Business

Curious How Innovative Start-Ups Are Saving Thousands on Taxes Each Year?

Published

5 years ago

February 11, 2021

Start-ups are notorious for their scrappy tactics and innovative growth techniques. However, many start-ups may not be aware of the tax credits and incentives available to them. Certain tax credits can be the difference of thousands of dollars saved each year in taxes. According to Josh Alballero, tax expert and founder of IOOGO, “The R&D tax credit is one of the greatest tax credits available to start-ups and small businesses.”

The R&D credit, is officially known as the “Credit for Increasing Research Activities” this credit is available to start-ups in any industry, and in many cases, you do not even need to have a research and development department to qualify for the credit! Many start-ups miss out on this incredible incentive because they assume they won’t qualify, however, if you’re in the process of creating a new product or service, there is a good chance your business is an ideal candidate.

According to Alballero, there are two major benefits of the R&D credit.

This credit can give you resources you otherwise wouldn’t have access to. One of the most important stages when bringing a new product or process to the market is the research and development stage. Some start-ups won’t spend enough time on this stage due to a lack of resources, staff, or funding. This credit can put much-needed money back in your pocket to allow you to focus on this crucial phase of building your business.
The R&D credit covers a variety of expenses. This credit may be applied to costs you’d never considered, wages, supplies, consultant fees, contractor fee, prototyping, tooling/ supply expenses, packaging, surveys, studies, software costs, equipment, and more! The stipulations of this credit allow businesses to apply up to $250,000 of their research expenses against their payroll tax or income tax for up to five years. This means that businesses could expect to get back around 10 – 15% of what they spent on R&D.

Calculating R&D credit can be quite complicated and in most cases, business owners should consult the expertise of a tax professional or accounting firm. The IRS will look closely at any business’s R&D credit, so it is important that you follow the proper protocol. The tax experts at IOOGO specialize in R&D credit matters and can ensure you’re following federal regulations and taking full advantage of the credits available to you. In order to file for the R&D credit, a business will be required to file Form 6765 with their tax return. This filing process should not be costly and business owners should be wary of any accounting or tax firm that attempts to charge them thousands of dollars for this filing process or even a percentage of the savings in payroll taxes, which is an illegal process.

To learn more about the R&D credit or to schedule a consultation with an IOOGO tax expert, visit www.ioogo.com.

Business

The Key Components of a Successful Digital Marketing Strategy

Published

2 days ago

November 16, 2025

Matthew Wiles

In today’s hyper-connected world, a well-defined digital marketing strategy is essential for any business that wants to grow, build brand trust, and stay competitive. Whether you’re a local retailer, an eCommerce business, or a professional service provider, your online presence plays a major role in shaping how your audience perceives you. For example, industries like legal services are increasingly recognising the benefits of specialised digital marketing for law firms to attract and engage clients in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Below, we explore the key components that make up a successful digital marketing strategy—and how to align them with your business goals.

Clear Objectives and Measurable Goals

Every effective strategy begins with a clear understanding of what success looks like. Your goals might include increasing website traffic, generating leads, improving search engine visibility, or enhancing customer retention. Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) objectives helps ensure that each marketing activity contributes to tangible outcomes.

A Strong Brand Identity

Your digital marketing efforts should reflect a cohesive brand identity that resonates across every channel—your website, social media, email campaigns, and online ads. Consistent visual design, tone of voice, and messaging establish credibility and make your business instantly recognisable.

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

SEO remains the backbone of digital visibility. From on-page content optimisation and keyword targeting to technical site health and link-building, SEO ensures your business appears where customers are actively searching. Local SEO, in particular, helps businesses connect with audiences in specific geographic areas—an essential tactic for professionals and service-based businesses.

Engaging Content Marketing

High-quality, relevant content builds authority and nurtures relationships. Blogs, videos, infographics, podcasts, and whitepapers provide opportunities to educate, entertain, and inspire your audience. Great content not only boosts SEO performance but also establishes your brand as a trusted industry leader.

Social Media Engagement

Social platforms allow you to interact directly with your audience, showcase brand personality, and promote your services. The key is to use the right platform for your audience—LinkedIn for B2B engagement, Instagram for visual storytelling, or Facebook for community connection. Regular posting, active engagement, and data analysis are crucial for success.

Paid Advertising (PPC and Social Ads)

Paid campaigns can provide immediate visibility and lead generation, especially when combined with strong targeting and data insights. Tools like Google Ads and Meta Ads Manager allow you to reach specific demographics, remarket to previous visitors, and maximise ROI through ongoing optimisation.

Email Marketing and Automation

Email remains one of the most effective tools for nurturing relationships. Automated workflows can deliver personalised experiences, keeping leads engaged throughout the buyer journey. From newsletters to drip campaigns, consistent and value-driven communication is key.

Data Analytics and Continuous Optimisation

No digital marketing strategy is complete without performance tracking. Tools like Google Analytics, social insights, and CRM data reveal what’s working—and what’s not. Regularly reviewing metrics enables businesses to refine their strategy and continually improve results.

Final Thoughts

A successful digital marketing strategy is more than a checklist—it’s an evolving framework built on research, creativity, and constant learning. When each component works together seamlessly, your business can attract, engage, and convert customers more effectively, while maintaining a powerful and professional online presence.