is crucial. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ubersuggest to identify relevant keywords in your industry. Look for long-tail keywords (phrases with three or more words) that have lower competition but high search intent. 

For example, instead of targeting “shoes,” aim for “comfortable running shoes for beginners.” This approach will help you attract a more specific audience that’s ready to convert.

2. Content Marketing: Create Value

Content is king – especially for SEO. Start a blog or resource center on your website where you can share valuable insights, how-to guides, and industry news. Not only will this position you as an authority in your field, but it also provides opportunities to naturally incorporate your keywords. 

Remember, Google loves fresh, relevant content, so aim to post regularly. A study by HubSpot found that companies that blog generate 97% more links to their websites. If you need more advice on how to create solid content, read this guide!

3. Build Quality Backlinks

Backlinks (links from other websites to yours) are a key factor in how search engines rank your site. Focus on building relationships with industry influencers and bloggers who may be interested in linking to your content.

You can start by guest posting on their blogs or collaborating on projects. Even local businesses can be a great source of backlinks. According to Moz, backlinks are one of the top three ranking factors in Google’s algorithm.

4. Optimize for Technical SEO

Don’t overlook the technical aspects of your website. Ensure your site is mobile-friendly, loads quickly, and has a clear, organized structure. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights and Mobile-Friendly Test can help you identify areas for improvement. 

Remember, a well-optimized site enhances user experience, which can significantly improve your rankings. In fact, 53% of mobile users abandon sites that take longer than three seconds to load, so by optimizing for technical SEO, you can reduce your bounce rates. And reducing bounce rates means a higher ranking on Google Search! Winning. 

5. Utilize Local SEO

If your startup serves a local audience, optimizing for local SEO is essential. Claim your Google My Business listing and ensure your name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all platforms. 

Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews, as positive feedback can boost your local rankings. Studies show that 76% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.

6. Monitor and Adapt

SEO isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it strategy. Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track your performance. Monitor which keywords are driving traffic and which pages are underperforming. Adjust your strategy based on your findings. The digital landscape is always changing, and staying adaptable is key to long-term success.

Chase Bank is a prime example of how they have adapted to the change in search engines. Many large companies have neglected to develop their online presence and have seen their market share shrink as a result, overtaken by young, technology-driven companies. 

Chase Bank has put a lot of emphasis on the online user experience and has integrated a lot of relevant content on its website, notably through its blog. In this respect, the articles published on the site, far from being purely financial, offer a glimpse into a lifestyle to which Chase’s customers aspire.

7. Don’t Just Blog — Build Lead Magnets That Work for SEO Too

Blog content is a powerful way to attract organic traffic, but if visitors land on your site, read a post, and leave, you’ve missed an opportunity. This is where lead magnets come in — and the good news is they can pull double duty as both a conversion tool and an SEO asset.

A lead magnet is a free resource or interactive experience that provides genuine value in exchange for an email address. Think downloadable guides, checklists, templates, or interactive quizzes. The key is to make them closely aligned with the search intent that’s already bringing people to your site.

For example, if you’re running a golf apparel brand and driving traffic through blog content about improving your game, an interactive course management quiz that gives players a personalised score is far more engaging than a generic “sign up to our newsletter” pop-up. It directly serves the visitor’s intent, captures their email, and creates a reason for them to come back.

From an SEO perspective, lead magnet pages can rank in their own right — especially interactive tools and quizzes, which tend to earn longer dwell times and higher engagement signals. They also attract backlinks naturally, because other sites are far more likely to link to a useful free tool than a standard blog post.

Common SEO Challenges for Start-Ups

Despite its benefits, startups often face unique challenges when it comes to SEO. Limited budgets, lack of expertise, and time constraints can make it difficult to implement an effective strategy. Here are some practical tips to overcome these hurdles:

Prioritize Your Efforts: Focus on the strategies that will yield the highest return on investment. For example, if you have a limited budget, concentrate on keyword research and content marketing, which can be done relatively inexpensively.

Use Free Tools: Take advantage of free resources to learn and implement SEO strategies. Websites like Moz, HubSpot, and Neil Patel offer a wealth of knowledge to help you get started without breaking the bank.

Learn Continuously: SEO is constantly evolving, so stay updated with the latest trends and algorithm changes. Follow industry blogs, attend webinars, and network with other startups to share insights and strategies.

SEO is an invaluable tool for startups seeking to establish their online presence and attract their target audience without incurring massive costs. By implementing these actionable strategies and overcoming common challenges, you can set your business up for long-term success. So, roll up your sleeves, start optimizing, and watch your startup soar!

Need more advice? Still baffled by the complexities of SEO?  Sign up to Foundr+ for a 1-2-1 coach to talk you through the best business strategy to maximize your organic growth and build your brand. When you sign up for just $1, you will receive instant access to 30+ courses and 1,000+ lessons led by top experts. Sign up here. 

FAQs:

How do I get found on Google?

First things first, you’ve got to make sure your website is crawled and indexed if you want to climb the search engine echelons. Verify your site with Google Search Console, which is a free service provided by Google for website owners. Verifying your website with GSC is considered an SEO best practice and will make it possible for Google to understand you are the site owner.

What are SEO keywords?

Keywords are two to five-word phrases that your potential clients would type into a search engine when looking for you or a business like yours. Choosing and inserting the right terms in your content is crucial since it will help Google’s bots to understand your website better and identify you as a relevant result for a specific search.

How do I optimize text for SEO?

Once you’ve got your keywords, the main places where you want to put these are your SEO title, your URL, your page content, and image descriptions (if possible). Don’t forget your blog posts.

The post SEO for Startups: Clever Ways to Grow Organically appeared first on Foundr.