Marketing your Small Business with Texting

Posted on by Steve Parkar
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In the era of bits, everything has become digital. Today, your mobile phone encompasses your books to the bank; therefore, it has become an inevitable part of your life. This digital revolution, along with the internet revolution, has also affected marketing techniques. Consumers are inundated by advertisements through social alerts from their friends, families, work, and brands. This causes too much distraction, which is why many people turn off notifications from email and other social media networks; therefore, most advertisements get ignored. Social media advertisements are gradually losing people’s attention; therefore, without a doubt, they will become obsolete in the near future. Using a Text expansion tool can greatly improve this process.

So, if you want to market at once, you need to send a text message to your potential buyers. It is considered more effective as the inbox is a more personal and quiet space. Although if you to a successful text messaging marketing campaign, first of all, it should be legal, properly structured, and traceable. Texting enables businesses to do things that traditional media cannot offer since you can run a marketing campaign without investing in hardware, labor, media buys, or print. It is more penetrable and ultimately more effective.

You should keep in mind that this type of texting campaign is not suitable for everyone. You need to ensure that your ad is relevant and helpful instead of unwanted or fake. In this article, we will tell you how to add texting to your digital marketing master plan without looking fake or annoying to your potential or current customers.

How Does This Work?

It relies on a database consisting of your targeted customer’s name, mobile phone number, geographical location, customer category, and interests. All this information will enable you to track the sales process. As any marketing campaign works, you need more is more information about your customer to make it workable and effective. For maximum outcomes, your campaign must be targeted to a specific audience.

As a marketer, you should know that mobile marketing should be a part of the overall marketing strategy. You cannot run a text messaging campaign if your targeted audience has not heard even the name of your brand. There should be a proper game plan that includes different types of advertising means; then, text messaging can be proven as icing on the cake; therefore, there must be a cake first.

If you are texting your customer without a backdrop, it could backfire. As said previously, text messaging is more personal than email or other social media platforms. If your targeted person does not recognize your brand, then you will be considered an intruder who is trying to invade someone’s personal space. This is unethical as well as illegal in some scenarios. Having a well-known brand profile will make texting more efficient. Lastly, Media Marketing sources which include social media, emails, SMS, and other channels, should complement each other, making a highly effective marketing campaign.

How Should You Set Up Text Advertising?

First of all, you have to secure legal rights; as you know, texting is more personal which is why it is more likely that the may targeted person might be sensing it as an intrusion. This can lead you to a legal conflict with authorities like Federal Communication Commission (FCC). Hence, following a proper legal channel should be your priority.

After securing legal rights, make sure that you should value the customer rather than being irritating and invasive. Following legal procedures and adding value to your ads will build up trust between brand and customer. Remember, it’s all about trust.

The next step would be collecting of database. Some companies build their database of targeted audiences; others rely on third-party service providers like Twillo to send bulk messages. Also, a small business can do text marketing by sending group texts and running their campaign.

A majority of businesses work with third-party service providers such as Twillo, TrueDialog, Trumpia, and Simple Texting, because they can handle a portion of database collection, legal issues, and messaging transmission. They can also provide you with a script for bulk messaging according to your targeted audience and demographics. Using a texting program to send happy holidays messages can be a nice touch for your clients and save you time.

Furthermore, there is some sophisticated messaging marketing software developed by companies like EZ texting and Braze that offer more automation and help you to track the progress of your marketing campaign, besides data collection and transmission.  

Regulators of Message Marketing

Before starting text message marketing, you must know all the legal aspects and regulations regarding SMS marketing. Because, as mentioned, it is a sensitive process. You can check here to learn more about TCPA regulations and what they mean for your business.

Federal Communication Commission

This is the top-tier regulatory body in the United States regarding communication affairs. You must be aware of FCC guidelines before launching any campaign.

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act

This is a law that gives you very specific guidelines about how can you send bulk SMS to a targeted audience. The crux of this law is you have to obtain written consent from every customer before sending them texts.

The Cellular Telecommunication Industry Association

 CITA is a trade organization that provides direction and tips on SMS marketing. But it is advisable to rely on FCC and TCPA.

If you are not from the United States, these regulators and laws are not for you. Visit your own country’s communication authority website to find out what’s legal and what’s illegal.

Dos in Message Marketing

  • Get permission.
  • Keep the quote short and to the point.
  • Don’t bombard the customers with text rather, adopt moderation in the number of texts and frequencies.
  • Your texts should be valuable for customers, not a piece of junk invading their personal space.
  • Send texts at the right time. Sending texts during business hours is advisable.
  • Always offer an unsubscribe option.

Final Thoughts

Text messaging marketing is a very useful tool since it is highly penetrable and effective. But in the quest to spread your business or your brand, you should not undermine the privacy of people. It is unethical as well as illegal. Always be fair with your customers; it builds trust, which would be ultimately beneficial for you and your business.   

Steve Parkar

Data Collection at Scale: How Does It Work?

Posted on by Stacy Craig
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In today’s digitalized world, the most successful businesses rely on a regular data supply to make the best decisions, protect their reputation, find new buyers and provide the best consumer experience.

This, in turn, leads to more profit for these enterprises, with many of them dominating their markets and selling beyond their physical stores.

The process known as data extraction, which involves a large scale data collection, is often required to collect the amount of data that these businesses need to succeed.

But data extraction, also known as web scraping, works in a very specific and clear-cut way. Those unfamiliar with it may find it quite challenging and almost impossible to perform regularly.

We have put together this brief article to explain what data scraping means and the step-by-step processes involved in this important business operation.

What Is Web Scraping?

Web scraping is best described as using high-end tools and machines to harvest large quantities of data from different parts of the internet.

It includes the different processes and methods used to collect data from more than one source at once and automatically too.

It often starts by crawling the different sources to determine their quality and finishes once the data has been extracted, converted, parsed and stored in any available storage unit.

The data upon harvest can be used for the following common business operation

1. Preventing Reputational Damage

A brand’s online reputation is never something that can be left to chance. The tiniest and most insignificant things, such as a little negative review, can set the tone for buyer’s boycott and a decline in revenue.

When a buyer leaves a negative review or comment on some forum or discussion platform, and the brand fails to address it immediately, other buyers and potential buyers take that as a sign to avoid such a brand.

This is called reputational damage and can only be avoided when businesses collect important data every day.

2. Understanding Market trends

Market trends are generally seen as current conditions or happenings in the market. Brands that align themselves and their production schedule more closely to the market trends often make the most gains and become more successful.

But to even understand what is currently happening in the market, there is the need to frequently collect a large amount of market data.

Using specialized browser automation tools and applying Puppeteer avoid detection tricks, you’ll make your scraping much easier and effective.

3. Monitoring Competitors 

Web scraping is also important for monitoring the competition. And monitoring the competition allows a brand to generate new ideas and detect when some rivals are selling below the minimum advertised prices (MAPs) to gain undue advantage in the market.

4. Generating Leads and New Buyers

Another important web scraping application is generating leads that would eventually turn into paying subscribers.

Leads are often collected from large corporation websites and major e-Commerce platforms and include important details such as names and contact information.

How Does Web Scraping Work?

Web scraping works by receiving the request and gathering exactly what has been asked for. The process requires the use of tools that make it faster and automated.

Once the URLs have been gathered, requests can be sent to all of them at once. The tools such as a web scraper API can then harvest data from all the sources simultaneously.

The step-by-step process is discussed in detail in the next segment.

Steps and Proxies Involved in Large-Scale Data Collection

The following are the steps taken from the start of data collection to the end:

1. Using Proxies or Scraper API

The first step when you want to commence web scraping is to set up the necessary tools. One of which is a private proxy. Private proxies allow you to stay anonymous and protected while automating the process and making it faster.

Using proxies imply that you will be secure during data collection and your information and activities will stay concealed.

It also means that the usual restrictions that prevent many people from performing this important task will be easily removed.
Additionally, using a scraper API will help you to forget about long data collection processes. These tools are easy to use and require little to no effort when gathering large volumes of public information. If you are interested to learn more about scraper APIs, check this from Oxylabs.

2. Setting Up a Digital Fingerprint

The next step is to set up the appropriate digital fingerprint. Here you need to decide what browser you will be using for data collection.

It is often recommended that you use headless browsers as they are easier to handle and manipulate.

Once all that is set, you can send out requests to the target URLs.

3. Locating HTML Elements

Once the requests reach the target servers, you will need to locate and interact with the HTML codes.

Then you will collect the necessary HTML files in the raw, unstructured state, leaving behind what you do not need.

4. Parsing HTML

Once the raw HTML has been collected, you will need to parse it back to your computer for further processing. At this stage, you also need to convert the raw data into something with structure to make it easier to read, understand, and edit.

5. Handling Pagination

Once parsing and converting are complete, the next stage involves handling all the errors that might be contained in the data.

This helps to improve the data quality making it more valid, useful and correct.

6. Extracting Content to CSV/JSON Format

Finally, once all that is done, you will need to turn everything you have at this stage into some easy-to-read format such as JSON or CSV.

And after that, you can store your extracted data in the available storage system either for immediate or later application.

Conclusion

Data collection at a large scale is serious work, but it is very important. Tools such as proxies and a scraper API will help simplify things and make the exercise less tasking.

Unforeseen Expenses When Buying A New Car

Posted on by Andrew Wendler
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New car buyers traditionally fall into one of two camps: Educated buyers who enjoy spending hours perusing websites and magazines pondering features and options and those simply resigned to purchasing a new vehicle.

In both instances, the process of making the deal can be confusing and the paperwork overwhelming— the finalized contract is legally binding.

Therefore, taking the time to thoroughly review and understand all the fees and line items on the contract is essential to avoid paying for unwanted features, dealer add-ons and unexplained markups.  

Understanding Fees and Dealer Markups

Most consumers are familiar with the four essential financial components of a vehicle purchase: the vehicle’s agreed-upon cost, state sales tax, state registration fee and the documentation fee. 

The agreed-upon price of the vehicle should reflect the vehicle as delivered, including any additional features, options or services the buyer specifies or agrees to and a standard itemized destination or delivery fee. Automakers and dealers are required to break out the destination fee separately, though it may be buried in the fine print. Currently, most automakers’ destination fees fall between $1,000 and $2,000. 

The sales tax and vehicle registration are set costs, but double-check that the dealer calculated them correctly per your state regulations. The sales tax is dictated by state and local municipalities and usually falls somewhere between 6 and 10%. The registration includes assigning the title and license plates. 

The documentation fee, or “doc fee,” as dealers often abbreviate it, is a bit more nebulous. Ostensibly utilized for processing and filing all the pertinent documents—sales contract, registration and title—it’s also an opportunity for the dealer to eke out a few more dollars over the actual cost of filing the documents. 

For this reason, some states put a limit on the “doc fee.” Michigan, for instance, limits it to $210, or 5% of the sale price, whichever is less. California limits it to a flat $80; New Jersey and Connecticut have no limit. Wherever you reside, check your state’s policy and compare it to the fee on the contract before finalizing the deal. 

You should also be aware of other potential increases to the price such as the cost to ship the car, registration fees, and emissions rules for your area.

Dealer Add-Ons 

The practice of adding fees at the dealer level is not new, but the approach has changed. Traditionally, shoppers were far less informed, and arriving at the dealer having only broadly researched a topic like hybrid SUVs they were unprepared to find items including “dealer prep,” “shipping,” or even abbreviations that represent tenuous items like a final wash and cleaning added to the bottom line without their prior consent. 

Today, pricing information is readily available to consumers. In turn, dealers have become brazen, adding a dealer-prepared addendum or supplemental sticker itemizing options, services or accessories to the vehicle. These typically include easily-marked-up items, including fabric protection (Scotchguard fabric spray or equivalent), clear coat protection (wax), nitrogen tire inflation, floor mats and roof racks—the list is virtually limitless. 

While none of these items are necessarily detrimental, if they were added on after arriving at an agreed-on price, refrain from signing the contract and ask the dealer to remove the items or fees. A gentle reminder that you can still walk at this point is helpful. This is another example of the importance of not signing anything until the details are set in stone. 

If you are buying a car out of state or plan on moving, you will also need to set aside funds for auto transportation. With road runner car shipping, your vehicle will be carefully arranged and transported from beginning to end by a devoted team of shipping experts. Thousands of vehicles are moved each month using RoadRunner car shipping services, they offer both personal and business transport.

Financing Fee-for-All

Most people look for some option for financing a new vehicle. That means breaking up the purchase price into affordable payments.

Dealer financing can further blur the numbers, especially for first-time buyers or shoppers with compromised credit. The large majority of dealers with “in-house” financing essentially operate as sales agents for a network of banks and finance companies with which they have relationships. 

In addition to any commission they may earn for originating the loan, they often attempt to work in additional profit by adding a tiny percentage, sometimes as small as 0.25%, to the loan’s interest rate.

Dealers generally try to get you to focus on the monthly payment instead of the big picture. Ensure the federal truth-in-lending disclosure is part of the paperwork as it details the interest rate and the total number of payments.

Things can get more complicated if you’re trading in a vehicle or financing through the dealership. Intentionally or not, a dealer could undervalue your trade-in on the contract after earlier giving you a number in casual conversation. Make sure to approve the value of your trade-in in writing, and confirm the same number appears on the contract. 

Insurance 

Many people financing a new vehicle will find that the finance company requires them to carry a full coverage policy. The policy must meet the state-mandated required minimum amount for liability, collision and comprehensive incidents. It can get quite expensive for young drivers, those with a bad driving record or high-end luxury and high-performance models. To get a rough estimate of your potential insurance expenses simply make use of a car insurance calculator. 

Supply and Demand in the Modern Age

For the first time in decades, demand for new and used vehicles is outstripping demand. As a result, popular models like the new Ford Bronco and Maverick, Chevrolet Corvette and Jeep Wrangler are often marked up 10 and even 20% above the sticker MSRP with dealers calling it a “market adjustment.” The only way to avoid such markups right now is to shop around.

Finish Strong

When it comes time to sign, review the documents a second or third time and check everything for accuracy, including the spelling of your name and personal information. Make certain the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the document matches the one on the paperwork. 

The sales manager will likely take one last shot at adding fees in the form of an extended warranty, service contract or other supplemental services, most of which can be purchased at a later date from outside sources. Don’t be afraid to stick to your guns on what you agreed to, a good deal for you is one done on your terms.

Best Document Management Software and Systems of 2022

Posted on by Roy Emmerson
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You used to see huge cabinets with lots of shelves in office rooms that were filled to the brim with documents and various papers. Company employees sorted these documents into folders and stacked them neatly paper by paper. Now, seeing such cabinets is a rarity. Companies are moving their documents into the digital realm. 

In the digital field, employees can have remote access to documents. Also, staff can collectively edit files, sign them online, send them to each other, and so on. You’re more likely to see digital document archives today than print versions. 

What’s more, in case of an emergency, digital documents can be restored with data recovery software, while printed physical documents disappear without a trace.  

But managing so much documentation becomes less easy for companies’ employees. That’s why developers offer various solutions for managing and systematizing digital documents. Today, we will talk about such solutions in detail. 

There are many document management software on the market, so it is very difficult to stop at a particular tool. But we have already done this work for you and evaluated the different options according to these parameters: 

  • Hosting; 
  • Search options; 
  • Scanning options;
  • Speed;
  • Availability, and so on.

We have selected the best options available on the market and are ready to tell you all about them. 

Let’s go! 

Best Document Management Software 

Rubex

Rubex is one of the most popular document management solutions today. It will suit both large businesses and startups. 

Rubex is a cloud-based service that will be available to all your employees anywhere in the world where there is an Internet connection. 

This application is very easy to use because it offers the usual system of organizing documents into folders. It is almost the same as in the above-mentioned old method of storing documents in cabinets. In fact, only the location changes but not the structure. 

We think this app is the best because of its convenience. Any user will be able to understand how the application works and can quickly learn how to use it. Searching for documents is also very easy and convenient. 

Rubex offers several packages at different prices ranging from $55 to $199. To find out what kind of package and price this company can offer you, visit their website. There, you will be asked to take a short quiz on the home page, and then, you will receive a personalized offer in the mail. It doesn’t bind you to anything. Do this test and find out more about Rubex’s offers. 

Microsoft SharePoint 

Microsoft SharePoint is a software with a big name. Microsoft and its products can be trusted because they are on the market for many years and have earned respect and recognition. Microsoft SharePoint is no exception. 

It is one of the most user-friendly applications and vast in terms of features. Especially great is the choice of Microsoft SharePoint for those users who are already working with Microsoft products. 

On this platform, your colleagues and you can edit files together and organize them the way you want. A search function is also present and will facilitate the process of working with files. SharePoint Solutions can further enhance your experience with Microsoft SharePoint, providing tailored solutions and customizations to meet your specific business needs.

Microsoft SharePoint requires a knack for this system. To use this tool smoothly and cleverly, you will have to go through a little training. So, you will be able to get acquainted with all the features and capabilities of this wonderful software. But luckily, this program teaches you how to use it. It’s not that difficult, and it won’t take your employees much time.

Microsoft SharePoint offers very affordable pricing from $5 to $23 per month per user. Their website has tables describing the benefits of each package. Go to their website and read more information about the services to choose the best option for you.  

M-Files

M-Files is one of the best programs in terms of ease of use and user-friendly platform interface. 

This platform gives you a comprehensive approach to document management and sorting. Document scanning is fast enough. You can digitize large amounts of data. There are appropriate tools for this. Many processes are automated. For example, the application offers character recognition: this happens automatically and speeds up the processing and scanning of documents. 

Also, organizing documents is very easy. The platform helps you do this quickly and easily with the implementation of machine learning processes. 

We can recommend this app because it is the most intuitive of all the apps out there. You won’t have to train your staff on how to use it and will be able to get to work right away.

The creators of M-Files promise a high level of data protection thanks to its technology.  

Moreover, all users, regardless of the package they purchased, can choose the type of system that is convenient for them. This is a huge advantage of the service. As a current MA in service design explains, it is essential to orchastrate the various stages of a service to ensure a pleasant, seamless experience.  

We cannot advise the best package offered by M-Files for you because every business is unique, plus some perform all their opertaions in-house, while others use business process outsourcing (BPO) But you, with the best understanding of your company, can go to their website and choose the best solution based on the specific case. 

Conclusion 

In today’s world, when people get rid of bulky office cabinets with piles of dusty documents and go digital, you can’t do without document management software. Some people spend a lot of time looking for the best solution, but we decided to save your precious time and did this work for you. 

After studying a lot of solutions, we chose the ones that are the easiest to use, the most affordable, and the best in terms of quality of service. We hope that one of the presented options can become a good assistant in running your business! 

Evaluate your financial capabilities and your top priorities in terms of product functionality. Each of the offers in this article is unique. Then, considering the specifics of your business, make a decision. We’re sure you’ll be able to make the right choice and improve the performance of your business!

Why Is Data So Important For Your Business In 2022 – Here’s the Answer

Posted on by Charlene Brown
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It’s any person’s dream to one day run their own business. And this is why it’s so important for you to understand how the world is moving in terms of technology. How you use and keep your data could be the make or break for your success in any market you choose to work in. In this fast-paced market, the size of the business you are running does not matter. What matters is the way you collect valuable data and analyze it to give you an edge over your competitors and improve the business outcomes. In this article, we will be reading about how companies and businesses use data to improve their workflow, and work processes, and make smart decisions to achieve better results.Why Is Data So Important For Your Business In 2022 – Here’s the Answer

Problem-Solving

Let’s say you invested in a marketing campaign but couldn’t get fruitful results or are not satisfied with the performance of your sales team. The best way to review the performance and gain insights will be through data collection and analysis.

Business processes like marketing and sales can be reviewed while using data analytics. Doing this will assist you in identifying where process breakdowns occur, so you can further evaluate the situation to come up with a solution. Take a look at the top businesses running today, and you will find these companies are data-driven. They use data to make or modify business decisions, allowing them to stay ahead of their competition. 

Improving Revenue

Using data adequately allows businesses to improve their revenue and cash flow. By reviewing the financial data, you will be able to tell the work processes which you have put money into, learn about your spending habits, and track whether the areas you invested in are performing well or not. However, it is also necessary to understand that the data you use needs to be managed first before using it to review insights. There are several data management best practices you can implement to safely collect, store, and use data as required. Doing this is crucial as it will be the responsibility of the business to keep the data secured. You can learn more about best practices of data management, so you can completely understand how you will be handling data. 

Understanding Customers

For a business to be successful, it is crucial to focus on its customers. Knowing their preferences, their loyalty to your brand, the demographics, and location you are getting the most response in terms of sales. With adequate data and a sophisticated analysis tool, it becomes easier to know whether the marketing strategy you have implemented connects to existing as well as new customers. However, if the data does not show promising results, it means the marketing strategy needs to be revised. Similar to data analysis, the tools you use for analysis should also be authentic and reliable. There are several consumer data analytical tools out there that you can use to improve sales.

Improving Business Processes

With the correct data analysis, you can completely understand your business processes. This allows you to work on the aspects of the process that are resulting in a waste of time and resources. Identifying these areas is necessary as in addition to wasting resources ad time, they hurt the overall statistics of a business. After these issues are identified, businesses immediately start working on resolving them to improve the overall performance and outcomes. 

Internal operations like supply chain management and logistics planning can also be evaluated using data analysis tools which will be stored in a database. Then you can use a Reverse ETL to move the data to your operating systems to make the best use of it and improve the business’s profitability.

With the right use of data analysis tools, it becomes easier to identify the type of consumers you need to focus on. Based on their interests, marketing campaigns can be initiated to convert these leads into sales. As mentioned above, the location of the customer matters. You can use the location data to set up a local marketing campaign and target your customers through promotional offers. 

Data-Driven Culture

Successful businesses are always keen to adapt to a data-driven culture. From team leaders to sales personnel, everyone adopts the data-driven culture where all are on the same page while working on projects. Allowing this culture ensures the products you deliver are of top quality.

Collecting data and analyzing is indeed a good practice; businesses are adopting it to gain valuable insights into their business. Small businesses cannot afford to lose money while experimenting with different strategies and data integration. Using insights gathered from data, allows aspiring companies to implement strategies directed at consumers. However, it is imperative to understand and pinpoint the type of data you want to collect. Understanding what type of data is required to be collected for your business is the key to success. Therefore, always spend your time and resources wisely to achieve the best business outcomes.

How To Choose The Right POS System For Your Business

Posted on by Charlene Brown
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The world is rapidly changing. This necessitates constant adjustment and rigorous adaptation of new trends and practices, particularly in business and marketing. Running a small business nowadays presents considerable challenges, like attracting your clients, covering operational costs, and successfully competing with other firms in the sector. In the meantime, you also need to care for your staff, as they are the welcoming faces of the company. Whatever strategies you choose to employ in order to tackle these challenges, keep in mind that the buyer must leave your store completely satisfied, which surely includes the method of payment, like a hassle-free POS system. But what are the key factors to help you decide how to pick the right one?

Your Type Of Business

The first and most important factor that will help you choose the right POS, is the kind of business you own. If you run a small store frequented by just a few clients a day (who also prefer to pay in cash most of the time), then the logical choice is to go for the simplest and most value-for-money option. If, however, you run a well-known store, which draws a large number of customers, then you have to consider choosing a more comprehensive POS system that integrates the latest in technology and the most popular electronic forms of payment.

The Importance Of Software

This is another factor that depends on your type of business. Retail stores certainly need an appropriate POS system that, first and foremost, complies with PCI standards, and which can also be linked both to a receipt printer and a bar code scanner. If it integrates inventory management, even better, as this will prove to be time-saving and will be a step towards automation, as well. Extra software features, such as eCommerce tools and email marketing, are also available for eCommerce stores or online marketplaces. These typically appear on social media, whereas mobile professionals, such as contractors, will benefit from an offline mode or Invoice software. Sales reports are also very useful, as they help you – along with analytics software – to pinpoint your areas of opportunity and improve upon them.

The Right Hardware

Hardware is equally important, depending of course on the job-specific needs. Bars and restaurants, for example, will benefit immensely from certain functions like the ability to change items on the menu, provide kitchen tickets in print, and ultimately communicate with the kitchen altogether. Another useful feature is the option provided to clients to split tickets or keep open tickets for those who wish to settle their tab in the end. That’s why custom-made hardware kits are essential to restaurants and bars. Any other retail store might as well opt for the most inclusive hardware, particularly one that accepts EMV chip cards, and NFC payments, and is definitely PCI compliant.

Contractors or outside vendors, on the other hand, will require mobile POS systems that are small, feasible, and portable in order to facilitate constantly being on the go now while including features such as contactless, chip, and magstripe readers, as well as an offline mode for when they are outside the range of cell towers. Such POS systems can be exceptionally multi-functional, incorporating highly effective software that can cater to any professional requirement, such as running on multiple operating platforms (from PCs to iPads and smartphones), being user-friendly, and incorporating functions like bookkeeping, data management of your customers and/or an app that can track your employees’ time.  

Running Costs

Technological innovations and futuristic advancements are always intriguing topics of discussion when you need to make a decision such as this. At some point though, you’ll have to figure out the costs as well. All this tech does not come cheap, after all. So, equally significant factors you’ll have to consider are the initial setup cost, the payment processing costs, equipment costs or rental fees, and POS software fees. Of course, whether it will be worth paying for all these functions, will depend on the scope of your store or company.

You’ve probably been somewhat overwhelmed by the numerous functions and technologies discussed in this post, but rest assured that they’re all crucial in assisting you in making your final decision on which POS system to choose for your business. Whatever your choice, in the end, do keep in mind that certain parameters must be followed, like PCI compliance and EMV chip card acceptability. Then, if your budget allows it, you should probably choose one that’s specifically tailored to your type of business, while including the most features that will keep your customers happy. After all, isn’t this the goal in the end? 

How to Create an Effective Link Building Strategy

Posted on by Scott Fluent
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Link building can be one of the most effective search engine optimization strategies when executed correctly. It’s one of the determining factors search engines use when completing their rankings. In fact, within Google’s search engine results page, the pages that rank within the top spots have an average of 3.8 times more backlinks than the results on further pages.

Unfortunately, many people haven’t adjusted to the changes made to link-building SEO tactics over the years. In the past, successful link building relied heavily on the number of links rather than the quality. But today, people know more about the internet and what they’re looking for when searching it.

It’s easier for the average internet user to determine a sketchy website today than it was 10 years ago. This applies to search engine algorithms as well. Rather than just looking at how many sites link to yours, search engines now take into account the quality of those websites as well. The more trustworthy and high-quality links you have leading back to your website, the higher your page will appear on search engine results pages.

Link building is a gradual process. It’s not an easy endeavor, which is why most people fail in executing it correctly. If you’re interested in learning how to create an effective link-building strategy, below we highlight five steps to ensure yours is top-notch.

Outreach

One of the best ways to get something done is to ask for help. In this case, ask your fellow bloggers. There are plenty of online forums and social media groups that cater to bloggers and their niche interests. Ask to share links with your peers. Of course, it’s better to do your research beforehand so you don’t end up link-building with an untrusted source.

You can also do market research within your sector and see who the most popular bloggers are. Start including links to work from those blogs that you find. Then you can reach out to the bloggers individually to see if they would be interested in sharing some of your work within their next postings. Be sure to share your expertise in the subject matter, and mention that you backlink to their website.

Devise A Broken Link Strategy

There are millions of broken links on the internet, leading to websites that either don’t exist anymore or never did in the first place. A broken link strategy can help you turn those dead-ends into a win for you and your website. First, you need to find relevant broken links on websites or blogs. Then you create something similar to the broken resource, typically a webpage or posting. Reach out to anyone you see linking the dead resource, let them know that the resource is broken, and ask them to use your link instead.

Check Out The Competitions Backlinks

There’s nothing wrong with checking in on your competition. If your competitors are ranking higher than you, they’re doing something right. Chances are their link-building strategy has something to do with their positive positioning within the search engine results. Check out what links they are using.

Checking out your competition blogs also gives you insight into the keywords and phrases they use. This insight can help you figure out what you need to tweak within your website, with the goal of those tweaks increasing your standings within the search results.

Guest Blogging

Guest blogging encourages link building and it does so quite naturally. You can either contribute articles to other websites within your niche or offer to host other bloggers’ work on your website. A number of specialist authority building companies can get you backlinks quickly. Be sure to repost your guest blogs on social media platforms and share the link within appropriate online forums. Aim to be authentic in your blogs, while also strategically aligning yourself with readers that will be interested in what you have to say.

Look For Unlinked Mentions

Sometimes other websites will mention your website or products without linking to your site. Mentions should be giving you an increase in traffic, so it’s best to scour the internet in search of any missed opportunities your website may have from mentions on other websites. Using an online content explorer can be beneficial in making your search less time-consuming.

How To Effectively Stay Safe While Doing Business Online

Posted on by Charlene Brown
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Most businesses these days are conducted online, which leaves many people vulnerable to scams and other fraudulent activity. It’s important to take steps to protect yourself when doing business online, and there are a few key things you can do to stay safe. Additionally, it’s a good idea to use a reputable website or service when conducting business online. Here are some tips for staying safe while doing business online.

1. Cyber Security Systems

Be sure to have a cyber security system in place to protect your business from online threats. This can include a firewall, anti-virus software, and other security measures. It’s also a good idea to have a backup system in place in case your primary system fails. According to https://www.gasystems.com.au/, “In the event of a data breach, you want to make sure that you have a plan in place to minimize the damage and get your business back up and running as quickly as possible.” 

If you don’t have a cyber security system in place, now is the time to get one. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your business.

2. Educate Yourself and Your Employees

When it comes to online safety, knowledge is power. Be sure to educate yourself and your employees about online threats and how to protect yourself. There are many resources available, such as online courses, webinars, and articles. You can also find helpful information by conducting a search on the internet or speaking with a cyber security expert. By taking the time to educate yourself and your employees, you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of an online scam or attack. 

Additionally, you’ll be able to identify threats more quickly and take appropriate action.

3. Use Trusted Websites and Services

When conducting business online, it’s important to use trusted websites and services. There are many scams and fake websites out there, so you need to be careful. Be sure to only do business with companies that you know and trust. You can also check online reviews to get an idea of whether or not a company is reputable. 

Additionally, look for https:// in the website address, as this indicates that the site is secure. It’s also a good idea to use a credit card when making online purchases, as this offers additional protection. This is especially important if you’re making a purchase from a new or unknown company.

4. Keep Your Personal Information Private

When doing business online, you’ll likely be asked to provide personal information, such as your name, address, and credit card number. It’s important to only provide this information to trusted websites and companies. Additionally, be sure to only provide the minimum amount of information that is required. You should also be aware of phishing scams, which are attempts to obtain personal information by posing as a reputable company. 

If you receive an email or message from a company that you don’t recognize, do not reply or click on any links. Instead, delete the message and report it to the authorities.

5. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

Be sure to monitor your business accounts regularly for any suspicious activity. This includes checking your bank statements and credit card statements. If you see any charges that you don’t recognize, be sure to report them to your bank or credit card company immediately. Additionally, you should change your passwords regularly and use different passwords for each account. By taking these precautions, you can help protect your business from fraud and identity theft. It’s also a good idea to set up two-factor authentication for your accounts, which adds an extra layer of security.

6. Stay Up-To-Date on Cybersecurity Threats

It’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest cybersecurity threats. This way, you can take steps to protect your business. You can stay informed by reading articles, watching webinars, and subscribing to newsletters. Additionally, you should consider attending conferences and workshops on cybersecurity. 

By staying up-to-date, you’ll be able to identify threats quickly and take appropriate action. This is an important step in protecting your business online. It’s also important to have a plan in place in case your business is hacked or attacked. By having a plan, you can minimize the damage and get your business back up and running quickly.

By following these tips, you can help protect your business from online threats. While no one is 100% safe from cyber attacks, by taking precautions, you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim. Additionally, if you do become a victim, you’ll be better prepared to handle the situation. Cybersecurity is an important issue, so don’t wait to take action. Implement these tips today to help keep your business safe.

Top Ways Drones Are Evolving Real Estate Businesses

Posted on by Allen Brown
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As technology advances, businesses must advance with it to stay competitive. And the real estate industry is no exception. Drones are changing how real estate businesses operate, making it easier and more efficient to capture essential data and images. This article will discuss some of the top ways drones evolve real estate businesses.

What Are Drones?

Drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), aircraft without a human pilot on board. They are controlled remotely by a ground-based operator, who uses a joystick or other controls to fly the drone. Drones come in different types and sizes, from large military models to small consumer-grade quadcopters. Some drones are even capable of autonomous flight, using onboard sensors and GPS to navigate without the need for an operator.

Makes Aerial Photography Accessible

Aerial photography used to be something that was only accessible to those with helicopters or expensive equipment. But now, thanks to drones, anyone can get their hands on a high-quality camera and capture stunning footage of a property. And with the help of Horizon Imaging, anyone can capture amazing aerial shots of properties. It enables Real estate businesses to provide potential buyers with a bird’s eye view of the property, giving them a better sense of its size and layout. Drones have been a game-changer for real estate businesses, as they can now market their listings in a whole new way. Drones provide potential buyers with a unique perspective of a property that traditional ground-level photos cannot provide.

Inspecting the Property

In the past, inspecting a property could be time-consuming and dangerous. But with drones, real estate businesses can quickly and easily get the data they need to make informed decisions about a property. Drones inspect hard-to-reach areas of a property, such as a roof or gutters, without putting any employees in harm’s way. They can assess the condition of a property after a natural disaster.

After a natural disaster, it can be difficult and dangerous for people to survey the damage. But with drones, businesses can quickly and safely assess the damage and create a plan of action. This has been extremely helpful in the aftermath of hurricanes and other natural disasters. This information is essential for real estate businesses to approve repairs and get insurance claims.

Also, some companies are now using drones equipped with thermal cameras to perform energy audits. It allows them to pinpoint areas where homes are losing heat, saving homeowners money on their energy bills. 

Creating a Virtual Tour

Nowadays, customers want to be able to see every angle of a property before they make a purchase. That is where drones come in handy. A drone can capture images and footage of a property from all angles, creating a virtual tour that potential buyers can view before they even step foot on the property. It allows them to get a better feel for the layout and size of the property and get an idea of the surrounding area. Virtual tours provide buyers with a convenient way to view a property without scheduling an appointment or taking time out of their busy day. And for real estate businesses, it provides a new way to market their properties and reach a wider audience.

Monitor Construction Sites

Construction sites can be dangerous places for workers. But with drones, real estate businesses can monitor construction sites from a safe distance and keep track of progress. Drones check on the progress of a construction project and identify any potential hazards. It helps ensure that everything is proceeding as planned and that there is no hidden damage or defects. This information is essential for keeping construction projects on schedule and within budget.

Surveys Land

Surveying land is a critical part of the real estate industry. In the past, surveying land was a time-consuming and expensive process that required crews to visit each property physically. Now, drones can quickly collect data about large tracts of land, saving surveyors a significant amount of time and effort. This data can then be used to create accurate maps and 3D models, which can help plan purposes. It also allows businesses to get an accurate picture of the land before making any decisions.

Drones have completely changed the real estate industry and have made it easier than ever for businesses to get the data they need. From aerial photography to construction site monitoring, drones provide real estate businesses with many new opportunities. And as drone technology continues to evolve, the real estate industry will only continue to benefit. So if you’re in the real estate business, make sure to take advantage of drones and all they have to offer. It could be the difference between closing a deal and losing out on a great opportunity.

Why Is Building a Successful Sales Funnel So Important For Your Business?

Posted on by Charlene Brown
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As the saying goes, “the money is in the list.” And that’s especially true when it comes to businesses. A successful sales funnel can mean the difference between a thriving business and one that struggles to make ends meet. But how exactly do you funnel sales from inquiries on your website?

A sales funnel is a marketing strategy designed to create and nurture relationships with potential customers and eventually turn them into paying customers. The term “sales funnel” refers to a potential customer’s journey from initial awareness of a product or service to eventually becoming a paying customer. The sales funnel is often represented as steps, starting with “awareness” and ending with “purchase.” In between, there are stages such as “interest,” “consideration,” and “decision.”

By understanding the needs and wants of customers at each stage of the sales funnel, businesses can create targeted marketing campaigns that will move them through the funnel more effectively. So why building a successful sales funnel is important for your business:

Allows You to Track Your Progress

When generating leads and converting them into customers, it’s important to track your progress. This way, you can see what’s working and what isn’t. A sales funnel gives you a clear picture of where your leads are coming from, how they’re progressing through your funnel, and whether or not they’re converting into customers. This information is crucial for understanding what’s working and what isn’t. It would be much more difficult to track your progress and make necessary changes without a sales funnel.

If you’re unsure how to build a sales funnel or where to start, plenty of resources and templates are available online. All you need is to visit the site to learn more about building a successful business funnel. The important thing is to get started and experiment until you find what works best for your business. With patience and effort, you’ll be on your way to building a successful sales funnel in no time.

Build Relationships With Your Customers

The sales funnel also allows you to build relationships with your customers. By nurturing your leads and providing them with valuable content, you can develop a rapport to encourage them to do business with you. Staying in touch with your customers after making a purchase can create loyalty and repeat business. Your customers will also be more likely to refer others to your business if they have a positive experience.

Helps You Generate More Leads

The goal of any business is to generate more leads. And a sales funnel can help you do just that. You can capture leads from various sources when you have a sales funnel.

This includes your website, social media, paid advertising, and more. Capturing leads from multiple sources can quickly build up a database of potential customers. This gives you a pool of people to market to, which can help you to generate more sales.

Also offering something of value at each stage of the funnel, you can encourage prospects to move further down the funnel and eventually make a purchase. B2B leads are important as well, you can generate b2b leads from many online sources.

Helps You Focus On Your Marketing Efforts

Whether you’re selling a product or a service, marketing is essential for any business. And one of the crucial aspects of effective marketing is focusing. By having a sales funnel in place, you can more easily identify your target audience and craft your marketing message to appeal to them. By understanding what stage of the funnel your target prospects are in, you can tailor your message and provide them with the information they need at that particular time. 

Helps Prioritize the Interests of the Customers

The sales funnel also helps you to prioritize the interests of your customers. Understanding what stage of the funnel they are in, you can provide them with the most relevant information to their needs. For example, if someone is in the awareness stage, they will be interested in general information about your product or service.

On the other hand, someone in the decision stage will be looking for more specific information to help them decide. By providing your customers with the information they need, you can more effectively guide them through the sales process. With customizable alerts and automated follow-up emails, they can stay on top of all their sales process steps while simultaneously providing excellent customer service.

Makes Marketing Easier

Marketing can be a challenge, especially if you don’t have a clear plan.

But when you have a sales funnel in place and access to a b2b leads database, marketing becomes much easier. You can focus your efforts on specific channels and target your audience more effectively. Additionally, you can track your results and ROI to see which marketing efforts are working and adjust your strategy accordingly. With a sales funnel, you can make marketing easier and more effective, which leads to better results for your business.

If you’re not already using a sales funnel in your business, now is the time to start. Implementing a sales funnel can help you achieve your marketing and sales goals. It also provides you with many other benefits, such as tracking your results, building relationships with your customers, and generating more leads. 

SignNow API vs. HelloSign API – A Brief Comparison by the Experts

Posted on by Bailey Merton
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If you have already used e-signature services to sign documents in your business, you already know how convenient it is. But it is even better to use a reliable e-signature platform. It allows you to create a digital signature to be used every time you have a business document to be signed.

An API is a web application that allows people to request documents for signing and achieve a lot more. There are many e-signature APIs such as SignNow and HelloSign. If you are curious, let’s go through the SignNow API vs. HelloSign API comparison to help you choose the best options for yourself.

SignNow API vs HelloSign API – Definition

SignNow is a platform that provides e-signature services to companies and organizations. It is a US-based platform, although it serves clients from all over the world, as a SaaS (software as a service) to those who want to sign and manage legally binding signatures. The SignNow API has tools to suit every business.

On the other hand, HelloSign API is a similar solution but with less tools and features. You will notice this when we look at SignNow API vs HelloSign API differences here below. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative at the cost of features and capabilities, go for this app.

SignNow API vs HelloSign API – What Makes the Difference

·  Time-saving – When it comes to time-saving, comparing SignNow API vs HelloSign API is not fair. SignNow API integrates quickly into your work environment whether it is a web platform or app. With their well-defined processes, you do not need a professional to set up an account, upload a signature, and submit documents for signing.

·  Customized workflows – When comparing SignNow API vs. HelloSign API, you will notice that the former allows the creation of brandable workflows for authentic eSignature requests, emails, and profiles. You are likely not to get much anywhere else, so consider choosing SignNow as your choice for brand credibility.

·  The pricing – The pricing is SignNow API vs HelloSign API is very different. SignNow offers competitive pricing that will allow you to scale up your business within no time. If you compare all the features of the API, you will appreciate the value of the money you will be getting. On the other hand, HelloSign offers a cheaper alternative but may have compromised features.

·  Security level – This API is designed with data protection features. You are guaranteed data encryption, so your documents are not exposed to unnecessary risks during submission. It is also compliant with different regulations such as HIPAA and eIDAS among others. SignNow API vs HelloSign API comparison will help you choose the secure option, which in this case is the SignNow API.

Final Words

When you visit the SignNow website, you will see a lot of features that distinguish the API from others. It has numerous features to suit your business. So, take time to go through the detailed SignNow API vs. HelloSign API comparison after reading this brief comparison. We hope the insights help you make the right decisions that will benefit your business.

How Can Technology Improve the Effectiveness of the Recruitment Process

Posted on by Charlene Brown
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Thanks to modern technology, the recruitment process has never been easier. Businesses don’t need to send out hundreds of letters inviting prospective employees to interviews, nor do they have to vet each person individually by mail or phone. Businesses are able to efficiently background check people and invite them for interviews. Interviews themselves can also be held online, which makes them a lot easier for interviewees and interviewers.

This post will explore this subject a little deeper. Technology can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the recruitment process:

Job Listings

Technology gives companies the opportunity to post more concise and informative job listings. Additionally, with the aid of technology, companies can advertise their job listings to large audiences. More concise and informative job listings significantly improve the candidate experience, which can, in turn, result in happier and more content employees. When you are posting job listings for your company, it is very important to publish accurate information. As well as accurate information, make sure that you include the wage on offer, as well as the benefits of working with your company. A lot of companies fail to do this, which significantly reduces the number of applicants that they get for positions that they are advertising. More concise listings will increase the number of applications that you get.

Online Applications

Job listings aren’t the only things that technology allows companies to publish online. The internet also gives companies the opportunity to have applicants complete online applications, before sending their resumes in. These applications give businesses the ability to filter out applicants that don’t meet the job’s criteria. Companies can put question boxes on the application’s page, and then immediately deny applicants that answer the questions in a way that’s undesirable for that company. Online applications also give applicants an opportunity to talk about themselves, explaining what their strengths are. This makes the lives of hiring managers much easier because they are able to see who’s more qualified for the position that’s listed without checking out resumes first.  

Having niche-specific help when hiring ensures that companies attract candidates with the right skills and experience. Charity organizations can find a fundraising recruitment agency that specializes in sourcing professionals with expertise in donor relations, campaign management, and nonprofit development. Working with a specialized agency streamlines the hiring process and increases the chances of securing passionate, qualified candidates. This targeted approach saves time and resources while ensuring that organizations build strong, effective teams.

Digital Interviews

Interviews don’t need to be held in person anymore. Trying to find the time to interview multiple people in person can be extremely difficult, especially if it is just the first interview. Some jobs have several interview stages. If your company is going to be holding several interviews per applicant, then digital interviews are a great way to filter out underqualified and undesirable applicants, without wasting their time (and yours). Additionally, digital interviews are COVID-safe. The pandemic’s still ongoing despite wide vaccine rollouts, so ensuring COVID safety is strongly recommended by governments from around the world.

Reference Checks

Reference checks are a very important part of the recruitment process. They are conducted so that companies can be sure the people that they are hiring are qualified, experienced, and most importantly of all, of good character. The most common type of reference check performed is a police background check. Before technology, companies had to apply for these in writing (or required individuals to provide their own). Now, it’s possible to perform these checks online. It’s also easier for companies to background check people with the help of social media and Google searches. Background checks have been simplified tremendously by technology.

Efficient Onboarding

When applicants are offered jobs, onboarding is the next step. However, before technology, employees would have to attend their new job’s main office in person and supply HR staff with their passport, bank statements, and proof of address. Onboarding has never been easier, with the help of technology. Now employees can be onboarded via email and with the use of various video messaging platforms, like Zoom and Skype. The ability to onboard online makes it a lot easier for people to get on with their new jobs, without interrupting their schedules, especially if their jobs are remote.

Remote Working

On the subject of remote work, technology has given companies the ability to offer employees the opportunity to work from home. Working from home is an extremely effective way of saving your staff time and money. Commuting to work can be very draining, not to mention extremely expensive. Technology makes working from home possible. You will be able to have an entire workforce working from home, as long as you supply them with phones and laptops. Remote working also ensures that your staff are safe and don’t have to worry about picking up any viruses or illnesses at work when interacting with large groups of people.

Technology has completely transformed the way that companies hire new staff. Not only is recruitment a lot easier now, but it is also a lot more cost-efficient. Job applicants and companies alike have never had it easier, thanks to technology.