Tag: Best

Best Business Intelligence Software

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Business intelligence software has become a necessary tool in the era of big data.

Your organization collects tons of data about your customers, website, and total health of the company. But without BI software, making sense of that information is nearly impossible. This software exists so you can analyze various data sets and make data-driven decisions. 

For example, you can use BI software to predict consumer buying behavior or project the financial impact of an operations decision. Rather than waiting for a quarterly or annual report, you can leverage BI software for real-time data insights. 

Due to the complexity of business intelligence software, the vast majority of tools in this category are designed for large organizations, SMBs, and enterprises. 

The Top 6 Options For Business Intelligence Software

  1. TIBCO Jaspersoft
  2. Entrinsik Informer
  3. Zoho Analytics
  4. Sisense
  5. Chartio
  6. Tableau

How to Choose the Best Business Intelligence Software For You

Finding the right BI software for your business can be challenging if you don’t know what to look for. I’ve created a simple buying guide with features, factors, and elements that must be taken into consideration as you’re shopping around. Keep an eye out for the following aspects of BI software as you’re comparing solutions and narrowing down your options:

Data Reporting

Remember, the number one reason why companies invest in BI software is to make sense of their data. So it’s only natural that data reporting itself would rank so high on our list of factors to evaluate.

The best BI tools turn complex data into visuals that are easy to understand. You can view this information from real-time dashboards or turn them into individual reports. 

Being able to share these reports with decision-makers, stakeholders, clients, and other members of your team is also something that must be considered. Users that generate the reports won’t always be the people making sense of that information. So the reports must be easy enough to comprehend by the final decision-makers.

Data Sources

How are you going to integrate your existing data with your BI solution? Where is that data located?

Don’t make things more confusing for yourself. Make sure you find a business intelligence tool that makes it easy for you to connect with your existing data sources. It’s worth noting that not every business intelligence software on the market will integrate with specific databases. So don’t make assumptions; always double-check that your data is compatible with the software in question.

Your BI software should seamlessly integrate with help desk tools, CRM, ERP software, advertising networks, and more. The best tools should accommodate cross-platform access to every user as well. 

Development Tools

Some business intelligence software will improve the way you collect data as well. 

Your in-house developers or IT department might want to implement custom application development into your processes. Certain tools will have pre-built analytics apps for you to use. Other solutions offer developers an open API, making things easier for developers to customize apps with unique rules. 

Setup and Deployment

Unlike other types of business software on the market today, BI tools are a bit more complex. Getting started isn’t really as simple as clicking “sign up” and being done. 

These solutions are highly customizable and built specifically for your business. The deployment process could potentially take weeks, depending on the software you choose. You’ll be faced with options for on-premises deployment, hybrid server deployment, desktop software, and cloud software deployment. 

Cloud software is a great option for businesses on a tighter budget. This deployment method makes BI tools more easily accessible to smaller companies. But large organizations with complex data sets and custom needs would likely benefit more from on-site deployment. 

Ease of Use

Again, BI software can be complicated. 

If it’s your first time using this type of software, don’t overwhelm yourself with a solution built for seasoned veterans. 

Think about who will be using the software on a day-to-day basis. Is it your IT team? Sales reps? Product managers? Developers and tech-savvy individuals won’t have as steep of a learning curve as the average user. 

Just make sure you understand the difference between tools that require advanced technical knowledge and software for beginners. Beginners should avoid software that’s built for data engineers. 

The Different Types of Business Intelligence Software

Business intelligence software can be segmented into different categories based on its primary functionality or toolset. Here’s a quick overview and explanation of the most popular types of BI software available on the market today.

Data Visualization Software

As the name implies, data visualization software helps you analyze complex data sheets with visual tools. Visual reporting is arguably the best way to make sense of large sets of data. You can turn huge data sets into meaningful reports in a matter of minutes. This makes it much easier for decision-makers to analyze the insights.

Business Process Management (BPM)

Business process management software is a component of business intelligence. These tools are also a core component of operational management and intelligence. 

BPM software leverages automation and improves the efficiency of day-to-day processes. You can find business process management functionality within BI software.

OLAP (Online Analytical Processing)

OLAP software leverages tools that help analyze data from several sources. These interactive solutions provide a multidimensional view for each user (such as different department heads). OLAP tools will consolidate and aggregate different operational data.

Embedded BI Software

Embedded BI software is exactly what it sounds like. These tools are integrated directly within your applications for process management. They can also be embedded in operations portals, websites, portals, and other types of business-related systems. 

ETL Software

ETL (extract, transform, and load) software combines data from different sources into a single dashboard. Then the software will blend these various data sets and make sense of them in terms that the end-user can understand. 

Data Mining

You can use data mining tools to identify patterns in your data sets. Data mining software typically leverages tools like machine learning and AI to uncover these patterns for data-driven decision making. 

#1 – TIBCO Jaspersoft Review — Best For Embedded Analytics

TIBCO Jaspersoft is a developer-friendly business intelligence solution. The software uses embedded BI, which brings the power of business intelligence directly into your company’s applications.

The dashboards are ultimately displayed within the interface of the application to enhance the end-user experience and improve decision-making in real-time. 

More than 500,000 developers across different industries use TIBCO Jaspersoft to improve applications for millions of users. Here are some of the other reasons why this BI tool ranks so high on my list:

  • Customizable visual reporting
  • Production reporting for high volume distribution to the masses
  • Javascript API for embedding
  • Deploy using any method with an agnostic architecture that’s 100% open
  • Pre-configured multi-tenant support
  • Ad hoc self-service reporting
  • Big data connectivity for native reporting and real-time analytics

The tool is a bit unique in the sense that it’s built for developers but enhances the decision making for end users. If you don’t have a technical background, you won’t really be qualified to deploy this on your own. 

Try TIBCO Jaspersoft free for 30 days to see if it’s right for your business before buying.

#2 – Entrinsik Informer Review — Best For Analyzing Multiple Departments

Entrinsik Informer is perfect for large organizations that collect data from multiple sources and need to make sense of that information within different departments. 

The software makes it easy for you to connect data from the cloud, spreadsheets, unstructured web data, traditional databases, enterprise applications, and more, and aggregate it within a single source. 

It’s a popular choice for manufacturing, insurance, distribution, education, and government organizations. Noteworthy features and highlights of Entrinsik Informer include:

  • On-demand self-service reporting
  • Powerful data visualizations
  • Ability to evaluate roles of end-users across your organization
  • Streamline data workflows
  • Faster access to data with curated subsets of information
  • Aggregated data flows for higher quality data
  • Robust governance and security features including team roles and custom security levels
  • Flexible architecture for endless extensibility

For businesses seeking a fast and simple way to discover intelligent data, this will be a top choice to consider. 

Users across your entire organization, such as department managers, business users, industry partners, data scientists, executives, database admins, and more, can all see unique information within Entrinsik Informer based on their needs and role. 

Schedule a free demo to learn more. 

#3 – Zoho Analytics Review — The Best For Data Visualization

More than 500,000 companies and 2+ million users rely on Zoho Analytics for business intelligence. It’s trusted by well-known brands like HP, Hyundai, Ikea, and Suzuki.

Compared to other solutions on our list, Zoho Analytics is definitely a bit more user-friendly. If you’re just getting your feet wet with BI software, this tool won’t have as steep of a learning curve. 

My favorite part about Zoho Analytics is the visual reporting. Non-technical users can easily navigate within the platform to create and view custom reports that are easy to comprehend. Other features and benefits include:

  • Ability to embed analytics in your product, website, portal, or application
  • Integrates with 500+ tools out of the box
  • Secure team collaboration features
  • Augmented analytics powered by AI
  • Blend data from multiple sources into single dashboards
  • Assess the health of your entire organization across each department
  • Customize reports with drag-and-drop dashboard
  • White-labeling capabilities with ability to fully re-brand the portal
  • Powerful HTTP-based web APIs for scalability and extensibility

You can even access your BI reports on the go with the Zoho Analytics app, available on iOS and Android. 

Zoho Analytics is the best beginner-friendly BI software on the market today. Plans start at $22 per month, and you can try it free for 15 days.

#4 – Sisense Review — The Best BI Software For Complex Data

Sisense is one of the most popular BI tools on the market today. It’s used by developers, business leaders, product managers, and data professionals alike.

The software is trusted by 10,000+ companies, including well-known brands like GE, Verizon, Motorola, Wix, Hewlett Packard, and the Salvation Army. 

Sisense has industry-specific solutions in categories like retail, healthcare, government, manufacturing, marketing, supply chain management, and more. They also have solutions that are tailored toward specific departments within your organization.

Noteworthy highlights of Sisense include:

  • Ability to create powerful analytics applications
  • Self-service analytics for each user
  • Cloud-native data analytics
  • Ability to embed analytics with full customization
  • Deploy on-premises, in the cloud, or hybrid deployment with Windows or Linux
  • Seamlessly integrate Sisense with your existing tools and branding
  • Secure access to information at the object, data, and system levels

Users of any technical skill level can use Sisense to transform complex data sets into interactive dashboards. Watch the demo and request a free quote to get started. 

#5 – Chartio Review — Best For Simple Charts and Dashboards

Chartio is a cloud-based BI solution. It empowers users of varying technical backgrounds to analyze data from business applications.

The tool makes it easy for you to simplify data with charts and dashboards for more informed decision making.

Here’s a closer look at some of the top reasons why your business should consider using Chartio for business intelligence:

  • Easy to share visuals in embedded web pages, Slack, PDFs, and more
  • Tools for product managers, sales teams, and customer success
  • Self-service functionality for all users (C-suite, sales reps, etc.)
  • Easy to browse data with visual SQL
  • Connect all data from multiple sources (Google BigQuery, Amazon Redshift, etc.)
  • Create and save custom themes
  • Collaboration and team chat tools

Chartio also provides exceptional support. They view themselves as a strategic partner in your success. So they provide you with live training, extensive documentation, and access to experienced data advisors. 

Plans start at $40 per user per month. You can try Chartio free for 14 days with a no-obligation trial. 

#6 – Tableau Review — Most Versatile BI Software

Tableau is an industry leader in the business intelligence space. The software is trusted by individual analysts, small teams, large organizations, and everything in between.

They offer a wide range of BI tools, including Tableau Desktop, Tableau Online, Tableau Server, Tableau CRM, embedded analytics, server management, data management, and more. The list goes on and on.

In addition to the extensive product offerings and use cases, Tableau also has industry-specific solutions, and tools based on different types of technology, making it the most versatile software in this category.

Top features of Tableau include:

  • Cross-platform support (desktop, browser, mobile) and embedded analytics
  • Team collaboration tools
  • Advanced analytics displayed in powerful visual interface
  • Easy to organize resources and content
  • Centralized data sources and custom permissions
  • Multiple deployment options (cloud, on-premises, hosted, Windows, Linux, Mac, multi-tenant)
  • Actionable insights in real-time
  • Easy to connect with data from multiple sources (Google Analytics, Salesforce, etc.)
  • Ability to map your data

Overall, Tableau is robust and feature-rich. The only real downside is that it can be tough to figure out with so many capabilities. But it can still be used by developers and non-technical users alike.

You can try Tableau for free with a 14-day trial.

Summary

Business intelligence software has rapidly gained popularity over the past few years. If your organization is ready to take your data analysis to the next level, I strongly suggest investing in a BI solution.

Which business intelligence tool is the best?

Just use the buying guide I outlined at the beginning of this article to help narrow down your options. Then start by exploring the top picks reviewed above. 

The post Best Business Intelligence Software appeared first on Neil Patel.

Best Cloud Storage Services

Disclosure: This content is reader-supported, which means if you click on some of our links that we may earn a commission.

A decade ago, clouds were white puffy things we pointed at in the sky. 

Today, I suppose that’s still true. But “the cloud” means something completely different. It started as a buzzword, but now, it’s not uncommon to hear it in an afternoon conversation over coffee. 

In fact, it’s an incredibly common occurrence in our everyday lives. 

And it’s rise in popularity happened for a good reason—cloud storage is safe, affordable, and undoubtedly easy to use. Plus, it has countless uses, from backups and document archiving to team collaboration and file sharing. 

But choosing the best cloud storage services isn’t always easy, especially since there are so many options on the market. 

To make your decision a little easier, I looked at dozens of providers and narrowed it down to my top nine recommendations. 

Then, I reviewed them to help you make the right choice, depending on what you need. 

The top 9 options for cloud storage services:

  1. pCloud – best cloud storage with lifetime access
  2. iDrive – best device backups with unlimited users
  3. Zoolz – best high-volume (100TB+) data storage services
  4. Icedrive – best desktop and portable cloud storage software
  5. Degoo Cloud – best for photo storage and sharing
  6. SpiderOak One – best storage and backups for security
  7. OneDrive – best cloud storage for Windows/PC users
  8. iCloud – best cloud storage for Apple/iOS users
  9. Google Drive – best for Google users

How to choose the best cloud storage services for you

Every option on this list has its own set of perks, features, and benefits. They’re all great in one aspect or another. However, choosing between them isn’t always easy, especially if you don’t know what to look for. 

So, don’t forget to use the following considerations as you go through the process. 

Storage limits

Every cloud storage service offers various plans with differing storage limits and different price points, depending on how much space you need. 

You don’t necessarily need to know how much space you need before you decide. 

Thankfully, it’s easy to upgrade and add more storage space with most providers on the list. Some charge a small monthly fee to add more space and others may require you to upgrade to a different plan. 

With that said, I always recommend starting on the lowest plan until you meet those storage limits. From there, you can upgrade as you need to.

However, it is essential to choose a provider that can scale with you. 

For example, if you know you’re going to need hundreds of terabytes of space, you need a mass storage provider since you will quickly outgrow a standard cloud storage service. 

Security

Legal requirements for your industry and your personal preferences may require advanced security features and capabilities. 

And when it comes to cloud storage, not all providers are equally secure. 

Some practice No Knowledge, meaning they do not know your password, account details, encryption keys, or the files you store on their servers. 

Furthermore, end-to-end encryption is common but not utilized by every provider. And some may change their security processes while your files are moving, while they’re stored, or when you share them with other people. 

So, you need to be aware of the types and levels of security you need. 

This is especially important if you need advanced security for legal compliance, like HIPPA privacy laws in the healthcare industry.

Number of users

This consideration isn’t as crucial if you’re looking for personal cloud storage. However, if you need cloud storage for your company, you typically need to pay monthly per user. 

So, it’s important to understand how many users you have and how much space each account needs to have. 

Some providers, like iDrive, offer plans with unlimited users and an all-encompassing storage limit. So, you only need to upgrade when you reach the maximum storage capacity, rather than paying separately for new accounts. 

However, others don’t offer this, and you’re required to pay for the number of users you have. 

Your use cases

There are various types of cloud storage services, which we’ll talk in-depth about here in a second. However, this is an important consideration to think about when deciding which provider is best for you. 

Do you need device backups? Maybe you need easy file-sharing or access to files from multiple devices. Perhaps you want to archive sensitive information. 

There are many use cases, so it’s essential to understand your needs before making a decision. 

Operating system

iCloud is specifically for Apple devices. So, it doesn’t make sense if you don’t use the Mac operating system or have an iPhone. 

On the other hand, OneDrive is specifically for Windows users. 

Some providers offer solutions that work regardless of your OS. So, this isn’t a crucial consideration unless you plan to use a cloud storage service specifically for your operating system. 

You may even need more than one of these services. I use iCloud to back up my phone and for personal use, but I use pCloud and Google Drive to run my business. 

The different types of cloud storage services

There are countless different types of cloud storage services, including backups, archives, hybrid deployments, and standard file storage. 

The best type for you depends on what you want to do with your cloud storage solution. 

So, before we dive into my top recommendations, let’s take a moment to walk through some of the most common types.

File storage

With standard file storage cloud services, you can upload images, videos, text documents, audio, spreadsheets, and most common file types anytime and anywhere. 

Google Drive, Icedrive, pCloud, and OneDrive are all examples of this. 

They typically also include collaboration tools and advanced sharing capabilities to suit businesses and teams of all sizes. They make it easy for everyone to get access to what they need and collaborate in real-time. 

This is an excellent type of cloud storage service for individuals and businesses of all sizes without tight security requirements and the need to collaborate or share documents. 

Plus, you can keep your phone/computer storage space open for other things. 

Backups

Backups are an incredibly affordable way to create cloud-based copies of your files, device settings, servers, etc. if something happens to the original document or device. 

This process usually happens automatically, daily, or at the click of a button, depending on your preferences. 

Regular backups help protect you and your business if someone hacks into your system, files get deleted, or something physically happens to your device (i.e., your phone or laptop).

If something does happen, you can revert everything to the last backup you have. 

iCloud, SpiderOak, Zoolz, and iDrive offer backup services for various devices, including phones, computers, servers, setting configurations, and more. 

Archives

Archive storage is similar to backups, except it’s for files and data you don’t expect to access again in the future. 

Archiving is typically for legal compliance purposes and is usually very affordable since you don’t need any special features or collaboration tools to go with your storage space. 

Hybrid deployments

This is a combination of public and private cloud storage for businesses that need hyper-secure storage and general storage space. 

Private clouds are much more secure and aren’t shared with other users, hence being called private. And this comes with a bigger price tag. 

However, public cloud resources are shared with numerous users to keep costs low. But it also means there’s less built-in security. 

As such, it makes sense that you wouldn’t want to store sensitive information or patient data in a public cloud. 

So, specific industries may need a hybrid deployment to cover their sensitive documents as well as other files and backups that may not require as much security. 

#1 – pCloud Review — The best cloud storage services with lifetime access

Most cloud storage services charge monthly based on the amount of storage you need. However, pCloud offers lifetime plans, so you don’t have to worry about paying a fee every month. 

This is a great deal, especially if you plan to use the storage space for an extended period. 

On top of that, pCloud’s lifetime plans come with a wide range of features, including:

  • Shareable links and file requests
  • Brandable and customizable share links
  • TLS and SSL channel protection
  • Five copies on different servers
  • Automatic syncing
  • Offline access capabilities
  • Built-in video and audio player
  • File versioning up to 30 days in the past

pCloud also offers an add-on service for extra security and client-side encryption. You have the option to pay annually or for a lifetime subscription. 

There are two lifetime storage plans to choose from, including:

  1. Premium — 500 GB for $480 (only $175 for a limited time)
  2. Premium Plus — 2 TB for $980 (only $350 for a limited time)

If you prefer paying annually, you can do that as well. 

You can try pCloud for free for up to 10 GB of storage space. So, sign up for a free account or buy lifetime access to get started!

#2 – iDrive Review — The best storage + device backups with unlimited users

If you need cloud storage or cloud backups for a large number of people, it’s more affordable to choose a plan with unlimited users. With iDrive Business, you can have as many users as you want with flexible plans depending on the amount of space you need. 

iDrive’s personal plan is also affordable if you only need cloud storage for yourself. 

However, the business plans are where the service really shines. Those business plans come with a ton of powerful features, including things like:

  • Unlimited PC, Mac, iPhone, Android, and tablet backups
  • Continuous and automatic data backups
  • External hard drive backups
  • Remote management via a browser-based application
  • User and group management
  • Single sign-on
  • 24/7 priority support
  • Server backups
  • Business compliance

So, it’s an excellent option for businesses of all sizes needing backups and affordable cloud storage space. 

Pricing starts at $99.50 per year for 250 GB, with storage limits up to 12.5 TB if you need more. Alternatively, you can opt for monthly plans starting at $49.95 per month for 1.25 TB. 

You can try iDrive free for up to 5 GB to see if it’s right for you. From there, you can upgrade once you run out of space or need access to more features. 

Sign up for a free account and choose your plan to get started today!

#3 – Zoolz Review — The best high-volume cloud storage services

If you need a secure place to store large amounts of backup data (100 TB range), Zoolz is an excellent choice. They offer long-term storage plans in increments of one, three, and five years. 

The longer your term and the more space you have, the more you can save. 

Plus, Zoolz’ enterprise-grade mass backup storage plans come with a ton of security, management, and reporting features, including:

  • Automatic purging by days and versions
  • Smart duplication algorithm even for encrypted files
  • On-the-fly decryption for easy access
  • Military-grade AES encryption
  • Easy deployment via Active Directory Deployment
  • Advanced device management
  • Bandwidth and storage monitoring
  • Automatic system alerts
  • Continuous change monitoring
  • Server backups

If you don’t need mass storage, Zoolz offers standard cloud backup plans for businesses of all sizes starting at $15 per month (or $99 per year) for up to 1 TB of storage space. 

Speak with a cloud specialist to learn more and get started today!

#4 – Icedrive Review — The best desktop and portable cloud storage software

If you’re looking for cloud storage that feels more like a hard drive with cloud servers’ portability and flexibility, Icedrive is a smart choice. It utilizes drive mounting software so you can access your files as if they’re stored directly on your computer. 

You can also get up to 10 GB of storage space for free, making this one of the most robust free plans on this list. 

Icedrive offers several different storage apps for various devices, including web-based, mobile, and desktop. So, you can easily access your files from anywhere. 

The mobile app is available for iOS and Android devices with a clean and intuitive interface. 

With it, you can view documents in various formats, watch videos and listen to audio files with the built-in media player, and create a full device backup in just a few taps. 

Plus, the various apps come packed full of powerful features, including:

  • Client-side Twofish encryption
  • Password protection
  • Share timeout capabilities
  • Collaboration tools

Icedrive offers monthly, annual, and lifetime plans. Monthly plans start at $4.99 per month for up to 1 TB of data, which is incredibly affordable. Alternatively, you can pay $49.99 per year or $149 for lifetime access. 

Choose your storage requirements to get started!

#5 – Degoo Cloud Review — The best cloud storage services for storing photos

If you’re interested in a better way to store your photos, Degoo Cloud is a photo storage service that lets you rediscover memories using AI and a built-in personal image feed. 

Plus, Degoo has over 23 million users worldwide. So, you’re in good company. 

On top of that, you get top-notch security. When you upload an image, you can encrypt it with a password. From there, the data gets broken down into pieces and scattered throughout several data centers in different countries. 

The company even claims it’s 100% NSA proof. So, you can rest easy knowing your photos are safe and secure. 

It’s also an excellent way to free up space on your phone. And you can choose when you want to upload your files to preserve your phone’s battery life. Alternatively, you can set things up to auto-upload into your Degoo account. 

Furthermore, Degoo works on virtually any device with iOS, Android, and web-based applications available. 

You have three different plans to choose from, including:

  • Free — 100 GB of storage, three devices, and Degoo ads
  • Pro — 500 GB of storage, ten devices, and no ads for $2.99 per month
  • Ultimate — 10 TB of storage and unlimited devices for $9.99 per month

Create a free account to get started with Degoo today!

#6 – SpiderOak One Review — The best cloud storage services and backups for security

If you want or need advanced levels of security, SpiderOak is an excellent choice. It offers everything you need to protect your data and stay compliant with local, state, and federal regulations (like HIPPA). 

Rather than a true cloud storage provider, SpiderOak provides data backups. However, you can share and access those files. 

So, it works similarly, but you can only store backups vs. uploading whatever you want. 

On top of that, SpiderOak practices No Knowledge, meaning the company has no knowledge of your passwords, the data you’re storing, or any of the metadata associated with the files you upload. 

No one but you knows what you store on the cloud. And the system is built with privacy and security in mind with end-to-end encryption. 

This means your files are encrypted before they ever leave your computer, and they stay encrypted the entire time they’re stored. 

Furthermore, you also get:

  • Point-in-time recovery to restore data to any point in time
  • File sharing (No Knowledge doesn’t apply to shared files)
  • Mobile apps for file viewing
  • Separate encryption keys for each file
  • File versioning
  • Access to deleted files

Pricing starts at $6/month for up to 150 GB and goes all the way up to 5 TB for $29/month. 

Sign up for a 21-day free trial to see if SpiderOak One is right for you and your business today!

#7 – OneDrive Review — The best cloud storage services for Windows users

If you use Windows and none of the other options feel like a good fit, OneDrive is an affordable and easy-to-use option. There are family, individual, and business plans available to suit individuals and businesses of all shapes and sizes. 

Plus, you can access, edit, and manage your files from any device regardless of where you are in the world. 

Some plans also include access to Microsoft Office apps, like Word and Excel. So, it’s a great deal if you don’t already have those tools. 

Each business plan includes 1 TB of storage space, among various other features, including:

  • Secure file sharing
  • Access expiration dates
  • Accessing files on the cloud without having to download
  • Offline access
  • Mentions, comments, and tasks
  • File folder and access controls
  • Password protection
  • Multi-page scanning

Furthermore, you can get unlimited cloud storage space with the Business 2 plan. It also includes advanced security features so you can rest easy knowing your files are secure. 

OneDrive’s business plans include:

  1. Business 1 — $5/month paid annually for 1 TB of space
  2. Business 2 — $10/month paid annually for unlimited space and advanced security
  3. 365 Business Basic — $6/month for 1 TB plus essential Office apps
  4. 365 Standard — $15/month for 1 TB plus all Office apps and collaboration tools

Alternatively, you can get 5 GB for free or pay $1.99/month for 100 GB of personal storage space. 

Choose your plan to get started with OneDrive today!

#8 – iCloud Review — The best cloud storage services for Apple users

iCloud definitely isn’t the strongest competitor on this list. But it’s a good choice if you already use Apple devices and want an easy way to store and access your files from one device to another. 

Plus, you automatically get 5 GB of storage for free. 

If you’re a light user, this may be enough for you. However, if you have a lot of photos or videos, you probably need more space. 

Furthermore, it’s incredibly easy to set up and upgrade to a higher plan. 

You can upgrade from any of your devices using your iTunes account. And there are various storage plans to choose from, including 50 GB, 200 GB, and 2 TB. 

You can also share this storage space with up to six people in your household. 

This space can also be used for device backups, including your Apple watch, home screen and app organization, purchase history, photos, videos, and device settings. This means you don’t have to start from scratch if you get a new device. 

You can simply use the backups stored in iCloud. 

In the US, paid plans start at $0.99/month and extend up to $9.99 per month. 

These prices vary in other countries and regions, so be sure to check out iCloud’s storage plan pricing for your country before upgrading. 

#9 – Google Drive Review — The best cloud storage services for Google users

If your organization uses G Suite (now called Workspace), Google Drive is included in your subscription. It’s packed full of powerful features and is incredibly affordable for businesses of all sizes. 

Workspace paid plans include business email accounts, cloud storage space, video conferencing capabilities, internal messaging, and various web-based tools for document creation, powerpoints, and more. 

So, you get everything you need to connect, collaborate, and share documents with your entire team. 

But if you’re not already using or planning on using Workspace for business email, you’re better off choosing Workspace Essentials (doesn’t include email services and starts at $8/month) or a different option on this list. 

Google Drive comes with various features, including:

  • Desktop, web-based, and mobile applications
  • Centralized user and data management
  • Data loss prevention services
  • AI-driven predictions for important content
  • Shared drives for easy team access
  • Cloud-based streaming
  • Advanced sharing and accessibility settings

Pricing for Google Workspace starts at $6/month per user with up to 30 GB of storage space per user. You can also upgrade to a higher plan for more space and additional features. 

Alternatively, there’s an enterprise plan with unlimited storage, advanced security features, and custom pricing. 

Choose your plan to get started with Google Drive today!

Wrapping things up

pCloud, iDrive, and Icedrive are my top recommendations for most users. Each service offers flexible plans at affordable prices to suit individuals and businesses of all shapes and sizes.

However, your storage and security needs also play a role in which option you should choose. 

So, don’t forget to use the considerations we talked about as you go through the process of choosing the best cloud storage services for you and your team. 

What’s your favorite cloud storage service?

The post Best Cloud Storage Services appeared first on Neil Patel.

Excellent! Get the Best Balance Transfer Business Credit Cards in a Recession

Get the Most Awesome, Best Balance Transfer Business Credit Cards in a Recession Today!

You can get the best balance transfer business credit cards in a recession! We can show you how!

Per the SBA, corporate credit card limits are 10 – 100 times that of personal cards! This shows you can get a lot more cash with small business credit.

And this also means you can have personal credit cards at retail stores, and now have an additional card at the same stores for your business. And you won’t have to provide collateral, cash flow, or financials to get business credit.

Best Balance Transfer Business Credit Cards in a Recession: Card Advantages

Features vary, so make certain to select the perk you prefer from this range of choices.

The Best Balance Transfer Business Credit Cards in a Recession – You Can Get Luxurious Travel Points

Flat-rate Travel Rewards

Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business

Take a look at the Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business. It has an introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year, which then rises to $95. The regular APR is 18.49%, variable due to the prime rate. There is no introductory annual percentage rate. Pay no transfer fees. Late fees go up to $39.

This card is terrific for travel if your costs don’t come under basic bonus categories. You can get unlimited double miles on all purchases, with no limits. Get 5x miles on rental cars and hotels if you book via Capital One Travel.

Get an initial bonus of 50,000 miles. That’s the same as $500 in travel. But you only get it if you spend $4,500 in the initial 3 months from account opening. There is no foreign transaction fee. You will need a great to outstanding FICO rating to qualify.

Find it here: https://www.capitalone.com/small-business/credit-cards/spark-miles/

Bonus Travel Categories with a Sign-Up Offer

Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card

For an excellent sign-up offer and bonus categories, take a look at the Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card.

Pay an annual fee of $95. Regular APR is 17.49 – 22.49%, variable. There is no introductory APR offer.

Get 100,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 in the initial 3 months after account opening. This works out to $1,250 towards travel rewards if you redeem with Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Get 3 points per dollar of the first $150,000 you spend with this card. So this is for purchases on travel, shipping, internet, cable, and phone services. Plus it includes advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year.

You can get 25% more in travel redemption when you redeem for travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards. You will need a good to superb FICO score to qualify.

Find it here: https://creditcards.chase.com/business-credit-cards/ink/business-preferred

No Annual Fee

Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World MasterCard® credit card

For no annual fee while still getting travel rewards, have a look at this card from Bank of America. It has no yearly fee and a 0% introductory APR for purchases during the initial nine billing cycles. After that, its regular APR is 13.74 – 23.74% variable.

You can earn 30,000 bonus points when you make a minimum of $3,000 in net purchases. So this is within 90 days of your account opening. You can redeem these points for a $300 statement credit towards travel purchases.

Get unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases, everywhere, every time. And this is no matter how much you spend.

Also get 3 points per every dollar spent when you reserve your travel (car, hotel, airline) through the Bank of America® Travel Center. There is no limit to the number of points you can earn and points do not expire.

You will need excellent credit to get this one (as in, 700s or better).

Find it here: https://www.bankofamerica.com/smallbusiness/credit-cards/products/travel-rewards-business-credit-card/

Hotel Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card

Take a look at the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ Card from American Express. It has an annual fee of $125. There is no introductory APR offer. The regular APR is a variable 17.24 – 26.24%. You will need great to superb credit to get this card.

Points

You can get 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after using your card to make purchases of $3,000 in the initial 3 months. Get 6x the points for qualified purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels. You can get 4x the points at United States restaurants and gasoline stations. And you can get 4x the points on wireless telephone services bought straight from US service providers and on US purchases for shipping.

Get double points on all other eligible purchases.

Rewards

Also, you get a free night each year after your card anniversary. And you can earn an additional free night after you spend $60,000 on your card in a calendar year.

You get free Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status with your Card. Also, spend $35,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year and get an upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status through the end of the following calendar year.

Plus, each calendar year you can get credit for 15 nights towards the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status.

Find it here: https://creditcard.americanexpress.com/d/bonvoy-business/

Alternatives to the Best Balance Transfer Business Credit Cards in a Recession: Business Credit Cards for Fair Credit, Not Needing a Personal Guarantee

Brex Card for Startups

Check out the Brex Card for Startups. It has no annual fee.

You will not need to provide your Social Security number to apply. And you will not need to provide a personal guarantee. They will take your EIN.

Nevertheless, they do not accept every industry.

Likewise, there are some industries they will not work with, and others where they want added documentation. For a list, go here: https://brex.com/legal/prohibited_activities/.

To determine creditworthiness, Brex checks a corporation’s cash balance, spending patterns, and investors.

You can get 7x points on rideshare. Get 4x on Brex Travel. Also, get triple points on restaurants. And get double points on recurring software payments. Get 1x points on everything else.

You can have poor credit (even a 300 FICO) to qualify.

Find it here: https://brex.com/lp/startups-higher-limits/

Check out how our reliable process will help your business get the best business credit cards, even during a recession.

Alternatives to the Best Balance Transfer Business Credit Cards in a Recession: Terrific Cards for Cash Back

Flat-Rate Rewards

Capital One ® Spark® Cash for Business

Check out the Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business. It has an introductory $0 yearly fee for the first year. After that, this card costs $95 per year. There is no introductory APR deal. The regular APR is a variable 18.49%.

You can get a $500 one-time cash bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. Get unlimited 2% cash back. Redeem any time without minimums.

You will need good to outstanding credit scores to qualify.

Find it here: https://www.capitalone.com/small-business/credit-cards/spark-cash/

Flat-Rate Rewards and No Annual Fee

Discover it® Business Card

Take a look at the Discover it® Business Card. It has no annual fee. There is an introductory APR of 0% on purchases for year. Then the regular APR is a variable 14.49 – 22.49%.

Get unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no category restrictions or bonuses. They double the 1.5% Cashback Match™ at the end of the first year. There is no minimal spend requirement.

You can download transactions| quickly to Quicken, QuickBooks, and Excel. Keep in mind: you will need great to outstanding credit scores to qualify for this card.

https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/business/

Bonus Categories

Ink Business Cash℠ Credit Card

Take a look at the Ink Business Cash℠ Credit Card. It has no yearly fee. There is a 0% introductory APR for the first year. Afterwards, the APR is a variable 14.74 – 20.74%. You can get a $500 one-time cash bonus after spending $3,000 in the initial 3 months from account opening.

You can earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on web, cable, and phone services each account anniversary year.

Get 2% cash back on the initial $25,000 spent in combined purchases at filling stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Get 1% cash back on all other purchases. There is no limitation to the amount you can get.

You will need excellent credit scores to qualify for this card.

Find it here: https://creditcards.chase.com/business-credit-cards/ink/cash?iCELL=61GF

Boosted Cash Back Categories

Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards MasterCard® credit card

Check out the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards MasterCard® credit card. Get an 0% introductory APR for the initial 9 billing cycles of the account. After that, the APR is 13.74% – 23.74% variable. There is no annual fee. You can get a $300 statement credit offer.Best Balance Transfer Business Credit Cards in a Recession Credit Suite

Get 3% cash back in the category of your choice. So these are gasoline stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services. Get 2% cash back on dining. So this is for the initial $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year. Then get 1% after, with no limits.

You will need outstanding credit scores to qualify.

Find it here: https://promo.bankofamerica.com/smallbusinesscards2/

Check out how our reliable process will help your business get the best business credit cards, even during a recession.

Alternatives to the Best Balance Transfer Business Credit Cards in a Recession: Credit Cards with 0% Introductory APR

Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Check out the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express. It has no annual fee. There is a 0% introductory APR for the initial 12 months. Afterwards, the APR is a variable 14.74 – 20.74%.

Get double Membership Rewards® points on everyday company purchases like office supplies or client dinners for the first $50,000 spent each year. Get 1 point per dollar afterwards.

So you will need good to outstanding credit scores to qualify.

Find it here: https://creditcard.americanexpress.com/d/bluebusinessplus-credit-card/

American Express® Blue Business Cash Card

Also take a look at the American Express® Blue Business Cash Card. Keep in mind: the American Express® Blue Business Cash Card is identical to the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express. Yet its rewards are in cash as opposed to points.

Get 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year. Then get 1%.

It has no annual fee. There is a 0% introductory APR for the initial twelve months. Afterwards, the APR is a variable 14.74 – 20.74%.

So you will need great to superb credit to qualify.

Find it here: https://creditcard.americanexpress.com/d/business-bluecash-credit-card/

Alternatives to the Best Balance Transfer Business Credit Cards in a Recession: Cards for Rewards

Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business

Check out the Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business. It has no yearly fee. You can get 1.5% cash back on every purchase. There is no limit on the cash back you can earn. And earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases in the initial three months. Rewards never expire.

Pay a 0% introductory APR for 9 months. Then pay 14.49% – 22.49% variable APR after that.

So you will need great to excellent credit to qualify.

Find it here: https://www.capitalone.com/small-business/credit-cards/spark-cash-select/

Check out how our reliable process will help your business get the best business credit cards, even during a recession.

Alternatives to the Best Balance Transfer Business Credit Cards in a Recession: Exceptional Business Credit Cards with No Yearly Fee

No Yearly Fee/Flat Rate Cash Back

Ink Business Unlimited℠ Credit Card

Have a look at the Ink Business Unlimited℠ Credit Card. Beyond no annual fee, get an introductory 0% APR for the first one year. After that, the APR is a variable 14.74 – 20.74%.

You can earn unlimited 1.5% Cash Back rewards on every purchase made for your corporation. And get $500 bonus cash back after spending $3,000 in the initial 3 months from account opening. You can redeem your rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more via Chase Ultimate Rewards®. So you will need exceptional credit scores to get approval for this card.

Find it here: https://creditcards.chase.com/business-credit-cards/ink/unlimited

Your Best Balance Transfer Business Credit Cards in a Recession

Your absolute best balance transfer business credit cards in a recession will be based on your credit history and scores. Just you can decide which benefits you want and need, so be sure to do your homework. And, as always, make sure to build credit in the recommended order for the best, fastest benefits.

The economy will change again – and your prospects for getting cards will be even better.

The post Excellent! Get the Best Balance Transfer Business Credit Cards in a Recession appeared first on Credit Suite.

Best Web Hosting for WordPress

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WordPress is the world’s most popular CMS platform. According to a 2020 study, 455 million sites worldwide are powered by WordPress. 

It’s what I use to manage my blog here at NeilPatel.com, as well as my other sites and ventures.

So if you’re currently using WordPress or planning to use WordPress for your website, it makes sense to invest in WordPress web hosting. 

WordPress-specific hosting solutions will be your best option in terms of service, updates, performance, and installations for WordPress. Which web hosting provider is the best option in this category? Check out my reviews and recommendations below to learn more. 

The Top 6 Options For WordPress Web Hosting

  1. Bluehost
  2. DreamHost
  3. SiteGround
  4. WP Engine
  5. A2 Hosting
  6. IONOS by 1&1

How to Choose the Best WordPress Web Hosting For You

Before you can find the best WordPress hosting plan for your site, you must know what to look for as you’re shopping around. Use the following considerations as a buying guide. This will make it much easier for you to narrow down your options.

Traffic Volume

How much traffic does your website get? For new sites, how much traffic are you expecting?

The answer to this question will definitely have an impact on the type of WordPress hosting solution that’s right for you. A site that has 5,000 visitors per month should be on a different plan than sites with 50,000 visitors per month. Plans that can accommodate 100,000 visitors per month won’t necessarily be suitable for sites with millions of monthly visitors.

New websites and smaller sites will be fine with shared WordPress hosting (more on this shortly). But as your site grows, you might want to consider a VPS (virtual private server) or dedicated WordPress hosting solution. 

Support

Most people don’t think to consider the customer service offered by their WordPress hosting provider. But this factor should definitely rank high on your list.

In an ideal scenario, your site will run smoothly 24/7, and you’ll never have any problems. Unfortunately, we live in reality—not a perfect world. So one day or another, you’re going to run into an issue and need some assistance.

The best WordPress hosting providers will have your back. They are available around the clock via phone, live chat, and email support. Agents will work diligently to quickly resolve your problems. 

For those of you who currently have an active website on another hosting service, make sure the provider you’re considering switching to will help you with the site migration. The best customer support teams will do this for free.  

Managed vs. Unmanaged

Your technical experience will help you determine if you want a managed WordPress hosting plan or an unmanaged WordPress plan. 

Traditional WordPress hosting is more cost-effective. The host will make the WordPress installation pretty easy for you, usually with just a single click (assuming WordPress isn’t already pre-installed). 

Managed plans are a bit pricier, but you’ll benefit from enhanced services. The best managed WordPress hosting plans will come with features like automatic backups, automatic updates, maintenance, and other perks for those of you who prefer to be hands-off. 

Site Metrics and Performance

All web hosting plans branded as “WordPress hosting” should already be optimized for WordPress. So right away, your site performance would be better than a non-optimized service.

But beyond that, there are other factors that affect the two most important site metrics you should be monitoring—uptime and speed.

The type of hosting you choose will have the biggest impact on these. For example, shared hosting will be slower than VPS hosting. Your traffic levels will also play a factor in your performance metrics. 

Some providers are just better than others when it comes to speed and performance. The best way to get more information on this is by reading recent customer reviews. If people are constantly complaining about unexpected outages and downtime, you should probably stay away. All of the providers on my list below are reputable and pretty comparable in terms of speed and uptime.  

The Different Types of Web Hosting For WordPress

WordPress web hosting can be segmented into a handful of different categories. Here’s a deeper explanation of each one:

Shared WordPress 

As previously mentioned, shared WordPress hosting is the cheapest option. It’s the best choice for new websites, small websites, small blogs, and sites that aren’t expecting a ton of traffic. Most hosts make it really easy for you to get started with a shared plan, and the maintenance is pretty low as well. 

The downside of shared hosting is the performance. As the name implies, you’ll be sharing server resources with other websites on the same server. So your site could potentially crash or slow down as other sites on that server get traffic spikes. 

Shared hosting isn’t great for business websites. As you start to get 10,000 to 25,000+ visitors per month, you might want to consider upgrading to another tier.

Virtual Private Servers (VPS)

VPS WordPress hosting is a step above shared hosting. 

You’re still technically sharing a physical server with other websites, but the number of sites on that server will be much lower. Furthermore, the server gets split into several virtual servers (hence the name), so each site has its own dedicated resources.

The anatomy of VPS hosting helps prevent the traffic on other sites from slowing your site down. VPS WordPress hosting has improved performance and can accommodate higher volumes of traffic than shared plans. 

Dedicated WordPress Hosting

With a dedicated WordPress hosting plan, you’ll have your own server for your website. This results in the highest possible performance, the ability to accommodate large volumes of traffic, and ultimate customization options at the server level.

It’s worth noting that most sites won’t need a dedicated server (it can also be really expensive). 

This type of WordPress hosting is reserved for huge companies, sites with millions of visitors per month, and developers that want to customize the hosting environment for multiple websites on a single server. 

Managed WordPress Hosting

Managed WordPress hosting is typically offered at the shared or VPS level. It’s definitely an upgrade from traditional hosting, and you’ll get tons of benefits.

The speed, performance, and customer support is better. Behind the scenes, everything will be more secure (which means the site will also be more stable). You won’t have to worry about updates, installations, or security—all of this will be handled by your host. 

Prices for managed WordPress plans are higher than basic shared or VPS hosting solutions. But for the service and extras you’re getting, the cost is definitely justifiable. 

#1 – Bluehost — Best WordPress Hosting For New Websites

Powering 2+ million sites across the globe, Bluehost is an industry leader in the web hosting space. This provider has been recommended by WordPress for 15+ years, making them a top consideration for most websites.

WordPress hosting from Bluehost starts at just $3.95 per month.

Bluehost is a great option for anyone building a new website from scratch. You can bundle your hosting and domain registration into a single plan, with a free domain name for one year. Other noteworthy highlights from Bluehost include:

  • Automatic WordPress installation
  • Hundreds of free WordPress themes
  • Free SSL certificate
  • Automatic WordPress updates
  • $200 in free marketing credits (Google Ads and Microsoft Advertising)
  • Securely configure your WordPress login credentials

WordPress has excellent customer service and plans to fit budgets of all sizes. Bluehost’s support experts are available 24/7 via phone and live chat. They even have specific solutions for advanced WordPress users and ecommerce sites. 

It’s easy to get started, and all plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

#2 – DreamHost Review — Most Versatile WordPress Hosting Plans

DreamHost is another hosting provider that’s recommended directly by WordPress. They’ve been on this list for over ten years.

Regardless of your website type, budget, or hosting needs, DreamHost has a WordPress hosting solution for you. Plans start as low as $2.59 per month.

DreamHost has over 750,000 WordPress installations under their belt. They have basic WordPress hosting plans for new sites, managed WordPress hosting plans, and VPS for WordPress as well. 

All of DreamHost’s WordPress hosting plans come with the following features and benefits:

  • Award-winning customer support available 24/7/365
  • Automatic WordPress updates
  • Instant WordPress setups
  • Free SSL certificate
  • Free privacy protection
  • Free domain
  • Free email hosting
  • Advanced control panel options
  • Automatic daily backups

Whether you want a shared plan, managed plan, or VPS for powering multiple WordPress sites, DreamHost can accommodate your needs. 

They have specific servers that are optimized for WordPress and boast a 100% uptime guarantee. DreamHost has a dedicated team of WordPress experts that can help you resolve any issue, large or small. 

You’ll also benefit from a 97-day money-back guarantee. No other host on the market today offers this type of promise.

#3 – SiteGround Review — The Best For Scalable Traffic

SiteGround is the third hosting provider recommended directly by WordPress. They offer managed solutions for sites of all sizes.

Whether you have 10,000 monthly visitors, 100,000 monthly visitors, or somewhere in between, SiteGround can accommodate your needs.

The entry-level WordPress hosting plans from SiteGround start at just $6.99 per month. Here’s a closer look at some of the features you’ll get from this provider:

  • 24/7 support from expert WordPress agents
  • Automated WordPress installation and powerful WordPress starter kit
  • Free WordPress migrations
  • Managed security and updates at the server and application level
  • Performance optimized for WordPress sites
  • Free SSL certificates
  • Free daily backups
  • Unlimited free email accounts
  • Staging tools and developer toolkit
  • Collaboration tools and whitelabel access

If you’re expecting your site to scale and need to upgrade plans to accommodate your growth, SiteGround has you covered. Your WordPress hosting plan is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

#4 – WP Engine Review — Best Managed WordPress Hosting

With a name like WP Engine, it should come as no secret or surprise that this hosting provider specializes in WordPress hosting. More than 120,000 customers in 140+ countries rely on WP Engine for web hosting.

Their managed solutions are fast, reliable, and secure, with plans starting at $25 per month.

WP Engine’s prices are a bit higher compared to other options on our list. But their services are unmatched in the world of managed WordPress hosting. 

These solutions are built for larger websites. For example, the entry-level plan can accommodate up to 25,000 visits per month, which is 2.5x higher than most entry-level plans from other providers. They even have managed WordPress solutions for websites with monthly traffic in the millions.

Other noteworthy highlights of WP Engine include:

  • Premium WordPress themes and Genesis framework included ($2,000 value)
  • Reliable hosting architecture
  • Optimized for developers
  • Unmatched speed and reliability
  • Integrates with solutions like Cloudflare, Google, Amazon, BigCommerce, and more
  • Application performance monitoring

WP Engine is a great option for large websites, developers, businesses, agencies, and marketers. If you’re looking for an advanced WordPress hosting solution, this will be the best option for you.

#5 – A2 Hosting Review — The Best For Site Migrations

A2 Hosting is another reputable and well-known provider in the web hosting space. They have shared WordPress hosting plans starting at $2.99 per month and managed WordPress solutions that start $11.99 per month.

So whether your needs are simple, complex, or somewhere in the middle, A2 has a plan for you.

Not many hosting providers offer both shared and managed WordPress solutions; most specialize in one or the other. So the fact that A2 gives the ability to choose is definitely a unique standout. 

For those of you with an existing website looking to switch providers, A2 Hosting offers free and easy site migrations. You’ll also benefit from features like:

  • Automatic WordPress setups
  • Free SSL certificate
  • Global data centers
  • Turbo servers up to 20x faster (with select plans)
  • Developer-friendly tools
  • Free automated site backups
  • Unlimited storage (with select plans)

If you read the reviews from current A2 customers, you’ll quickly see why this host is so popular. For fast, reliable, and secure WordPress hosting, look no further than A2 Hosting. 

#6 – IONOS by 1&1 Review — The Best For Pro Users

IONOS by 1&1 isn’t necessarily the most recognizable name in the web hosting world. But that shouldn’t turn you away from considering their solutions.

This provider is my top recommendation for WordPress professionals. 

Some of the top highlights and features from the WordPress hosting plans include:

  • Multisite management tools
  • Simple migrations
  • Stage testing
  • Smart updates
  • SSD built to support fast loading times
  • NGINX cloud server
  • Third-party optimizations
  • CDN caching
  • Server-generated HTML and REST API caching
  • Browser caching and dynamic content caching
  • Free SSL certificate
  • Daily cloud backups
  • Free domain and email accounts
  • 24/7 support

For developers and WordPress experts managing multiple websites, IONOS by 1&1 will be your best option. Plans start at $18 per month. Best of all, you won’t be locked into a long-term contract. IONOS by 1&1 lets you cancel at any time. 

Summary

If you’re running a WordPress website, you should definitely consider a hosting plan that’s optimized for WordPress.

Which plan is the best? It depends on what you’re looking for. The recommendations listed above will definitely be the best place for you to start your search.

Just use the buying guide at the beginning of this post to help narrow down your options. 

The post Best Web Hosting for WordPress appeared first on Neil Patel.

12 Best Landing Page Examples

Let me ask you a question…

Would you rather have a beautiful website or a website your customers love?

From a business perspective, you shouldn’t go for either.

Your answer must be 100% I want a high-converting website.

Because if people buy, then they both like it and you can safely and predictably scale your business.

Many people get in the trap of creating designs they like while their perfect client avatar is so much different than what they would imagine.

And that can be easily noticed when you click on ads you see on social media.

You might like the ad itself but most times the landing page on the other side is not what you want to see.

The connection between your traffic and your landing page is called an accurate message to market fit.

You want your message to perfectly fit your market so you can start with a winning funnel that’s only bound to go up from there.

Because if you mess up there, you would be optimizing and tweaking little components that will barely get you to break even.

But if you nail your message you would be getting customers left and right without even knowing why or how they came to you.

It’s your most powerful weapon and most businesses do it completely wrong.

So to help you out and guarantee your immediate success, we’ll be going over the best 12 landing page examples that you should use to scale your business.

We’ll go over each one’s strengths and weaknesses while making sure you find one that fits your exact business.

After this post, you’ll be able to come up with high-converting landing pages like magic.

But before we do that, we must go over…

What Makes a Great Landing Page

That question solely depends on your needs.

So let me ask you a couple of questions that will help you clear your mind and think in the right direction.

#1 What do you want to accomplish with your landing page?

Your most common options are:

  • Getting people to opt-in in exchange for Free value on a subject
  • Directly selling a low-ticket product like a book or a mini-course
  • Free Trial offer for a monthly service or software
  • Free + Shipping offer where you count on upsells to make a profit

You’ve got to know exactly what offer you want to present in your landing page before creating it.

And of course, there are other offers you can make but the idea here is to clarify what is the one that you want to use for your business.

If you’re not sure, there would be multiple examples further down the post.

Now for the next question, you need to ask yourself…

#2 Are you committed to this project or are you just trying out an offer?

Building a high-converting landing page is not an overnight hustle.

You might find yourself optimizing a non-profitable landing page for months before it starts generating real returns.

And if you’re not ready for that, then I recommend you quit before you even start.

Yes, you can get a lucky shot and hit a homerun from your first try but counting on it is delusional.

Be ready for the long game so you catch the long-term gains that are so much sweeter than the momentary satisfaction.

And for the final question…

#3 What’s your budget?

Before you begin designing your high-converting landing page, you need to prepare a solid budget.

You can’t expect everything to go smoothly throughout the process.

Problems are going to occur and most times the easiest and fastest way to solve them is to pay someone who is an expert in the field.

That can be a developer, a Funnel designer/builder, an Ad specialist, or a CRO consultant.

Either way, you should be ready to pay someone to do it right so you don’t face the same problems over and over.

In marketing and life, there’s a rule of thumb that suggests you should finish your work and then let someone else judge it.

Obviously, for landing pages, the way is to run some ads and see if the traffic converts.

If it does, you raise your ad budget and try to scale.

If it doesn’t convert initially then you should let a professional take a look at it.

And even if you already hired someone to build it for you, don’t expect him to help you here.

Yes, he can optimize your page but you’ve got to keep in mind that people have an emotional attachment to their work.

That’s why you need a third party to help you out.

And especially when it comes to optimizing a landing page for conversions, you must consider the idea of hiring an agency.

Big marketing agencies nowadays have had hundreds if not thousands of clients who had been in your exact situation.

That’s why hiring a marketing agency to help you increase your conversion is the best bet.

And talking about CRO (conversion rate optimization) there’s no better choice than NP Digital.

It is simply the best marketing agency for both SEO and CRO.

If you’re at the stage where you want to optimize your existing landing page but you don’t know exactly how to do it…

Then you should book a quick call with a professional where you’ll unravel the secret conversion optimization methods your business needs.

And now for the main event…

The Best 12 Landing Page Examples

These are the 12 Best Landing Page Examples we could find.

We’ll be judging them for conversions, offer, design, and customer experience.

#1 Get Response

Get Response is an example of a simple yet interactive landing page example.

You can see the Get Response team are bold as they’re the only software in the industry that uses an interactive headline.

The yellow sign you see on the image below changes between the words growing, leads, and sales.

That makes it for a great attention-grabbing headline that just makes you read on.

Also, they use a friendly, positive face which is something we don’t see very often in business that is not centered around a personal brand.

That of course is not a bad thing. It automatically builds trust and makes it easier for people to sign up for their software.

#2 Slack

Slack is always on the top of its game when it comes to landing pages.

They are constantly optimizing for conversions and that’s the best way to find your winning landing page.

Their current one is once again, extremely interactive, has a big eye-popping headline, and also shows how easy it is to use the software with a quick 5-second giff.

Straight from the get-go, you can see they value customer satisfaction and if you’re still not sure, scrolling down will lead to non-stop credibility and results that prove their authority in the marketplace.

#3 Intercom

Intercom’s main objective on this landing page is to get you to opt-in with your email.

Keeping it to email only is a great way to increase your opt-in rate.

A big, positive headline that puts you in the right state of mind to act now.

The images they use perfectly represent the headline’s main USP.

You can see an overall friendly environment and you just have to opt-in if you got to this page.

#4 Lyft

Lyft has been riding up the charts in the past years and their website, landing page, and their overall online funnel is not lacking behind.

They focus on attracting new drivers that want to control their own life.

And promising your employees freedom while working for you is the best way to snap the best candidates from your competitors.

We know Lyft has used multiple landing pages in the past but their current one shows real professionalism.

Once again, we see a giant, attention-grabbing headline. This time with a question to anticipate curiosity and thought process in their prospects.

And check out the button “APPLY TO DRIVE”. It implies that it’s not 100% sure you’ll be able to get the position.

Making it so your clients have to compete to get a hold of your attention makes it so they try harder in the job itself.

#5 Zoho

Zoho’s landing page is a great example of a more complicated but still extremely powerful messaging.

They use more text than the average software in the industry but that’s not necessarily bad.

For their specific case, they need to convert the prospect to begin a free trial which automatically builds tension in a prospect because he knows it will come a time he’d have to pay.

And converting someone to pay is way harder than just getting their email.

That’s why using more text in their messaging makes it for a powerful copywriting punch that maximizes free-trial registrations.

#6 Squarespace

Squarespace tops the list for the least amount of text in their landing page design.

At first, you may think that is not enough to convert someone.

But once you see that they’re a website builder you can see how the design and the quick and powerful messaging are all you need to sign-up.

They know their prospects mainly struggle with complicated codes and want to show a safe space where they can relax and drag and drop their winning website design.

#7 ActiveCampaign

ActiveCampaign solely focuses on showing you how their software brings the best customer experience possible.

And if you’re a business owner, you both want to be treated well and want to help your customers in tough times.

Their headline hits 2 birds with one stone and once again there’s no useless text or design.

Everything leads to the big green button and you starting your free trial.

#8 Hubspot

Hubspot is one more CRM that tops out the list today.

They, just like ActiveCampaign, show you that using their software will both help you and your customers feel better throughout the process.

Knowing that their ideal customer’s main objection is that learning a whole new CRM from scratch might be hard, tedious, and maybe even impossible, helps them narrow their message straight to the point.

#9 Shopify Plus

Shopify is one of the most well-known platforms in today’s online space and they know it.

As they’ve been rapidly growing throughout the years, they’ve been able to test out multiple landing page designs to find one that converts.

And the Shopify Plus’s landing page shows for it. 

Their main goal is to book a consultation call with their prospects which takes more than just a couple of words.

They have the budget to shoot professional videos for all of their products and services which helps transfer valuable information to their prospects in the fastest possible way — video.

Down below you see powerful credibility and if you take the time to watch the video, you’re most likely going to book a call with them.

Videos are a deadly weapon in the right business’s hands and Shopify proves that here and pretty much with anything they do.

#10 Webflow

Webflow shows the insights of the software immediately when you land on their landing page.

You can see instant credibility from big websites that have used their services and also you can begin for free.

That breaks any tension the prospect might have.

On top of that, you can see that their software is similar to Photoshop.

So if you’ve ever used Adobe’s products, you immediately know this work will be a piece of cake for you.

#11 ClickFunnels

ClickFunnels uses its software to convert you for a free trial.

And even if you have any skepticism you can play around with the funnel pages and buttons to see the responsiveness of nowadays funnels.

You can see that they use more text than the average website/funnel builder.

But once again they’re trying to convert people to start a 14-day free trial which is not an easy task.

They also use powerful videos that sell directly to their ideal customers.

And the best part is the analytics they’ve slapped on their landing page.

It’s a bold and powerful move if done correctly.

The way these analytics are crafted makes it so they are constantly being updated and it’s not just 100K+ users as you might see on other platforms.

ClickFunnels values its customer’s success stories and is always there to record each result.

It’s one of the harder landing page designs to pull off but if you do it, your conversions will skyrocket.

#12 Conversion Lab

Conversion Lab has been using this landing page design for years now.

We’ve noticed they split test different button CTA-s like book a call, get a free consult, and many more.

Keeping their Founder on the main page of the website builds a long-term relationship many businesses nowadays miss out on.

They clearly state their services through their persuasive headline and even if you’re not ready to book a consultation call with them, a pop-up will appear collecting your email.

Email follow-up is a great way to ensure that a high percentage of prospects that land on your website will end up booking a call with you.

That is all for our list today.

To conclude what you need to know when building your landing page…

  • Find what your best customers struggle the most with and then directly destroy this objection with a short and punchy headline.
  • Use credibility and videos if possible.
  • Know your goals — Is it to get their email, phone, ook a call, start a free/paid trial, or something else?
  • Clear and easy to follow Call to Action

And always, always optimize in the process.

You can NOT be perfect from day one. Every business on this list tests their pages dozens if not hundreds of times before concluding a winner.

And even then, they still optimize.

Have you tried building a landing page before? How’d it go — did it convert well and what were your biggest breakthroughs when doing it?

The post 12 Best Landing Page Examples appeared first on Neil Patel.

Best HR Outsourcing Services

Disclosure: This content is reader-supported, which means if you click on some of our links that we may earn a commission.

HR is confusing. And the legal ramifications of doing something wrong… are huge. 

There’s a reason people spend their entire lives learning the ins and outs of human resources—there’s a lot to it. But the good news is that nobody expects you to know it all and you don’t have to navigate it alone. 

The best HR outsourcing services exist to make your life easier.

However, there are a ton of service providers on the market. How do you decide which one’s right for you when they all appear to be exactly the same?

To help answer that question, I looked at countless options and narrowed it down to my top six recommendations. And by the end of this guide, you’ll know everything you need to know to make the right choice for your business. 

The top 6 options for HR outsourcing services:

  1. G&A Partners – best for customization and flexibility
  2. Bambee – best for policies and administrative tasks
  3. Paychex – best HR outsourcing services for SMBs
  4. Insperity – best PEO outsourcing for enterprises
  5. ADP – best full-service non-PEO outsourcing option
  6. CPEhr – best for individual HR outsourcing and consultations

How to choose the best HR outsourcing service for you

There are countless different HR outsourcing services to choose from. 

And distinguishing between all of them can feel like an impossible task. 

So, before we dive into my top recommendations, let’s talk about what makes my recommendations stand out, and how to decide on the best HR outsourcing services for you. 

The size of your business

Handling HR for large companies is vastly different than doing the same at a startup or small business. As such, different HR outsourcing companies specialize in different things and offer services targeted to a specific type of customer. 

On the other hand, some offer solutions for businesses of all sizes. 

However, it’s essential to consider your business’s size and budget when making your final choice. You should also think about how fast you plan to grow and expand your team. 

Always make sure to talk with a sales representative and be as detailed as possible about your current and future situation to make sure they can handle everything you need. 

Types of services

Some HR outsourcing companies (like Bambee) only provide a specific type of service. On the other hand, some offer everything you could ever possibly need… but at a higher price point. 

It may be helpful to outline your processes for each HR activity you currently manage in-house. 

This can help you identify problem areas or bottlenecks with room for improvement. Then, you can pinpoint exactly which tasks and services you should outsource. 

If you already know, or you want to outsource everything, consider the associated costs to ensure it’s within your budget. And keep in mind that most providers don’t offer pricing online. 

So, you’ll get a chance to speak with their team before making your final decision. 

Just remember to ask about the specific services you need to make sure they can help you with everything on your list. It’s also smart to compare your initial consultation experience and pricing of various companies before choosing one. 

Short-term vs. long-term

Do you need help for the foreseeable future or just for a one-off event like a round of recruitment? Some providers (like CPEhr) offer a la carte options so you can pick and choose what you need. 

On the other hand, some only offer all-in-one solutions. So, it’s important to understand your needs before you make any decisions. 

If you need short-term help, make sure you communicate that during your consultation. 

Level of support

Do you want your HR systems to run completely hands-off? If so, you need more support than a team that needs one-off tasks or particular areas of their HR handled for them. 

Here in a second, we’ll talk about the different types of HR outsourcing services. 

But keep the level of support you think you need in the back of your mind, as this plays a large role in which company you should choose. 

Flexibility

If you already have a benefits package or an internal HR team, you need more flexibility from your HR outsourcing provider. Especially if you want to keep the same benefits package you already have. 

Some providers don’t let you do this as they have their own preferences and partnerships. 

And you also need to draw a clear line between what your in-house team does vs. what your outsourcing company provides. That way, nobody wastes time doing the same tasks twice. 

However, if you’re a brand new company or don’t have any HR systems in place, you won’t need the same flexibility level. So, you have fewer restrictions to worry about. 

Customer and employee support

HR matters, benefits in particular, are confusing and hard to navigate. 

Because of that, your employees must have easy access to someone in your HR department. 

When you outsource this, your employees should be able to directly talk with the company, whether it be to ask a quick question or get help choosing the right benefits package. 

Some providers offer a dedicated manager that handles this, making it much easier for you and your team to get the answers they need. Furthermore, they should also provide an employee self-service dashboard for paystubs, W-2s, time off, and more. 

Regardless of who you choose, make sure they plan on taking great care of your team. 

The different types of HR outsourcing services

HR outsourcing is technically separate from PEO and HR software, but they’re very similar in nature. So, let’s take a second to walk through the differences before we get started.

HR software

This is something companies provide to make in-house HR management easier. 

With HR software, you pay a monthly fee to use it every month. Alternatively, you could buy a license and install it on your computer. 

It’s mostly for automating processes or providing a network of benefits providers. 

You can use it as a tiny business without HR or if you have a dedicated HR team. Either way, it’s a software that requires you (or someone on your team) to run it. 

With that said, it’s very flexible and affordable.

However, don’t confuse it with HR outsourcing because they aren’t the same, although a few of the providers on this list also offer HR software. 

Human resources outsourcing (HRO)

HR outsourcing means hiring a third-party to take on all or part of your HR management tasks. This can include things like payroll administration, benefits management, recruitment, and employee training programs. 

The benefit of outsourcing in this manner vs. hiring or expanding your in-house team is lower associated costs. When you outsource, you don’t need to pay a salary or provide benefits. 

So, the overall cost is typically much lower than adding new people to your team. 

All of the options on this list offer HR outsourcing in some form or another. Some only cover specific tasks like policy creation, while others offer services covering every aspect of human resources. 

With HR outsourcing, you can decide if you want to outsource all HR activities or just a few. 

Professional employer organization (PEO)

PEO services are a specific type of HR outsourcing in which the company is your co-employer. Furthermore, the service provider becomes the employer of your employees. 

And since the PEO company is the employer, they’re responsible for payroll taxes. 

This type of agreement typically requires a lengthy contract. However, you’re in charge of what your team does on a day-to-day basis. So, everything stays the same on your end, except you’re no longer responsible for specific HR tasks or payroll taxes.

Furthermore, the two parties decide how much responsibility each party handles. 

So, this type of agreement can be extremely flexible if that’s something you need. This is especially beneficial if you already have an HR department.

One of the most significant values of this type of partnership is access to better benefits packages for your team. Plus, you can get those pesky HR tasks off your plate. 

However, you sacrifice a certain degree of control by inviting someone else into your business. 

#1 – G&A Partners Review — The best HR outsourcing service for customization and flexibility

If you’re looking for a customizable and flexible all-around HR outsourcing solution, G&A Partners is my #1 recommendation. 

They combine intuitive technology encompassing everything you need with world-class customer service to empower your business and employees. From payroll services to health insurance, retirement plans, and recruitment, G&A Partners covers it all. 

Furthermore, each plan is custom-fit to your business and specific needs. 

So, you don’t have to worry about cookie-cutter plans that don’t quite fit the bill. Plus, you also get a dedicated client service team to manage everything and help you out when you need it. 

As a G&A Partners client, you can choose from countless services, including:

  • Payroll administration and processing
  • Self-service employee dashboard
  • Time clock, scheduling, and PTO
  • On-demand data access
  • Benefits from the top providers
  • Benefits administration
  • Ancillary benefits
  • Wellness and financial health
  • Sourcing, recruiting, and hiring

And since each plan is custom to match your needs, you’re not stuck paying for services you don’t actually need. Plus, you can rest easy knowing you comply with local, state, and federal legal regulations. 

From recruitment and onboarding to payroll and benefits administration, you’re in good hands.

With that said, G&A Partners doesn’t share pricing online. So, schedule a free consultation to build a service package tailormade for you, your business, and your #1 asset—your employees. 

#2 – Bambee Review — The best HR outsourcing services for HR policies and administrative tasks

If you’re a small business with fewer than 99 employees, Bambee is an affordable way to hire a dedicated account manager to handle HR policies and employee training.

Hiring an in-house HR manager can easily cost $4,000+ every month, plus benefits. So, it gets quite expensive and unattainable for really small businesses. 

But with Bambee, you can outsource starting at $79/month (or $99/month if you pay monthly). 

From the start, you get a dedicated HR manager to help build your HR policies and walk you through your state’s compliance regulations. 

They can also help you onboard employees, terminate them, and handle corrective action while staying in compliance. 

Furthermore, Bambee can also help evaluate your risk for wrongful termination. 

So, you don’t have to worry about expensive lawsuits or continually wondering what you’re responsible for after employee termination. 

Plus, you get complete remote access to your manager via phone, email, and chat to answer questions and help you with anything you need. And the best part? Your employees can chat with them as well. 

With Bambee, you get access to powerful and helpful features, including:

  • Creating and implementing company policies
  • Staff training, so they understand your new policies
  • E-signatures and an online document viewer
  • Staff folders for organization and compliance
  • A smart cabinet for record-keeping
  • HR forms and agreements (i.e., HIPAA notices or offer letters)

You get everything you need to create, implement, and manage internal HR policies. However, you are sacrificing several crucial features, like payroll administration and benefits management for affordable pricing.

So, keep in mind that you will have to manage those things on your own. Bambee can answer questions and look into those things for you, but they’re not included as part of the package. 

#3 – Paychex Review — The best HR outsourcing services for small to midsize businesses

Paychex is one of the most popular and trusted HR solutions on the market. 

They’ve been around for more than 45 years, and over 680,000+ businesses trust them with their HR software and service needs. 

From benefits and attendance to payroll, HR, and onboarding, they offer everything you need to run and streamline your small or midsize business without hiring in-house. 

And the best part is that you can choose which services you need, rather than paying for everything and using a handful of features. 

Plus, you can outsource everything… or a few things, depending on what you need. 

They offer software and service packages for small, medium, and large companies. So, it’s an excellent option for everyone. But their small and medium sizes packages are where they truly shine. 

In fact, more than half a million of their customers are small businesses. 

With their small and midsize packages, you get access to Paychex Flex, their all-in-one HR automation software. 

But you can also choose between 24/7/365 customer support or a dedicated specialist for help when you need it. So, whether you have a dedicated HR team or not, you can rest easy knowing you have an expert manager behind you. 

Paychex Flex comes with a wide range of powerful features, including:

  • Recruiting and applicant tracking
  • Time and attendance
  • Hiring and onboarding
  • Retirement and termination
  • Health insurance administration
  • Payroll management
  • PTO, 401(k)s, and other benefits

You won’t find their pricing online, so get a free quote to learn more about Paychex today!

#4 – Insperity Review — The best PEO services for enterprises

Insperity is an all-in-one HR service provider for small businesses and enterprise organizations alike. They offer individual solutions and a full-service PEO option, making it perfect for small to medium enterprises. 

It’s an excellent choice if you have the budget for their PEO choice as an alternative to hiring or expanding an in-house HR team. 

They also offer a wide range of HR software if you’re a smaller business interested in managing HR activities on your own. However, that gets old very quickly, especially if you have a ton of other things on your plate. 

Insperity’s PEO all-in-one solution covers every HR service imaginable, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • FSA and HSA accounts
  • Disability, employee assistance, and retirement
  • Payroll processing and administration
  • Time and attendance tracking
  • HR administration and wage garnishments
  • An employee self-service portal
  • Risk mitigation and legal compliance
  • Recruiting and performance management
  • Training and development programs
  • Company culture development
  • Advanced analytics and reporting
  • Personalized customer support for your employees

As if that isn’t enough, they have a team of specialists dedicated to managing different HR tasks. So, you know you’re getting the best of the best. 

It’s essentially an extension of your business (or HR department if you already have one). 

Insperity’s services are a practical way to reduce risk, improve productivity, automate your HR processes, and get a bird’s eye view of your most valuable asset—your employees. 

They offer two-year pricing guarantees, billing transparency, and fixed service fees, so you never have to guess how much you’re going to pay every month. 

However, their prices aren’t available online, so get in touch with their sales team to learn more. 

#5 – ADP Review — The best for full-service non-PEO outsourcing

If you’re interested in full-service HR outsourcing but don’t want to go the PEO route, ADP is an excellent choice. They provide complete outsourcing for everything from administrative tasks to payroll processing and more. 

With that said, they do offer a PEO option. But they’re one of the few providers that offer complete packages without the complexity of an enterprise-grade PEO partnership. 

On top of that, they also offer one of the most popular HR software packages on the market. 

So, you can create an entire HR department using their services and software without having to hire in-house or expand your existing team. 

ADP’s team of experts is ready to help reduce your risk and everyday burden, regardless if you’re just looking for a helping hand with administrative tasks or facing an acquisition, merger, or an at-risk termination.

So, no matter the situation, ADP has you covered. 

They offer a variety of individual services and more strategic offerings, including things like:

  • Payroll and benefits administration
  • Time and attendance tracking
  • Employee handbooks and internal policies
  • COBRA insurance administration
  • Dynamic analytics
  • Compliance training, tracking, and reporting
  • Recruitment and staffing

On top of that, they also offer a bundle of business processes and HR outsourcing if you need even more assistance with the ins and outs of your business. 

Because each package is tailored for your business, you won’t find ADP’s pricing online. 

As such, you’ll have to get with their sales team to learn more and start building out your HR outsourcing package. 

#6 – CPEhr Review — The best HR outsourcing services for individual tasks and HR consultations

If you’re interested in outsourcing individual HR tasks or receiving HR consultations, CPEhr is a smart choice. They offer a wide variety of different services designed to help make your life (or your HR department’s) life a bit easier. 

So, rather than spending time running payroll or finding the best benefits for your team, you can work on things that actually move the needle for your business. 

Plus, they also take pride in helping customers develop long-term and short-term HR strategies, so you’re never left to figure things out on your own. 

Whether your HR department needs some extra assistance or you need one-off services, like recruitment for an open position, CPEhr has you covered. Their services span basic administrative tasks to more complex strategy planning, including:

  • Payroll and tax administration
  • Recruiting, onboarding, and training
  • Benefits administration
  • COBRA insurance management
  • Disability and retirement
  • Employee benefit orientations
  • Employee and management training
  • Risk management consulting
  • Employee handbooks and policies
  • Unemployment and disability administration
  • Performance reviews
  • Legal compliance
  • Government audits

Essentially, CPEhr covers anything you need, whether you want to outsource everything or a short-term one-off situation. 

They also offer PEO and full HR outsourcing plans, if that’s something you’re interested in. However, their a la carte services and complete flexibility are what make them stand out from everyone else on this list. 

Like most providers, you won’t find pricing online. 

Get in touch with their team to talk more about your needs and learn more about how CPEhr can help your business today!

Wrapping things up

G&A Partners is my top recommendation for most users. It’s incredibly flexible with the ability to handle businesses of all shapes and sizes. Plus, they offer a wide range of services to help make your life easier. 

But that doesn’t mean they’re right for everyone. 

So, don’t forget to use the criteria we talked about as you go through the process of finding the best HR outsourcing services for you, your team, and your business. 

How do you handle human resources at your company?

The post Best HR Outsourcing Services appeared first on Neil Patel.

Best Agile Project Management Tools

Disclosure: This content is reader-supported, which means if you click on some of our links that we may earn a commission.

Running an agile team effectively is nearly impossible without the right software. 

But agile project management tools can make your life much easier. It’s the best way to collaborate with your team, manage changing tasks, and keep track of various projects at scale. 

In addition to the managerial perks of agile project management software, your entire team will benefit as well. These tools will make it easier for everyone to work efficiently, communicate, and meet deadlines. 

Recognizing you need to invest in agile project management software is only half of the battle. Finding the right software for your business and team is a different story entirely—which is why I created this guide.

After extensive research and testing, I narrowed down the top five agile project management tools available on the market today.  

The Top 5 Options For Agile Project Management Tools

  1. Forecast
  2. Monday
  3. Mavenlink
  4. Jira
  5. VivifyScrum

How to Choose the Best Agile Project Management Tools For You

There are certain factors that must be evaluated as you’re shopping around and assessing different tools. By following the buying guide I’ve outlined below, you’ll know exactly what to look for and what’s important in an agile project management solution. 

Agile Framework Preferences

The very first thing you need to consider is the agile framework you plan to use. For those of you who are already familiar with the concepts of agile management, you probably have a preferred methodology.

Do you want to use Scrum or Kanban? Lean? Crystal? Are you using agile framework variations such as Scrumban?

Depending on the answer, you’ll be able to find an agile tool that specializes in your preferred framework. It’s worth noting that not every agile project management software supports all agile management frameworks. So make sure the options you’re considering offer the methodology you need to implement. 

Collaboration Features

Team collaboration is a crucial component of agile management. You want to make sure the software you’re considering comes out-of-the-box with collaboration tools. 

Most solutions should come standard with features like team tagging, comments, file sharing, and other basic tools. Some software will have more advanced features, depending on your project type, industry, and team needs. 

Team Size

Just because an agile project management tool offers collaboration features, don’t assume that the tool will be robust enough for your specific team.

There are solutions on the market made for small teams with a handful of users. Those won’t be ideal for businesses that have multiple teams, hundreds of users, and multiple projects across several departments. 

It should be relatively easy to determine if the tool in question is built to scale. If not, you can always express those concerns with the sales team during a free trial or demo. 

Project Type

The complexity of your projects will also play a significant factor in choosing the best software for your team. 

For example, software development teams and internal IT departments typically have more advanced needs since these projects have a higher level of complexity. In these cases, you should avoid beginner tools and look for industry-specific solutions tailored toward your project needs. 

On the flip side, managers and teams who are just starting out with agile project management should be seeking basic solutions to manage simple projects. 

Reporting

The best agile project management software will provide you with detailed reports and advanced analytics about your projects. 

You can use these dashboards as a way to learn more about your team’s productivity, find out if the project will be completed on time, and if you’re staying on budget. As a project manager, this information is crucial to the big-picture operation of your business. 

Usability

The usability of an agile management tool is often overlooked during the evaluation process. But it’s definitely something that needs to be taken into consideration.

What is your technical experience? How tech-savvy is your team?

If you choose a rigid solution that’s tough to use, it can do more harm than good. So you need to find a balance between a tool that’s robust enough to handle your project complexity while still easy for your team to navigate. This is another reason why you should always take advantage of free trials and demos as you’re narrowing down different options. 

The Different Types of Agile Project Management Tools

Not every agile project management tool is the same. Before we dive into the reviews and recommendations, I want to quickly explain the different options. 

The easiest way to segment these tools is based on the agile frameworks that they offer. It’s also worth noting that some solutions will fall into more than one of these categories below.

Scrum

Scrum is one of the most popular agile frameworks because it can be used for such a wide range of projects. Over the years, Scrum has gained popularity because of its simplicity, easy implementation process, and proven productivity boost. 

With Scrum, the project manager will work closely with the team in terms of identifying and prioritizing functionality in the backlog. This backlog will contain whatever tasks must be accomplished to deliver the final product. 

Kanban

Kanban is the most popular visual workflow management methodology. Kanban boards make it easier for agile teams to manage various tasks in the project life cycle. 

Similar to Scrum, Kanban is built to help teams collaborate with high efficiency. 

The basic principles of Kanban include visual workflow automation, limited WIP (work in progress), and enhanced workflows. This process helps promote continuous collaboration and ongoing learning for agile teams. 

Lean

It’s common for software development teams to leverage the lean agile methodology. This iterative framework is highly flexible and doesn’t have rigid rules or guidelines. 

The main principles of lean management include team empowerment, enhanced learning, eliminating waste, delivering tasks as soon as possible, making decisions as late as possible, and seeing the big picture. 

Individuals and small teams will have more decision-making authority, as opposed to a hierarchical flow. Lean management also helps ensure that the entire team is productive for the longest amount of time. 

Crystal

The Crystal agile methodology is another popular software development framework. It’s lightweight and typically comprised of a family of agile processes. These include Crystal Orange, Crystal Clear, Crystal Yellow, and others.

Each individual framework has its own unique rules and characteristics based on factors like project priority, team size, and more. 

Crystal puts emphasis on the interaction between the processes and people involved in a project. Some of the key principles of Crystal include simplicity, teamwork, collaboration, and the ability to improve processes. It promotes high user engagement while removing distractions and bureaucracies. 

Other Types of Agile Project Management

There are lots of other agile frameworks out there. When you consider the variations and combinations of some, this number is in the dozens. 

Other popular types include LeSS (large scale Scrum), SAFe (scaled agile framework), feature driven development (FDD), extreme programming (XP), dynamic systems development method (DSDM), Scrumban, adaptive software development (ASD), agile-agile hybrid, and FAST agile. The list goes on and on. 

#1 – Forecast Review — The Best Collaboration Features

Forecast is an all-in-one project management and resource management solution. It’s built for project-driven companies that want to empower teams, automate operations, and unite all projects into a single tool. 

With Forecast, you can automate tasks for project planning, resource allocation, and more. The software is powered by AI technology to help simplify monotonous tasks. 

Here are some of the top reasons and why Forecast ranks so high on my list:

  • Keep the big picture in mind with real-time operational visibility
  • Analyze decisions and financial health of projects
  • Admins can set different permission levels for each user (clients, collaborators, etc.)
  • Simple and organized backlog of project tasks
  • Easy to plan sprints and track progress
  • Automatically get notified about key updates in your workflow
  • Continuous and fast delivery of products and tasks

Overall, Forecast has everything agile teams need to improve communication. Create and assign task cards, file sharing, dependencies, subtasks, comments, and priority lists are just a handful of examples.

It’s a popular choice for agencies, consultants, and software teams. Forecast also has solutions for project accounting and business intelligence. The software seamlessly integrates with other popular tools that your team is using.

Forecast’s AI will learn from your previous projects and suggest the number of hours that should be allocated to similar tasks. 

Plans start at $29 per seat per month (with a minimum of 10 seats). Try it free for 14 days; no credit card required. 

#2 – Monday Review — The Best For Agile Beginners

Monday.com has quickly become one of the most popular agile project management tools on the market today. It’s trusted by 100,000+ organizations worldwide, including some big names like Coca-Cola, Adobe, Hulu, and the Discovery Channel.

This is a great choice if you’re new to agile management and need a solution for basic projects.

It’s one of the easiest ways to plan, track, and deliver team projects from a single workspace. Here are some of the other reasons why I like Monday so much:

  • Deploy in minutes with hundreds of customizable templates
  • Integrates with tools like Slack, HubSpot, G Suite, LinkedIn, Teams, and more
  • Automate repetitive tasks to save time and avoid human error
  • Visual data with Kanban boards, timelines, maps, calendars, and more
  • 24/7 customer support with a 10-minute average response time
  • Track the progress of your projects and make data-driven decisions
  • Set project goals and empower stakeholders

Monday.com makes it easy for teams to collaborate. You’ll benefit from features like file sharing, task assignments, task priorities, visual boards, and other ways to see what everyone is doing at a glance. 

It’s a popular choice for remote work, marketing, creative teams, HR, sales, and more. While Monday does have tools for software development, IT, and construction projects, it’s definitely better for simple projects.

Plans start at just $8 per seat per month (with a minimum of three seats). You can try Monday.com free for 14 days with an unlimited number of users; no credit card required. 

#3 – Mavenlink Review — Best For Agile Management at Scale

Mavenlink is another all-in-one solution for project management and resource management. It’s a modern way for teams to collaborate from anywhere, which is perfect for remote work.

In addition to improving your team’s productivity on the operational end, Mavenlink provides deep insights into the financial performance of your projects and business as well.

Some of the top features, benefits, and noteworthy highlights of Mavenlink include:

  • Rich insights for data-driven business decisions in real-time
  • Flexible way to manage resources and project tasks
  • Real-time automation tools
  • See all projects at a glance with complete project portfolio view
  • Easy to assess the health and status of specific projects or portfolio of projects
  • Reusable templates to replicate success
  • Consistently deliver projects on-time
  • Improve project performance
  • Extend workspace with popular integrations (Salesforce, Xero, Slack, HubSpot, etc.)

Mavenlink is great for larger teams that need to manage projects across multiple departments. This works fine if you’re just using it for a handful of projects. But it works just as well if you have a project portfolio of 500+.

For small teams and enterprises alike, Mavenlink has a plan for everyone. Rates aren’t available online, so you’ll need to contact their sales team for more information. 

Try Mavenlink free for ten days.

#4 – Jira Review — Best Agile Project Management Tool For Development Teams

Jira by Atlassian is a bit unique compared to some of the other tools on our list. This agile project management software is built specifically for software development projects.

With Jira, software teams of all sizes can plan, track, and release exceptional products.

Let’s take a closer look at Jira’s top highlights for agile management:

  • Plan sprints, create user stories, and distribute tasks for software teams
  • Prioritize complete team’s work in context with full visibility for everyone
  • Real-time visual data reporting
  • Choose a pre-built workflow or create your own custom solutions
  • Integrate with hundred of developer tools out of the box
  • Connect software team’s work to your product roadmap
  • Scrum boards, Kanban boards, roadmaps and agile reporting

Jira is arguably the safest project management tool on the market today in terms of data encryption and compliance. It integrates with 3,000+ apps in the Atlassian marketplace as well.

Software teams, look no further—Jira is the best option agile project management tool for you. 

The tool is free for up to ten users. Paid plans start at just $7 per user per month. Try it free for seven days.  

#5 – VivifyScrum Review — Best All-in-One Agile Management Tool

VivifyScrum is a versatile agile management solution. It’s trusted by small teams and large organizations alike.

Regardless of your team size and project complexity, this tool can help manage everything from a single platform. 

Here are some of the top reasons why you should consider VivifyScrum:

  • Unlimited Scrum boards, unlimited Kanban boards, and unlimited items
  • Custom boards with built-in team collaboration tools
  • Built-in features for invoicing clients and tracking payments
  • Time tracking and team management features
  • Create custom workflows with agile boards
  • Reporting and analytics with burndown charts, Scrum metrics, and more

The software comes with mobile apps, API access, file storage, unlimited integrations, unlimited active sprints, and so much more.

VivifyScrum starts at $10 per month for small teams. Contact the sales team for more information on Enterprise pricing. Regardless of your team size and project management needs, you can try VivifyScrum free for 14 days. 

Summary

The only way to effectively manage an agile team is with the right project management tool. Which agile project management software is the best?

It depends on what you’re looking for. Factors like project type, team size, and other considerations must be evaluated for you to make an informed decision.

Follow my methodology and recommendations described in this guide to find the best agile project management tools for your unique situation.

The post Best Agile Project Management Tools appeared first on Neil Patel.

Best Merchant Services

Disclosure: This content is reader-supported, which means if you click on some of our links that we may earn a commission.

Merchant services exist to help businesses process credit card payments. You might know them by the name “credit card processors.” 

Regardless of what you call them, choosing the best merchant service isn’t easy. The “best” one is the one that is right for your specific business, and each of the following services offers particular features that may work for one company, but not for yours. 

That’s why, in this guide, I’m catering to each type of business and finding the right merchant service for your needs. 

The Top 6 Merchant Services:

  1. Square
  2. Flagship Merchant Services
  3. Helcim
  4. Payment Depot
  5. Fattmerchant
  6. Stripe 

How to Choose The Best Merchant Services For You 

Before we get into the best merchant services, we need to understand the criteria used to make these decisions. Keep all of the following factors in mind as you read through the reviews. 

Processing Rates/Monthly Fees

It’s all about the money, and credit card processing is not as simple as you think. You have to weigh the pros and cons with each gateway; otherwise, you can end up paying way more than you planned. 

We need to look at the processing rates first. To get a lower processing rate, you usually have to pay a higher monthly fee. If you’re processing payments at high volume, it’s worth it for you to pay the higher fee because your volume will make up for it. 

On the other side, if you’re not processing a lot of payments, having a higher transaction fee won’t hurt you as much as a high monthly fee would. 

Flat-rate processing is a simple solution for small businesses, but interchange pricing is generally more affordable. 

Services 

You want to look at what the payment processor offers in addition to credit card processing. Do they offer free POS systems, hardware, mobile payments, integrations, etc? Some merchant services even offer consulting, customer loyalty features, and invoicing tools. 

Sometimes the “extra benefits” you get from a merchant service provider can outweigh some of the negatives. 

The Type of Merchant Service Account 

There are two primary types of accounts, one is an aggregator (or middleman), and one is an ISO (or independent sales organization). Let’s compare the two and see why it’s important to understand the difference.

Aggregators 

These are middlemen working in between the business and the bank, offering an easy payment processing solution for businesses. Square is an example of this, and while they make it easier, they usually have higher fees and transaction costs. 

ISOs 

Payment Depot is an example of an ISO, and while they usually have a more strict acceptance policy, they offer lower rates and user-friendly software compared to a direct processor. 

Integration

One of the most important factors to consider is, “how will this integrate with my current systems”? 

Your payment processor should never get in the way or cause your conversion rates to decrease; it should complement your current process or even enhance it. Make sure you choose something that will easily integrate into your business without requiring too many changes or adjustments. 

The Different Types of Merchant Services

After much research and careful consideration, these are my top six merchant services for both in-person and online sales. 

#1. Square – The Best For Transparent Pricing/Fees

Pros:

  • No monthly fee
  • Transparent processing
  • Free card reader
  • Great added features

Cons:

  • No ACH payment processing
  • Higher fees than desired

Square is popular for its credit card processing and POS systems, but it offers much more. It hosts features such as the “Card on File” feature, allowing users to store customer card information that works great for repeat customers trying to accumulate loyalty points and rewards of that nature. 

The processor also doesn’t have a monthly fee, and while Square’s features might not be as advanced as some of the other payment processors we’re talking about, for a POS without a monthly fee, you can’t beat the value. 

The one thing that stands out most to me is the transaction costs and how they vary whether you’re doing business in person or online.

For in-person sales, expect to pay 2.6% and $0.10 per transaction. For online transactions, it’ll cost you 2.9% and $0.30 per transaction. There are other instances, such as:

  • Virtual terminal transactions
  • Card-on-file transactions
  • And card-not-present transactions

These will cost 3.5% and $0.15 per transaction. 

Based on these numbers, Square is not the most affordable flat-rate processor, but the transparency makes it easier for you to understand what the rates are and how they’ll impact your processing based on volume and price. 

#2. Flagship Merchant Services – The Best For Great Customer Service

Pros:

  • Dedicated account manager
  • Free account setup
  • Free card terminal (with fees)

Cons:

  • Confusing ownership
  • Little information regarding price

Flagship Merchant Services cut the tape in 2001 and was acquired by iPayment in 2012. Now, they primarily resell iPayment, so keep that in mind. 

This company was one of the first to offer free account setup without any application or fees and real month-to-month contracts. They operate tens of thousands of merchants, and they have a strong reputation. 

Since they’re not a direct processor, most of their merchant accounts are set up through iPayment. iPayment uses First Data as their processor, and it can get confusing trying to figure out who is processing what through what service.

For retailers, Flagship does offer a free credit card terminal, but you’re responsible for paying account fees and insurance on that terminal to keep it up and running. 

For ecommerce, they offer either Authorize.net for processing and integration of an online cart onto your site. 

One thing that was a little frustrating about Flagship is trying to find information on their rates. If you go to their website, you’ll see that you need to fill out a form to get any info about what they charge. 

I’d like to see more transparency, but you may end up with a more catered package deal with this strategy. 

My favorite feature is that you get a single line of contact with the company when you purchase a gateway; they act as account managers. If you ever have a problem, you contact that specific person, and this isn’t a feature I’ve ever seen with any other merchant service.

#3. Helcim – The Best For Small Business 

Pros:

  • Limited fees
  • Fees based on volume
  • Free online store software

Cons:

  • Limited integrations
  • $199 for the card reader

If you’re a small business owner, Helcim might appeal to you. With this service, you’re able to process credit and debit cards online and in person. You can also do some of the following: 

  • Set up recurring payments
  • Send invoices
  • Collect payments

With a Helcim card reader, you can accept all major cards, including Amex plus Google Pay, Apple Pay, and JCB. 

Helcim charges $20 per month with transaction fees based on volume. They don’t have any contracts or cancellation fees, and they’ll wave your monthly fee if you don’t process any payments. 

Overall, Helcim is affordable but much more for in-person payments than they are online. Here’s a quick breakdown of their pricing structure: 

  • Monthly Volume: $0 – $25,000
  • In-Person: 0.3% + 8 cents (+ interchange)
  • Online: 0.5% + 25 cents (+ interchange)
  • Monthly Volume: $25,001 – $50,000
  • In-Person: 0.25% + 7 cents (+ interchange)
  • Online: 0.45% + 20 cents (+ interchange)
  • Monthly Volume: $50,001 – $100,000
  • In-Person: 0.2% + 7 cents (+ interchange)
  • Online: 0.4% + 20 cents (+ interchange)
  • Monthly Volume: $100,001 – $250,000
  • In-Person: 0.18% + 6 cents (+ interchange)
  • Online: 0.35% + 15 cents (+ interchange) 

Helcim offers nice features for those of you looking to integrate this payment gateway into your online store. You can add a checkout to your site for invoicing and customer registration while also accepting recurring subscriptions. 

#4. Payment Depot – The Best For Established Businesses

Pros:

  • No contract processing
  • Competitive rates
  • Easy to integrate online

Cons:

  • Best for high-volume business
  • Application process

Payment Depot uses a membership pricing model, making it simpler to understand but can sometimes result in you paying higher fees. Thankfully, Payment Depot’s rates are pretty competitive, and they include interchange-plus pricing for both online, in-person, and mobile payments. 

This strategy actually makes Payment Depot one of the most affordable payment processors for established businesses that are doing a certain amount of volume. 

Payment Depot accepts all major cards and contactless Apple Pay and Google Pay as well. You get next-day funding and integration with POS systems as well as ecommerce platforms such as: 

  • Shopify
  • Revel
  • QuickBooks
  • PrestaShop
  • BigComemrce
  • WooCommerce

And more…

I don’t think this is one of the best merchant services for small businesses because of how they structure their pricing. The transaction fees go down as you pay a higher monthly fee, and they seemingly force you to increase your plan because of strict processing limits. 

Here’s a breakdown of their pricing: 

Basic Plan

  • Fee: $49
  • Transaction Fee: $0.15
  • Monthly Limit: $25,000

Popular Plan

  • Fee: $79
  • Transaction Fee: $0.10
  • Monthly Limit: $75,000

Premier

  • Fee: $99
  • Transaction Fee: $0.07
  • Monthly Limit: $150,000

Unlimited

  • Fee: $199
  • Transaction Fee: $0.05
  • Monthly Limit: Unlimited 

So, as you can see – if you’re doing high volume, it would make the most sense to upgrade to the most expensive plan for the lowest transaction fees. 

#5. Fattmerchant – Best For Subscription-Based Businesses

Pros:

  • Simple pricing
  • Omni software
  • A solid choice for subscription businesses

Cons:

  • Higher monthly fees
  • Transaction fees are relatively standard

Fattmerchant is set up a lot like many of the payment processors. As you increase your monthly fee, your transaction fees go down. They offer Omni, which is where you’ll do your invoicing, payments, and reporting. The service is incredibly user-friendly, great for beginners, and it comes included with your monthly fee. 

While Fattmerchant is a great choice for budget-conscious business owners, it’s also a great option for subscription-based businesses. If you’re selling monthly coaching packages, agency services, or counseling, you’ll benefit from Fattmerchant’s structure. 

The processor accepts all major cards, including ACH, invoicing, Text2Pay, and more. Same day funding is available, and you get a free iOS and Android POS app and Bluetooth card readers that you can use on the go. 

They have two pricing plans:

  • Fee: $99
  • Annual Limit: $500,000
  • Card-Present Fee: $0.08 + Interchange
  • Card-Not-Present: $0.15 + Interchange
  • ACH Transaction Fee: $0.25
  • Fee: $199
  • Annual Limit: $5,000,000
  • Card-Present Fee: $0.06 + Interchange
  • Card-Not-Present: $0.12 + Interchange
  • ACH Transaction Fee: $0.25

Fattmerchant has a higher monthly fee than some others, but the company says that is how they keep their transaction fees down. 

#6. Stripe – Best For Online Payment Processing 

Pros:

  • Allows you to grow
  • Reasonable pricing
  • Great solution for online businesses

Cons:

  • Complicated setup
  • May require developers

If your business runs entirely online, Stripe is your best choice. It’s made specifically for ecommerce and internet business, and tons of startups and Fortune 500 companies trust Stripe. 

The company offers sophisticated software and APIs that allow online store owners to customize their checkout experience. You can use the pre-built integrations to connect a Stripe checkout right away and then customize it as you go along. 

That’s one of the main reasons why I love Stripe; it’s a payment processor that grows with you and allows you to change it as your business needs change. 

With all of these features and moving parts comes complications. It’s not the easiest to set up, and if you plan on utilizing the many benefits of Stripe, you’ll likely need a developer to handle it for you. 

Stripe offers a “pay as you go” strategy without monthly fees and transparent transaction fees across the board. 

  • Online: 2.9% and $0.30
  • In-Person: 2.7% and $0.05
  • International: Add 1% per transaction
  • ACH Direct: 0.8% maxed at $5.00 per transaction
  • ACH Credit: $1.00 per transaction

You can use all major credit and debit cards plus ACH, WeChat Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and much more. Expect to wait two business days for deposits or pay a one percent fee to get instant deposits. 

Stripe integrates with WordPress, Magento, Squarespace, 3DCart, Zoho, Big Cartel, and more. 

So, by this point, you should know which of these merchant services is right for you. They all have their pros and cons, and you should choose according to the type of business you own.

Square is an overall solid solution for all businesses, but the transaction fees are a bit high, and scalability is lacking. 

I’m also a big fan of Helcim because they allow you to grow with your processor by increasing the monthly payment as your volume needs increase. 

Regardless of which choice you make, keep the important factors in mind and choose carefully, so you don’t regret your decision down the road. 

The post Best Merchant Services appeared first on Neil Patel.

Best Online Fax Services

Disclosure: This content is reader-supported, which means if you click on some of our links that we may earn a commission. Think back to the last time you saw one of those giant, clunky fax machines sitting around.  It’s probably been a while, right? While that old-school hardware is undoubtedly outdated, faxing isn’t dead by …

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The post Best Online Fax Services appeared first on ROI Credit Builders.

Best Online Fax Services

Disclosure: This content is reader-supported, which means if you click on some of our links that we may earn a commission.

Think back to the last time you saw one of those giant, clunky fax machines sitting around. 

It’s probably been a while, right? While that old-school hardware is undoubtedly outdated, faxing isn’t dead by any means. 

It’s actually very much alive. But thankfully, we have better technology. 

The best online fax services make sending secure communications via fax a breeze for individuals and businesses of all sizes with no ugly, expensive, or finicky hardware required. 

However, there are dozens of providers to choose from, which is why making the right choice is often more challenging than actually using the service. So to help make your decision easier, I narrowed it down to my top six recommendations—and reviewed them. 

The top 6 options for online fax services

  1. mFax – best online fax services for multiple users
  2. RingCentral Fax – best all-in-one online fax service
  3. HelloFax – best for cloud-storage integrations
  4. SRFax – most secure online faxing service
  5. FaxBurner – best mobile online faxing service
  6. Biscom 123 – most affordable online faxing service

How to choose the best online fax service for you 

There are dozens of online fax service providers to choose from. This makes it challenging to know which one’s perfect for your business, especially if you’re not quite sure what to look for. 

All of the options on this list are excellent. However, they may not work for everyone.

So, don’t forget to use the following factors as you go through the decision-making process to help you narrow things down and find the perfect fit.  

Number of users

As a business, you probably need multiple user accounts. Different services have different pricing plans, so it’s essential to consider the number of accounts you need. 

Some options may limit the number of users with no way around it. Others may offer extra user accounts with an additional monthly fee. So, this plays a massive role in how much you can expect to pay every month. 

With that said, most smaller businesses won’t have problems with account limitations. 

But large corporations with multiple departments who need faxing capabilities may run into problems with low-limit plans. 

Cloud-storage integrations

Most businesses rely on cloud storage tools. Whether you depend on Microsoft 365 or Google’s G Suite, your employees probably use these tools daily to create and archive documents. 

So, it’s important to consider these integrations if you and your team need to store documents you send or receive via online fax. 

This can help streamline your document management processes. 

Page limits

Most providers charge an extra fee if you go over the number of pages your plan includes. So, you need to consider your business’s needs when it comes to monthly fax volume. 

A lot of providers place low limits on this to encourage you to upgrade to a better plan. 

So it’s critical to choose a plan that offers enough pages per month along with a fair page overage fee (just in case). However, online fax services with unlimited plans are a better option for businesses that expect to send and receive high volumes every month.

Document archiving

If you’re using an online fax service to send and automatically digitize documents, it should come with document archiving as well. This can significantly streamline and automate your document management processes. 

Some online fax services provide online databases so users can easily store faxed documents. However, some don’t, and others don’t provide archiving features at all. Without this, you have to print, scan, and store everything by hand. 

Which… can be an incredibly time-consuming process. 

So, pay close attention to this as you decide, especially if it’s something you need now or may need in the future. 

Industry-specific use

There are lots of different all-purpose online fax services out there. However, sometimes particular providers are more suited to specific industries. 

Healthcare is an excellent example of this because you’re dealing with sensitive information and legal regulations regarding how you handle it. So, you need a service that’s secure and compliant with those requirements. 

However, healthcare isn’t the only industry like this. As such, it’s critical to consider your industry’s requirements and regulations before making your final decision. 

The different types of online fax services 

Not all online fax services are the same. 

So, before we dive into the reviews, let’s talk about the different types of online fax services so you know exactly what to look for as you go through the process. 

Web or cloud-based services

The most common online fax services are cloud or browser-based. All you have to do to get started is create an account, and you’re ready to go. 

Web-based fax services are known for high-quality faxes as well as ease of use. 

And they often offer a wide range of cloud-based integrations with platforms like G Suite and Dropbox, making life easier if you want to archive your communications on the cloud. 

Mobile fax services

Mobile fax services allow users to fax directly from their smartphones. Essentially, mobile faxing is as convenient and as easy as snapping a photo. 

Plus, you don’t have to wait until you’re at your computer or rely on team members sitting in front of a desktop to send and receive communications. 

Some providers may also support desktop or web-based use, while others are exclusively mobile. 

So, keep this in mind as you decide which provider is best for you and your team. 

#1 –  mFax Review – Best online fax services for multiple users

mFax is one of the most flexible and adaptable online fax services for businesses with numerous team members. Their flexible monthly plans allow up to 50 individuals to use the service. 

Operating as cloud software, there’s no need to install or download any programs. And you can easily access the mFax interface from any web browser on any device. 

With an easy-to-use interface and intuitive setup, it’s an excellent option for those looking to get started with their first online fax service.

mFax comes with various features and benefits, including:

  • Automatic cloud storage for sent and received faxes
  • Works from any device
  • Send and receive faxes from email
  • Multi-layered encryption for documents in transit and rest
  • Plans for small businesses and large enterprises
  • Easy to create and manage users and set account-level permissions
  • Print to Fax driver allows you to send a fax from a desktop to print

mFax also has a beta version of international outbound fax for 24 countries. So, you’re not limited to one particular country. 

Plans start at $7 per month for one user, making it super affordable for businesses of all sizes. Plus, you can try mFax for free or sign up for a product demo to learn more about it. 

#2 – RingCentral Fax Review – Best all-in-one online fax service

RingCentral Fax is another popular online fax service. With a solid feature list, flexible user numbers, and robust security suite, it’s my #1 all-in-one online fax service recommendation. 

Their unique fax scheduling feature makes it easy to send faxes for future delivery. This is particularly useful if you need to send international faxes to users in other timezones or have employees who don’t work standard operating hours. 

On top of that, you also get access to a ton of powerful features and benefits, including:

  • Groups of up to 50 email addresses to send faxes in one message
  • Choose from toll-free or local fax numbers
  • IOS and Android mobile applications
  • Up to 200 faxes in an online account
  • Create an electronic signature and add it to documents
  • View received and sent faxes online via a web browser
  • Securely transmit faxes over an encrypted internet connection
  • Send and receive faxes from any device
  • Block faxes without a caller ID

RingCentral Fax is a great all-around option for small and large businesses who won’t mind the slightly limited online fax storage (you can always store them elsewhere). 

Plans start at $17.99 a month, and there’s an unlimited plan for just $24.99 a month. 

#3 – HelloFax Review – Best online fax services for cloud-storage integration 

HelloFax is the best online fax service for integrated cloud storage. 

The service seamlessly syncs with G Suite, OneDrive, Dropbox, and Box. Users can also access their faxes directly on the HelloFax’s service from any web browser on any device. 

Plus, it’s super easy to use. Faxes arrive directly to inboxes as a PDF where they are easily viewable, downloadable, and shareable. 

There’s also unlimited storage for businesses that prefer not to use other cloud storage providers for their faxes. 

With HelloFax, you can: 

  • Send up to five pages for free by signing up
  • Quickly fax to previously entered fax numbers 
  • Additional faxes that go over the monthly limit are just 5 cents per page
  • Send faxes by email
  • Add and remove users at no extra cost
  • Send faxes to multiple recipients
  • Receive faxes with a paid plan 
  • Sign in using your Google credentials

Despite having cloud integration with multiple platforms, HelloFax still offers unlimited storage, which is excellent for businesses planning on sending or receiving high-volume communications.

There’s a free plan for up to 5 faxes per month, so you can try it free before you invest. However, most businesses need more than that, and you’ll need to upgrade once you reach that limit. 

But their paid plans are affordable, starting at $9.99 per month.

#4 – SRFax Review – Most secure online fax services

SRFax is a great option for businesses that have high-security concerns. Transferring information over the internet always comes with the risk of interception. 

And for specific industries like healthcare, security is even more paramount. 

Healthcare providers rely on faxing to transfer sensitive patient data. So, the fax services they use must comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). 

SRFax provides multiple layers of data encryption while maintaining a user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for high-security industries. 

In addition to HIPAA compliant fax services, SRFax has multiple tiers and plans suited to all security levels and sizes of businesses. 

They also offer a variety of features and benefits to make your life easier, including:

  • 2048-bit SSL Certification, 2048-bit RSA public keys, and PGP encryption
  • 24-hour customer support hotline 
  • Plans come with unlimited authorized email addresses
  • Automatically download incoming faxes
  • Send faxes through an email account 
  • Intuitive dashboard for viewing existing faxes, sending faxes, and changing settings
  • Send faxes through the online dashboard

For any company that prioritizes high-level security, SRFax is an excellent choice. 

Pricing is affordable, with monthly plans starting at $3.29 per month. Or you can sign up for a non-healthcare specific 60-day trial to test it out before you commit. 

#5 – FaxBurner Review – Best mobile online faxing service

FaxBurner stands out from other online fax services for its well-designed, user-friendly IOS and Android apps. With FaxBurner, sending faxes is as easy as taking a picture, and you can receive them straight into your inbox. 

Set up is quick and easy. Plus, the platform gives users a temporary fax number that expires after 24 hours without upgrading to a paid plan. 

On top of that, you also get various features and benefits, including:

  • No unprofessional looking ads or watermarks on free faxes
  • Digitally document signatures
  • Create cover letters within the app
  • Integration with cloud storage apps like DropBox
  • Email to fax option 
  • Phone scanning capabilities

For users who need the convenience and flexibility of a mobile-first fax application, FaxBurner is my number top recommendation. 

Free packages provide up to 25 inbound faxes and five outbound faxes a month. And their paid plans start at just $12.95 a month, making it incredibly affordable for most users. 

#6 – Biscom 123 Review — Most affordable online faxing services

If your business is just looking to send the occasional fax, Biscom 123 is an incredibly affordable option. As a leading telecommunications enterprise, Biscom makes online faxing simple for both businesses and individuals with a straightforward interface. 

You can also try it free for 30 days to see if it’s a good fit for your business, with no credit card required. However, it doesn’t maintain archival records of your communications. So, keep that in mind. 

Depending on your faxing needs, Biscom 123 offers various plans that allow you to send up to 300 pages with support for multiple team members. 

Plus, you can also:

  • Easily add up to four users in addition to the primary account holder
  • Send email faxes in just a few clicks
  • Fax from Android and IOS mobile applications
  • Integrate with Google Drive
  • Send multiple file formats and rich text formats for text faxes
  • Saves inbound PDF files in your email inbox
  • No limitation on file size or number of documents

Pricing starts at $7.99 per month. This entry-level plan includes 30 pages per month with a charge of 7 cents per additional page. So, it certainly won’t break the bank. 

Summary

mFax and RingCentral are my top choices for most users. They’re incredibly affordable and accessible for most businesses. Plus, they come with a ton of features to make your life easier. 

However, that doesn’t mean they’re suitable for everyone in every situation. 

So, don’t forget to consider the factors we talked about and take advantage of free trials as you go through the process of picking the best online fax services for you and your team. 

What company do you use to send online faxes?

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