April 2025

A good computer isn’t negotiable for entrepreneurs, but an expensive one is. Apple devices are secure, reliable, and versatile, but they often aren’t a viable option for scrappy small businesses. However, this MacBook Air just got marked down from $1,499 to $579.99, but it won’t stay that way.

A low-cost computer for entrepreneurs

This MacBook is powered by Apple’s M1 chip, which brought a huge leap in performance over older Intel-based machines. You’re getting an 8-core CPU that handles day-to-day work and multitasking like a champ, plus a GPU with up to 5x faster graphics, so even creative tasks or light video work won’t slow you down.

The 16-core Neural Engine also supports advanced machine learning functions, which might sound technical, but it basically just means your Mac can do a lot more without lagging. No more losing time waiting for Excel macros to run.

It’s lightweight, completely silent (thanks to the fanless design), and has a sharp 13.3″ Retina display that’s easy on the eyes for long work sessions. Battery life hits up to 18 hours of video playback, which translates to a full day of productivity without being chained to an outlet, great if you’re meeting clients, running events, or just working from wherever.

The MacBook also has essentials like Wi-Fi 6 for faster connections, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, and a backlit Magic Keyboard. The refurbished “A” rating means this MacBook arrives out of the box in near-mint condition.

Why this deal is worth it

Macs are versatile computers, but new ones are prohibitively expensive, with fewer returns for the higher price. This MacBook gives users the same versatility at a fraction of the price, and it’s still in near-mint condition.

Get a MacBook Air while they’re on sale for $579.99.

Apple MacBook Air 13.3″ (2020) M1 MGN63LL/A 8GB RAM 256GB SSD Space Gray (Refurbished) – $579.99

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StackSocial prices subject to change.

If you’re like me, you’ve probably rolled your eyes more than once at how expensive it can be to travel for business. Flights, hotels, meals and all the little extras add up quickly, but the good news is there are smarter ways to save — in fact, I’ve got some real money-saving gems to share. Buckle up, because I’m about to make your next business trip a lot friendlier on your wallet (and way more enjoyable)!

1. Become a member of a hotel discount club

This is my ultimate go-to for stretching my budget without sacrificing luxury. Membership discount hotel clubs are the secret weapon nobody’s talking about. When I created Tonia In Vegas, I knew there had to be a better way to travel for businesses and adventures. Think luxe 4- and 5-star hotels at budget-friendly prices. Yes, you can actually relax in a plush hotel robe without breaking the bank.

The benefits don’t stop there. Many of these memberships throw in discounts on flights, dining, events and even shopping. It’s like having a golden ticket to travel perks! Plus, staying in nicer hotels often means access to better locations, amenities like free breakfast or Wi-Fi and a way comfier stay. Who said traveling on a budget couldn’t be glamorous?

Related: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Whittling Down Travel Costs

2. Be flexible with travel dates

I know, I know — not every business trip offers this kind of flexibility, but when it does? Magic! Shifting your flight a day earlier or later can help you snag those off-peak discounts. Bonus points if you’re flexible with flight times; red-eyes can save you money and give you a head start for the day ahead. Believe it or not, there are flight discount coupons available that can save you some serious cash on your next business trip.

3. Pack light and bring snacks

Checked bag fees are no joke, especially when traveling for business and needing to bring work attire. Save yourself the hassle (and money) by packing a carry-on only. You’ll also avoid any potential baggage claim delays, giving you more time to focus on your work or enjoy the city you’re visiting.

Another tip: Pack your own snacks! This may seem like a small detail, but it can add up quickly if you’re constantly buying food while on the road. Bringing your own snacks not only saves money but also ensures you have something healthy to munch on during those long flights.

4. Book flights early (but not too early)

Here’s a little insider tip for you. The sweet spot for finding the best airfare prices is roughly 1-3 months before domestic flights and 2-6 months before international ones. Wait too long, and prices surge. Book too early, and you could miss out on deals. It’s all about that Goldilocks zone.

And hey, why not use your membership hotel club for these flights, too? Double discounts, double the savings. Winning all around.

5. Take advantage of rewards programs

If you’re not racking up points with frequent flyer programs or hotel loyalty cards, you’re leaving money (and free travel perks!) on the table. Every trip you take can inch you closer to free stays, upgrades and airfare. Even better? Many membership hotel clubs automatically tie into loyalty programs, so you’re stacking up rewards without lifting a finger.

6. Save big with meal hacks

Skip overpriced airport snacks and bring your own goodies instead. Or, better yet, use your hotel’s membership perks for discounted dining. Enjoy and dine at a 5-star restaurant for the price of fast food? Yes, please. Another win? Booking accommodations with kitchenettes lets you prepare your own meals when you’re in the mood for a quieter, more budget-friendly dinner.

7. Bundle your travel

Travel bundles are like the Netflix of business trips. Flights, hotels and even car rentals packaged together can cost a lot less than booking piecemeal. And guess what? Membership hotel clubs often excel at combining these elements into eye-catching, deal-filled bundles. You save time, energy and, most importantly, cash.

Related: 6 Easy Travel Hacks That Will Save You Time and Money

8. Cut transportation costs

Finally, don’t overlook transportation expenses! Use ride-sharing services wisely and always compare rates with taxi services. Better yet, choose hotels close to your meeting locations to skip transportation costs altogether. Some hotels (especially those 4- or 5-star ones from your members-only club membership!) even offer complimentary shuttle services.

Make every trip more affordable (and luxurious)

There you have it — seven easy ways to keep your travel budget happy without sacrificing comfort or efficiency. The real MVP here? Joining a membership hotel discount club. It ties so many of these tips together and unlocks a world of perks that’ll make you wonder why you hadn’t joined sooner.

If saving money while staying in style doesn’t sound like the ultimate business win, I don’t know what does. Now, go on and start planning your next big trip — but this time, do it smarter. Your wallet (and your sense of adventure) will thank you!

The trend of modern software requiring a constant paid subscription has hit businesses hard. When you need apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint on every computer in your office, that usually means paying subscription fees across the board. It adds up, and you’re never done paying. The alternative is to make a larger investment on day one to avoid the constant cost later on.

Microsoft Office 2024 has a lifetime license with no recurring payments. It comes with many of the same apps as Microsoft 365, but you only have to pay $129.97 (reg. $149) one time for PC or Macs.

No more subscription fees

This license comes with lifetime access to

• Word
• Excel
• PowerPoint
• OneNote

The 2024 version adds some smart upgrades, too. There’s co-authoring built into Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, so teams can work together in real-time, even from different locations. It also uses AI to assist with tasks like writing, formatting, and data analysis. Think smart compose in Word, dynamic arrays in Excel, and captioned presentation recording in PowerPoint—all designed to help your team work faster and more efficiently.

Unlike Microsoft 365, this version doesn’t require a subscription or auto-renewal. It’s tied to your Microsoft account, not a physical device, so you’ll still get important updates and won’t need to worry about recurring charges. And since it works on both Macs and PCs, it’s flexible enough for any kind of office setup.

Why this deal is worth it

Software subscriptions aren’t a viable option for businesses that are trying to cut costs. Instead of paying monthly indefinitely, now you can get Microsoft Office 2024 and get many of the same apps for life with no recurring cost.

Get Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC on sale for $129.97.

Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC: One-Time Purchase – $129.97

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StackSocial prices subject to change.

Fintech company Stripe has an unusual way of asking for customer input — and Elon Musk thinks it’s a “good idea.”

Stripe CEO Patrick Collison stated in a post on X on Tuesday that the company brings in one customer to speak for the first half hour of its management team meeting every other week. The user is asked to give honest feedback about Stripe’s products in front of 40 of the company’s leaders.

Related: This AI Startup Spent $0 on Marketing. Its Revenue Hit $200 Million in March.

Stripe has plenty of other ways to get feedback, including responses from a Complaint Submission Form and emails customers send to complaints@stripe.com. However, Collison noted in his post that the tactic of getting feedback in person at the biweekly meeting “somehow always spurs new thoughts and investigations.”

A day after Collison shared Stripe’s feedback strategy on X, Musk replied to the post and expressed his approval.

“Good idea,” Musk wrote.

Good idea

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 10, 2025

Collison co-founded Stripe in 2010 as a payment processing platform that allows businesses to process credit cards, debit cards, and other payments both online and in person.

According to Stripe’s 2024 annual letter, half of Fortune 100 companies, including Nvidia, Comcast, and PepsiCo, use the startup’s technology to handle $1.4 trillion in financial transactions. Stripe also handles payments for Amazon, Google, and Shopify.

Related: Payment Processor Stripe Lays Off Employees Via Cartoon Duck

Stripe additionally claimed in the annual letter that it was the “revenue engine of the AI era,” with almost 80% of the Forbes AI 50, including Anysphere and Anthropic, using its platform.

The startup was last valued at $91.5 billion in February.

As business owners and entrepreneurs, it’s important for us to understand the power of our values and how they guide our businesses every step of the way, from the initial idea for a company to how the business is run once it’s established. But our values don’t just guide the inner workings of our businesses. They also help determine how and where we invest our money, both personally and professionally.

Consider the meaning behind the saying, “Put your money where your mouth is.” You can’t just talk about your values; you need to take the time to invest in organizations, causes and other areas that align with them. For me, putting my money where my mouth was began with investing in the things that mattered to me once I realized the profound impact intentional investments could have.

My first major investment was in clean health solutions, inspired by my passion for reducing toxic exposure in everyday life. This initial step was prompted by my desire to not only advocate for change but to actively contribute to creating it. That moment reinforced my belief that aligning investments with my values is one of the most powerful ways to make a difference.

And while socially responsible investing based on your values (an investment approach allowing an investor to create both social change and see financial returns) may seem intimidating, it doesn’t have to be. Whether your values prompt you to invest in sustainable business practices or to hold stock in diversely owned businesses, investing in the things that matter most to you is more straightforward than you likely realize.

Let’s discuss how you can start investing your money into areas that align directly with your business values.

Identify your values

Identifying your values will be key to beginning your values-based investment journey. What matters to you will have a lot of guiding power in where you ultimately choose to invest your money, especially when you aim to have a local and global impact with your choices.

When it came to identifying my business values, I pinpointed them by reflecting on the principles that matter most to me: creating clean, sustainable solutions and improving human health. To identify your own values, think about causes you’ve previously contributed to and themes you’re drawn to in your daily life. Personal values can have a great deal of intersection with business values, and it can be beneficial to define them from the get-go.

I also considered the areas where I’d had the most experience and where I could have the greatest impact. By combining my expertise with these values, I’ve been able to define a clear vision for my company’s investments.

Related: What to Do When Personal Values Clash With Business Decisions

Consider the areas you want to invest in

Individual interest in sustainable investment opportunities is on the rise, according to Morgan Stanley’s 2024 Sustainable Signals report. 77% of global investors are interested in sustainable investing.

For me, I look for opportunities where my money can have a meaningful impact, whether it’s advancing clean technologies, supporting health and wellness or promoting ethical practices. My values serve as a compass, ensuring every decision reflects my commitment to creating a better future for people and the planet.

Your values will serve the same purpose as you begin to research organizations, companies, events and more that align with your values and causes. My research involves thoroughly vetting organizations by reviewing their mission, leadership and track record. I look at their financial health, transparency and long-term goals. I ask questions like:

• Are they solving a meaningful problem?
• Are their practices ethical and sustainable?
• Do they align with my vision for a healthier, cleaner world?

By posing these questions, I know my investments are both impactful and aligned with my values. Your questions may look different from mine, but they and your research are vital.

Related: Doing Well by Doing Good — How Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurs Are Changing the World

Invest based on your values

It’s time to begin investing. There are many different ways to do so, giving you the freedom to pick and choose the methods that are right for you. You can invest financially through stocks, enter into partnerships and donate to organizations (especially consider recurring monthly donations, which are hugely helpful for small organizations). I’ve chosen a mix of equity investments, partnerships and philanthropic contributions.

For example, I’ve invested in companies that develop clean skincare products and health technologies, as well as supported educational initiatives that promote sustainability. What ultimately led me to invest in these ways was the alignment between the organization’s mission and my values, as well as the opportunity to drive innovation and positive change. It’s all about investing in ways that work best for you and your business.

Remember that investing in the things that matter to you is a unique way to bring your professional values and investments together in alignment for long-term growth and broader impact. Investing guided by your principles will allow you to back your words up with real action in support of positive efforts.

If you think AI is “just a tool,” you’re already behind. Billion-dollar brands aren’t just using it to save time — they’re using it to replace entire departments and slash overhead. But here’s the real threat most entrepreneurs miss: What happens when your clients realize AI can do 80% of what you offer, without you?

While most are still using AI to brainstorm posts or write rough drafts, the top 1% are quietly building AI teams that run sales, operations, and marketing 24/7. In this video, I’m revealing the exact AI playbook billion-dollar brands are using to automate, dominate and stay miles ahead of everyone else.

Replace your sales team without hiring a closer:
Automate lead research, qualification, email follow-ups and sales call bookings using Salesforce AI and Zapier’s Outreach Agent. It’s like hiring a top-performing sales rep — without the salary.

Delegate ops and admin so you can focus on growth:
Say goodbye to inbox overload, scattered calendars and endless SOP creation. Tools like Superhuman, Reclaim, Motion and Scribehow give you back your time.

Predict your next breakthrough before it happens:
Don’t wait for results to tank before you react. With Google AI Studio, you’ll know which content, emails, or funnels are working—and why—so you can double down on what converts.

Whether you’re a solopreneur or running a lean team, this AI playbook will help you eliminate inefficiencies, grow faster and future-proof your business — without needing a single line of code. I’ll walk you through each step — even if you’re just getting started with AI.

Download the free “AI Success Kit” (limited time only). And you’ll also get a free chapter from my brand new book, “The Wolf is at the Door — How to Survive and Thrive in an AI-Driven World.”

As a solo founder bootstrapping PitchBob.io, an AI-powered platform that helps early-stage entrepreneurs structure their startup ideas, craft compelling pitches and generate documents for accelerators and investors, I quickly realized that building a company without external funding means learning how to do nearly everything yourself — from product development to customer support and yes, even SEO.

At first, I outsourced SEO to an agency at $2,000 per month. But over time, I noticed the returns didn’t justify the spend. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands. This article outlines the 15 strategies I used to grow our organic traffic, increase visibility and improve rankings — all without relying on an agency or massive budget.

Related: 5 Ways to Bootstrap SEO When You’re on a Tight Budget

1. Monitor and improve site health

The foundation of good SEO is technical performance. I started by setting up regular audits using tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs to monitor the health of our website. These tools helped identify issues like broken links, crawl errors, slow page speeds and mobile usability problems.

By keeping our Site Health score above 90, I ensured that search engines could easily crawl and index our pages. A fast, error-free site not only ranks better but also provides a better experience for users, which reduces bounce rates and increases time on site, both positive signals for SEO.

2. Leverage ABC link exchanges

Link building is one of the most powerful (and time-consuming) elements of SEO. I began receiving outreach emails from companies looking to exchange backlinks. Instead of ignoring them or engaging in basic reciprocal linking, I proposed ABC exchanges.

In an ABC link exchange, site A links to site B, site B links to site C, and site C links to site A. This model avoids the penalty associated with obvious reciprocal linking and creates a more organic-looking backlink profile. It allowed me to build quality links from high-authority domains without doing traditional cold outreach.

3. Use AI to build a content cluster

Content is still king, but structure is queen. I developed a content strategy based on topic clustering — building pillar pages with related subtopics internally linked. I used AI writing tools to generate dozens of articles around our niche, focusing on long-tail keywords.

This silo structure helped organize content logically and improve topical authority in the eyes of search engines. Internal linking between cluster pages and pillar articles improved crawlability and made the site more useful for visitors, which boosted engagement metrics.

4. Expand through multilingual SEO

Since our users are international, I knew that optimizing for English alone was limiting our reach. I used AI translation tools to create versions of our content in multiple languages. This included not only landing pages but also blog content and product descriptions.

When we hit technical limits on our platform, we created subdomains for specific regions and translated content there. This approach helped us reach markets like Asia and Europe more effectively. It also gave us localized content, which performs better in region-specific search engines.

5. Build a community forum

Search engines value user-generated content. I decided to build a community forum using Discourse to encourage discussions, feedback and knowledge sharing. The initial content was generated and seeded using GPT-based prompts to simulate organic engagement.

By structuring categories around high-volume keywords and startup topics, we created a library of searchable content that continues to grow and index. Community forums not only drive SEO but also deepen engagement and build trust with users.

6. Publish press releases with data

Press releases aren’t just for PR — they’re a strong SEO asset when used strategically. I wrote and distributed releases through reputable networks, focusing on feature launches and research-based updates.

I made sure each release included original data or insights, which made them more appealing to journalists and more likely to be syndicated across multiple sites. Each distribution generated authoritative backlinks and reinforced our credibility within our niche.

7. Use global and niche directories

Directory listings are one of the oldest SEO tactics, and they still work when done right. I registered PitchBob.io with global directories, industry-specific platforms and local business listings. Some required payment, but most were low-cost.

These listings provided steady, do-follow backlinks and drove occasional referral traffic. They also increased our domain authority and helped us appear in more long-tail search results.

Related: The 8 Best Free and Low-Cost SEO Tools for Small Businesses

8. Turn partnerships into backlinks

Every business collaboration is an opportunity for SEO. I made a habit of requesting backlinks from partners, especially universities, accelerators and ecosystem players with high domain authority.

This wasn’t just a cold ask — I would typically create a piece of content or a social media post around the partnership and then follow up with a polite request for a mention or link on their website. Over time, these added up to a strong backlink profile with high-trust domains.

9. Join founder-led SEO sprints

I joined communities where founders collaborate on SEO. These groups organize content-writing and backlink-sharing sprints where participants support each other’s growth. During each sprint, I contributed articles or shared links — and received the same in return.

This collaborative model is especially useful for solo founders who don’t have a team but want to maintain consistent SEO efforts. It builds relationships and expands visibility through peer support.

10. Become a media contributor

Contributing to a high-authority publication can dramatically improve your SEO footprint. I applied and was accepted as a contributor to a business media platform. Writing articles on entrepreneurship and innovation allowed me to earn quality backlinks while sharing valuable insights.

Even though direct traffic from these articles was moderate, the SEO value of being linked from a respected domain made a big difference. It also improved credibility when reaching out to potential partners or customers.

11. Use lifetime deal platforms for SEO

Submitting to SaaS deal platforms helped us gain both exposure and strong backlinks. These platforms often create evergreen product pages that remain indexed and link back to your site.

It’s a lesser-known SEO strategy, but one that brings value over time — especially if your deal gets attention from affiliate bloggers or community forums.

12. Launch on Product Hunt

Launching on Product Hunt was a turning point. Winning “Product of the Day” earned us dozens of backlinks from blogs, newsletters and directories that cover Product Hunt launches.

The event also drove direct traffic and helped establish social proof, which in turn increased the chances of other websites mentioning us — another indirect benefit to SEO.

13. Partner with events and conferences

We treated each event, whether online or in-person, as a potential backlink opportunity. Participating in startup events, hackathons or speaking engagements allowed us to be featured on event websites and partner pages.

These often included logos and company descriptions with backlinks, contributing to our domain authority and helping build our digital footprint.

14. Use podcasts as backlink gateways

Although I haven’t fully implemented this strategy yet, many founders report that being interviewed on small podcasts can lead to backlinks on platforms like Spotify, Apple and Google Podcasts. Even if the podcast itself has a small audience, the distribution network provides strong SEO signals.

In the near future, I plan to test this by appearing on startup-focused podcasts and monitoring the SEO results.

15. Respect the fundamentals

Lastly, I never neglected the basics. Each of our key landing pages contains substantial, original content — enough to inform users and satisfy search engines. Avoiding thin pages and ensuring keyword optimization helped us maintain consistent rankings across core pages.

While many founders chase advanced tactics, simply writing good, helpful content is often the most sustainable strategy of all.

Related: How to Use SEO Like a Big Business — On a Small Business Budget

SEO doesn’t require a massive budget — it requires consistency, curiosity and a willingness to learn. As a solo founder, I turned what seemed like an expensive mystery into a predictable system.

You don’t have to master every SEO nuance, but by focusing on structure, partnerships and content, you can build a steady, scalable traffic engine that works even while you sleep. If I did it solo, you can do it too.

Learn how to grow your brand with limited budget using proven strategies from beauty industry leader Nilofer Vahora.

In this action packed webinar you’ll discover how small businesses and entrepreneurs can leverage cost-effective marketing strategies to achieve impressive results without massive spending. CMO Nilofer Vahora shares the exact techniques that helped brands like amika grow from 50 to 450+ influencers through smart resource allocation and strategic partnerships.

Register now and you’ll learn:

• Build a Powerful Influencer Community on a Budget: Discover how to identify and partner with nano and micro-influencers who deliver authentic engagement at a fraction of the cost of celebrity endorsements.

• Create Engaging, Conversion-Driven Content: Learn how to leverage trends while maintaining brand authenticity, and discover techniques for fostering community engagement through strategic comment responses.

• Transform Your Physical Space into a Content Creation Hub: Convert your existing locations (office, store, salon) into powerful brand experience centers that attract creators and loyal customers.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to maximize your marketing impact without maximizing your budget!

About the Speaker:

Nilofer Vahora’s expertise spans a diverse portfolio of beauty and fashion brands, with a special focus on digital-first strategies and consumer-centric growth. Most recently, she was Chief Marketing Officer at Milk Makeup, where her innovative brand-building initiatives helped the brand achieve global recognition as a clean beauty pioneer. Her leadership was instrumental in transforming Milk Makeup into a digital-first, cult-favorite brand, leveraging disruptive campaigns and a bold, creative marketing approach. Prior to her role at Milk Makeup, Vahora held senior leadership positions at Shiseido and Rebecca Minkoff, where she successfully launched category-defining products and implemented creative marketing strategies that elevated brand equity and expanded market share.

As CMO of amika, Vahora will oversee all marketing functions, with a focus on amplifying the brand’s unique identity and connection with consumers. Her appointment reflects amika’s commitment to bold, visionary leadership as the brand continues to grow its influence in the beauty industry.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said on Thursday that Amazon sellers would probably respond to President Donald Trump’s tariffs by raising prices for consumers.

“I think they [sellers] will try and pass the cost on,” Jassy told CNBC in an interview.

Trump levied a 10% tariff on all trading partners and an “at least” 145% tariff on China earlier this week that could impact consumer prices. The tariff news has thrown Amazon sellers into a panic because the majority of goods on the platform, up to 70% of products per Wedbush Securities estimates, come from China.

Related: Amazon CEO Andy Jassy Says There’s One Trait That Contributes ‘an Embarrassing Amount’ to Being Successful

While sellers decide whether to raise prices or absorb tariff costs, some Amazon shoppers could be responding to tariffs by stocking up before any price hikes — though Jassy says the short-term nature of shopper data makes it hard to tell if it’s a long-term trend.

“People have not stopped buying, and in certain categories, we do see people buying ahead, but it’s hard to know if it’s just an anomaly in the data because it’s just a few days, or how long it’s going to last,” Jassy told CNBC.

^{Amazon CEO Andy Jassy. Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images}

Amazon’s marketplace consists of roughly 9.7 million sellers that contribute to 60% of sales on the platform. According to Fox Business, more than half of the top sellers on Amazon are based in China.

Jassy told CNBC that Amazon has made some “strategic” inventory buys and is trying to renegotiate terms for some purchase orders in response to tariffs. According to Bloomberg, Amazon canceled orders for beach chairs, scooters, air conditioners, and other products from numerous Amazon sellers in China last week after Trump announced his tariff plan on April 2.

Amazon Is Still Spending on AI

Jassy also released his annual shareholder letter on Thursday, outlining the reasons why Amazon is set to spend $100 billion this year on AI.

According to the letter, Jassy said that AI currently requires a “substantial capital investment,” but will one day “not be as expensive as it is today” as the cost of AI chips goes down.

Related: Amazon CEO Andy Jassy Says Earning Employees’ Trust Takes More Than ‘Being Nice’ — Here’s How He Does It