It's often said that you can't sell a product if there's no market for it. That's why many businesses, especially technology companies, will have a small group of beta testers try out a prototype of their offering to ensure they're creating something the public will want – and that what's being offered works well once it gets into general use.
\r\nWhile beta tests can be incredibly useful for gathering feedback and improving your product, the group and the testing process must be carefully planned and managed in order to get the best results. To find out more, we asked a group of Young Entrepreneur Council members what a business should keep in mind when they're letting a small group try out their product or service. These answers are provided by Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), an invite-only organization of the world's most successful young entrepreneurs.
\r\nFor small sample size audiences, it's nice to view your subjects interacting with the product live. What people think they observe or tell you about an experience is many times different than how they actually use the product. While their interpretation is important to understand, you can learn a lot simply by watching them interact with the product live to see where they get stuck, etc. - Andy Karuza, FenSens
\r\nWhen creating any environment for beta testers, it's essential that users be given correct and incorrect pathway choices. Your testing won't be that useful if there is only a single correct way to continue the task and navigate through the test environment. Give yourself enough time to set up multiple pathways to yield the best data for the time and money you invest in testing. - Jordan Conrad, Writing Explained
\r\nDepending on the product or service you're launching, you'll need tons of disclaimers to adhere to regulations. This is definitely the case if you're in fields like finance, law, or medicine. Since you may not have yet done a lot of legal work at the prototype stage, you'll want to do some research on the kinds of disclaimers you need to add. Better safe than sorry. - Frederik Bussler, AngelStarter
\r\nOften your beta testers are the most loyal and tech-focused users. Try and find average people who aren't overly familiar with your product or company. This will lead to more honest feedback, without the sugarcoating that can come along with testers who are already invested in the product emotionally. The response may be harder to hear, but you'll be happier with the end result. - Sean Ogle, Location Rebel
\r\nBesides asking your testers their opinion about your prototype, make sure they actually use it in a real-world fashion so you can get more insight. And you should have them complete a few different tasks as well. Follow that up with specific questions about their experiences and any bugs they may have encountered. - Andrew Schrage, Money Crashers Personal Finance
\r\nWhen done the right way, prototyping not only grants access to real feedback, but it also provides insights about user behavior. Using heat maps to track user interactions with your product can be useful, especially when testing out digital products or services. I find it an easier way to record user expectations and experiences more accurately, which later helps tailor the product as needed. - Abeer Raza, TekRevol
\r\nOften times with MVPs and prototypes, entrepreneurs will get a few people to say, \"I would buy this\" and move forward. The goal isn't to get positive reinforcement to an idea — the goal is to see if it's a viable business. You shouldn't scale up from your prototype until you've sold at least 100 units of your product and have the cash in hand. You need statistical significance. - Karl Kangur, Above House
\r\nOne thing to keep in mind during a beta test is the timetable. It doesn’t matter how well you plan, anticipate it taking at least 10 weeks given you don't add features during the test. If you do make changes mid-beta, you will probably have to start your timetable back at zero. Having a realistic expectation of the test duration is important for your sanity and product development as well. - Shaun Conrad, My Accounting Course
\r\nYou've worked hard on your prototype and have painstakingly selected the right audience. However, keep in mind the process isn't usually going to proceed as you expect it will – and that's not only OK, it can be exciting. If your planned script for the testing session isn't working well, feel free to deviate and improvise during the testing session to get the best feedback from your users. - Shu Saito, Godai
\r\nThe simpler and cleaner your prototype is, the better. If you have the ability to use fewer parts or, if your prototype is not a physical item, to make it pleasing to the eye, do it. Remember that this is a test and you want to make the best impression possible. To do so, simplify. - Zach Binder, Bell + Ivy
\r\nPrototype and beta testers tend to have a lot of feature ideas. It's safe to ignore these. Focus your testers on if the offering in front of them is sufficient, not on what else they'd want it to do. Additional features are just enhancements – if the product is going to be successful, it's core features should be able to stand on their own. - Ryan D Matzner, Fueled
\r\nIf you are using a small sample size even minor deviations can impact the test results. If a small sample size is the only option, do your best to limit any potential bias from test group participants. Otherwise, the preconceived bias can impact the results of your test and prevent you from receiving an accurate representation of the interest in your service or product. - Matthew Podolsky, Florida Law Advisers, P.A.
\r\nBeta testers are often early adopters who are more knowledgeable, experienced and tolerant of complexity than the average user. Early adopters will provide great feedback, but it's a biased sample that doesn't reflect the experiences of the target market. To combat bias, make sure your test group includes people who are representative of the average user, not just power users. - Corey Northcutt, Northcutt Enterprise SEO
\r\nWhen testing a prototype, of course, you want to get feedback on it. Beta testers can tell you what works and what doesn't. But, make sure your testers have plenty of opportunities to give you recommendations as well, instead of just getting feedback on what you have currently. The testers may give you great ideas on how you can improve your product even more. - David Henzel, LTVPlus
\r\nIt's important to stay objective during your prototype presentation so it's easier for your audience to get onboard. You can do this by emphasizing both the positive and negative aspects of the project and fully acknowledging any mishaps or errors. Rather than defending issues, address them directly and offer solutions. - Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms
\r\nDelays can happen during the product development process. It's important to let your testers know in advance that such delays are possible. If you can, give them an estimated time for when testing will be renewed. You need to account for some testers deciding to bow out if these delays interfere with their life and work events. - Syed Balkhi, WPBeginner
\r\nYour beta testers stepping out can throw a wrench into the works. It's inconvenient and frustrating but it can happen. Make sure that you have possible backups in mind. Check if your beta testing process is too long and frustrates your testers. It's a good idea to maintain communication with them to handle any issues that can come up. - Blair Williams, MemberPress
\r\nAfter your beta test, you'll want to make appropriate bug fixes and test again. Multiple tests help you hammer out the glitches and bugs that arise during development. The more you test your product, the more likely that you'll have a market-ready product for consumers. - Chris Christoff, MonsterInsights
\r\nIf you don't even know what you're trying to get out of testing, then you shouldn't run it in the first place. It's crucial to prepare the appropriate questions so your answers bring you closer to a conclusion or solution. - Jared Atchison, WPForms
\r\nIt is vital to remember that prototypes are not completely accurate. A prototype will give you some great data and a likely sense of where you are headed, but understand that as your product or service goes live, issues will arise. It is inevitable. Be prepared. - Rana Gujral, Behavioral Signals
\n","docType":"article","guid":"articles_73e8e9ff9116f3fab798de06643bdf41","lastModified":"2019-11-19T15:00:00.000Z","published":"2019-11-19T15:00:00.000Z","structuredData":null,"subtitle":"Keep these crucial elements in mind when you're testing a prototype with a small group.","template":"v1","title":"20 Important Tips for Beta Testing Your Product or Service","type":"article","author":{"avatar":"https://staging.business.com/images/author/583/5effe3187b16d07195101/100-100","bio":"Scott Gerber is the founder of Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), an invite-only organization comprised of the world’s most promising young entrepreneurs. In partnership with Citi, YEC recently launched BusinessCollective, a free virtual mentorship program that helps millions of entrepreneurs start and grow businesses.\r\n\r\nGerber is also a serial entrepreneur, regular TV commentator and author of the book Never Get a “Real” Job.","name":"Scott Gerber","image":null,"slug":null,"social":{"facebook":"https://www.facebook.com/theyec","linkedin":"","twitter":"scottgerber","website":"http://yec.co"},"status":"enabled","title":null,"type":"Old BDC Member","user":{"imagePath":"https://staging.business.com/images/uploads/user/profile/30a73f4404c3622b60c28ceb80561d3e8a5e5.jpg","profile":{"company":"","jobTitle":"","website":""}}},"breadcrumbs":null,"channels":{"primary":{"name":"Business Basics","slug":"business-basics"},"sub":{"name":"Entrepreneurship","slug":"entrepreneurship"}},"meta":{"robots":"index, follow","description":"Beta testing provides valuable information on how to make your product the best it can be when launching. Here is how to get the most out of the process.","title":"The Best Ways to Beta Test Your Product or Service - business.com"},"parsedContent":{"toc":[{"id":"1-observe-them-live","title":"1. Observe them live"},{"id":"2-give-participants-choices","title":"2. Give participants choices"},{"id":"3-provide-proper-disclaimers","title":"3. Provide proper disclaimers"},{"id":"4-look-for-people-who-arent-product-evangelists","title":"4. Look for people who aren't product evangelists"},{"id":"5-follow-up-with-your-testers","title":"5. Follow up with your testers"},{"id":"6-use-heat-maps","title":"6. Use heat maps"},{"id":"7-aim-for-statistical-significance","title":"7. Aim for statistical significance"},{"id":"8-set-a-realistic-timetable","title":"8. Set a realistic timetable"},{"id":"9-be-adaptable","title":"9. Be adaptable"},{"id":"10-keep-it-simple","title":"10. Keep it simple"},{"id":"11-focus-on-the-core-features-first","title":"11. Focus on the core features first"},{"id":"12-try-to-limit-potential-bias-from-participants","title":"12. Try to limit potential bias from participants"},{"id":"13-include-average-users,-not-just-early-adopters","title":"13. Include 'average users,' not just early adopters"},{"id":"14-ask-for-recommendations","title":"14. Ask for recommendations"},{"id":"15-remain-neutral","title":"15. Remain neutral"},{"id":"16-account-for-delays","title":"16. Account for delays"},{"id":"17-get-some-backup-testers-in-case-your-original-group-backs-out","title":"17. Get some backup testers in case your original group backs out"},{"id":"18-run-multiple-tests","title":"18. Run multiple tests"},{"id":"19-ask-the-right-questions","title":"19. Ask the right questions"},{"id":"20-remember-that-your-beta-test-results-will-not-be-perfectly-accurate","title":"20. Remember that your beta test results will not be perfectly accurate"}],"json":[{"component":"p","children":["It's often said that you can't sell a product if there's no market for it. That's why many businesses, especially technology companies, will have a small group of beta testers try out a prototype of their offering to ensure they're creating something the public will want – and that what's being offered works well once it gets into general use."]},{"component":"p","children":["While beta tests can be incredibly useful for gathering feedback and improving your product, the group and the testing process must be carefully planned and managed in order to get the best results. To find out more, we asked a group of ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://yec.co/","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow"},"children":["Young Entrepreneur Council"]}," members what a business should keep in mind when they're letting a small group try out their product or service. These answers are provided by Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), an invite-only organization of the world's most successful young entrepreneurs. "]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"1-observe-them-live"},"children":["1. Observe them live"]},{"component":"p","children":["For small sample size audiences, it's nice to view your subjects interacting with the product live. What people think they observe or tell you about an experience is many times different than how they actually use the product. While their interpretation is important to understand, you can learn a lot simply by watching them interact with the product live to see where they get stuck, etc. - ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://twitter.com/andykaruza","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Andy Karuza"]},", ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"http://fensens.com/","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["FenSens"]}]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"2-give-participants-choices"},"children":["2. Give participants choices"]},{"component":"p","children":["When creating any environment for beta testers, it's essential that users be given correct and incorrect pathway choices. Your testing won't be that useful if there is only a single correct way to continue the task and navigate through the test environment. Give yourself enough time to set up multiple pathways to yield the best data for the time and money you invest in testing. - ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://twitter.com/writing_class","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Jordan Conrad"]},", ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://writingexplained.org/","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Writing Explained"]}]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"3-provide-proper-disclaimers"},"children":["3. Provide proper disclaimers"]},{"component":"p","children":["Depending on the product or service you're launching, you'll need tons of disclaimers to adhere to regulations. This is definitely the case if you're in fields like finance, law, or medicine. Since you may not have yet done a lot of legal work at the prototype stage, you'll want to do some research on the kinds of disclaimers you need to add. Better safe than sorry. - ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederikbussler","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Frederik Bussler"]},", ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.linkedin.com/company/angelstarter/","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["AngelStarter"]}]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"4-look-for-people-who-arent-product-evangelists"},"children":["4. Look for people who aren't product evangelists"]},{"component":"p","children":["Often your beta testers are the most loyal and tech-focused users. Try and find average people who aren't overly familiar with your product or company. This will lead to more honest feedback, without the sugarcoating that can come along with testers who are already invested in the product emotionally. The response may be harder to hear, but you'll be happier with the end result. - ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://twitter.com/seanogle","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Sean Ogle"]},", ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.locationrebel.com/","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Location Rebel"]}]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"5-follow-up-with-your-testers"},"children":["5. Follow up with your testers"]},{"component":"p","children":["Besides asking your testers their opinion about your prototype, make sure they actually use it in a real-world fashion so you can get more insight. And you should have them complete a few different tasks as well. Follow that up with specific questions about their experiences and any bugs they may have encountered. - ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://twitter.com/moneycrashers","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Andrew Schrage"]},", ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.moneycrashers.com/","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Money Crashers Personal Finance"]}]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"6-use-heat-maps"},"children":["6. Use heat maps"]},{"component":"p","children":["When done the right way, prototyping not only grants access to real feedback, but it also provides insights about user behavior. Using heat maps to track user interactions with your product can be useful, especially when testing out digital products or services. I find it an easier way to record user expectations and experiences more accurately, which later helps tailor the product as needed. - ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/abeer-raza-77b97528","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Abeer Raza"]},", ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.tekrevol.com/","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["TekRevol"]}]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"7-aim-for-statistical-significance"},"children":["7. Aim for statistical significance"]},{"component":"p","children":["Often times with MVPs and prototypes, entrepreneurs will get a few people to say, \"I would buy this\" and move forward. The goal isn't to get positive reinforcement to an idea — the goal is to see if it's a viable business. You shouldn't scale up from your prototype until you've sold at least 100 units of your product and have the cash in hand. You need statistical significance. - ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://twitter.com/growthkarl","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Karl Kangur"]},", ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://abovehouse.com/","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Above House"]}]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"8-set-a-realistic-timetable"},"children":["8. Set a realistic timetable"]},{"component":"p","children":["One thing to keep in mind during a beta test is the timetable. It doesn’t matter how well you plan, anticipate it taking at least 10 weeks given you don't add features during the test. If you do make changes mid-beta, you will probably have to start your timetable back at zero. Having a realistic expectation of the test duration is important for your sanity and product development as well. - ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://twitter.com/accounting_pro","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Shaun Conrad"]},", ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.myaccountingcourse.com/","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["My Accounting Course"]}]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"9-be-adaptable"},"children":["9. Be adaptable"]},{"component":"p","children":["You've worked hard on your prototype and have painstakingly selected the right audience. However, keep in mind the process isn't usually going to proceed as you expect it will – and that's not only OK, it can be exciting. If your planned script for the testing session isn't working well, feel free to deviate and improvise during the testing session to get the best feedback from your users. - ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/shu-s-650858b8","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Shu Saito"]},", ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.godaisoaps.com/","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Godai"]}]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"10-keep-it-simple"},"children":["10. Keep it simple"]},{"component":"p","children":["The simpler and cleaner your prototype is, the better. If you have the ability to use fewer parts or, if your prototype is not a physical item, to make it pleasing to the eye, do it. Remember that this is a test and you want to make the best impression possible. To do so, simplify. - ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://twitter.com/zebinder","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Zach Binder"]},", ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"http://www.bellivy.com/","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Bell + Ivy"]}]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"11-focus-on-the-core-features-first"},"children":[{"component":"strong"},"11. Focus on the core features first"]},{"component":"p","children":["Prototype and beta testers tend to have a lot of feature ideas. It's safe to ignore these. Focus your testers on if the offering in front of them is sufficient, not on what else they'd want it to do. Additional features are just enhancements – if the product is going to be successful, it's core features should be able to stand on their own. - ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://twitter.com/rdm","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Ryan D Matzner"]},", ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"http://fueled.com/","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Fueled"]}]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"12-try-to-limit-potential-bias-from-participants"},"children":["12. Try to limit potential bias from participants"]},{"component":"p","children":["If you are using a small sample size even minor deviations can impact the test results. If a small sample size is the only option, do your best to limit any potential bias from test group participants. Otherwise, the preconceived bias can impact the results of your test and prevent you from receiving an accurate representation of the interest in your service or product. - ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://twitter.com/FLLawAdvisers","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Matthew Podolsky"]},", ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"http://www.floridalegaladvice.com/","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Florida Law Advisers, P.A."]}]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"13-include-average-users,-not-just-early-adopters"},"children":["13. Include 'average users,' not just early adopters"]},{"component":"p","children":["Beta testers are often early adopters who are more knowledgeable, experienced and tolerant of complexity than the average user. Early adopters will provide great feedback, but it's a biased sample that doesn't reflect the experiences of the target market. To combat bias, make sure your test group includes people who are representative of the average user, not just power users. - ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://twitter.com/corey_northcutt","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Corey Northcutt"]},", ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://northcutt.com/","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Northcutt Enterprise SEO"]}]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"14-ask-for-recommendations"},"children":["14. Ask for recommendations"]},{"component":"p","children":["When testing a prototype, of course, you want to get feedback on it. Beta testers can tell you what works and what doesn't. But, make sure your testers have plenty of opportunities to give you recommendations as well, instead of just getting feedback on what you have currently. The testers may give you great ideas on how you can improve your product even more. - ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://twitter.com/davidhenzel","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["David Henzel"]},", ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.ltvplus.com/","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["LTVPlus"]}]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"15-remain-neutral"},"children":["15. Remain neutral"]},{"component":"p","children":["It's important to stay objective during your prototype presentation so it's easier for your audience to get onboard. You can do this by emphasizing both the positive and negative aspects of the project and fully acknowledging any mishaps or errors. Rather than defending issues, address them directly and offer solutions. - ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://twitter.com/thestephwells","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Stephanie Wells"]},", ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://formidableforms.com/","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Formidable Forms"]}]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"16-account-for-delays"},"children":["16. Account for delays"]},{"component":"p","children":["Delays can happen during the product development process. It's important to let your testers know in advance that such delays are possible. If you can, give them an estimated time for when testing will be renewed. You need to account for some testers deciding to bow out if these delays interfere with their life and work events. - ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://twitter.com/syedbalkhi","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Syed Balkhi"]},", ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"http://www.wpbeginner.com/","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["WPBeginner"]}]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"17-get-some-backup-testers-in-case-your-original-group-backs-out"},"children":["17. Get some backup testers in case your original group backs out"]},{"component":"p","children":["Your beta testers stepping out can throw a wrench into the works. It's inconvenient and frustrating but it can happen. Make sure that you have possible backups in mind. Check if your beta testing process is too long and frustrates your testers. It's a good idea to maintain communication with them to handle any issues that can come up. - ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://twitter.com/supercleanse","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Blair Williams"]},", ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://memberpress.com/","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["MemberPress"]}]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"18-run-multiple-tests"},"children":["18. Run multiple tests"]},{"component":"p","children":["After your beta test, you'll want to make appropriate bug fixes and test again. Multiple tests help you hammer out the glitches and bugs that arise during development. The more you test your product, the more likely that you'll have a market-ready product for consumers. - ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://twitter.com/chriscct7","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Chris Christoff"]},", ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.monsterinsights.com/","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["MonsterInsights"]}]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"19-ask-the-right-questions"},"children":["19. Ask the right questions"]},{"component":"p","children":["If you don't even know what you're trying to get out of testing, then you shouldn't run it in the first place. It's crucial to prepare the appropriate questions so your answers bring you closer to a conclusion or solution. - ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://twitter.com/jaredatch","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Jared Atchison"]},", ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://wpforms.com/","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["WPForms"]}]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"20-remember-that-your-beta-test-results-will-not-be-perfectly-accurate"},"children":[{"component":"strong"},"20. Remember that your beta test results will not be perfectly accurate"]},{"component":"p","children":["It is vital to remember that prototypes are not completely accurate. A prototype will give you some great data and a likely sense of where you are headed, but understand that as your product or service goes live, issues will arise. It is inevitable. Be prepared. - ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://twitter.com/RanaGujral","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Rana Gujral"]},", ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"http://behavioralsignals.com/","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow noopener external"},"children":["Behavioral Signals"]}]}]},"resource":null,"sponsorship":null,"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/content/5dd/216199c658a06098b4567/1500-0-","caption":"Draginimages/Getty Images","isBlurred":false},"bestPicks":null},"related":{"relatedArticles":[{"title":"SBA Loan Default: A Complete Guide for 2020 and Beyond","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/sba-loan-default-guide/","slug":"sba-loan-default-guide","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/content/5dc/047af7b437483068b4572/1500-0-","dek":"Here's comprehensive guide to all your questions about SBA loan default, forgiveness and the SBA Offer In Compromise.","lastModified":"2019-11-04T15:00:00Z","published":"2019-11-04T15:00:00Z","sponsored":false},{"title":"Quality Assurance Trends to Watch in 2020","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/quality-assurance-trends-in-2020/","slug":"quality-assurance-trends-in-2020","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/content/5e4/d4acb7b43749a578b4573/1500-0-","dek":"Today, let’s focus on Agile and DevOps as well as test automation – two trends that have stayed relevant through the years.","lastModified":"2020-02-19T17:48:00Z","published":"2020-02-19T17:48:00Z","sponsored":false},{"title":"Turn Your Genealogy Hobby Into a Side Business","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/turn-genealogy-into-business/","slug":"turn-genealogy-into-business","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/content/5db/9c9f37b4374674d8b4581/1500-0-","dek":"Learn how to turn your genealogy hobby into a home-based business.","lastModified":"2019-05-01T12:00:00Z","published":"2019-05-01T12:00:00Z","sponsored":false},{"title":"13 Tips for Crafting a Great Business Plan","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/new-entrepreneur-business-plan-tips/","slug":"new-entrepreneur-business-plan-tips","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/content/5ba/a5d2d1039eb612b8b457a/1500-0-","dek":"These tips and processes can help newer entrepreneurs get started.","lastModified":"2018-09-25T12:10:00Z","published":"2018-09-25T12:10:00Z","sponsored":false},{"title":"Building a Business Plan: 18 Methods and Tools to Help You","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/business-plan-tools-to-help/","slug":"business-plan-tools-to-help","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/content/5d9/f91d87b437404118b458e/1500-0-","dek":"Creating and maintaining a plan is far easier when you have the right tools and approaches.","lastModified":"2019-10-11T18:00:00Z","published":"2019-10-11T18:00:00Z","sponsored":false},{"title":"16 Things to Know When Expanding to a Second Location","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/expanding-to-a-second-location/","slug":"expanding-to-a-second-location","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/content/5d4/469127b4374d3768b4575/1500-0-","dek":"Growth can be a wonderful thing, but it brings with it its own set of challenges.","lastModified":"2019-08-05T12:00:00Z","published":"2019-08-05T12:00:00Z","sponsored":false},{"title":"How to Generate PR for a Startup at Conferences","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/startup-pr-business-conferences/","slug":"startup-pr-business-conferences","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/content/5e6/00f8a5a215e54378b456f/1500-0-","dek":"This article is about the importance of conferences for tech startups PR. 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