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“Show me the receipts!” We’ve all heard the phrase, and when it comes to your new job search, those “receipts” are your references on a resume. The difference between snagging that dream job or being left in the dust can sometimes come down to the glowing endorsements of your professional network.

In today’s competitive job market, it’s crucial to stand out, and a cover letter alone may not be enough — but having a well-prepared list of references can be the ace up your sleeve.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the nitty-gritty details of adding references to your resume — from how to notify and list them to formatting them like a pro. 

• Should you list references on your resume?
• Should you say “References available upon request”?
• How to Notify Your References
• How to Ask People to Be Your References
• Email Template for Potential References
• How to List References on Your Resume
• How to Format References on Your Resume
• References on Resume vs. Letter of Recommendation
• Resume References Examples

Should you list references on your resume?

The answer, as you might expect, is not a simple yes or no. It depends on several factors, such as the industry, the job you’re applying for, and the stage of your career.

Let’s break down when you should and shouldn’t include references on your resume.

When to Include References on Your Resume

1. When specifically requested. If a job posting explicitly asks for references, it’s essential to provide them. In this case, including your references shows that you pay attention to detail and can follow instructions.
2. For entry-level positions. If you’re just starting in your career and don’t have much professional experience, including references can help validate your skills and work ethic. In this scenario, consider including references from internships, volunteer work, or even professors.
3. When transitioning industries. If you’re switching industries and your work experience isn’t directly related to the job you’re applying for, references from people who can vouch for your transferable skills or your ability to adapt to new environments can be beneficial.

When Not to Include References on Your Resume

1. When space is limited. Your resume should ideally be one to two pages. If you’re struggling to fit all your relevant experience and skills, it’s best to save that valuable real estate for showcasing your accomplishments and abilities, rather than including references.
2. When not requested. In most cases, employers will ask for references later in the hiring process, while some may list the requirement directly on the job application. Providing them upfront can make your resume look cluttered and may even give the impression that you’re trying too hard.
3. When you have limited or weak references. If you’re unable to secure strong references or your references have limited knowledge of your work, it’s better to wait until you’re asked and have time to gather more suitable options.

Should you say “References available upon request”?

You might have seen the phrase “References available upon request” on resumes or even used it yourself, but is it really necessary?

In today’s job market, this statement is generally considered outdated and unnecessary. Here’s why.

Implied Availability

Employers already assume that you have references and that you’ll provide them when asked. Including “References available upon request” on your resume takes up valuable space without adding any new or useful information.

It’s better to use that space to showcase your skills, accomplishments, or experiences that are relevant to the position.

Focusing on Your Strengths

Rather than using the phrase “References available upon request,” concentrate on making your resume as strong as possible.

Highlight your achievements, skills, and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for the job.

If you’re a strong candidate, employers will naturally want to contact your references to confirm your qualifications.

How to Notify Your References

Notifying your references is a crucial step in the job search process. Choosing the right people and asking them to vouch for you can make all the difference.

In this section, we’ll go over how to select and ask potential references to be part of your job search journey.

How to Choose Your References

1. Consider your relationship. Pick people who know you well and can speak to your work ethic, skills, and accomplishments. The best references are often former supervisors, colleagues, mentors, professors, or even clients.
2. Look for relevance. Choose references who can speak to your abilities in the context of the job you’re applying for, like a direct supervisor. If you’re applying for a managerial role, for instance, a reference who can discuss your leadership skills would be ideal.
3. Select a mix of references. Aim for a diverse group of references that can provide different perspectives on your abilities. Include a mix of supervisors, peers, and subordinates, if possible. Your list can be a mix of personal references, character references, and even former colleagues.
4. Check their availability. Ensure your chosen references are available and willing to provide a positive recommendation. Make sure they have the time and can be reached easily by potential employers.

How to Ask People to Be Your References

Once you’ve identified the ideal candidates to be your references, it’s time to approach them. Here’s how:

1. Ask for permission. Reach out to your potential references, preferably via email or phone call, and politely ask if they’d be willing to be a reference for you. Be sure to provide context about the job you’re applying for and why you think they’d be a great reference.
2. Provide context. Share your updated resume and the job description with your potential references so they have a clear understanding of the role and can tailor their recommendations accordingly.
3. Express gratitude. Remember to thank them for their time and willingness to help. Your references are doing you a favor, so be sure to show appreciation for their support.
4. Be accommodating. Ask them how they would prefer to communicate with the reference check: phone or email. And be sure to tell the recruiter or prospective employer these preferences.

Email Template for Potential References

Subject: [Your Name] – Request for a Professional Reference

Dear [Reference’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am currently in the process of searching for a new position as a [Job Title] and am putting together a list of professional references. Given our positive working relationship at [Company Name] and your firsthand knowledge of my skills and accomplishments, I was hoping you would be willing to serve as a reference for me.

The position I’m applying for requires expertise in [specific skills or experience related to the job]. I believe your perspective on my [mention specific projects, skills, or experiences you worked on together] would be particularly valuable in highlighting my qualifications for this role.

I have attached my updated resume and the job description for your reference. Please let me know if you require any additional information to support your recommendation.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. I truly appreciate your help and am grateful for any support you can provide. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Best regards,

[Your Name] [Your Email Address] [Your Phone Number]

How to List References on Your Resume

Although it’s not always necessary to include references on your resume, in cases where it’s required or beneficial, it’s crucial to list them correctly. Part of understanding how to write your resume includes when and where to include references.

Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure your references are listed in a clear and professional manner.

Step 1: Create a separate reference page.

Instead of listing your references directly on your resume, create a separate document.

This way, you can provide it to the employer upon request or bring it with you to an interview without cluttering your main resume.

This will also save valuable landscape by forgoing a reference section within your main resume.

Step 2: Use a consistent format.

Consistency is key when it comes to formatting your reference page. Use the same header, font, and formatting style as your resume to create a cohesive and professional look.

You can also include your name and contact information at the top of the page, just like on your resume. This is one of the most common mistakes recruiters see on resumes.

Step 3: List your references.

Typically, you should include three to five professional references on your reference page. List them in a clear and organized manner, using the following format:

1. Reference Name: Include the full name of your reference.
2. Title: Include your reference’s current job title.
3. Company: List the company your reference is currently employed by.
4. Relationship: Briefly explain your relationship to the reference (e.g., “Former Supervisor” or “Colleague”).
5. Contact Information: Provide a phone number and email address where the reference can be reached. Make sure to ask for permission before sharing someone’s contact information.

For example:

John Doe – Senior Project Manager at ABC Corporation – Former Supervisor

Phone: (123) 456-7890 Email: [email protected]

Step 4: Organize your references.

Organize your references in a logical order, such as by relevance to the job you’re applying for or the strength of the relationship.

If you have a particularly strong reference who can speak to your most relevant skills, consider listing them first.

Step 5: Double-check your information.

Before submitting your reference page, double-check all the information for accuracy.

Make sure names are spelled correctly, titles are up-to-date, and contact information is current. You don’t want any errors to reflect poorly on your attention to detail.

How to Format References on Your Resume

When it comes to formatting your references, presentation is key. Adhering to best practices will ensure that your reference page appears professional and polished. Here are some essential tips for formatting your references.

Maintain consistency with your resume.

Ensure that your reference page aligns with your resume’s formatting in terms of font type, font size, and layout.

By maintaining a consistent appearance, you’ll create a cohesive and polished look for your application materials.

Use a clear and easy-to-read layout.

Arrange your references in a clean and straightforward manner, making it simple for hiring managers to find the information they need.

Avoid using overly complex or distracting design elements, and opt for a clear layout with appropriate spacing and bullet points.

Organize references by relevance.

List your references in an order that highlights their relevance to the position you’re applying for.

If a reference can speak to your most pertinent skills or experiences, consider listing them first to draw attention to their endorsement.

Include all necessary information.

Ensure that each reference entry includes the individual’s name, job title, company, relationship to you, and contact information (phone number and email address).

This information allows hiring managers to quickly get in touch with your references and understand the context of your professional relationship.

Keep it concise.

While it’s important to provide enough information for hiring managers to understand your relationship with each reference, avoid including excessive detail. Keep your descriptions brief and focused on the most relevant aspects of your professional relationship.

Proofread and double-check.

As with any professional document, it’s crucial to proofread your reference page thoroughly.

Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, as well as inconsistencies in formatting. Additionally, confirm that all details, such as job titles and contact information, are accurate and up-to-date.

References on Resume vs. Letter of Recommendation

While both references and letters of recommendation serve to vouch for your skills and abilities, they are distinct components of the job application process.

Understanding the differences between these two elements and how to use them effectively can give you an edge in your job search. Let’s explore the key differences and when to use each.

References on Resume

References on a resume typically consist of a list of professional contacts who can attest to your skills, work ethic, and overall suitability for a particular job.

These contacts could include former supervisors, colleagues, mentors, professors, or clients. Although it’s not always necessary to include references on your resume itself, it’s a good idea to have a separate, well-formatted reference page ready to provide upon request.

Key points:

• Used for a variety of job types and industries.
• Consists of a list of professional contacts with their titles, company names, relationship to you, and contact information.
• Generally provided upon request or at later stages of the hiring process.
• Aim to include three to five professional references.

Letter of Recommendation

A letter of recommendation is a formal, written document that provides a detailed and personalized endorsement of your skills, accomplishments, and character.

These letters are often written by someone with authority in your field, such as a previous supervisor, professor, or colleague, who can vouch for your abilities and your potential in a new role.

Letters of recommendation are more commonly requested for academic applications, internships, or certain industries and positions.

Key points:

• More commonly used for academic applications, internships, or specific industries and positions.
• Provides a detailed, written endorsement of your skills, accomplishments, and character.
• Typically requested in advance and submitted along with your application materials.
• Aim to have two or three strong letters of recommendation.

When to Use Each

While both references and letters of recommendation can support your job application, they serve different purposes and should be used in different situations.

Here are some guidelines on when to use each:

• References. Have a list of professional references ready to provide when requested by employers during the hiring process. In some cases, such as entry-level positions or when changing industries, you may choose to include references directly on your resume or as a separate reference page.
• Letters of recommendation. Use letters of recommendation when they are specifically requested by an employer or for applications to academic programs, internships, or positions in certain industries. Make sure to ask for these letters well in advance and provide your recommenders with the necessary information to tailor their letters to the position.

Resume References Examples

As you embark on your job search, it’s essential to understand the role references can play in supporting your application.

To help you get a clearer picture of how to present these valuable endorsements effectively, we’ve put together a section dedicated to resume references examples.

Whether you’re new to the job market or an experienced professional, these examples will serve as a valuable guide to help you make the most of your references and ultimately enhance your job prospects.

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Unlock the Power of References 

Adding job references to your resume can be the final touch that sets you apart from other candidates and helps you land that dream job.

By understanding when and how to include references on your resume, you’ll demonstrate your attention to detail and showcase your strong professional network.

It costs more to attract a new customer than to keep an existing one.

Focusing on customer retention is a valuable long-term solution for increased revenue and sustainable growth, and building an email list will help you reach those goals.

Cultivating customer loyalty is not easy, but it is possible by continuing to offer valuable content. While there are many ways to do this, email marketing is one of the most powerful ways to reach your target audience — if done correctly.

We’ll explore:

• Attributes of a Good Email List
• How to Build One
• Email List-Building Tools

Qualities of a Great Email List

Before setting out to build an email list, we’ll need to go over some best practices first. Here are a few qualities to shoot for creating and maintaining an email list. The list should be:

1. Permission-Based

First and foremost, your email list should consist of people who have willingly and explicitly given consent to receive emails from you. Never buy an email list. No one likes spam, so keeping with this basic principle ensures you’re following marketing compliance guidelines and maintain a positive reputation.

2. Accurate and Current

Email addresses should be valid and accurate. To make this happen, commit to regularly removing invalid or bounced email addresses to maintain deliverability and engagement rates.

3. Relevant to Your Audience

Subscribers should have a genuine interest in your products, services, or content. For best results, they should match your target audience who are most likely to engage with the emails you send out.

4. Contain Engaged Users

The best email lists have subscribers that actively engage with the sender — consistently opening, clicking, and responding to emails. These are the subscribers that are most likely to convert, share your content, and provide the most value over time.

5. Easily Segmented

A good email list should also lend itself well to segmentation. These segments can be based on demographics, interests, past purchases, engagement levels, or other criteria. This enables you to send targeted and personalized emails that will resonate with specific segments of your audience.

6. Growing

Your email list should see consistent growth. Try implementing strategies to attract new subscribers, such as lead magnets, social media promotions, or collaborations with other businesses.

7. Easy to Unsubscribe

While you may think it is counterintuitive to allow people to easily opt out of your emails, it’s actually good business. Think about it. No one wants to have to struggle and become frustrated trying to figure out how to unsubscribe from correspondence. Keep your unsubscribe button transparent and easy to locate.

Focus on building an email list that includes relevant and engaged subscribers, and regularly refine your email marketing strategies to improve your list’s quality over time.

How to Build an Email List From Scratch

1. Create a pop-up CTA (call-to-action) for each page of your site.

A pop-up might sound initially bothersome, but I’m not talking about those early 2000s pop-up that pop-up’s that promised you’d “Become a Model NOW”.

Instead, I’m talking about timed pop-up ads, or onsite retargeting. After a user spends a certain amount of time on your page, she can receive a pop-up relevant to the content on that page, or to her behavior. Examples include exit pop-ups, which appear when a user tries to leave the page, or scroll pop-ups, which appear after the user scrolls a certain percentage down the page.

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Digital Marketer conducted a case study to determine the value of onsite retargeting. For one experiment in particular, Digital Marketer introduced a pop-up ad to returning visitors only, which appeared after a visitor spent 15 seconds on their site:

Digital Marketer ensured this pop-up didn’t show up if someone came to the page from the newsletter (in which case, they were already signed up), and also didn’t pop-up on a sales page (which could interrupt someone’s purchasing decision).

As you can see, Digital Marketer also took the time to offer meaningful content, a digital marketing toolbox, in their pop-up ad. With an impressive offer, your pop-up is no longer obtrusive or interruptive — it’s simply helpful.

Ultimately, their campaign generated 2,689 leads in two weeks, and increased their average time on page by 54%. Pop-ups aren’t always gimmicky, and if done right, you’re able to appeal to your visitor with quality content when and where they need it.

2. Create a personalized CTA for each blog or landing page.

HubSpot has found personalized calls-to-action have a 42% higher view-to-submission rate than calls-to-action that are the same for all visitors — that’s almost double your potential email subscribers.

It makes sense: the people who visit your blog post or web page are looking for something specific, so your CTA needs to meet those unique needs. For instance, if you’ve got a ton of traffic visiting your “List-Building Strategy” blog article, why not entice those people to subscribe to your email list by including a simple CTA like this: “Click here to download a free list-building toolkit.”

Of course, personalized CTAs only work if you have the resources to create that quality content in the first place, but that process doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Instead of a toolkit, you could also offer an ebook, a fun quiz, or an exclusive article from your CEO on list-building strategies.

If you offer content directly related to your visitor’s needs, your email newsletter won’t feel like a gimmicky advertisement. Instead, it will feel helpful and valuable — key principles for a long-term customer retention plan.

3. Use humor or sarcasm in your CTA’s “no, thanks” copy.

We’re so infiltrated with “Yes or No” web offers on a daily basis, we barely see them anymore. To increase your email lists, you might want to try injecting some personality into your CTA copy.

I always pause and laugh when I see a CTA with a small, “No thanks, I don’t want to lose weight,” button underneath a prominent “Yes, sign me up!” link. It reminds me there’s a person behind the button, and, while it’s meant to be a joke, it also incentivizes me to hesitate before clicking “no, thanks”. It’s easy to click “no” when the CTA is “sign up for more emails!”, but it’s a little harder to say no to losing weight or getting richer.

I was reading an Optimonk blog post recently, and this CTA popped up:

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I was all set to click “No” without another thought when I read the “my business isn’t important” part. It gave me pause, made me laugh, and, most importantly, made me reconsider my almost immediate decision to exit the offer.

5. Describe value in your CTA.

We’ve talked a lot about different formatting you might use in your CTA’s (including pop-up ads or personalized offers embedded in blog posts), but what about the language in the CTA itself? You can rely on more than humor and sarcasm to get clicks.

To optimize sign-ups, ironically, you don’t want to use the words “sign up.” Who wants to “sign up” or “subscribe” to more junk emails? Instead, you want to outline the value you can offer upfront, using language like, “Download,” “Featured”, “Exclusive,” “Access.”

For instance, you might write, “Download our exclusive e-book now,” and include an email subscription form, or, you might say, “Access all our exclusive offers.” Both of these CTAs make clear the value you’ll gain from providing your email address.

Your web viewers need to hear how your emails can offer unique and exclusive content that isn’t already available on your website. They want to believe your company is offering something special via email, or what’s the point?

10. Pitch your email newsletter on your social media accounts and email signature.

You might not have a long list of email subscribers, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have a network. If you have a following on Twitter, a fan base on Facebook, or businesses you communicate with via email, why not use those firm and loyal connections to build an email list?

You might try pitching an email newsletter on your business’s Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn accounts. The people who follow you on those sites already know they like you, but they aren’t necessarily the same people who receive your newsletter. Give them the option.

If you’re uncomfortable pitching your email newsletter on social media, or if you don’t have a large following on any of your accounts, you could also include a link in your email signature — that link could go directly to your email newsletter, or it could be a link to a blog post or landing page with email subscription CTA’s.

You communicate daily with a diverse group of people via email, and when they get value from your personal emails, they might want the option to click a link and explore your company in more depth.

11. Create more landing pages.

HubSpot conducted research and found companies see a 55% increase in leads when they increased the number of landing pages from 10 to 15.

It makes sense: individual and personalized landing pages allow you to appeal to a wider demographic. Every person who visits your site needs something different, so the more landing pages you can create to answer each person’s individual concerns, the more sign-ups you’ll gain.

It’s like a restaurant menu. The more you can offer to cater to specific demographics, the more customers you’ll bring in. Someone could be looking for the best gluten-free pizza, while someone else might just want some good sushi.

With all of this information under our belt, it’s time to get started building that list. Luckily there are tools that can help you quickly do this.

Best Email List Builders

Now that we’ve discussed the most effective ways to grow your email list, here are a few tools that can help with the process. As mentioned previously, these tools should only be used to build a list of subscribers who have consented to receive email from you.

1. HubSpot’s Email Tool

Best for: Crafting email templates, designing landing pages and CTAs, and managing the customer lifecycle.

You’ll be happy to know there are solutions for growing your email list without breaking the bank. HubSpot offers both paid and freemium versions of its email tools to help you get started quickly.

Additional Marketing Hub capabilities include:

• Landing page creation
• Pop-up and stand-alone CTA form templates
• All-in-one solution

With HubSpot, you can boost your open and click-through rates, tailor emails to recipients, and segment your list without design or tech help. It’s easy to use, intuitive design will have you mastering email lists and campaigns like a pro.

2. Mailchimp

Best for: Designing marketing campaigns for email and landing pages that convert.

Mailchimp is another option on the market that offers email tools that range from free to paid enterprise level. This tool comes with readymade email templates, scheduling tools, and email automation options.

Its premium offerings will help you focus on and extract the most value out of your most loyal subscribers.

3. Constant Contact

Best for: General email management and building lead generation landing pages.

Constant Contact is known as an all-in-one digital marketing platform, but it does offer a decent selection of email tools that can help your campaigns stand out and get more signups. This paid service allows users to quickly drag and drop selected images and template features into custom emails, run ahead full speed with readymade email templates, send automated welcome and abandoned cart emails, and analyze results with email tracking.

4. Get Response

Best for: Performing segmentation based on user behavior.

Get Response comes with what you’d expect from email marketing software with the added bonus of lead scoring and landing pages built into the platform. However, this platform is not as user-friendly as the others on this list and will require a bit of a learning curve to take advantage of all the software has to offer.

Features include:

• Contact management
• Automation and scheduling
• Industry-specific templates
• Reporting
• Landing Pages and Lead Scoring

These advanced features do come at a premium, so if you’re looking to dive deep into segmentation you’ll need to upgrade from the free version.

5. Optimonk

Best for: Growing email, messenger, and SMS signups.

If you’re looking to upgrade your current marketing tactics for a more personal approach that gets leads, look no further than Optimonk. This platform has several integrations, including HubSpot, so chances are it will work with your existing CRM.

One of the standout features of this tool is its subscriber recognition tool which allows you to target pop-ups only for visitors that haven’t subscribed yet.

Features include:

• Subscriber recognition
• A/B testing
• Optimized for mobile
• CTA and email templates

Best of all they offer a free for forever option so you can build your list on a budget.

More Value, More Sign-Ups

When I think about the brands I like best, like J. Crew, Spotify, and SoulCycle, I know I’m not a loyal brand advocate because of their products alone.

I subscribe to J. Crew’s email list to get their “Flash Sale: Midnight” offers. I subscribe to Spotify’s newsletter to receive special promotions. And I subscribe to SoulCycle’s emails to hear about unique classes happening near me.

In short, I subscribe to their emails to get value.

If you’re starting from zero, building an impressive email list can feel like an impossible feat. With the strategies above, you too can cultivate a loyal email subscriber base by providing value — using email to attract better long-term customers.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in November 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

When you work at a small business with a limited budget, it’s not really possible to shell out $340,000 for a 30-second TV commercial or $10,000 for an email marketing campaign.

Thankfully there are plenty of avenues for online free advertising. It can be frustrating when your budget dictates how many people your business can reach. We’ve compiled some free and inexpensive ways to promote your local business:

• How to Advertise a Local Business
• How to Get Free Advertising
• How to Advertise on Google for Free

1. Use Google My Business to optimize for local search.

One of the most powerful free ways to advertise your business is through Google My Business, which enables companies to manage their presence on Google Search and Google Maps. The tool can bolster your rankings in local search results.

Ranking high in local search shows you’re a legitimate and relevant company: you wouldn’t rank #1 in Google for “pizza places near me” if you’d closed down six months ago. Plus, if you rank high in local search, more consumers will choose your business over a competitor’s. In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is key.

Click here or scroll to the bottom of this post to learn how to advertise on Google for free.

The right video can boost a product’s visibility and push it to its target audience. Therefore, marketers must have a firm grasp of a product video and how to create an exceptional one.

To help you create a video that showcases your product’s unique features and shines a light on your brand, we will explore what a product video is and how to craft one.

Additionally, we have a list of impressive product videos for inspiration.

What is a product video?

Product Videos for Marketing

How to Create Product Videos

10 Promotional Product Videos That Make You Want to Buy

Welcome to Breaking the Blueprint — a blog series that dives into the unique business challenges and opportunities of underrepresented business owners and entrepreneurs. Learn how they’ve grown or scaled their businesses, explored entrepreneurial ventures within their companies, or created side hustles, and how their stories can inspire and inform your own success.

Publishing an ad or working with influencers isn’t the only option to get your business in front of an audience on YouTube. And with 41% of YouTube users being ethnically diverse, this multicultural demographic is eager to watch and support brands and entrepreneurs who they feel represent their culture and life experiences.

Small business owners are starting channels to share videos that connect deeper with their customers, introduce themselves to new consumers, and even earn some passive income. When Azia Anderson, the founder of prty grl beauty, started sharing videos about her Black-owned business, she saw it as a way to educate other aspiring business owners in addition to marketing her brand. “I just felt like everyone could win,” said Anderson.

In this post, we’ll share examples of YouTube videos by entrepreneurs of color who double as video creators and how to become eligible for monetization through the YouTube Partner Program.

Table of Contents

• The Opportunity on YouTube for Entrepreneurs of Color
• YouTube Video Ideas for Entrepreneurs of Color
• How to Join the YouTube Partner Program
• 7 Ways Entrepreneurs of Color Can Earn Money Through YouTube Monetization

The Opportunity on YouTube for Entrepreneurs of Color

Thanks to YouTube, over 70% of viewers are more aware of new brands, and it’s one of the most lucrative social platforms for people to publish content. The YouTube Partner Program now offers several opportunities for channels to monetize their videos.

As channels grow and become eligible for the program, YouTube grants access to new revenue streams. Various metrics impact how much YouTube pays, but on average, YouTubers can earn between $3 to $5 per 1,000 video views.

Tammy Dinh, a clay artist with a shop named Uncomfy Co. and 60,000 YouTube subscribers, shared that since August of 2022, she has earned between $700-$1,000 in AdSense each month and $8,000 in shop sales. With around 20,000 subscribers, Anderson told us she makes $2,000-$3,000 in AdSense per quarter.

Anderson, a mother of two, had an overwhelming interest in how she runs her business and feels she can connect with people on YouTube by showing how much love goes into her company’s products. “It really just feels like a long Facetime call with a friend rather than a sale or an ad,” said Anderson. “Whenever I post tutorials, my sales skyrocket.”

Consumers crave transparency, and entrepreneurs that give viewers more visibility of what happens behind the scenes establish a new layer of trust and loyalty between their brands and clientele.

YouTube Video Ideas for Entrepreneurs of Color

The data shows that YouTube has over 2 billion users and is the world‘s second-largest search engine—after its parent company Google. That’s a lot of curious eyeballs ready to be introduced to you and your business. Optimizing your channel with an SEO strategy will help grow your audience and improve your ranking on both YouTube and Google’s search engine results pages.

This strategy starts with conceptualizing educational, entertaining, and relevant videos. Here are a few examples to kick off your next brainstorming session.

1. Studio and Day in the Life Vlogs

Bring your audience into the inner workings of your business. Whether you’re a solopreneur or have a team, you can casually share your day-to-day planning, operations, and team personalities.

Lauren Strybos, a Chinese-Jamaican ceramicist in Canada, welcomes subscribers to her From Tree to Sea studio, showing her pottery process, collection planning, product photoshoots, and life updates.

2. Tutorials

How-to videos might initially feel like giving away your business secrets, but it‘s also a strategic format. Tutorials can help clients and customers understand how much time, effort, and expenses go into managing a business or producing a product. These videos help justify a person’s investment in your service or goods and increase respect for your craft.

Anderson‘s how-tos for making the best-selling prty grl beauty products are her most popular. Even though she’s teaching people how to make their body butter and sugar scrubs, she said most people still visit her site to purchase a product they watched her make.

3. Packing Videos

Bring customers down the assembly line by documenting how orders are packed and mailed. This type of video fills the time gap between when they click purchase and receive the package at their door.

Natasha Elle, an illustrator and SAD SHRIMPS shop owner based in Singapore uses her channel to promote her Patreon and show her and her assistant organizing, packing, and mailing hundreds of orders.

The XXL Scrunchie & Co team shares relaxing ASMR-style videos of them packing orders from their 4,000 sq. ft. warehouse, where you can listen to the peeling of shipping labels and the crinkle of envelopes.

4. Launch Updates & Product Features

Announce product and service launches or restocks by showing what will soon be available, styling tips, or an informative deep dive, such as launch inspiration, pricing, materials, ingredients, shipping, and more. It’s also an opportunity to host a giveaway to boost engagement and excitement.

Tina Nguyen, the founder of XXL Scrunchie & Co, films try-on hauls to generate hype for new products and help customers make purchase decisions.

5. Office and Warehouse Tours

Give viewers a tour of your office or warehouse to show where you’re building and managing your company. If you’re moving into a new space, take your audience on the journey with you through a moving vlog and the interior design phase.

Angela Jasmina used to run her million-dollar business out of her home and now films most of her embroidery and sublimation videos from her team’s 9,000 sq. ft. warehouse.

6. Q&A Business Chats

Engaging with subscribers in the comment section is essential to further connect with them and answer questions. Q&A videos on different topics are another compelling way to answer frequently asked questions, build trust, and establish oneself as an expert.

Dinh records the occasional sit-down Q&A video to answer audience questions and be vulnerable about her experience as a self-employed clay artist.

How to Join the YouTube Partner Program

In addition to marketing your business with your channel, there is an opportunity for extra earnings. Upload consistency and providing value are vital to growing a channel and becoming eligible for the YouTube Partner Program. With the introduction of YouTube Shorts, there are now two options for eligibility.

1. 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months (Shorts views don’t count towards this watch hours threshold)
2. 1,000 subscribers and 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days

There are a few additional requirements to join the program, including:

• Living in a country/region where the program is available
• Following monetization policies
• No active community guidelines strikes
• An active AdSense account

Again, consistency here is important because you risk YouTube turning off monetization if you don’t upload content for six or more months.

7 Ways Entrepreneurs of Color Can Earn Money Through YouTube Monetization

Once you’re a part of the YouTube Partner Program, you can choose which monetization features fit your channel well.

• Watch Page Ads: Earn revenue from ads that play before, during, after, and around your long-form and live-streaming videos.
• Shorts Feed Ads: As of February 1, 2023, you can earn a revenue share from ads viewed between videos in the Shorts feed.
• Channel Memberships: Offer members-only perks, such as badges, emojis, exclusive videos, and more, for loyal viewers who join your channel for a monthly fee.
• Shopping: Feature shoppable product links in or below videos and live streams by connecting your store to YouTube.
• Super Chat & Super Stickers: For fans who want to show extra support during live streams and premieres, viewers can buy Super Chats to highlight their message or Super Stickers to get a digital or animated image that pops up in the live chat feed.
• Super Thanks: Viewers can buy a one-time animation and post a colorful and customizable comment in a video’s comment section. This function will also be available for YouTube Shorts in 2023.
• YouTube Premium: When a viewer is a YouTube Premium subscriber and they watch your videos, you will earn a part of the YouTube Premium fee.

Over to You

There is no better time than now to start a channel on YouTube and promote your growing business. With the camera quality of today‘s cell phones, fancy equipment is optional to document your journey as an entrepreneur. Anderson wishes she had started posting videos sooner, and her advice is to start regardless of what editing program, camera, or audience you have. “Even if you’re only getting a few views, you never know who is watching,” said Anderson.

Duo, Duolingo’s big green mascot, might be the most famous owl of the post-tootsie roll pop commercial era.

The language-learning app first established a TikTok presence in early 2021 and found its stride by sharing funny videos featuring the sassy owl Duo. Since then, Duolingo’s TikTok account has grown to nearly 7 million followers and accumulated over 147 million likes from various viral videos.

How did Duolingo do it? By embracing “unhinged” marketing.

What is unhinged marketing?

When brands take less of a polished, perfect approach to social, and embrace more chaotic conversational moments, it’s often referred to as unhinged marketing. If you see a social media post and think “How did that get approved?” it can likely be considered unhinged.

This approach was first popularized on Twitter when Wendy’s became infamous for “roasting” social media users and openly shading the competition. Since then, other companies including Popeye’s and McDonald’s found viral moments by sending sassy Tweets.

Unhinged marketing can be particularly effective at winning over Gen Z customers who prefer marketing that feels more real and less salesy. What may have been deemed unprofessional in the past is now considered more authentic and relatable.

With the introduction of TikTok and the rise of short-form video content unhinged content now expands beyond fast food companies sending mean tweets, and Duolingo has capitalized on it.

Duolingo’s TikTok Strategy

Since shifting from investing in TV ad spots to a focus on organic social, Duolingo has found its marketing stride. What has made Duolingo’s TikTok content so viral? Three key strategies:

1. Entertainment Over Selling

The content is funny and aims to entertain more than it aims to sell.

Duolingo’s TikTok started taking off when the content featured Duo, the app’s mascot. The content focused on Duo being a humorous character the audience could connect with, and it has kept people coming back for more to see what Duo would do next.

When using the app is mentioned, it’s done in a funny light, and the audience doesn’t feel overly sold to. In fact, Duolingo’s TikTok content that mentions the app often highlights the free version of the app.

Image Source

2. Hopping On Trending Topics

Scrolling through Duolingo’s TikTok feed, the brand is always on top of using trending sounds and hopping on current topics while they’re hot.

One post from last fall features a cover image of famous rivals Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber. The post was shared shortly after the photos of the pair (which caused waves on the internet) first dropped and played up Duolingo’s one-sided beef with Google Translate. This video illustrates how the brand can hop on a then-trending topic while reminding the audience that it is still a language-learning app.

Another example is a recent post featuring Duo at the premiere of the Barbie movie dressed as the main character of the film which has been a trending topic on social media in anticipation of the film.

These types of posts keep the brand’s content fresh, which helps build trust with the audience.

3. Consistent Storylines

Duolingo’s account also does a great job of having consistent storylines for the audience to follow. This helps viewers feel more connected to the brand and creates a sense of belonging because consistent viewers are in on the joke. Here are a few examples:

• Duo’s one-sided rivalry with Google Translate: Several videos (including the example above) feature Duo shading Google Translate and those who use it instead of learning a new language on Duolingo.
• Duo + Dua Lipa: Another storyline is Duo’s “crush” on singer Dua Lipa. This gives the brand easy material any time Dua Lipa is trending.
• The Duolingo legal team: There’s another running joke on the TikTok account that highlights Duolingo’s counsel trying to stop Duo from posting (a nod to the unhinged nature of the content).

It’s not all memes and funny videos — the marketing strategy has provided an ROI for the company. Duolingo’s daily active users are up 62% from last year and it continues to be among the top-downloaded Education apps.

When done right, a more relaxed, less corporate approach to social media can cement an authentic connection between a brand and its audience. The content doesn’t (and probably shouldn’t) have to consist of mean tweets and images of the company mascot in a thong to be effective, but a bit of personality and relatability can go a long way.

Are you wondering why competitor analysis is important? Like sports teams study their opponents to find weaknesses, businesses can examine their competition to improve their SEO strategy.

By closely looking into your competitors, you learn what works and what doesn’t. Let’s get into it.

Table of Contents

• What is a competitor analysis?
• Competitor Analysis Template
• How to Conduct Competitor Analysis
• Competitor Analysis Report Best Practices
• Competitor Analysis Example

What is a competitor analysis?

Imagine a competitor analysis as if you were going snorkeling in your competitor’s SEO ocean. You get to explore how they’ve set up their SEO strategies and the keywords they’re aiming for. Pretty neat. It’s like having your secret map to find the treasure before your competition.

Simply put, it’s like stealing a glance at the playbook of the top dogs in your industry. You get to see what they’re doing with their SEO and use that intel to plan your strategies. It’s quite an adventure if you ask me.

The Benefits of a Competitor Analysis

Now, let’s look at why competitor analysis is your secret weapon.

1. Uncover new keyword opportunities.

Doing a competitor analysis opens up a treasure trove of keyword opportunities.

Think of all the keywords your competitors are ranking for that you might have overlooked. It’s like finding a hidden treasure map.

2. Gain a deeper understanding of the SEO landscape.

A thorough competitor analysis provides a clear view of the SEO landscape.

What are your competitors doing right? What strategies are they using? These insights will help you to fine-tune your technique, giving you an edge in the SEO game.

3. Inform your content strategy.

Have you ever hit a roadblock trying to develop new content ideas? Not anymore! By analyzing your competitors’ content, you can draw inspiration for your own.

Plus, you can identify gaps in their content that you can fill, setting you apart from the competition.

4. Discover link-building opportunities.

Here’s the cherry on top: competitor analysis can help you find potential link-building opportunities. You can see who’s linking to your competitors’ websites and identify potential sites to target for your link-building efforts. Neat, right?

We’ve discussed why competitor analysis is crucial, but how do we do one? That’s where the SEO competitor analysis template comes into play.

Competitor Analysis Template

1. Company Name

This portion should list the name of the competitor. The company name provides an explicit identifier for analyzing the rest of the information.

2. Location

Location refers to the geography of the competitor’s headquarters and any significant branches or areas where they have a presence.

The site can provide insights into local markets, resources, and the business environment that the competitor is operating within.

3. Target Customer

This area should outline the key demographics and psychographics of the competitor’s customer base. It includes details such as age range, income levels, occupation, gender, interests, and other defining characteristics of their typical consumer.

4. Revenue

In this section, you will detail the competitor’s revenue figures. The profit could be overall annual revenue, revenue by product/service, or any other significant measure. It gives you an idea of their business’s scale and financial health.

5. Founded

Include the year and circumstances of the company’s founding on the template. This information can give insights into the company’s history, experience, and potential durability.

6. Strengths

This section should analyze the competitor’s strengths. Strengths include brand recognition, innovative products or services, strong leadership, effective marketing strategies, etc.

7. Weaknesses

Here, you should detail any areas where the competitor may be lacking. Weaknesses could be poor customer service, high prices, weak online presence, etc. These weaknesses can provide opportunities for your business.

8. Brand Personality

Brand personality refers to the human characteristics or traits associated with a brand. It could be anything from being sophisticated, exciting, sincere, competent, or rugged.

Understanding a competitor’s brand personality can give insights into their brand strategy and position in the market.

9. Mission

The company’s mission statement outlines its purpose, values, and goals. Analyzing a competitor’s mission can provide an understanding of what drives their business and how they view their role within the industry.

10. Services

In this section, list and describe the services the competitor offers. Include pricing, service features, and unique selling propositions in the services section.

11. Employees

The employees’ portion should include information about the number of employees the competitor has, the structure of their team, key leadership, and any notable talent or expertise they possess.

12. Product

Describe the products that the competitor offers. This section should include details about product features, benefits, pricing, packaging, and anything else that could provide a competitive advantage.

13. Marketing

Composing a comprehensive competitor analysis can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.

To make things seamless and more organized, you might find this Competitor Analysis Template extremely helpful. It’s a practical tool that can assist in structuring your research, making it more manageable and ultimately more effective.

How to Conduct Competitor Analysis

Step 1: Identify your competitors.

The first step in conducting an SEO competitor analysis is identifying who your competitors are. Companies that directly compete with yours sell similar goods or provide similar services.

In contrast, indirect rivals may not provide identical goods or services but still compete for the same customers. Use Google and industry-specific directories to identify these competitors.

Step 2: Analyze competitors’ websites and SEO structure.

Once you have a list of competitors, visit their websites and analyze their structure, design, and content.

Please pay close attention to their keywords usage, site speed, mobile optimization, URL structure, and other SEO factors.

Step 3: Evaluate competitors’ keyword usage.

A crucial part of SEO competitor analysis involves understanding the keywords your competitors are targeting. Then, use SEO tools to discover the keywords driving traffic to their websites.

Step 4: Analyze competitors’ backlink profiles.

Backlinks are important ranking factors in SEO. Check the quantity and quality of your competitors’ backlinks using SEO tools.

Evaluate their linking domains, the quality of these domains, and the type of content that is getting most of the links.

Step 5: Review competitors’ social media presence.

Social signals can impact SEO, so evaluating your competitors’ social media presence is essential. Look at their platforms, the frequency of their posts, their engagement, and how they integrate SEO with their social media strategy.

Step 6: Conduct a content analysis.

Content is a significant aspect of SEO. Analyze your competitors’ content in terms of its quality, diversity (blog posts, videos, infographics, etc.), frequency of updates, and relevance to the target audience.

Step 7: Perform a SWOT analysis.

Now, compile all your data into a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis.

SWOT should highlight where your competitors are outperforming you and where their vulnerabilities lie that you can potentially exploit.

Step 8: Develop your SEO strategy.

Develop your SEO strategy using the insights gained from your SEO competitor analysis.

This technique could involve targeting new keywords, improving your website’s technical SEO, building high-quality backlinks, creating diverse and high-quality content, and enhancing your social media strategy.

Remember, SEO competitor analysis is an ongoing process. Search algorithms change, and so do your competitors’ strategies. Therefore, regularly updating your analysis ensures you stay competitive in your industry.

And, of course, make sure to consider utilizing SEO competitor analysis tools like Website Grader. This invaluable tool provides comprehensive insights into a website’s performance, SEO, and overall online presence.

Competitor Analysis Report Best Practices

1. Embrace simplicity.

Let’s keep things simple, shall we? Refrain from cluttering your report with jargon. Instead, please keep it clean, clear, and to the point. Simplicity is all about making it a smooth read for anyone who picks it up.

2. Stay tidy and orderly.

Trust me on this one. The organization is your best friend when it comes to competitor analysis. Keep your data neat and unearth all the info you’ll dive into. Don’t shy away from charts, tables, and graphs. They’re great visual aids!

3. Make it mean something.

Don’t just list data. Interpret it. An excellent report goes beyond presenting facts—it tells you what to do with them. So, look at your data, find those gems of insight, and translate them into actionable steps for your team.

4. Keep it fresh.

You wouldn’t read yesterday’s news, right? The same goes for your competitor analysis. Businesses evolve, and so should your report. So make updating your report a regular habit. It’s like staying one step ahead in a business marathon.

5. Buddy up for a review.

Have you encountered the quote, “Two heads are better than one?” So get a fresh perspective to look over your report. They might catch something you missed or offer a new perspective. Plus, it’s always good to have a second opinion, right?

Remember, be passionate about your work! Let your love for your business shine through in your analysis. After all, you’re its number-one fan!

Competitor Analysis Example

Let’s conduct a hypothetical example using this template. For this example, let’s say you own a fictional local coffee shop called “Java Hut.” Here’s how the competitive analysis might look in a table format using the “Java Hut” example.

	Java Hut	Starbucks	Peet’s Coffee	Dunkin’ Donuts
Location	Local city	Worldwide	Nationwide	Nationwide
Target Customer	Local community, hipsters	Broad consumer market	Coffee enthusiasts	Busy people on the go
Revenue	$100,000 (hypothetical)	$20 billion (approx.)	$500 million (approx.)	$1 billion (approx.)
Founded	2022	1971	1966	1950
Strengths	Locally sourced coffee, cozy atmosphere	Variety, convenience	Quality of coffee	Fast service, low price
Weaknesses	Limited marketing budget, one location	Higher prices, less community feel	Fewer locations than Starbucks/Dunkin	Lower quality coffee than competitors
Brand Personality	Warm, community-oriented	Efficient, professional	Passionate, artisanal	Fun, fast-paced
Mission	Serve quality local coffee in a community space	Inspire and nurture the human spirit	Deliver a superior coffee experience	Make and serve great coffee fast
Services	Coffee, pastries, community events	Wide range of beverages and food, mobile ordering	Quality coffee and tea, bakery items	Coffee, donuts, breakfast sandwiches
Employees	10	300,000	5,000	260,000
Product	Coffee, pastries	Coffee, tea, pastries, merchandise	Coffee, tea, food items	Coffee, donuts, sandwiches

Conducting a competitive analysis involves several steps, as highlighted in the creation of the table for the Java Hut example.

Identifying Competitors

The first step is identifying your key competitors. These could be local businesses if you’re a local business, or they could be global corporations if you’re in a broader market.

For the Java Hut example, we identified Starbucks, Peet’s Coffee, and Dunkin’ Donuts as competitors.

Establishing Categories for Comparison

Next, determine what aspects you want to compare. Our table uses categories like location, target customer, revenue, the company’s founding year, strengths and weaknesses, brand personality, mission, services offered, number of employees, and the main product.

Research

Now, it’s time to gather the data. This section might involve online research, personal experiences, and contacting companies directly.

You could also use industry reports, customer reviews, and social media to gather important data concerning your competitors.

In our Java Hut example, we hypothetically collected data on each competitor’s revenue, number of employees, brand personality, and more.

Analysis

After filling out the table, you must analyze the data. Look for trends, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

For example, in our table, Java Hut might notice that it can differentiate itself with its locally sourced coffee and community-oriented atmosphere.

It might also see that it needs to expand its marketing efforts to compete with these well-known brands.

Strategic Planning

Use this analysis to inform your business strategy. If a competitor excels in an area in which your business is weak, consider how you might improve. If your company has a unique strength, consider how you can use that as leverage.

Monitor and Update

The market constantly changes, so updating your competitive analysis is essential. Monitor your competitors to see if they’re changing strategies, launching new products, or showing any shifts in their business.

This process can help you understand your market better, identify opportunities and threats, and make informed decisions to help your business succeed.

Conducting A Competitor Analysis

So, there you go! You’ve just journeyed deep into the land of SEO competitor analysis. Pretty cool, right? It’s like you’ve been on an epic digital safari, examining the mysterious creatures of the SERP landscape.

We’ve uncovered the big “what is a competitor analysis in SEO” question, explored the benefits, and even mapped out a template for you. Remember, it’s not about outsmarting your competitors but learning from them.

Now you’ve got the scoop on how to do an SEO competitor analysis. You’ve got your magnifying glass to scrutinize their SEO strategies, the treasure map to their keywords, and even a spyglass for their backlinks. This isn’t just data; it’s pure gold.

Besides your content, using one of the best fonts in your resume may help you get a recruiter’s attention. Studies have shown recruiters typically scan a resume for six to thirty seconds before deciding if an applicant is fit for a role.

With only a few seconds to demonstrate your qualifications for a position, every detail counts – including the font you use. The question is, what are the best resume fonts to pass the six to thirty-seconds scan?

We asked HubSpot recruiters to reveal the seven best fonts for your resume and what they consider in terms of design ‌so your resume can stand out in a pile.

Expert Advice on Choosing the Right Font

Best Fonts for Resumes

Does Using The Best Resume Fonts Even Matter?

Worst Fonts for Resumes

Ideal Resume Font Sizes

Featured Resource: 12 Free Resume Templates

Download Now

Expert Advice on Choosing the Right Font

To evoke a sense of style, professionalism, and uniqueness, you must put effort and consideration into your font choice. When speaking with recruiters, it quickly became apparent that classic fonts are still the best options.

“I’m a big fan of the ‘classics’ for resumes – Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, and Cambria. I’m a little old school, but I think they are the cleanest and exude professionalism,” said Johanna Fleming, a former senior recruiter at HubSpot.

Riley Kundtz, the former senior MBA campus recruiter at HubSpot, agreed.

“I find the classic formatting and Times font helpful when reading a dense resume from an experienced MBA candidate.”

Times New Roman has become a bit controversial lately. It was the go-to font for many years because it’s traditional and recognizable, but lately, some are opting against it.

“For me, it’s all about legibility and cleanliness – I prefer sans-serif fonts like Helvetica, which is modern and elegant, over serif fonts like Times New Roman,” says Glory Montes, a technical recruiter at HubSpot.

“Overall, I would just stay away from a font like Times New Roman; it’s overused and reminds me of long nights writing course papers in college,” adds Glory.

Georgia is one font The New York Times uses and is similar to Times New Roman. It’s a bit wider, making it easier to read.

Paulina Valdez Franco, executive recruiter at HubSpot, agrees with this take.

“My two favorite fonts are Helvetica if you’re looking for a clean and classic look, and Georgia, if you want a more modern and fun look,” she said. “The latter is also designed to read well on screens.”

Helvetica is widely used in advertising and works equally well for text-heavy pages and documents.

A lesser-known font that’s a great option for your resume is Garamond, recommended by our current team lead of engineering recruiting at HubSpot, Rich Lapham.

“Recruiters have an idea of the skills they are looking for on a resume, so if you try a new style or format, it can be tougher for recruiters to find the information they are looking for,” he said. “Keep it clean and simple.”

Franco added that Arial and Calibri are great choices to play it safe.

Bridget LeMon, HubSpot’s global emerging talent and university recruiting manager, echoes this.

“It’s totally acceptable – and becoming more common – for candidates to stray away from the resume norms of Times New Roman and Calibri,” she said. “Avenir Next and Muna are two excellent font options if you are looking to break the status quo.”

Ultimately, you‘ll want to consider the position you’re applying for when choosing a font. To Glory Montes’ point, certain more creative roles might benefit from a unique font than Times New Roman.

1. Times New Roman

Times New Roman font has been popular for resumes for decades. This serif option is easy-to-read and communicates formality. Online, the font is uniform and accessible across various platforms and operating systems.

Advantages

Times New Roman has a classic and professional look, making it an excellent choice for applicants targeting corporate positions. Additionally, it is a standard font used in most word processors, making it an accessible option for any device.

Moreover, Times New Roman is easily readable in print and on-screen.

Best for: Word documents. PDFs can host unique fonts. However, a standard font will be helpful if your resume is uploaded as a Word document.

Disadvantages

The font’s outdated look may not appeal to all industries, and some may consider it bland or generic. Additionally, this font may make your resume blend in with the rest due to its ubiquity.

Times New Roman is also a heavy serif font, taking up more space than other options.

2. Arial

Arial is a sans-serif font that has become popular for its clean and modern look. Arial’s straightforward and minimalist design has made it a popular choice for applicants targeting creative positions.

Advantages

Arial offers simplicity, which allows your content to stand out. Arial’s legibility in small font sizes, even in print, makes it ideal for applicants trying to fit all the necessary information in their resume on a single page.

Best for: Resumes submitted online, where readability is essential for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) used in recruitment.

Disadvantages

The font’s overuse in branding and design has led to its association with a non-innovative style. This may make your resume less attractive to recruiters looking for unique personalities who can bring new ideas to their team.

Arial’s uniformity may not suit industries such as graphic design or creative writing seeking to showcase creativity and flair.

Conversely, Arial may make the text appear less formal and inappropriate for specific job applications.

3. Avenir Next

Avenir Next is a modern typeface gaining popularity among designers and recruiters. Avenir Next’s appearance is characterized by its geometric shapes, open contours, and strong lines.

Its clean, contemporary look has become a popular font choice for resumes.

Advantages

Avenir Next’s sleek and modern design makes it an excellent choice for applicants targeting creative industries. Its clear, simple lines offer a sense of elegance, while its legibility gives recruiters a sense of professionalism.

What we love: Avenir Next is a scalable font. It maintains its readability even at small sizes, and its geometric shapes make it a perfect choice for digital resumes.

Disadvantages

Avenir Next may not be as widely recognized, which could make it difficult to read on some computer systems without the font installed. Further, Avenir Next is a premium font with a higher price tag.

This might not be affordable for some applicants.

4. Helvetica

Helvetica is a widely recognized and popular font used on resumes, particularly in the design industry. It’s clean, classic, and timeless. This font is popular with professionals, design enthusiasts, typographers, and Wes Anderson.

Advantages

Helvetica is easy to read and has a professional, straightforward appearance. The font‘s popularity means that job recruiters and hiring managers are familiar with it.

Helvetica’s clean lines give the resume a structured and well-organized look, making it ideal for those in finance, law, and business management.

What we love: The font is available in multiple weights, making it easier to differentiate headings and sections in the resume.

Disadvantages

The font’s ubiquity in resumes may make it feel overdone and uninspired. With so many applicants using the font, your resume may struggle to stand out.

Helvetica‘s minimalist design can also work against you if your resume has limited content. This can make the resume look empty and as if it lacks substance.

5. Calibri

Calibri is a contemporary design, making it a popular choice for creating a visually appealing and easy-to-read resume.

Advantages

The font has been designed with legibility in mind, making it an excellent option for resumes.

Additionally, Calibri’s modern look creates a sleek and professional appearance, making it ideal for job seekers looking to highlight their contemporary skills and qualifications.

Calibri is also lighter than other font options, making it an ideal choice for job seekers trying to fit their resumes onto a single page.

What we like: Calibri offers a sense of uniformity across different platforms, making it an accessible and reliable option for applicants.

Disadvantages

Calibri is one of the default fonts available in most word-processing programs. Your resume might not appear as unique and tailored to your personal branding as it would with a more distinct font.

The font can be perceived as informal, making it less than ideal for formal industries, like law or finance, where a more traditional look would be preferred.

6. Cambria

Cambria’s classic design features elegant serifs, making it a perfect choice for job seekers. You can easily create a traditional, professional-looking resume that stands out.

Advantages

Cambria has a classic yet modern appearance. The font‘s serifs give it a timeless look that is perfect for job seekers in more traditional industries such as finance or law.

Additionally, the font is highly readable, even in smaller font sizes, which makes it an excellent choice for job seekers looking to fit more information on their resumes.

What we like: Cambria’s generous spacing between characters and lines makes the resume much easier to read and stands out from other fonts.

Disadvantages

Some recruiters and hiring managers might view the font as old-fashioned or generic. Further, Cambria’s heavy serifs may be problematic for those trying to keep their resume to a single page as it can take up more space than other fonts.

7. Georgia

Georgia is a traditional serif font that has been a popular choice for resumes due to its elegant and classic look. Georgia’s unique design features distinguishable serifs that give it a professional appearance.

Advantages

Georgia’s design is easy to read even in smaller font sizes, making it a perfect choice for job seekers trying to highlight their accomplishments in a limited space.

Additionally, Georgia can be customized, which makes it an excellent option for applicants looking to add their personal touch.

What we like: The font’s design combines traditional and modern aesthetics, making it a versatile option for job seekers applying for a wide range of positions.

Disadvantages

The font’s traditional appearance may not be suitable for applicants targeting creative or non-traditional fields, where a more contemporary font may be preferred.

Also, Georgia is a serif, making it difficult to read in small sizes on a digital screen. This might not be the best option for those mainly applying online.

Does Using The Best Resume Fonts Even Matter?

Most recruiters I spoke with were hesitant to offer a font. Instead, they focus on the content.

“I rarely pay too much attention to fonts,” said Heta Patel, a former HubSpot recruiter. “I’m more concerned to see a resume that’s formatted neatly – submitting a PDF is helpful with this, so your formatting doesn’t shift.”

Sales Recruiting Manager Kelsey Freedman agreed.

“Honestly, I care little about the font of a resume, as long as it’s clear and in PDF format,” Freedman said. “I typically review a resume for 20 to 30 seconds, so a traditional font is good.”

Freedman continued, “I would advise avoiding script font or bubble font, or similar fonts that are distracting.”

Ultimately, and as expected, your content still matters most. However, a clear font will help avoid any irritability you might cause a recruiter with a distracting, messy design.

“What I get most excited about is the content. Depending on the role, I look to see that candidates are sharing direct and compelling snapshots of their work,” said Ashley Hodder, a global recruiting manager at HubSpot.

“I look for indicators that show data orientation, autonomy, and thoughtfulness about business impact,” she said.

Worst Resume Fonts

While some recruiters may not have suggestions for the best fonts, many can agree on some of the worst ones.

“Anything that is cursive or too bubbly is too hard to read. For instance, I’d stay clear of Comic Sans,” says Holly Peterson, team lead for UX recruiting HubSpot.

Another resume font type to avoid is Script.

With text-heavy documents, Scripts, and any of their derivatives make text hard to read because they look like they’re written by hand.

They’re generally used in hand lettering and calligraphy for artistic projects and shouldn’t be present anywhere near your resume.

Ideal Resume Font Size

When asked which font size is best, Fleming said 12 is ideal. Most recruiters would agree.

Your text should be large enough to read comfortably without straining but small enough that there’s space to include all key elements, such as your objective, contact information, skills, and experience.

You can use larger font sizes for headings containing your name and section titles.

If your font is extensive, you can scale to 10.5 – but never go below it.

The critical takeaway is to make your resume clear and easy to read, which means keeping the font size around 12, sticking to classic fonts with modern twists, and forsaking your favorite script font.

Now that you know the best fonts for your resume, use these tips to write your resume and ignite your creative spark with this ultimate collection of resume templates.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in November 2018 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

It was halftime during one of my 7th-grade football games. And we were losing 14 – 0. With our knees planted in the grass, my team was quietly huddled, drenched in sweat and defeat. Suddenly, it was game over.

That’s when our assistant coach burst into our circle and shattered our pity party, delivering one of the best motivational speeches I’ve heard to this day.

I can’t directly quote him because he said some inappropriate things for a blog post (and, in hindsight, probably for a bunch of 13-year-olds too).

The point is he harnessed the power of words to rejuvenate a physically and emotionally drained team. And we came back clawing to win the game.

Motivational Speech

A motivational speech can come from anywhere or anyone, but it usually has a specific audience in mind.

Whether it’s a graduation speech, an all-company meeting, a championship sporting event, or a conference keynote, these speeches are designed to change how their listeners see the challenges facing them in the future.

Like in sports, being motivated at work is crucial for your performance. This rings especially true when you have a looming deadline, an important meeting, or colleagues or customers depending on your performance.

Think about the last time you felt generally unmotivated. What brought you out of that feeling? Sometimes all it takes to get you going is a good night’s sleep or witnessing the benefits of your labor.

Still, other times, you might listen to someone say something that resonates with you — that alters how you’ve been looking at a particular task or problem.

Motivational speeches and speakers can come in all different forms, but this is the one thing they have in common — resonance. They resonate with the right listener at the right time and in the right way.

Who knows, this article is doing some for you right now. (I can dream, can’t I?)

We selected 24 of the best motivational speeches from business, sports, entertainment, and other fields to help you stay motivated no matter what your work throws at you. Watch these videos if you want to feel inspired by a project.

Trust me, I was wiping my eyes after I saw them. And while the messages vary from speech to speech, they can put you in the optimal frame of mind for tackling and crushing your next big challenge.

(Disclaimer: Some speeches may contain NSFW language.)

Elon Musk: “The Importance of Never Giving Up” (2020)

Angela Ahrendts: “Leading with Empathy” (2023)

Arianna Huffington: “The Power of Sleep” (2023)

Tim Cook: “Inclusion and Diversity” (2023)

J.K. Rowling: “The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination” (2008)

Sheryl Sandberg: “Lean In” (2021)

Jim Carrey: Commencement Speech at Maharishi University of Management (2014)

Steve Jobs: “How to Live Before You Die” (2005)

Matthew McConaughey: “The Pursuit of Happiness” (2022)

Denzel Washington: “Fall Forward” (2011)

Vera Jones: “But the Blind Can Lead the Blind…” (2016)

Oprah Winfrey: “The Power of Self-Belief” (2020)

Charlie Day: Merrimack College Commencement Speech (2014)

Brené Brown: “The Power of Vulnerability” (2013)

Kobe Bryant: “The Path to Greatness” (2020)

David Foster Wallace: “This Is Water” (2005)

Carol Dweck: “The Growth Mindset” (2020)

Al Pacino: “Inch by Inch” (1999)

Satya Nadella: “Empowering Others” (2023)

Sylvester Stallone: Speech from Rocky Balboa (2006)

Will Smith: Speech from The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Mel Robbins: “The 5 Second Rule” (2020)

Angela Duckworth: “The Power of Grit” (2020)

Kurt Russell: “This is Your Time” (2004)

The Best Motivational Speeches of All Time

1. Elon Musk: “The Importance of Never Giving Up” (2020)

Theme of Speech: Perseverance and Resilience

Elon Musk’s “The Importance of Never Giving Up” speech about perseverance and determination is decisive.

In this speech, Musk emphasizes failing and learning from failures as keys to success. He recounts his life and career, demonstrating how he overcame challenges.

One key takeaway from Musk’s speech is his advice to adopt a growth mindset.

Musk encourages listeners to view setbacks as learning experiences. He also highlights the value of perseverance, persistence, and taking risks.

Elon Musk’s word serves as an upbeat reminder that perseverance, patience, and the desire to attempt things repeatedly in the face of difficulty are essential for success.

“If something is important enough, even if the odds are against you, you should still do it.”

2. Angela Ahrendts: “Leading with Empathy” (2023)

Theme of the Speech: Empathetic Leadership…

The “Leading with Empathy” talk by Angela Ahrendts emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and compassion in leadership.

According to Ahrendts, leaders must view their employees as whole people with lives outside of work. Leaders can instill trust, respect, and mutual support in their employees and organizations.

Ahrendts emphasizes the importance of team mission as well. Leaders can inspire their teams by connecting them to a greater goal.

She believes that working together fosters creativity, innovation, and growth.

“Leading with Empathy” is a powerful reminder that leadership requires more than technical knowledge. To truly inspire and motivate their employees, leaders must understand their emotional needs and create a supportive, inclusive environment.

“Empathy is the glue that holds relationships together, whether they are personal or professional.”

3. Arianna Huffington: “The Power of Sleep” (2023)

Theme of the Speech: Sleep and Productivity

The Huffington Post’s founder, Arianna Huffington, emphasized the importance of sleep to overall health. In her 2023 speech, “The Power of Sleep,” she discusses how sleep deprivation affects our health, productivity, and happiness.

Huffington observes that we have been taught to sacrifice sleep for success. She also mentions that well-rested employees are more creative, efficient, and effective.

To address these issues, Huffington proposes a cultural shift that recognizes sleep as essential to health and wellness.

She advises individuals and organizations to prioritize sleep, avoid technology before bedtime, and create a restful sleep environment. Sleep, according to Huffington, is a necessity, not a luxury.

By recognizing the importance of sleep, people and businesses can enhance their health, productivity, and general well-being.

Arianna Huffington’s “The Power of Sleep” speech in 2023 emphasizes the importance of sleep and the dangers of sleep deprivation.

It promotes a culture where getting enough sleep is essential for health and well-being.

“Sleep is the Swiss Army knife of health, it does everything.”

4. Tim Cook: “Inclusion and Diversity” (2023)

Theme of the Speech: Inclusion and Diversity

Apple CEO Tim Cook advocates for inclusion and diversity. He has been instrumental in the company’s initiatives to advance fairness and equality inside its ranks and across the technology sector.

Cook has prioritized diversity and inclusion at Apple because he believes it is proper and necessary for innovation and business success.

Unconscious bias training, diverse recruitment, and employee resource groups contributed to his success.

Outside of Apple, Cook has advocated for LGBTQ+ rights and immigration reform. He has raised awareness of these issues and advocated for social change as a business leader.

Tech leaders and others have lauded Cook’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. He has raised awareness of these issues, leading to significant change at Apple and elsewhere.

“Inclusion and diversity are not just buzzwords, they are fundamental values that drive innovation and creativity.”

5. J.K. Rowling: “The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination” (2008)

Theme of Speech: Failure

In J.K. Rowling’s 2008 Harvard commencement speech, the Harry Potter author explored how two phenomena — failure and imagination — can be crucial to success.

While failure can help you understand where your true passion lies, and where you should focus your energy moving forward, imagination is what will allow you to empathize with other people so you can use your influence to do good.

“We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.”

“You have to understand your own personal DNA. Don’t do things because I do them or Steve Jobs or Mark Cuban tried it. You need to know your personal brand and stay true to it.”

6. Sheryl Sandberg: “Lean In” (2021)

Theme of the Speech: Gender Equality and Leadership

Sheryl Sandberg’s 2021 talk, “Lean In,” encourages women to lean into their careers and leadership roles. She urges women to stand up for one another and themselves to overcome societal and cultural hurdles.

Sandberg highlights the need to have distinct objectives and goals and be prepared to take calculated risks to achieve them.

She also underlines how crucial it is for more female leaders to advance diversity and gender equality across all industries.

Sandberg’s speech also emphasizes collaboration. She urges women to mentor other women and look for sponsors and mentors themselves.

The “Lean In” talk by Sheryl Sandberg emphasizes women’s voices and perspectives in all aspects of society.

To remove barriers and foster more inclusive and varied workplaces and communities, Sandberg urges women to pursue their professional ambitions with confidence and with the help of their communities.

“We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women’s voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored.”

7. Jim Carrey: Commencement Speech at Maharishi University of Management (2014)

Theme of Speech: Taking Risks

Jim Carrey might make a living as the goofiest comedian around, but in 2014, he combined classic Carrey humor with unforgettable insight at Maharishi University of Management’s graduation ceremony.

Jim Carrey opened his speech dishing punchlines, but he eventually opened up about his upbringing and the role fear plays in our lives. You can actually hear the amazement in the students’ reactions in the video above.

“I learned many great lessons from my father — not the least of which is that you can fail at what you don’t want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love.”

8. Steve Jobs: “How to Live Before You Die” (2005)

Theme of Speech: Life and Career

Considering the YouTube video of Steve Jobs’ 2005 Stanford commencement speech has 24 million views, it’s likely that you’ve seen this one already.

In the speech, Jobs plays on two themes: connecting the dots (anecdote: how taking a calligraphy class helped inspire the design of the Mac) and love & loss (anecdote: how getting fired from Apple helped inspire his greatest innovations).

Perhaps the most memorable part his speech comes at the end, when he quotes the (now-famous) lines from the final issue of his favorite publication, The Whole Earth Catalog:

“Stay hungry. Stay foolish.”

9. Matthew McConaughey: “The Pursuit of Happiness” (2022)

Theme of the Speech: Discovering True Happiness and Fulfillment in Life.

In “The Pursuit of Happiness,” famed actor and motivational speaker Matthew McConaughey provides his enlightened viewpoint on obtaining true happiness and fulfillment.

McConaughey presents a genuine and approachable study of what it means to live a fulfilling life through sincere storytelling and personal anecdotes.

The speech discusses the significance of authenticity and remaining true to oneself. McConaughey encourages people to define their success rather than succumb to social pressures or external expectations.

He stresses aligning our behaviors and decisions with our fundamental values and passions.

McConaughey expresses his conviction in the power of thankfulness and the importance of living in the present moment. He encourages people to create a grateful mindset, recognizing the blessings and possibilities surrounding them.

By appreciating the present and finding joy in the journey, individuals can experience more profound happiness and fulfillment.

“Happiness is not a destination. It’s a state of mind, a journey, and a choice we make every day.”

10. Denzel Washington: “Fall Forward” (2011)

Theme of Speech: Failure

In his 2011 UPenn commencement speech, Denzel Washington highlighted three reasons why we need to embrace failure in order to be successful. First, everybody will fail at something at some point, so you better get used to it.

Second, if you never fail, take that as a sign that you’re not really trying. And third, at the end of the day, failure will help you figure out what path you want to be on.

“Fall forward. Here’s what I mean: Reggie Jackson struck out twenty-six-hundred times in his career — the most in the history of baseball. But you don’t hear about the strikeouts. People remember the home runs.

Fall forward.

Thomas Edison conducted 1,000 failed experiments. Did you know that? I didn’t know that—because #1,001 was the light bulb. Fall forward. Every failed experiment is one step closer to success.”

11. Vera Jones: “But the Blind Can Lead the Blind…” (2016)

Theme of Speech: Perseverance

Last year at INBOUND, Vera Jones told a moving story about the life lessons she’s learned from raising her blind son.

She explains how having faith in your future and letting it lead you toward your true purpose will help you overcome blinding obstacles.

She also discusses how following your passion and trusting your vision develops empathy, which is a critical leadership skill.

“Passionately play your position no matter how bad things get. You are significant. Why we are here is not for our own glory. Ultimately, we’re here to lead and serve everybody else. By doing that, we encourage others to do the same.”

12. Oprah Winfrey: “The Power of Self-Belief” (2020)

Theme of Speech: Self-Belief and Confidence

Oprah Winfrey’s 2020 speech “The Power of Self-Belief” emphasized the importance of self-assurance. She attributed her success to her unwavering self-assurance.

According to Oprah, self-belief is not about being arrogant or overconfident. She stresses the significance of overcoming self-doubt and fear, which can prevent people from reaching their goals.

Oprah used personal stories to demonstrate how self-confidence has aided her in life and work. She encouraged her audience to believe in themselves and to embrace their inner strength.

The Power of Self-Belief” reminded us how important it is to have faith in ourselves and our ability to succeed.

“The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.”

13. Charlie Day: Merrimack College Commencement Speech (2014)

Theme of Speech: Taking Risks

Best known for his role in the sitcom It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, actor Charlie Day had lots of wisdom to share during the 2014 commencement speech at his alma mater, Merrimack College.

Day explained to the audience how college degrees are inherently valueless, since you can’t trade them in for cash. Instead, it’s you, your hard work, and the risks you take that provide real value in life.

“You cannot let a fear of failure or a fear of comparison or a fear of judgment stop you from doing the things that will make you great. You cannot succeed without the risk of failure.

You cannot have a voice without the risk of criticism. You cannot love without the risk of loss. You must take these risks.”

14. Brené Brown: “The Power of Vulnerability” (2013)

Theme of Speech: Failure

The video above is an animated excerpt from researcher Brené Brown’s speech, “The Power of Vulnerability.” In the speech, Brown explores how our fear of not being good enough (among other fears) drives us to shield ourselves from our own vulnerabilities.

The alternative to wearing this emotional suit of armor: Embrace vulnerability through empathizing with others.

“Empathy is a choice, and it’s a vulnerable choice. Because in order to connect with you, I have to connect with something in myself that knows that feeling.”

15. Kobe Bryant: “The Path to Greatness” (2020)

Theme of the Speech: Embracing Dedication, Perseverance, and a Relentless Pursuit of Greatness.

Bryant emphasizes setting ambitious goals and working tirelessly to achieve them. Through captivating storytelling and personal anecdotes, he reveals the sacrifices and relentless effort required to excel at the highest level.

Bryant’s speech is a testament to the power of hard work, discipline, and a growth mindset in attaining greatness.

The speech also explores embracing failure as a stepping stone to success. Bryant shares how setbacks and challenges can fuel personal growth and resilience.

He encourages individuals to embrace failure, learn from it, and use it as motivation to push beyond their limits.

Bryant’s speech goes beyond the realm of sports, offering valuable insights and life lessons applicable to all areas of life.

His relentless pursuit of greatness and unwavering commitment to excellence inspires individuals striving to achieve their goals and dreams.

“I have self-doubt. I have insecurity. I have fear of failure. I have nights when I show up at the arena and I’m like, ‘My back hurts, my feet hurt, my knees hurt. I don’t have it. I just want to chill.’

We all have self-doubt. You don’t deny it, but you also don’t capitulate to it. You embrace it.”

16. David Foster Wallace: “This Is Water” (2005)

Theme of Speech: Life and Career

From the opening minutes of David Foster Wallace’s 2005 Kenyon College commencement speech, in which he questions commencement speech conventions, it’s clear that Wallace has some serious wisdom to share.

The crux of his speech: Many of us are oblivious to our own close-mindedness. We picture ourselves as the centers of our own, individual universes, instead of seeing the bigger, more interconnected picture.

“If you’re automatically sure that you know what reality is and who and what is really important, if you want to operate on your default setting, then you, like me, probably won’t consider possibilities that aren’t annoying and miserable.

But if you’ve really learned how to think, how to pay attention, then you’ll know you have other options.

It will actually be within your power to experience a crowded, hot, slow, consumer hell-type situation as not only meaningful, but sacred — on fire with the same force that lit the stars: love, fellowship, the mystical oneness of all things deep down.”

17. Carol Dweck: “The Growth Mindset” (2020)

Theme of the Speech: Cultivating a Growth Mindset for Personal and Professional Development.

In “The Growth Mindset,” Carol Dweck, a renowned psychologist, and author, delivers an enlightening speech on the power of adopting a growth mindset for personal and professional growth.

Dweck’s extensive research on mindset and achievement provides the foundation for her impactful message.

Dweck explains the difference between a fixed mindset, where individuals believe their abilities are fixed traits, and a growth mindset, where individuals believe their abilities can be developed through effort and learning.

She demonstrates how a growth mindset fosters resilience, learning, and innovation through relatable stories and compelling examples.

Dweck’s speech resonates with individuals seeking personal and professional development, as she provides insights into how adopting a growth mindset can positively impact all areas of life.

Her research-based approach and engaging speaking style make “The Growth Mindset” an inspiring resource for individuals striving for continuous growth and improvement.

“The passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even when it’s not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset.”

Famous Short Speeches With Inspirational Takeaways

18. Al Pacino: “Inch by Inch” (1999)

Theme of Speech: Teamwork

Yes, this speech is from a football movie (Any Given Sunday), but trust me: This isn’t your stereotypical rah-rah-go-get-’em sports speech. It’s deeper than that. It’s about life, and loss, and … gosh darn it just listen to Al Pacino.

He’s pouring his soul out!

“Either we heal as a team or we’re gonna crumble, inch by inch, play by play, till we’re finished. We’re in hell right now, gentlemen, believe me.

And we can stay here and get the $&#@ kicked out of us, or we can fight our way back into the light. We can climb out of hell, one inch at a time.”

19. Satya Nadella: “Empowering Others” (2023)

Theme of the Speech: Empowerment and Collaboration

Satya Nadella’s 2023 lecture, “Empowering Others,” emphasizes the importance of leadership that empowers others rather than focusing on personal success.

He emphasizes the importance of leaders cultivating a culture of inclusion and belonging in which everyone feels respected and able to accomplish their best work.

Nadella also discusses the significance of technology in positive development. Some of society’s most important issues may be resolved by technology, but proper development and application are required.

According to Nadella, empathy and emotional intelligence are essential for outstanding leadership. He suggests that Leaders listen to and understand. their team members’ needs and motivations.

Leaders can develop a culture of trust and collaboration that will help the team flourish.

Satya Nadella’s “Empowering Others” provides a special message about leadership in the current day. By emphasizing diversity, empathy, and responsible innovation, Nadella encourages audiences to strive for excellence while being mindful of their impact on others and the world.

“Success is not just about what we achieve individually, but what we enable others to achieve.”

20. Sylvester Stallone: Speech from Rocky Balboa (2006)

Theme of Speech: Never Give Up

I had to put this one next since it plays along the same themes as Denzel Washington’s UPenn speech. In the scene above, from the 2006 film Rocky Balboa, the title character (played by Sylvester Stallone) is having a heart-to-heart with his son.

The advice he gives him: Don’t let your failures or the adversity you face slow you down. Keep. Moving. Forward.

“Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place, and I don’t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it.

You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!”

21. Will Smith: Speech from The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Theme of Speech: Don’t Let Them Bring You Down

Here’s another speech from the big screen, this time from the 2006 film The Pursuit of Happyness.

In the scene above, Will Smith’s character explains to his son why he shouldn’t pursue basketball (because he’ll end up being “below average”) before having a major change of heart.

“Don’t ever let somebody tell you … you can’t do something. Not even me. All right? You got a dream. You gotta protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they want to tell you can’t do it. If you want something, go get it. Period.”

22. Mel Robbins: “The 5 Second Rule” (2020)

Theme of the Speech: Action and Overcoming Self-Doubt

The “The 5 Second Rule” speech by Mel Robbins promotes action to achieve goals and overcome concerns and doubts.

When confronted with a decision or action that needs to be completed but you are hesitating or procrastinating, countdown from 5, and then act. According to Robbins, this method breaks habit loops that keep us unhealthy.

Counting down and taking action may assist us in overcoming uncertainty and self-doubt and moving toward our objectives. For success, Robbins also promotes mentality and self-talk.

She believes that to realize our potential, we must consciously reframe negative thoughts and limiting beliefs.

Mel Robbins’ presentation “The 5 Second Rule” is a practical and efficient technique to overcome procrastination and achieve goals.

Robbins inspires listeners to take command of their lives and achieve by emphasizing attitude, self-talk, and positive actions.

“You are never going to feel like doing the things that are tough, difficult, or uncertain, but you have a choice.”

23. Angela Duckworth: “The Power of Grit” (2020)

Theme of the Speech: Spirit and Perseverance

Angela Duckworth examines the significance of perseverance and resilience in achievement in her book “The Power of Grit.” According to Duckworth, grit—passion and determination—is essential for long-term success and overcoming obstacles.

Duckworth addresses grit and mentality, believing that people who view challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than threats will develop resilience and determination over time.

She advocates for a growth mindset, which believes people can acquire intelligence and other qualities through hard work. Duckworth places a premium on rigorous practice to achieve skill and mastery.

She recommends soliciting feedback, setting challenging goals, and intentionally improving abilities and succeeding. Angela Duckworth’s “The Power of Grit” illuminates long-term achievement.

Duckworth emphasizes attitude, focused practice, and resilience to urge listeners to acquire grit and pursue their passions with tenacity.

“Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years, and working really hard to make that future a reality.”

24. Kurt Russell: “This is Your Time” (2004)

Theme of Speech: Inspiring and Believing in Your Team

The Miracle on Ice is still considered the biggest upset in Olympic hockey history. And for good reason. The Soviet Union won six of the last seven Olympic gold medals, and the U.S. team consisted only of amateur players.

It was obvious the Soviets were better. But, in the movie Miracle, which told the incredible story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team, Kurt Russell’s character — Coach Herb Brooks — knew that this game was different.

The U.S. was better than the Soviets that day. And his speech conveyed such a strong belief in his team that they pulled off one of the greatest sports moments of the 20th century.

“If we played ’em ten times, they might win nine. But not this game… Not tonight. Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with them. And we shut them down because we can!

Tonight, WE are the greatest hockey team in the world. You were born to be hockey players, every one of you. And you were meant to be here tonight. This is your time.”

Want more? Read How to Motivate Yourself When You’re Absolutely Exhausted.

Chances are you’ve landed on a 404 error page before. Whether you’ve arrived on a 404 error page because of a simple typo or because you were seeking a page that no longer exists, most people find being unable to find what they’re looking for to be a frustrating experience. A major part of running a successful website is staying alert for errors like broken pages or slow performance. However, sometimes there are problems you just can’t avoid, and 404 errors are among them. The good news? With a little ingenuity, you can transform your 404 error page into a marketing asset. 

A 404 occurs when a user requests a page on your website that doesn’t exist, thus throwing a 404 error page and prompting users to return to the right place. No matter how many resources you throw into ensuring your website is as seamless as possible, there’s always a chance users will end up on a 404 error page. Here’s what you need to know about 404 error pages, how to fix 404 error pages, and even some examples of creative examples that will help mitigate the frustration of landing here. 

• What is a 404 Error? 

• How to Fix 404 Error Pages 

• The Best 404 Error Web Page Examples 

What is a 404 Error?

First things first: What even is a 404 error? This standard HTTP error message code signals the website you were trying to reach couldn’t be found on the server. It’s a client-side error, meaning either the webpage was removed or moved, and the URL wasn’t changed accordingly, or the person just typed in the URL incorrectly. There are also other reasons a 404 error might pop up, including a problem with DNS or an error with caching. 

For the most part, you can configure your server to create a customized 404 error page. (If you use HubSpot, click here to learn how to customize your 404 page in HubSpot.)

Some customized 404 error pages include a hero image, witty description, site map, search form, or basic contact information. Our 404 error page also includes more links visitors can click — which is a valuable add as it keeps them on the website. 

How to Fix 404 Error Pages 

There are a few ways to fix 404 errors on your website and ensure your visitors land on a viable page where they can find the information they need. Let’s walk through some of the best ways to tackle fixing a 404 error page. 

Redirect to a functional page. 

Perhaps the best way to handle a 404 error is to redirect your visitors to a functional page on your website. This keeps the visitor on your site, which is a major plus. However, remember the goal of a successful 404 error page is to reduce visitor frustration. Therefore, redirecting visitors to the ecommerce portion of your site when they’re seeking an information page about your team probably isn’t the best fit. 

Ensure you don’t have hyperlinks leading to deleted pages. 

If you have a blog on your website and your posts feature hyperlinks to pages that have since been deleted, visitors reading the posts will experience a 404 message popping up. By looking through your blog posts (or other pages) and ensuring that your hyperlinks are up to date, you can reduce the likelihood that visitors will have a pesky 404 error message on their screen anytime soon.

Mention that clearing caching can help. 

Another quick-and-easy solution? On your 404 error page, you can mention to visitors that sometimes, caching issues cause these messages to appear. Therefore, you can suggest that visitors simply clear their cache to resolve the issue efficiently.  

Note frequent spelling mistakes. 

As we mentioned earlier, sometimes the reason why error pages pop up is because visitors are incorrectly typing in the domain. If you notice that visitors often misspell the path that leads to your pages, you may consider redirecting that misspelling to the desired page.  

The Best 404 Error Web Page Examples

The good news? Your 404 error page is an opportunity to make a memorable impression on your visitors when they don’t land exactly where they hoped.

Over the years, websites have found different ways to inform visitors of a 404 error and channel them back to the right place, some simply, some creatively, and some hilariously. Here are some 404 error page examples that delight. 

Page Not Found: Creative 404 Error Pages

1. Pipcorn

While a 404 page can easily stick out from a website, Pipcorn’s error page aligns perfectly with the rest of the site’s branding. There’s a visually appealing animated background, a friendly text prompt directing visitors to search the website, and a piece of popcorn used as the “0” in “404.”

2. Spotify

Music streaming giant Spotify has covered its bases with a clever 404 page. With a witty pun and a light-hearted record animation, the website briefly entertains and then sends visitors back to the page they came from. Or, they can easily navigate to the FAQ or Community page. 

3. Genially

One simple way to ease the tension on your 404 page is to add a quick “Oops!” message — it helps your site feel more personable as you guide users back to the right place. In the case of Genially’s site, the page also includes a nifty illustration paired with some playful copy.

4. Adobe

As you would expect, Adobe’s 404 error page is useful and visually pleasing. One of the most unique things it does is offer easy access to Adobe’s most popular products. 

5. Clorox

The 404 page for Clorox cleaning products rotates between three lighthearted photos to signal to visitors that they’ve made a misstep. It’s a smart use of branding to add a brief delight moment while helping out lost users.

6. Duma Collective

Other times, you might not need a witty blurb — just tell visitors that there’s no page at the address and let them move on. Entertainment consulting agency Duma Collective does just this with its error page, though it’s complemented by a background image for some minor flair.

7. Bitly

If you enter an incorrect Bitly link, you’ll be taken to Bitly’s 404 page. We assume this happens a fair amount, which is why the 404 page gets straight to the point. It explains what might have gone wrong and prompts users to visit the Bitly homepage if that’s what they’re after.

8. Ikea

Ikea’s 404 page is similarly minimalist but still manages to sneak some smart branding in there. This example shows that your error pages don’t need to be elaborate to get the point across, but there’s nothing wrong with injecting some fun, either.

9. Moxie Design Co.

Sure, “blew up the Internet” might be a bit hyperbolic, but it tells visitors that Moxie Design Co. doesn’t take itself too seriously with small slip-ups like this one. Also, a search bar is conveniently placed at the bottom to send you on your way.

10. McKissack & McKissack

Ah, the classic “we lost the page” trick. Again, an easy way to present a 404 without alienating your audience. If you’re an agency like McKissack & McKissack that manages many client interactions, clear and concise copy is essential for all your site’s pages, including error pages.

11. CSS Tricks

Ever ripped away a website’s wrapping to see what’s underneath? That’s the concept that CSS Tricks was going for in their 404 error page. This is both witty and reminiscent of what the website is all about: Smart use of page styling.

12. Good Old Games

For other websites, you unwrap the front end and there’s … just the vast emptiness of space. This page is a clever reference to GOG Galaxy, which is Good Old Games’ native video game client. Thankfully, a little video game character is there to give visitors a place to report an error if they want.

13. Myriad

Video agency Myriad has opted for a quirky, on-brand 404 error page design that mimics the classic SMPTE color bars that appear on old tapes and TVs. It’s a funny throwback to older technologies while representing the more modern problem of a nonexistent web page.

14. KonMari

Known for her popular cleaning and organization methods and brand, Marie Kondo has brought a similar feel to her website’s 404 page. The copy briefly and humorously harkens back to her tidying philosophy — a small but well-branded detail that fans will recognize.

15. BrandCrowd

Not only is the illustration on this error page detailed and engaging — the copy is clever, too. We love the reference to the Semisonic song “Closing Time:” “You can click anywhere else, but you can’t click here.”

16. Hot Dot Productions

Hot Dot’s error page stays true to its tagline, “the intersection of new technologies and design.” The page is animated by hundreds of tiny dots that change direction in response to where you move your cursor. It’s mesmerizing and a great showcase of the agency’s design capabilities.

17. OrangeCoat

If you’re going to give an error message, why not entertain the user for a few seconds while you help them out? Following a friendly greeting, OrangeCoat offers a flowchart that actually helps users figure out why they reached an error page in the first place.

18. Ervin & Smith

This 404 page does more than redirect users back to active pages. Instead, Ervin & Smith’s 404 page invites you to scroll down and learn why you need a digital marketing agency, and why to choose Ervin & Smith in particular, capped off with a contact form. True to its mission, this agency shows that any page can be a conversion opportunity.

19. DayCloud Studios

… or, your 404 can just be a place for visitors to enjoy your website for a minute, as can be seen on the website for DayCloud Studios. Moving the cursor around the screen reveals a 404 message illuminated by lasers shooting from a cat’s eyes. Because why not?

20. Headspace

Another instance of a website smartly incorporating its brand messaging into a 404 page — guided meditation app Headspace makes an effort to calm users, encouraging us to take a deep breath, then return to the main site.

21. Wildwood Bakery

Some websites thus far have integrated clever branded copy in their pages, while others have hosted full-blown online games on theirs. But, there’s nothing wrong with a brief push back in the right direction. Wildwood Bakery’s exquisite site keeps things short and sweet (literally).

 

Page Not Found: Funny 404 Error Pages

22. Astuteo

Design agency Astuteo’s 404 page is a perfect balance of elegant visuals, humor, and helpfulness. The minimal layout gives users the information they need alongside another amusing visual metaphor, a sinking cargo ship and a fleeing figure.

23. LEGO

There are few words needed on LEGO’s 404 error page — the character’s expression makes everything clear. Plus, fans of the LEGO movie franchise will enjoy the fun reference in the copy.

24. Magnt

In this funny error message, Magnt pokes fun at the fact that, yes, they could have broken something — or, you just can’t type. The visual serves as a quick way to quickly illustrate their point. Plus, it’s effective, as it reminds visitors to check their URLs and make sure they’ve spelled everything right. 

25. IconFinder

IconFinder’s error page is simple but delightful. The company’s mascot wearing a robe and appearing weary is a relatable nod to lost visitors. No worries though, since the site lists some of its links to visit down below.

26. GitHub

The line “These aren’t the droids you’re looking for” refers to Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Jedi mind trick on Stormtroopers in Star Wars Episode IV, and it’s become a well-known phrase used to tell someone they’re pursuing the wrong course of action. GitHub plays on this famous line in their 404 error message.

27. Patagonia

Patagonia’s custom 404 page captures the brand’s vibe perfectly. We love the cheeky text that reads “Please try sticking the landing on another page.”

28. AMC Theatres

You might have been to an AMC movie theater before, but you’ve hopefully never seen their website’s 404 page. The website makes use of a quick, funny, and relevant one-liner before it sends you back to the right place.

29. Bruno

It’s no coincidence that creative agencies are great at coming up with cool 404 pages. Here’s another one from the creatives at Bruno that plays off the 2000 cult comedy classic Dude, Where’s My Car? No, it has nothing to do with the company or website, but it’s sure to get a chuckle.

30. NPR

At first, NPR’s error page seems like nothing special. But keep reading and you’ll see how they cleverly link to some of their great stories about lost people, places, and things, like a piece on Amelia Earhart and one on Waldo. This might just make lost users feel a little less alone.

31. Medium

Medium takes a similar approach to NPR’s 404 page, recommending articles about getting lost and losing things. Check these articles out if you have time — they’re quite good reads.

32. HomeStarRunner

HomeStarRunner.com, home to a Flash-animated cartoon series, has had a series of hilarious 404 error pages over the years. The most recent features characters from the cartoon series in a scene that could’ve come straight out of one of their episodes. If you turn the sound on when you load the page, you’ll hear their character Strong Bad — known for yelling phrases out loud — saying, “404’d!”

33. Blizzard Entertainment

Here’s a simple idea that ends up looking slick: Blizzard Entertainment’s 404 page features an animated character lost in an actual blizzard and some humor that World of Warcraft fans will appreciate.

34. Hello Big Idea

A quick trip around marketing and social media experts Hello Big Idea’s website will tell you what you need to know about its bold and blunt style of copy. And, of course, its 404 error page is no exception.

35. HubSpot

It happens to us, too! This is the message we put up to tell our site visitors that there are some website issues. Our goal was to stay true to HubSpot’s brand voice by being as empathetic and helpful as possible.

Turn a 404 Error Page Into a Delightful Moment

Nobody wants to land on a 404 page — they’re annoying and unexpected. However, you can’t really avoid them, so it’s always a good idea to have a 404 page to fall back on for your website.

And, from a user experience perspective, your 404 page should be a small speed bump, not a brick wall. The right design can be the difference between a frustrated bounce and a possible conversion, so why not make it fun?

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in December 2015 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.