Best of the Donuts in 2011

Hundreds of new articles, blogs, tools and videos are added to the Donuts every year, offering advice on everything from marketing and IT, to employment law and tax. But with such a wealth of content you may have missed our most popular articles. Here are our ten most-read pieces of 2011

Most-read…

• Registering as a sole trader — explaining the pros and cons of setting up as a sole trader or a limited company and helping would-be business owners choose the right start-up structure for them.

“More people think about self-employment in a recession which helps explain the popularity of this article,” says National Enterprise Network chief executive Dawn Whiteley. “There is also a lack of business support now that Business Link has gone, so people are looking to sites such as the Donuts.”

• 10 golden rules of home businesses — these tips from one of the founders of StartUp Britain, Emma Jones, cover the essentials of setting up a home-based business.

“There is a growing trend of people starting part-time businesses from home — dipping their toe in the water while they still have a job, the so-called ‘5-9 ers’,” explains Dawn.

Editor’s choice…

• How to set up an online store — the best way to learn about business is from the real experts — people who actually run their own successful small firms, such as in this profile of ecommerce firm Actinic.
• What it takes to succeed in business: The Business Inspector speaks — new Dragon and star of The Business Inspector Hilary Devey explains what it takes to be a successful business owner.

Most-read…

• Local SEO — reach the top of the rankings — we asked search marketing experts how to localise search engine optimisation (SEO) so you don’t miss out on the customers on your doorstep.

“Search marketing is a perennial favourite — small firms are still trying to get to grips with how to be found on Google,” says Orchard Marketing Associates founder Sarah Orchard. “Social media is developing so quickly that businesses are constantly trying to stay up to date with how they should be using it. It’s not surprising this is so popular.”

• Three great ways to use the back of business cards — three ideas from marketing expert Bryony Thomas on what to include on the back of your cards.

“Too many companies don’t take advantage of instances where they can engage [potential customers],” says Marketing Donut expert John Keating. “This can even include invoices — not got your Twitter link on your statement of accounts? Why not? You should take full advantage of your business cards — let’s make the most of your marketing arsenal.”

Editor’s choice…

• Common profit leaks — this blog highlights some all-too common mistakes that many businesses make.  
• 20 top Twitter tips — both beginners and seasoned social media commentators can learn a lot from these 20 Twitter tips from Marketing Donut expert Sonja Jefferson.  

Most-read…

• The five best freemium business services — we pick the best business services that you can use for free, from CRM tools and email marketing to bookkeeping and cloud storage.

“Over the last year business people have realised that there is a lot of free stuff out there they can use,” says Robert Davies, founder of Kashiko. “They are no longer intimidated by the technology as it’s become mainstream — so people are taking advantage of it.”

• Sure, your iPad is cool. But my netbook is better for business — this blog sparked a lively debate over the merits of tablets versus laptops.

“I’ve had lots of people ask me whether to get a tablet or laptop,” confirms Robert. “I think tablets are hard to justify as an alternative to a laptop, because laptops can typically do more at a very similar cost.”

Editor’s choice…

• How can open source software help your business — a growing number of businesses are realising that open source software is a good way to cut their costs. Find out if it’s for you and how to get started.
• An introduction to website building software — if you want to build a website yourself, but don’t know where to start, this round-up of the best tools will have you heading in the right direction.

Most-read…

• FAQs on topics including Gross misconduct and Divorce and separation — get the answers you need on common legal issues such as employment tribunals and divorce proceedings. 

“In a recession, people are more likely to seek legal advice in the event of disputes, as they simply can’t afford to write off the money,” points out Mike Rapps, partner at law firm Gregg Latchams. “Additionally, we’re finding there are a lot of will and probate disputes at the moment — something the Law Donut covers under personal law. As has happened in the US, more people are resorting to litigation if there is a dispute, whereas in the past they might have just shrugged their shoulders.”

• The dos and don’ts of social media: guidelines for your employees — this blog by social media expert Rebecca Williams highlights how employers can prevent their staff from causing any damage when social networking. 

Editor’s choice…

• Employment law: the basics — understanding employment law right from the start can save you a lot of time, money and trouble. This briefing sets out everything you need to know in four pages.
• Making a will — this guide dispels plenty of myths that surround having/not having a will and what happens to your possessions if you die intestate.

Most-read…

• Start-up tax: tips for new businesses — tax author Russell Cockburn explains how to save money by making the right choices when you start up.

“Some business owners might think they can sort out their tax payment themselves,” says Elaine Clark, founder of Cheap Accounting. “If you’re a sole trader and good with figures and at keeping your paperwork up to date you might be able to do your accounts, but now that iXBRL filing has been introduced by HM Revenue & Customs you can bet that your limited company accounts will be rejected. The law changed for limited companies on 1 April 2011, since when many businesses have been filing their accounts online and getting them rejected by HMRC software. In addition, the clampdown by HMRC on small firms’ tax records has increased. We can only assume that this year will bring more.”

• Company car tax — gets to grips with the tax implications of company cars and how to deal with the cost of fuel.

“This article very clearly explains company car tax,” comments a Tax Donut reader on the site. “Key to limiting company car tax is understanding the link between low C02 emissions and low company car tax. If you limit C02, you also limit running costs, too, in general. However, as the article makes clear, there are future tax traps for the unwary.”

Editor’s choice…

• New tax rates — get the information you need on next year’s tax bills in our guide to what’s going up in April 2012. 
• Income tax allowance and reliefs — find out how you can reduce your tax bills through allowances and reliefs. 

What is your favourite Donut article? Please contact us with your feedback or if there is a topic you would like to see covered.

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