Forest Software

Web, SEO and IT & Business Advice for the Smaller Business

Monthly Archives: September 2024

Reading Time: 5 minutes

.co.uk or .com? Which Domain Suffix is Best for Your Business?

Choosing the right domain name for your business is one of the first important steps in creating your online presence. If you’re a small business owner wondering which domain suffix to choose, you’ve likely come across two main options: .co.uk and .com. While it might seem like a small detail, the domain suffix can impact how customers see your business and, in some cases, influence how they interact with you online. But which one should you pick? Let’s break it down. Continue reading

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Are You Working On or In Your Business?

As a small business owner, it’s easy to find yourself caught up in the daily grind, dealing with customer inquiries, managing staff, overseeing orders, or handling endless administrative tasks. Before you know it, you’re bogged down by the day-to-day operations, and while you’re certainly working hard, are you really moving your business forward? The difference between merely working in your business and strategically working on your business can be the key to its long-term success.

In this blog, we’ll explore what it means to work on your business instead of just in it, why it’s crucial for growth, and how you can make the transition. Continue reading

Reading Time: 4 minutes

National Minimum Wage Compliance: A Guide for Small Businesses

For small business owners in the UK, keeping up with employment regulations is essential for ensuring a fair and compliant workplace. One of the most critical regulations to understand and adhere to is the National Minimum Wage (NMW). This legislation outlines the minimum hourly wage that businesses are legally required to pay workers based on their age and employment status. Failing to comply with the National Minimum Wage regulations can result in substantial penalties, damage to your business reputation, and potentially legal action.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of being National Minimum Wage compliant, what small businesses need to know, and how to ensure you meet these regulations.

As with all financial and legal based posts on this blog, please check your individual details with your professional adviser (in this case, mor than likely your accountant). Continue reading

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The Importance of Using a Specialist Website Design Company for an Accountant’s Website

In today’s digital-first world, the first interaction that potential clients often have with a business is through its website. For accountants, this virtual gateway is no less important. A well-designed website serves not only as a point of contact but also as a showcase for professionalism, expertise, and trustworthiness. However, designing a website for an accounting firm requires more than just aesthetic flair. This is where the role of a specialist website design company comes into play. Rather than opting for a generic solution, partnering with a company that specialises in designing websites for accountants can be a game changer. Let’s delve into why this is essential. Continue reading

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Understanding the Difference Between Target Markets and Target Audiences for Small Businesses

When running a small business, it is essential to focus on who you are trying to reach with your product or service. In doing so, two key terms often come into play: target market and target audience. While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they refer to distinct concepts, and understanding the difference can greatly enhance your marketing efforts.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the definitions of target markets and target audiences, explain how they relate to one another, and explore why both are important for the growth of your small business. Continue reading

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Why It’s Important to Check Domain Expiry Dates: Protecting Your Online Presence

This post was written after two clients recently lost their domain having failed to renew their domains while a third lost all their rankings and a large amount of business after their website was no longer avilable.

In today’s digital age, owning a domain is fundamental for businesses, bloggers, and personal projects alike. A domain name serves as your identity on the internet, helping users locate your website and establishing your brand. However, one critical detail that is often overlooked by website owners is the domain expiry date. Allowing a domain name to expire can have serious consequences, potentially leading to the loss of your online presence, reputation damage, and costly recovery efforts.

In this post, we’ll explore why it is so important to check your domain expiry date regularly and how to avoid the pitfalls of an expired domain. Continue reading

About this blog

Over the years we have published many articles based around the questions that we get asked from small businesses relating to marketing, SEO, general business advice and other subjects.  You can find a list of related articles grouped by subject below or can even search for a word or phrase or browse our recent articles.

We hope that you find our articles useful.

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