America’s SBDC Blog

A “Forbes 100 Best Websites for Entrepreneurs”

How to Avoid SEO Scams

June 21, 2013

If you own a website, chances are, you have been contacted by one of these idiots. They call every month promising the “number one spot” on Google! They tell you that your site is not showing up in searches… and THEY can help (for a small price). Before you sign up for their GUARANTEED RESULTS, watch this video. Warning: Signing up with the wrong company can cause Google to DE-LIST your site completely!

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Eric Spellmann continues to be one of the highest rated speakers at our national America’s SBDC conferences.  His unique view that small business websites should “do” something pushes against the standard “online pamphlet” view of most web design companies.  He believes your customer’s websites should be driving qualified leads and sales on a weekly basis.  Eric speaks at a number of other national and state conferences nationwide, but enjoys running one of the most successful web design companies in the country.  He truly believes in the SBDC mission as it helped him start his own company many years ago.  To contact him, visit his website at EricSpellmann.com.

5 Tips To Improve Your Credit Score Now For Better Business Loans

June 21, 2013
By Nicole Russo, Marketing Director

Credit scores, including credit history, are one of the primary factors in obtaining the best SBA loan offers and terms. Every small business can benefit from tips to improve credit scores.

While a new business has no alternative but to rely on the personal credit score of the owner, it is good practice to build a business credit score as quickly as possible. Business credit is comprised of rent or mortgage payment history, tax payments, equipment financing, credit cards in the business name and any other related credit payments. Businesses need a tax EIN in order to build credit, and can also apply for a Dun & Bradstreet DUNS number.

A Commercial Credit Score (CCS) through Dun & Bradstreet is used by banks and lenders to determine the likelihood of a business paying its obligations on time. The score ranges from 101 to 670, with 670 being the highest score. (more…)