I am a recent graduate from Georgia Tech with a Master’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering. My specialization was statistical and applied machine learning. I have familiarity with software engineering principles too. Looking for roles in data science, machine learning and entry level software developer roles.
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Regulators have approved a proposal from the New York Stock Exchange to let companies raise capital through direct listings, a decision that creates a cheaper alternative to the traditional initial public offering.
Some years ago, POS systems were a luxury reserved for only big enterprise businesses.
Thankfully, not anymore.
Today, there’s an abundance of options to go round for companies of all sizes. But, with too many options came a new challenge: Choosing the best POS system that’s right for your business is now an uphill battle.
It’s why we created this guide to help you make a better and more effective decision.
Our team has done the heavy lifting of reviewing dozens of POS systems in the market. We’ve also done the pricing, features, and critical support comparisons to determine what POS system is best for what.
So, irrespective of your small business type – retail, restaurant, franchise, online store, etc., you’ll find the best POS system that’s right for your company below.
How to Choose The Best POS System for Your Business
To choose a POS system, start by considering what your business needs are – accept payments, process sales, track inventory, CRM integration, manage employees, etc.
What’s best for you depends on your needs.
In our analysis, we looked at everything from pricing, applicable features to the security of each system, and ease of use. Next, we picked the best POS system best suited for different small businesses with one to 50 outlets.
We’re only recommending POS systems with hardware and software capabilities that will impact your business operations and help you maximize profit.
And for this, key things you should look out for when choosing a POS system are:
Pricing
Complete POS systems come with hardware, software, and payment processing. These are the ones we recommend because you won’t have to buy different parts. The cost for these all-inclusive POS systems is anywhere from $30 for basic plans to $150+ per month for advanced plans. Apart from this monthly cost, most charge fees upwards of 2% (plus some cents) per transaction.
Most POS systems have customized plans if your annual sales volume exceeds $250,000 or if you have to install them on multiple locations. To take advantage of these discounts, contact the sales department before buying, as it could save you some money in the long run.
Ease of Use
If you buy a POS system that’s difficult to use, it defeats the purpose of having one. Having said that, the easiest to use POS systems have intuitive designs and run on technology most people already use. These include iPads or Android tablet devices.
Regardless, before you buy a POS system, sign up for a demo and take it for a test drive. This way, you can determine firsthand if it’s easy enough for you or your employees to use.
Reporting
You’ll find all POS systems talk about their reporting capabilities. But, some are basic with limited customization and only a handful of reports.
On the other hand, others come with tens of advanced and pre-configured reporting filters. The best POS systems offer real-time reports, and you can access them on the go through an app on your mobile device or a browser.
Some core reporting capabilities to look out for are your sales, customers, inventory, and employees’ data. Ensure a POS system offers the reports you need to keep track of relevant business activities.
Employee Management
On most POS systems, you can add employees and give them access to settings, essential sales information, or features. Again, it depends on what your needs are.
Some POS systems allow you to assign role-based permissions to employees, while on others, you can customize different controls for specific employees.
On advanced ones, you can monitor when employees clock in and out, track each employee’s sales, and manage tips. So, before you buy a POS system, decide what employee information you need to track.
Customer Management
The first question to ask is, what depth of customer information do I need? Or, what customer details do I need to deliver exceptional customer service?
It’s best to start with those questions because POS systems offer varying levels of customer management capabilities. With some, you can capture basic info like email addresses to send email marketing campaigns.
Others come with a suite of customer relationship management (CRM) features that allow you to create complete customer profiles, track purchase histories, collect contact information, append notes, etc. Choose a POS system that allows you to capture the depth of customer information you need.
Inventory Management
Basic POS systems will only allow you to manage your catalog inventory. With advanced ones, you can track components, manage vendors, or purchase orders.
It all depends on your needs, so decide if you need basic or advanced inventory management capabilities (and if the POS offers them) before you buy.
Add-ons/Integrations
Most POS systems offer add-ons and integrations, depending on the monthly plan you’re purchasing. On some, you can get these add-ons for an extra fee. Some popular add-ons are gift cards, loyalty programs, reservation systems, or advanced reports.
For integrations, the best POS systems allow you to connect them with relevant business applications like email marketing, accounting, or payroll software. When choosing a POS system, take some time to decide if paying a higher monthly plan that gives you access to add-ons and integrations is more cost-effective than paying extra fees. And, of course, only make this decision after you’ve considered your business needs.
The Different Types of POS Systems
POS apps, mobile POS systems, open-source systems, multichannel systems, touchscreen POS systems, self-serve POS systems, and cloud-based POS systems are the different types of POS systems. Among these types, there are various brands to choose from.
In this guide, you’ll find reviews of cloud-based POS systems, as they’re the most flexible for small businesses and offer a full feature set. On cloud POS systems, transactions happen in-person at your various outlets, while payment processing occurs on the cloud.
These systems connect with Wi-Fi networks, allowing your data from even multiple sales outlets to aggregate and sync automatically to the cloud.
Thus, with cloud-based POS systems, you can access reports, real-time sales data, and other information generated from its use on the go.
The best cloud-based POS systems for small businesses are what follows.
1. Square POS Review – Our Overall Best Small Business POS System
Since our team started reviewing the best POS systems on the market, I’ve come across Square POS systems at multiple locations where I do my in-person shopping.
And that’s for a reason.
Among small businesses of all types, Square is fast becoming the overwhelming choice. This system’s software flexibility allows business owners to start using it to accept payments with their existing devices.
With Square, you can turn the devices you currently use into a POS system in less than an hour.
And you can do this without buying any hardware. But, if you need to purchase Square’s hardware, there’s still flexibility, as you have options to choose from:
Square Terminal
Square Register
Square Reader for magstripe
Square Standup for chip & contactless
Square Reader for chip payments & contactless
If you run a location-based business like a boutique clothing store or coffee shop, Square’s register and standup terminal are the best options. The Square Reader of magstripe gives you the option of turning your phone into a POS system to accept payments on the go.
Square’s POS system also handles credit card processing effortlessly. Thus, you don’t need third-party integrations to accept or process payments.
Regardless of your business type, the versatility of Square POS system makes it the popular choice for most small businesses. Besides, Square’s pricing is straightforward and transparent.
Square’s free iPad POS is free to use, only charging you 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction. And this is your only cost, regardless of how many sales you process. For larger businesses, pricing starts at $60/month plus the transaction fee.
There are no hidden charges whatsoever with Square.
If your business processes over $250,000 per annum and your average order size exceeds $15, you can request a custom solution from Square.
Other pros you get with the Square POS system are robust reporting, real-time analytics, and 24/7 customer support. You can also view, manage, update, and track your inventory with Square.
With the Square POS system, you can create and manage your customers’ profiles more effectively from one dashboard.
Square has a few cons.
For non-card transactions, they charge 2.75% and some features needed by mid-sized businesses cost a little more. Finally, this system’s security protocols, which protect against fraudulent payments, place accounts on hold for large volume transactions.
After reviewing dozens of the best POS systems, Square is our overall best today.
Square comes highly recommended for small business owners of all types and even mid-sized and large businesses.
2. Shopify POS Review – The Best For eCommerce Retail Integrations
Popularly known as an ecommerce company, Shopify also offers a retail POS system with excellent ecommerce integrations.
If you already run a Shopify store or plan to expand your retail business online, Shopify’s POS system is a great option.
With Shopify’s POS system, you get a branded online store and can sell through online channels, including eBay, Instagram, and Amazon. Whether in-store or across these online channels, the Shopify POS system lets you manage your sales in one place.
It’s much easier that way, as you won’t need to invest in separate solutions.
Sales, employee, and inventory management are some of the core features you get with the Shopify POS system. In short, the system updates your in-store and online inventory in real-time. Added to this, it comes with exceptional sales analytics with the option to offer discount codes.
Need to manage your business on the go? No problem. Shopify’s POS system comes with a mobile app.
The robust in-store and online integration available with the Shopify POS system gives your customers a seamless checkout experience. And the convenience to replace or return a purchased item in your local store.
The system comes as a free inclusion in your Shopify monthly plans, which starts at $29 $29/month for the basic plan.
Unfortunately, this base plan doesn’t give you advanced reports and other needed features like in-store payments. You’ll need the $79/month plan to process in-store payments at 1-5 locations or the $299/month plan for up to eight locations.
Per in-person transactions, charges are 2.7%, 2.5%, and 2.4% for the three plans, respectively.
On all plans, you get a 14-day free trial and 24/7 live support via phone, email, or live chat. The system’s easy setup is another you’ll love about Shopify POS.
Shopify POS isn’t for you if you have dozens of in-store locations. Other cons include the system’s exclusive focus on ecommerce and retail and the extra charges you must pay if you’re not using Shopify’s payment processors.
However, if you’re already selling online with Shopify or want an easy setup for a few retail locations, Shopify POS is a no-brainer.
3. Vend POS Review – The Best For Multi Fashion, Sports, or Homeware Stores
You can personalize the Ven POS system to suit your unique needs. It’s also a perfect solution if you have multiple physical stores.
Vend is among the best iPad POS systems currently on the market. You can also use it on your PC and Mac. Vend POS system offers data entry options, using mouse, touchscreen, or keyboard.
It integrates seamlessly with a wide range of third-party applications, giving you access to loads of additional features. For instance, you can connect third-party payment processors offered by PayPal, Square POS, Shopify POS, and others.
Vend’s ecommerce integrations make it super easy to sell across your physical store, mobile, and digital channels. Its robust sales analytics, inventory, and customer profiles management capabilities are excellent. Additionally, you can process split and contactless transactions and gift cards.
Regardless of the platform you run Vend on, you get a cross-platform consistency that looks the same. However, the Vend POS system doesn’t come with any hardware, but it makes up for this with its software simplicity and extensive integration options.
Pricing for Vend’s POS system starts at $99/month when paid annually for the Lite plan with a monthly turnover limit of $20,000. The Pro plan is $129/month if you pay yearly.
All plans come with one register. If you want additional registers, it costs $49 per month. Large retailers can request an Enterprise plan, which comes with a dedicated account officer.
Vend POS’s biggest con is its slow processing speed. Others are that you can only use Google Chrome to run this system, and it’s not suited for food trucks, bars, or restaurant businesses.
However, we recommend the Vend POS system if you have multiple retail outlets such as fashion boutiques, sports, homeware, or outdoor stores, or the likes and need a solution with extensive integration options.
4. Toast POS Review — The Best For Restaurant and Food Businesses
The brains behind the Toast POS system built the platform with food and beverage vendors and their customers in mind. So, if you own a restaurant, bar, or food truck business, Toast POS has features tailored to your needs.
The system’s integrated CRM software builds an inventory of your loyal customers. It also allows you to craft messages and run automatic promotions that keep customers happy so that you can score a backlog of customers returning to your food business.
Toast POS is one of the few systems with excellent Android capabilities.
And this is more suited to restaurants due to the affordability and flexibility of the Android infrastructure, which has faster software updates than the iPad.
Whether you’re a full-service or quick-service food business, the Toast POS system works well for both. You even have options to customize the system for large food chains, pizzerias, or bars.
As a Toast user, you can access its community of like-minded business owners to get or share best practices in your industry.
Overall, Toast POS gives you a holistic restaurant management system, complete with back-office and front-end processes. It enhances staff productivity, improves customer service via its food-focused CRM features, which also comes with detailed analytics and sales reports.
You can easily customize or split menu items and bills among your customers. Taking orders on the fly or sending alerts to customers when their orders are ready are some mouth-watering pros. This makes The Toast POS system a no-brainer for food businesses.
Pricing for the Toast POS system starts at $69/month per terminal, with no trials. It’s hardware prices starts at $999, and there’s no financing option available. Toast POS has a flat processing fee, and there are no hidden fees.
A drawback of the Toast POS system is that it is currently only available for Android users. But, this isn’t a problem, considering Android devices are cheaper than iPads.
Toast POS system is the overwhelming recommendation if you own a food or restaurant of any kind. Its features are tailor-made for such businesses.
5. ERPLY POS Review – The Best For Small Franchises
ERPLY POS system is the go-to platform if you own a franchise business. It runs well on Android and iPad tablets and is also accessible on other devices via a browser.
ERPLY POS is one of the few cloud-hybrid systems that is hardware agnostic, and this makes it a favorite for small and large franchise retailers. This robust build allows you to centralize your inventory across stores and manage employees by giving them varying access to the platform.
You get CRM tools and the ability to handle sensitive data with the ERPLY POS system. Besides this, you have other strong franchise-specific features like sales tracking, barcode scanners, and full-scale inventory management across all plans.
Pricing for the ERPLY POS system starts at $39, but you don’t get inventory controls on this basic plan. If you want that, consider its higher-tier plans, which are upwards of $69.
A known con of the ERPLY POS system is that it is tricky to master. Secondly, there’s limited customer support.
However, ERPLY’s versatile interface and free trial, which allows you to take it for a spin, are strong reasons to consider this POS system. And if you own a franchise business, it comes highly recommended due to its features explicitly designed for such retailers.
Conclusion
The best POS system is subjective. Different business types have different needs, and a POS system that works for one business may not work well for your own.
It’s best to understand your business needs first.
We reviewed dozens of the top POS systems on the market to identify the ones most suited for the different types of small businesses.
We’ve provided you with the best POS for retail, food, ecommerce, franchise, and fashion retail businesses. We also highlighted our recommended overall best.
You won’t regret choosing from any of the above options.
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Do you know? How hard is it to Establish Business Credit in a Recession?
It’s a brilliant question. How hard is it to establish business credit in a recession? Is business credit building impossible? Or is it just some nightmare? And what happens in an economic downturn?
I assure you it is not only possible, it is downright sure-fire. And business credit is all but recession-proof!
Business credit is credit in a business’s name. It doesn’t link to an owner’s personal credit, not even if the owner is a sole proprietor and the solitary employee of the corporation. Because of this, an entrepreneur’s business and consumer credit scores can be very different.
The Advantages
Because business credit is distinct from individual, it helps to safeguard a business owner’s personal assets, in the event of court action or business insolvency. Also, with two separate credit scores, an entrepreneur can get two separate cards from the same merchant.
This effectively doubles buying power.
Another benefit is that even startups can do this. Visiting a bank for a business loan can be a formula for frustration. But building small business credit, when done right, is a plan for success.
Individual credit scores are dependent on payments but also additional considerations like credit usage percentages. But for small business credit, the scores actually merely depend on whether a corporation pays its invoices timely.
How Hard is it to Establish Business Credit in a Recession: The Process
Establishing business credit is a process, and it does not occur automatically. A corporation will need to proactively work to build business credit. Nonetheless, it can be done readily and quickly, and it is much swifter than developing individual credit scores.
Merchants are a big component of this process.
Doing the steps out of sequence will cause repetitive rejections. No one can start at the top with company credit. For instance, you can’t start with store or cash credit from your bank. If you do you’ll get a rejection 100% of the time.
Learn more here and get started toward building business credit attached to your company’s EIN and not your SSN. Get money even in a recession!
How Hard is it to Establish Business Credit in a Recession: Company Fundability
A business has to be authentic to lenders and vendors. As a result, a company will need a professional-looking website and email address, with website hosting from a company like GoDaddy. Additionally business phone and fax numbers need to have a listing on ListYourself.net.
At the same time the company telephone number should be toll-free (800 exchange or the like).
A company will also need a bank account dedicated strictly to it, and it must have every one of the licenses essential for running. These licenses all must be in the accurate, accurate name of the company, with the same business address and phone numbers.
Keep in mind that this means not just state licenses, but potentially also city licenses.
How Hard is it to Establish Business Credit in a Recession: Dealing with the Internal Revenue Service
Visit the IRS web site and obtain an EIN for the small business. They’re free of charge. Select a business entity like corporation, LLC, etc.
A small business can start off as a sole proprietor. But will most likely wish to switch to a form of corporation or partnership to decrease risk and maximize tax benefits.
A business entity will matter when it concerns tax obligations and liability in the event of litigation. A sole proprietorship means the owner is it when it comes to liability and tax obligations. No one else is responsible.
If you run a company as a sole proprietor, then at least be sure to file for a DBA (‘doing business as’) status.
If you do not, then your personal name is the same as the small business name. Therefore, you can find yourself being directly responsible for all company debts.
And also, per the IRS, with this structure there is a 1 in 7 probability of an IRS audit. There is a 1 in 50 chance for corporations! Prevent confusion and drastically lower the odds of an Internal Revenue Service audit as well.
Learn more here and get started toward building business credit attached to your company’s EIN and not your SSN. Get money even in a recession!
How Hard is it to Establish Business Credit in a Recession: Starting off the Business Credit Reporting Process
Begin at the D&B website and obtain a cost-free DUNS number. A DUNS number is how D&B gets a corporation into their system, to produce a PAYDEX score. If there is no DUNS number, then there is no record and no PAYDEX score.
Once in D&B’s system, search Equifax and Experian’s websites for the company. You can do this at https://www.creditsuite.com/reports/. If there is a record with them, check it for accuracy and completeness.
If there are no records with them, go to the next step in the process. By doing this, Experian and Equifax will have something to report on.
Trade Lines
First you must build trade lines that report. This is also known as vendor accounts. Then you’ll have an established credit profile, and you’ll get a business credit score.
And with an established business credit profile and score you can start obtaining revolving store and cash credit.
These kinds of accounts have the tendency to be for the things bought all the time, like shipping boxes, outdoor work wear, ink and toner, and office furniture.
But first of all, what is trade credit? These trade lines are credit issuers who will give you initial credit when you have none now. Terms are oftentimes Net 30, instead of revolving.
Hence if you get approval for $1,000 in vendor credit and use all of it, you will need to pay that money back in a set term, like within 30 days on a Net 30 account.
Details
Net 30 accounts must be paid in full within 30 days. 60 accounts need to be paid in full within 60 days. Compared to with revolving accounts, you have a set time when you must pay back what you borrowed or the credit you made use of.
To begin your business credit profile the right way, you should get approval for vendor accounts that report to the business credit reporting agencies. As soon as that’s done, you can then make use of the credit.
Then repay what you used, and the account is on report to Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, or Equifax.
Not every vendor can help like true starter credit can. These are vendors that will grant an approval with very little effort. You also want them to be reporting to one or more of the big three CRAs: Dun & Bradstreet, Equifax, and Experian.
And Continue…
So get 3 of these to move onto the next step, which is revolving store credit.
1. Uline Shipping Supplies
Uline Shipping Supplies is a true starter vendor. Find them online at https://www.uline.com/. They offer shipping, packing, and industrial supplies, and they report to D&B and Experian.
You need to have a DUNS number. They will ask for 2 references and a bank reference. The initial few orders may need to be paid in advance to initially get approval for Net 30 terms. Also, you may need to buy some things you do not need.
They sell a variety of office supplies and take helping clients seriously. They say, “just starting your business, or maybe have an existing business, but you have a question regarding office supplies… we are here to help!” And they report to Dun and Bradstreet, Experian, and Equifax.
There is a $99.00 yearly fee, though they do report that fee to the business credit reporting agencies. For other purchases to report, the purchase must be at least $30.00. Terms are Net 30.
3. Grainger Industrial Supply
Grainger Industrial Supply is also a true starter vendor. Find them online at https://www.grainger.com/. They sell safety equipment, plumbing supplies, and more, and they report to D&B. You will need a business license, EIN, and a DUNS number.
For less than $1000 credit limit they will approve virtually anybody with a business license.
Accounts That Don’t Report
Non-Reporting Trade Accounts can also be helpful. While you do want trade accounts to report to at the very least one of the CRAs, a trade account which does not report can yet be of some worth. You can always ask non-reporting accounts for trade references.
Also credit accounts of any sort will help you to better even out business expenditures, consequently making financial planning simpler. These are companies like PayPal Credit, T-Mobile, and Best Buy.
Revolving Store Credit
Once there are 3 or more vendor trade accounts reporting to at least one of the CRAs move to revolving store credit.
Use the corporation’s EIN on these credit applications.
Fleet Credit
Are there more accounts reporting? Then progress to fleet credit. These are companies like BP and Conoco. Use this credit to buy, repair, and take care of vehicles. Make certain to apply using the business’s EIN.
Cash Credit
Have you been sensibly managing the credit you’ve gotten up to this point? Then move onto more universal cash credit. These are service providers such as Visa and MasterCard. Keep your SSN off these applications; use your EIN instead.
These are typically MasterCard credit cards. If you have more trade accounts reporting, then these are doable.
Learn more here and get started toward building business credit attached to your company’s EIN and not your SSN. Get money even in a recession!
How Hard is it to Establish Business Credit in a Recession: Monitor Your Business Credit
Know what is happening with your credit. Make sure it is being reported and fix any inaccuracies ASAP. Get in the practice of checking credit reports. Dig into the specifics, not just the scores.
So, what’s all this monitoring for? It’s to challenge any mistakes in your records. Errors in your credit report(s) can be taken care of. But the CRAs typically want you to dispute in a particular way.
Disputing credit report inaccuracies usually means you send a paper letter with copies of any proof of payment with it. These are documents like receipts and cancelled checks. Never mail the originals. Always send copies and retain the originals.
Disputing credit report inaccuracies also means you specifically detail any charges you challenge. Make your dispute letter as clear as possible. Be specific about the issues with your report. Use certified mail so that you will have proof that you mailed in your dispute.
How Hard is it to Establish Business Credit in a Recession: A Word about Business Credit Building
So always use credit sensibly! Don’t borrow beyond what you can pay off. Monitor balances and deadlines for payments. Paying on time and fully will do more to boost business credit scores than virtually anything else.
Establishing corporate credit pays. Good business credit scores help a company get loans. Your credit issuer knows the corporation can pay its financial obligations.
They know the corporation is authentic. And the business’s EIN connects to high scores, and credit issuers won’t feel the need to require a personal guarantee.
How Hard is it to Establish Business Credit in a Recession: Takeaway
Business credit is an asset which can help your small business for years to come.
Obtaining merchant accounts for business credit means that you are on your way to getting good business credit.
And this explosive growth isn’t happening for no reason.
It’s happening because PPC works. It’s the classic “spend money to make money” model. From social media to paid search, PPC is a smart way to see quick results.
But that’s only true if you know what you’re doing.
Which… is where an experienced PPC agency comes in. They spend countless hours experimenting and learning everything there is to know so you don’t have to.
So if you’re looking to hire an agency to create and manage your PPC campaigns but aren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place. In this article, I cover:
What to look for in a PPC agency
How to work with them for maximum results
Steps to finding the right agency
My top five recommendations
Let’s dive in!
Know your goals and desired outcomes
PPC campaigns exist for a wide variety of reasons. And it’s crucial to have a clear picture of what you hope to achieve before you go through the process of finding the right PPC agency.
Without this essential set of information, you’ll have a hard time making an educated decision.
So before you get started, sit down with your team and set clear goals and expectations. There aren’t any right or wrong answers, but it’s good to understand this from the get-go.
Right now, you need to set an overall goal for your next campaign. Understanding your expectations makes it easier to communicate what you’re after and ensures everyone’s on the same page.
The idea is to reach a high-level agreement on why you want to hire a PPC agency.
You should also consider the level of participation you want to have throughout the process. Do you want to be super hands-on, or are you hoping for someone to completely take over?
Lastly, don’t worry about the finer details just yet. You can work through the specific metrics and KPIs you want to measure later when you actually sit down with your new PPC partner.
7 characteristics that make a great PPC agency
Now you have a crystal clear picture of your goals, expectations, and level of participation. So it’s time to start talking about what characteristics to look for.
Not all PPC agencies are equal. Some excel at specific advertising types, while others specialize in creating excellent customer experiences across every platform.
One isn’t necessarily better than the other, but it ultimately depends on what you’re looking for.
So use these characteristics as a baseline for creating a list of viable options. They’ll help you narrow your choices down to those PPC agencies that are worth every penny.
From there, you can sit down with them before making a final decision.
Let’s get started!
1. They value data, analytics, and results
PPC is an exciting form of digital marketing because you can directly tie revenue generated to ad spend. So data and analytics are crucial to the success of future campaigns.
The best PPC agencies understand how to use numbers to strategize new ideas that improve your overall ROI. They use what they already know and what they learn about your target market to develop high-yield campaigns.
Furthermore, they also understand the importance of collecting as much information as possible as well as sharing that data with you.
If it’s not clear on their website, be sure to ask questions to help you gauge this before working together. You can ask things like:
Do I have independent access to analytics and reporting?
Is a full analytics report included with your offer?
If so, what do you include in those reports?
2. Strategic partnerships and first-party data sources
The longer you’re in business, and the more campaigns you run, the more first-party data you gather about your specific audience and how they behave.
But the best PPC agencies have an extensive database of their own first-party data as well.
Furthermore, they know how to use it to predict your audience’s buying behavior based on similar industries and past clients. And they may also connect with first-party data sources to tap into their pool of information as well.
Aside from data, smart agencies partner with leading search and social media platforms. Partners are the first to know about new changes and updates.
This means they’re ahead of the game when things change.
Which… seems to happen by the second. So, these strategic partnerships give PPC agencies in-depth insight non-partners don’t have.
Look for indications of this on their website or ask about it if you’re unsure.
3. Knowledge of local search
82% of smartphone users turn to search engines to find businesses close to them. They use phrases like “near me” to decide where to eat lunch, go shopping, and find entertainment, among other things as well.
So, local search isn’t something your business can afford to ignore if you want to drive foot traffic to a physical location.
Whether you use your business to sell products or meet with clients, it’s crucial to show up in search results at the right time.
Make sure to choose an agency with a strong knowledge of local search (both paid and organic). You may not be able to find this information on their website, so be sure to ask questions.
During your first call, it may help to ask things like:
How do you approach local paid search objectives?
Can you share any local PPC results you’ve produced for similar businesses?
We want to reach our local community. Can you tell me a bit about how that works?
How do you measure the success of location-based keywords?
Do you use bid modifiers for location-specific queries?
4. Strong mobile optimization capabilities
Mobile devices account for over half (53%) of clicks on search ads. The era of designing creatives and writing copy for desktop first… is over.
It’s more important than ever before for PPC ads to be easily accessible on devices of all sizes.
And the world of mobile optimization is tricky, especially when combined with ever-changing search and social algorithms. So it’s crucial to hire a PPC agency that knows how to tackle this transition to on-the-go browsing.
Some agencies may highlight this as a feature on their website, while others may not. So be sure to ask questions during your initial phone calls to ensure they know their stuff.
To gauge this, you can ask things like:
Can you share any mobile-specific results for previous campaigns?
What’re your thoughts on designing PPC ads for mobile rather than desktop?
Do you provide mobile-optimized copy and display ads, or suggestions to improve them?
Do you leverage bid modifiers for mobile devices?
5. They focus on the right PPC channels
Whether you’re interested in search, social, programmatic, shopping, or multi-channel PPC campaigns, it’s essential to find a PPC agency specializing in the platforms you want to use.
There’s no right or wrong marketing channel. But it does depend on your end goal.
Some agencies may only manage search campaigns while others may consult, design, and manage paid social media campaigns. No two campaigns are alike, nor are two PPC agencies.
So first, you have to understand what you’re looking for.
What channels are you considering? Do you need help with design or ad copy as well? Maybe you want a collaborative project, or perhaps you prefer entirely hands-off.
Decide what you need and expect from a PPC agency and use that to guide your decision.
Be sure to sare your expectations and goals during your first meeting to ensure they’re a good fit.
6. Impeccable keyword research
The quickest way to see a return on your investment is by targeting commercial-intent (transactional) keywords. People searching for things like “Buy iPhone X” or “best web hosting services” are ready to buy.
But making more money isn’t the only goal behind PPC advertising. Maybe you want to grow your email list to add more leads into your sales funnel. Or raise brand awareness. Or drive traffic to help increase ad revenue.
Regardless of the end goal, your PPC agency must understand your campaign’s purpose and help you choose appropriate keywords to target.
This isn’t something you can usually find on their website. So you’ll have to do some digging.
Here are some great questions to ask during your first call:
And the best PPC agencies know this and work to create effective campaigns and PPC strategies to support your high-level business goals.
Sure, PPC requires strong keywords that target the right audiences. But it goes much further than that as well.
Great agencies understand the big picture and oftentimes can help improve other pieces of your digital marketing system because they’re great marketers themselves.
How to work with a PPC agency
Now you know what to look for in a PPC agency.
But if you’ve never worked with one before, you may feel unsure of what to expect going into your new partnership. And there are several things you can do as a client to enhance the overall experience.
Doing these things helps put both your business and your agency in a strong position for success.
Set clear goals and communicate your expectations
We talked about this briefly at the beginning of this article, but I want to come back to it again because it’s so important.
Your goals and expectations set the stage for the rest of your partnership.
It’s critical to understand your goals and communicate them with your PPC agency. The best agencies use your goals and expectations to develop a strategic plan that works well for both of you.
So if you’re hesitant or unsure of what you’re after, sit down with your team and revisit this. And make sure you know how to communicate what you want.
Gather and share data from past campaigns
Any first-party data you have can significantly impact the outcome of future campaigns.
Think back to previous partnerships or campaigns you’ve run and gather that information into a clean and easy-to-understand report.
Then, share it with your agency.
Hard data is the best way for them to learn more about your audience’s attributes and behaviors as well as what worked, what didn’t, and why.
This way, they don’t have to reinvent the wheel or start their research from scratch.
Choose one point of contact
To avoid confusion, choose one central point of contact for communications from your agency. This ensures there are no miscommunications or wasted time from several people managing that relationship.
You can certainly have a team working on the project but limit communications to one person.
It also helps simplify things for your agency as well. They always know who to talk to, and they don’t have to worry about waiting too long for your response.
Be prepared for advice and suggestions
PPC agencies are excellent at what they do, so it’s essential to listen to their advice and suggestions. This could be advice on improving your home page for conversions or redesigning landing pages to increase sales.
Perhaps it’s a suggestion to improve your ad copy or headline.
Always remember they’re the experts, and you hired them for a reason — they know their stuff. So take the time to listen and keep an open mind throughout the process.
Ask all the questions you need to ask
There’s no such thing as a stupid question. And there’s no such thing as too many questions, either. If you’re unsure or confused about anything, the best thing to do is ask.
There’s nothing wrong with not knowing, but there is something wrong with not asking about it.
This helps you learn, and it also helps clear up any confusion about the project. You can rest easy every day, understanding the hows and whys of your campaign.
How to find the right PPC agency for you
There are hundreds (if not more) of PPC agencies to choose from. And choosing the right one is often the hardest part of getting started.
But the best PPC agenciesfor you specialize in the types of campaigns you’re interested in. They should also have in-depth knowledge of your specific industry. These characteristics combined help pave the way for the best results.
It may also help to make a list of your expectations and requirements before starting your search.
From there, list the companies you’re considering. Be sure to include:
Their specialty areas
What makes them stand out to you
Why they seem like a good fit
Pricing if it’s available online
Any negatives about their business
Then you can use your requirements and expectations to cross off agencies that don’t match what you need. Lastly, schedule a call with the remaining agencies on your list.
This is your chance to interview them just as much as it’s their chance to interview you.
So ask all your questions and take notes throughout the meeting so you can come back to them when making a final decision.
The 5 top PPC agencies
Now you know what to look for, what to expect, and how to decide.
Here are my top PPC agency recommendations for different business types and sizes to kick off your search.
1. Neil Patel Digital — Best multi-channel PPC company
At NPDigital, we leverage our first-party data and search partners to create multi-channel campaigns designed to meet potential customers wherever they hang out online.
And now more than ever, consumers are researching before they buy.
We care about giving shoppers the content and information they need to make informed decisions, all while helping you conquer your PPC goals.
From paid search and social media to Amazon and shopping ads, your PPC campaigns are in good hands.
2. Loud Mouth Media — Best small agency in the UK
Hiring a partner close to your time zone can have a massive impact on the type of communication you have as well as how long it takes to get a response.
If you’re in Europe or the UK, Loud Mouth Media is an excellent small PPC agency serving big clients like Volvo and BBC, as well as small businesses around the world.
And there’s a reason Loud Mouth Media’s won the “Best Small PPC Agency” in the UK two years in a row — they’re phenomenal at what they do.
With the data and results to back it up.
Plus, they’re Google, Bing, and Facebook partners, so Loud Mouth Media is an excellent choice if you’re interested in those channels.
3. Stryde — Best for eCommerce and B2C businesses
If you’re a B2C business or running an eCommerce store, Stryde is a superb choice because they specialize in eCommerce digital marketing for businesses of all sizes.
Furthermore, the B2B and B2C industries couldn’t’ be more different when it comes to PPC.
And there’s no one better to strategize and manage your product-focused campaigns than an agency that solely works with eCommerce and B2C businesses.
Plus, they have an extensive portfolio of case studies that prove they’re great at what they do.
4. KlientBoost — Best for landing page design + management services
So it’s no surprise that landing page design and optimization are crucial to successful PPC campaigns regardless of your industry and business type.
If you don’t have an in-house designer or struggle with creating conversion-focused landing pages, KlientBoost is an excellent PPC partner for your business.
Aside from PPC and social media management, they also specialize in designing new landing pages and optimizing existing ones to help you reach and exceed your PPC goals.
Their in-house team of designers and developers is ready to help you craft excellent customer experiences from their first click to their last.
5. Directive Consulting — Best for SaaS and B2B businesses
B2B businesses and SaaS tools face their own set of unique challenges when it comes to PPC campaigns. After all, you’re targeting other businesses… not individuals.
So you need a PPC strategist and partner that understands how to overcome those challenges.
Directive Consulting specializes in helping software companies conquer every marketing channel from paid search and shopping ads to SEO and CRO.
Whether you’re looking solely for PPC or interested in an entire digital marketing plan from one of the top agencies around, Directive is a fantastic choice. Plus, they offer digital marketing education, and they have a pool of first-party SaaS data you can tap into.
You + the right agency = reliable results
Choosing the best PPC agency for your business is just as important as crafting the perfect copy, designing eye-catching creatives, and publishing conversion-focused landing pages.
There’s no doubt you have a powerful message and life-changing products for the right audience. Plus, you owe it to them to put it in front of them when they need it.
The right PPC agency helps you do just that while helping you generate more leads, make more money, and get more eyes on your brand. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
The good news is that you now know what to look for throughout the process. So next time you’re looking for your dream PPC agency, use the tips, tricks, and characteristics we talked about.
And remember: an excellent PPC partner and reliable results can make a world of difference for your business. You deserve it and your customers do too.
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Their VPS and Dedicated hosting services are far from cheap.
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Check out their plans and choose the one that fits your needs best.
Your Hosting Service Is Your Best Friend
Make sure you make a well-thought-out decision.
You’re most likely going to have a long-term relationship with the hosting service you choose.
So carefully look into every option that caught your eye today and choose the one that fits your needs best.
So, whether you choose one of my top recommendations or scout out your own, use the tips and best practices we talked about to make an educated decision… like the future of your business depends on it.
Because it does!
Have you worked with any website hosting companies in the past? How did it go and did you get the results you hoped for?
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