Taking the next steps for your business

Running a modern business is something you need to take the time to get right. There are a lot of factors you have to keep in mind when you are looking to achieve business success.

You need to know what is involved in making a modern business successful, and that means taking steps to improve the process. Do as much as you can to improve the way you run your business, as well as the success can expect to get.

There are a lot of things that can play a part in this, and it is important that you come up with as many ideas as possible to improve the way you choose to run your company. This is something that plays a massive part in the process of running a modern company. Make sure you consider the different ideas that can improve your company, and this is something you need to make sure you keep in mind right now.

Make Your Website Better

You need to come up with some excellent ways of being able to improve your website as make it better as much as possible. This is something that is really important to think about moving forward, and there are a lot of factors you can use to help you with this. Your website acts like a calling card for your business, and you’ve got to make sure you are focused on improving the way the website is designed and working on what you can do to make the most of this right now.

Attach an Online Store

An online store can play a big role in the world of business, and this is something you need to consider for your website. By attaching an online store you are going to be in a better position to capitalize on impulse sales, and make things easier for your customers to make purchases. Head to kusuriexpress.com to find an example of a great online store that works on many different levels. Also see petkusuri.com for another great website that offers a diverse range of products and is simple to use.

Market Yourself Well

Make sure you look at some of the best ways of marketing yourself and taking the business forward to the next level. You need to make sure you think about the different ideas you can use to improve your business marketing, and this is something to consider for the future. Try to hire the right experts to take your business marketing to the next level, and make sure you have a diverse range of marketing methods to choose from.

These are just some of the factors that you need to consider when it comes to making the best decisions for your business. There are a lot of factors you’ll need to get right, and this is something that is going to help a lot in this respect. Make sure you focus on the best way of taking your company forward in the right sort of way.

Grand Theft Auto update banned in over 50 countries

For any business leaders who associate with the online gaming and gambling industries, it’s essential to be in the know regarding a new milestone that was recently crossed for both sectors.

After a lull in updates, Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5) introduced its groundbreaking Diamond Casino & Resort update on July 23rd. As the game approaches six years of age, this highly-anticipated and free content update adds whole new dimensions of adventure, luxury, speed and gameplay to the world of GTA 5. The update developed by Rockstar Games shattered records for player numbers, making it the biggest day and biggest week in the game’s history. The casino floor features roulette, blackjack, three card poker, and slot machines.

Players in over 50 countries have been barred from purchasing chips due to gambling laws in their respective countries. Prominent countries among those banned from in-game gambling include:

• China
• Czech Republic
• Greece
• Iceland
• Liechtenstein
• Luxembourg
• North Korea
• Pakistan
• Poland
• Portugal
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Sudan
• Thailand
• United Arab Emirates
• Vietnam
• Venezuela

Off the casino floor, players can place bets on inside track horse racing, which is argued to be one of the most profitable gambling options in GTA 5. The only thing that doesn’t come free with this update is the online casino chips needed to gamble in this rowdy, virtualized reality. You can purchase $50,000 worth of virtual GTA chips for roughly £1.00 ($1.50) in real-world currency. Each virtual dollar equates to one virtual chip in GTA 5. As a means of preventing overspending, $50,000  is the maximum amount players can purchase every 48 minutes (equivalent to one in-game day).

Despite this sizeable legal barrier across the globe, the update is available nationwide in the United Kingdom and the United States. Many players have managed to purchase chips and participate in gambling activities by using a VPN at their own risk.

While you can convert your hard-earned currency into GTA casino chips, you can’t turn your casino chips back to real-world money, making this new virtual currency a somewhat controversial gaming concept.

If you’re of age and want to participate in higher-stakes online gambling to win real spending money, there are many alternative online gambling options available. One of the most noteworthy and reputable platforms on the market has been created by a company called Bovada, a pioneer in the creation of online betting experiences. They’ve created the Bovada Casino, offering premium entertainment value and opportunities for winning more than just virtual chips that can only be used in a virtual world.

Instead, Bovada accepts real currency, along with Bitcoin. Their online experience features live dealers and over 100 casino games. According to a Bovada review, the feature that makes their platform stand out most is the option to bet on real professional sports.

While the introduction of innovative in-game GTA gambling has disrupted both the gaming and gambling industries, the update has come along with a lot of other exciting perks that also drew much of the attention.

Primary among these perks is the introduction of luxury penthouses players can purchase with their winnings. If you can’t afford to live an extravagant lifestyle in the real world, GTA offers players the chance to become a virtual millionaire.

The game’s Master Penthouse features stunning views, an infinity pool, spa, lounge area, media room, garage and more. And what GTA update wouldn’t include flashy new cars? This one comes with highly customizable racing cars and luxury vehicles. Among these vehicles, the Vysser Neo Sports Car was announced shortly after the update on August 1st. This luxurious car is based on one of the most distinguished cars ever created in real life, the Spyker C8. Once you rack up enough digital winnings from the Diamond Casino, you can purchase this beauty for $1,875,000.

In addition to all the virtual material wealth offered, the update introduced a new storyline that tasks players with protecting the casino and its owner (Tao Cheng) from a hostile takeover by a cutthroat, oil-rich family hailing from Texas and seeking to build a financial empire.

The appeal of these luxuries and adventures demonstrates that gamers and light online gamblers have a healthy appetite for a virtual lifestyle akin to that of James Bond—a key consideration for both players and those designing these online gaming experiences.

It’s the right time to embrace the cloud accounting for SMEs

In the age of rapid technological growth, times are changing, and this doesn’t exclude how businesses work.

As mobile technology evolves, our requirements for accessibility changes too, meaning running a business from a central, stationary, hub, is no longer a necessity, or even convenient. These days, being able to travel and remain connected is an integral aspect of modern life, both personally and professionally.

An estimated 70% of all workers now work from home at least once a week, while it is estimated that, in just a few years, 40% of all workforces will do so remotely. The shift from working on site is in full progress, and at this moment, it’s the right time to embrace the cloud accounting for all SMEs.

What is the cloud accounting?

If you’re unfamiliar with the cloud, what you need to know is that, in essence, it is simply an online resource for the storage and access of data and programs. In the same way, you access information on your localized hard-drive, the cloud allows you to do so online. Therefore, you can access and use any cloud compatible software using any device that has internet connectivity, anywhere in the world.

The reason the cloud is different is that it facilitates for shared data to reach all intended people with access immediately, in real time, with a user-friendly interface. The cloud accounting integrates this superior accessibility with familiar accounting software, like QuickBooks 2019 Desktop, offering you quick, shareable, up to date information, and an improved overview of your current finances. 

Is the cloud safe?

Managing your business accounts online may sound like a risk, however, you’ve more than likely already had experience using something similar if you’ve ever used internet banking. Information stored in the cloud is only accessible with personal account information and is otherwise encrypted for your protection. Here’s some essential  cloud storage solutions you would want to look into to boost small business.

In many ways, data stored with the cloud is safer than on your hard-drive, as your information is not vulnerable or at risk from device theft or damage. Online sharing and accessibility remove the need for physical file sharing, like with USB drives, email, etc, so data is at less risk of being copied and falling into the wrong hands. With your data being stored and accessed online eliminates the need to make copies and gives you greater control over who has access. 

How can any SME benefit from the cloud accounting?

Aside from the greater security of your data, there are many ways in which the cloud accounting can benefit SMEs. If you’re considering utilizing the cloud and integrating QuickBooks 2019 Desktop, or any other accounting software, we have listed just some of the improvements it can make within your business below.

• It is cost effective.

As managing your accounts with cloud compatible software is provided via a subscription service, all the maintenance costs are upfront. There are no potential unexpected fees or additional charges for customer support, software updates, etc, as all aspects are managed by the service provider remotely.

• It is time effective.

As software changes, upgrades, and maintenance are all managed online, it saves you all the time you’d usually spend downloading and installing programs to keep your system up to date with traditional software. This allows you to reinvest your time better in other aspects of your business, or even your personal life.

• It offers flexible accessibility.

The flexible access afforded to you by online accessibility means the opportunities are endless. With the cloud accounting, you can manage your business at work, from home, or wherever you need to be in the world.

In addition, the ability to share data across any device with internet connectivity, allowing for multiple users to access the same data simultaneously, improves productivity and collaboration. The cloud will contain all up to date information pertaining to your business in one place, with an easy to use operating system, both fully customizable and manageable.

How to find the best SEO consultant in London

With Google’s increasing popularity, businesses have started looking for expert SEO services.

They have come to realise that owning a website isn’t enough to prosper in today’s highly competitive market.

That website has to be easily accessible for people to see the products and services your company offers. And this implies that it should ‘rank’ high in terms of the keywords as well as key phrases that explain what your business does and offers. Investing in search engine optimization (SEO) is the only sure way to achieve this.

Of course, not all SEO is the same. The SEO for local businesses may vary greatly from that of a global brand. So, you ought to hire an excellent SEO consultant in London if you want to enjoy the best business experience.

The Importance of Local SEO

There are numerous reasons why a local business will want to invest in SEO, especially if it’s well-established online.

Most consumers (over 86%) use the internet for searching and accessing local businesses. And 29% look for local enterprises online at least once per week.

72% claim that search is their favorite method for accessing information about local merchants. Research shows that local searches lead most people to visit a company within 24 hours.

From these data, you can clearly see that no matter what your company offers, it’s still very important that it establishes a strong online presence. With the right SEO consultant in London, you can easily achieve that. But what are the things you should be looking for? Here are a few pointers:

1. Flexible, efficient, and up to date. SEO keeps changing all the time. And a reliable SEO expert in London should have the capacity to cope up with those changes and deliver reliable solutions.
2. Honest and transparent. Good SEO consultants keep their clients updated about all their intentions. Because it’s your company’s reputation that’s at stake, it’s crucial that you work with a trusted partner. The Agency should be effective, ethical, and able to represent your brand in a positive manner.

How to Choose a Dependable SEO Company: Pro Tips

With countless SEO companies now flooding the market, it can be quite daunting to pick the right one. But with the following tips, it can be simpler finding the right agency for your business.

• Set Your Goals. To get the best SEO team, you need to pinpoint the specific areas you want to improve. For instance, you may need an entirely new website or just some SEO upgrades. A good agency will provide data on the most beneficial areas of focus.
• Data Tracking Capability. Settle for an SEO firm that’s capable of tracking and measuring all your company’s data- from phone calls, site visits, and contact forms to click through rates.
• Reviews as well as Case Studies.One of the most effective ways to identify a reputable SEO agency is to check their testimonials plus online reviews. You can explore the company’s website or search them on sites such as Google and Yelp.
• Budget is Key. Plan your budget ahead to avoid getting trapped in something you can’t afford. Most companies will provide several monthly packages for you to choose from. Pick something affordable that’ll make your life easier.

Looking for the best online logo maker? Here is your best shot

Whether you are just starting your own company or you are looking to rebrand it, you will need an attractive and quality logo to represent you and the company.

A logo speaks volume of any company they represent and goes a long way to determine how your audience and customers view your company.

Creating a logo may sometimes feel intimidating and overwhelming. However, with the help of an easy-to-use online logo maker, you don’t need to worry. Easily create a high-quality and professional-looking logo in just a few steps – especially if you are on a shoestring budget.

Perhaps you think that to achieve a professional look; you have to consult an expensive logo designer? Maybe settle for a cheap cookie-cutter image from a freelancer because of your tight budget? The truth is you don’t have to pay through your nose to create a logo, and neither should the finished result look like a knock-off.

You can create a catchy, classy, and professional logo online free of charge and all by yourself. You only pay a small token to have the logo you designed; only when you are 100% satisfied with your final design.

This online tool will help you create your business logo as fast as you can imagine – in just a few steps. With the numerous powerful image editor controls and amazing templates on the site, you might be surprised how fast and easy it could be to make a great logo.

However, before I tell you more about this free to use online tool, let me open your eyes to some things that may help when it comes to creating a logo for your business.

Logo Design Tips to Help You Create the Best Logo

Creating a logo for your company goes far beyond just making the most-fancy cartoon and then adding your business name. You need to remember that your logo can be the biggest driver of attention to your company and then eventually land you some great deals.

Below are some tips you need to remember when creating a logo for your business.

#1: Always avoid using backgrounds

You will want to create a look that can fit any background or at least most backgrounds. So, I will always recommend that you just go for a transparent background so you can easily adjust it to fit any background from your paperwork, presentations or envelopes. Use a logo maker that allows you have your logo in different files; jpg, png, pdf, AI, and many more. That way, you will have an HD logo that can work for any of your brand materials.

#2: It’s important you have a vector AI file of your logo

You need to have the vector file of your logo – one of the reasons you should design your logo yourself. It is your logo and you have the right to own it and use it for whatsoever you want in the future. When you use the logo maker, you will also be getting the vector file, which allows you to edit, resize, and modify your project in a later stage.

#3: Don’t use hard-to read fonts

The flat design trend is enough for you. Don’t include any crazy fonts on your logo. They are always heavy and difficult to read. So avoid them. Use a easy-to-read fonts like Cinzel font.

#4: Make sure your logo is not confusing

A bad logo is one that has too many cartoons and elements that don’t easily glue, so avoid that kind of logo. Make a very simple logo with a clear message.

#5: Using a slogan is a good idea

Sometimes, you may need to use a slogan on your logo. This is especially important if you are using initials as your company logo or running a small business that nobody knows what you are doing. Use a short but catchy slogan that gives good insight into what you do in your company.

#6: Get a second and third opinion

This is very important when creating a logo for your business. Ask the opinion of other people about your logo. What do they think about it and what are their suggestions? These people may see what you didn’t see at first.

The Best Free Online Logo Maker to Help Get the Job Done

Now let’s talk about how you can create your own professional logo. Out of all the logo makers available on the internet, I can personally recommend just one online logo maker because of my recent experience with it as well as amazing reports from people about the tool. I can gladly say it’s one of the best logo makers you can ever use to create really stunning logos online and without breaking the bank.

It works well for all industries, including the fashion, beauty, law firm, plumber, photography, and all small businesses who needs a logo design fast and easy.

It has a professionally designed library that allows you to quickly and easily generate thousands stunning logos. You only need to choose one logo from the library and then customize to your taste to suit your business. You instantly modify the format, layout, fonts, and colors of the logo.

With just a few clicks and no design experience, this easy-to-use logo maker tool will help you create unique and awesome logos for your business and brands.

It Is Super Easy to Create A Professional Logo

One thing that is usually of limited supply to start-ups, entrepreneurs, and new businesses is time. We don’t have a luxury of time in our hands and so what we need is a tool that will be super easy to use. This tool has lots of already perfected logo designs so you can make your own logos from them in a matter of minutes.

The Online Logo Maker is Fit for Everyone

With the online logo maker, you can create a wide variety of logos, including Alphabet logos, vintage logos 3D logos, beauty logos, real estate logos, travel logos and many more logo categories to choose from. That way, you can be sure of getting a perfect fit for your business or company.

Why Should You Use This Free Online Logo Maker?

It is free to use

Looking for a free to use online logo maker? You have just found one! This tool is absolutely free to use. Browse through the rich library of professionally designed logos and choose the one that best suits your business without parting with a single penny. You pay a very small token to have your lovely logo ONLY when you are 100% satisfied with your final logo design and you are ready to use it.

It is very simple and fast

You don’t have to spend days creating a logo for your company. All you need to do is to choose a suitable design from the several amazing templates on the site and start editing. Without wasting much time, you can design your own logo just the way you have always wanted it.

You get unique designs

They don’t use stock icons like most logo makers online. So when you use the tool, you are sure of getting a unique logo design for your company. The tool has 10,000’s of unique templates designed by professional graphic designers which make it easy for you to have a stunning logo without stress.

Logos are available in multiple formats

This is more than just creating a logo! After finish creating your cool logo, you can save and have your logo in different formats, including in vector format. You only need to indicate in which format you want to have your logo, and you have it. Your logo will be ready to use without any watermark, will come in multiple variations, high resolutions. So it wouldn’t be a problem in case you decide to print it.

Freedom

You can use your logo wherever you like; on your website, letterhead, or your blog. You can also publish it on any social media of your choice.

How Do You Get Started?

It is very easy to create your own unique logo with this free online logo maker. In just three simple steps, your logo will be ready to use. Don’t know how to start? Follow these simple steps:

• Step 1:choose from 10,000+ free logo design templates available in the library. Choose the one that best represents your company and business.
• Step 2:use the free online logo making tool to further customize the template you have chosen. Input your company name and slogan (if you have any). Choose your preferred fonts and adjust the color to suit your taste.
• Step 3: it wants to contribute to your success and not limit it. Create as many free design ideas as you want. Place an order ONLY when you are 100% satisfied with your final design. (It is just $19 for the basic logo).

Professional logo designers will prepare and deliver your order, ready to be used right away.

This is just your chance to have a beautiful logo that resonates with your clients and customers. The platform is user-friendly and very easy to create your own logo.

Not sure how to start? You can head to free online logo maker now to check out some helpful tutorials to help you get started. You can’t just imagine how easy it could be to make your own stunning logo. Give it a try now!

Over 70,000 shop workers lose jobs as online sales & automation take hold

About 72,000 people lost their jobs in the retail industry in the past year as it has been hit by online shopping and automation.

The British Retail Consortium said the number of employees dropped 2.3 per cent in the second quarter of the year compared with the same period in 2018. It marked the 14th consecutive quarter of year-on-year decline.

Retail is on the front line of social and technological changes, with consumers increasingly spending their money on experiences rather than products, and purchasing more online. Roughly 18 per cent of all British retail sales are over the internet today.

Online sales have reduced demand for shop staff and stores are cutting costs by investing in automation, with self-service checkouts now common. Wage costs and business rates have also hammered the sector, with high street names such as HMV and Debenhams going under.

“We have seen retail employment falling across the country,” Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said. “Such declines are likely to endure, hastened by government policies that continue to add costs to an industry already under immense pressures.”

The consortium has been a fierce critic of business rates, which are charged on premises and disproportionately hit the industry. It said retailers accounted for 6 per cent of GDP but paid 26 per cent of business rates. The rates raise more than £30 billion annually, about the same as council tax.

A higher national living wage has also added to retailers’ costs and has pushed them to invest in automation to bring down pay bills.

The consortium found that job losses were greatest among full-time staff. They suffered a 3 per cent decline year-on-year compared with 2 per cent for part-time employees, as retailers appeared to prize flexibility.

Total hours worked fell by 2.5 per cent, with full-time hours being reduced more than part-time hours. Space taken by stores rose 1.7 per cent, which was down from 2.3 per cent in the first quarter, but the consortium said shops were serving a different role, “centred more on customer experience and offering social activities, for which fewer staff are needed”.

Households are also spending less in the shops. In a report published this month, the CBI, the business lobby group, found that retail sales volumes fell at their fastest pace in a decade in the year to June.

Ms Dickinson urged Boris Johnson to make retail a priority. “With a new prime minister and cabinet in place, there is a clear opportunity to rethink the high street strategy,” she said. “Business rates pose an unsustainable burden on shops and jobs.”

The most successful online slots software developers

Online gaming software companies are key players in not only the provision of games but also the existence of the entire virtual casino platform.

These companies are credited with single-handedly expanding the gambling industry into the online platform and making it the thriving niche it is today. Even though casinos act as the primary platforms to access games, software firms operate behind the scene to not only provide sets but also power the platform on which they run. Slots are the most focused on games by software developers. When trying to discern the best of the lot, some of the elements that can be assessed include:

• Licensing information: Like casinos, online slots software developers are also granted licenses that govern their provision of real money games. A firm holding a reputable license means that its releases have been put through a variety of tests to confirm their fairness and ability to support real money gameplay.
• Mobile affinity: Mobile gambling has become a vast indulgent across the globe and a considerable target market for software companies seeing that the platform boasts more than three billion users worldwide. Software firms with mobile games offer convenience to play on the go. A lot is offered at Vulkan Vegas as well.
• Entertainment value: Slot gameplay has seen minimal change over the decades, which makes the application of skills the same in all of them. However, the best online game developers incorporate entertainment value on top of straightforward gameplay in the form of themes and bonus rounds.
• Free and real money gameplay: The provision of free and real money game versions means that they will be available to a broader scope of players. Both variations of each game are the same with the only difference being that fun credits are used in the former instead of actual cash.

In this piece, we breakdown some of the leading online slots software developers that have managed to garner solid reputations in the gaming business.

NetEnt

NetEnt is undeniably the biggest name in slots development today, overtaking even industry giants like International Games Technology. This firm came to rise back in 1996 in Sweden when the industry was quite young, and it has played a significant role in forging the path taken by the niche to make it what it is today.

The entity is recognised for being the very first slots provider to incorporate the use of Java software in games, which aided in the entry of mobile gaming. This software has since been replaced with HTML5 technology for NetEnt slots’ compatibility with many more mobile operating systems and seamless gameplay. Some of those that still run on flash technology are being redeveloped to incorporate the tech.

NetEnt employs the use of more than seven hundred creative staff in their global offices to churn out games that deliver as much entertainment as they do simplicity. The games’ developer is credited with spearheading the use of three-dimensional tech in the creation of sets, which is the highest demanded in casinos today. The game provider has released more than three hundred titles since its entry into the market with a significant focus on quality over quantity. Some of its most popular titles to date include:

• Dead or Alive II
• Gonzo’s Quest
• The Invisible Man
• Starburst
• Aliens
• Vikings
• Mega Fortune
• Jimi Hendrix
• Dracula, etc.

These games are available for play in both free and real money play modes in more than three hundred licensed casinos worldwide.

Microgaming

Microgaming has more than a proven track record as a gaming software company that makes it’s a revered name on the web. This games developer is regarded as the father of all things internet gambling having been the first to ever provide gaming services online back in 1994. More than two decades of experience shows in the way the slots developer conducts business, which has maintained it as one of the top five gaming companies in the world even with the rise of fierce competition over the years.

One of the most significant steps that cemented Microgaming’s place among the crème de la crème of the gambling world was the launch of the Quickfire platform back in 2010. This subsidiary of the developer acts as a forum for smaller companies to gain recognition in the gambling market without having to invest in a platform where their games have to run. Also, it aids casinos easily pick and choose the sets they would like to include in their portfolio without having to take everything from a developer. This platform supports a community of hundreds of gaming firms, and one of the biggest beneficiaries is SkillOnNet, which tables more than five hundred games.

Microgaming carries a catalogue of more than 1200 games with a focus on various categories. Slots are the centre of attention in this portfolio with more than 850 titles that can be found in hundreds of Microgaming casinos online. These sets are centred on a variety of themes ranging from holidays and history to popular films and celebrities. Some of the highest-ranking Microgaming slot releases include:

• Jurassic World
• Jungle Jim El Dorado
• Hellboy
• Golden Era
• Game of Thrones
• Avalon II
• Mermaid Millions
• Secret Santa, etc.

Yggdrasil Gaming

Yggdrasil Gaming is one of the relatively recent entries in the world of online gaming software development having been launched in 2013. Even with its somewhat young nature, Yggdrasil has grown to command staggering heights of popularity that match those of successful pioneer companies. Such massive success is credited to the fact that the names behind the company’s establishment have a long history of working in the gaming business. For instance, the founder of the entity, Fredrik Elmqvist, worked as the CEO of NetEnt before opening the firm. Considering NetEnt is the most popular of all online game developers, Fredrik had a lot of experience in driving a gaming software company into success, which is reflected with Yggdrasil Gaming.

Yggdrasil Gaming’s name has an atypical ring to it, which is sourced from a giant ash tree in Norse mythology that is said to connect the nine worlds in the universe. The online gaming software company lives up to its name with the delivery of slot games that meet diverse needs from varying stake limits to themes. Yggdrasil Gaming’s portfolio is dotted with popular titles like:

• Cazino Cosmos
• Beauty and the Beast
• Vikings Go to Hell
• Cyrus the Virus
• Joker Millions
• Nirvana
• Orient Express
• Penguin City
• Seasons, etc.

Parting Shot

In the world of casino gambling, slots face the highest appetite from gamers such as those featured in https://vulkanvegas.com/en/category/slots. These online slots software developers work to satisfy this demand in select style and offer their games in a wide range of gambling dens. Both free and real money play modes can be enjoyed, and those in the latter category are certified as fair by reputable vetting firms.

5 crucial ecommerce tools for new or established online stores

When you search for ecommerce tools that you can use for your online store, you will find that there are thousands of them available at your disposal.

They range from ecommerce website platforms to those with more specific functions like automation tools and form builders.

With the multitudes present, it can feel overwhelming to select which tools are ideal for your needs.

Just by using the right tools, you can achieve optimum operational efficiency, better customer relationships, and improvements in your sales and conversions.

That said, here are five crucial ecommerce tools you should use for your online store.

There’s no shortage of ecommerce platforms available to help merchants build websites, maintain product catalogues, manage shopping carts, process payments, fulfill orders and market brands. Amid this crowded market, BigCommerce has risen in prominence in recent years, thanks to its embracing of the “headless commerce” trend.

Today’s ecommerce merchants need more than functional storefront websites. You need to offer your products on several digital sales channels, and your site needs to be a media-rich destination led by content, brand and community experiences. By allowing merchants to manage the commerce side of business in one centralized place that’s optimized to sync effortlessly with other channels through plugins, APIs and other integrations, BigCommerce’s headless commerce offering is where it’s at.

To support that experience and raise your income and visibility, you should also be where your customers are, whether that’s with social commerce, mobile apps, blogs, marketplaces or price comparison engines.

BigCommerce can help you with just that. It builds stunning and seamlessly integrable storefronts for Amazon, Facebook, eBay, Google Shopping, WordPress, Instagram and others. And you can do all that while handling products, payments and deliveries all in one place. The platform allows you to develop whatever digital experience you like and link out to a BigCommerce-hosted checkout interface, or to host it all yourself.

For your online store to give customers a stellar brand experience, sell where they are, and generate more sales, you need a headless commerce tool like BigCommerce.

Engaging with your customers through direct messages is essential to the success of your online store. If you can accommodate your customers’ inquiries instantly, you will make them feel valued, and they’re more likely to patronize your products and services.

To make that happen, you can use a tool like Crisp. It automates chatting with your site visitors when pre-set triggers are prompted. This makes for more personalized and highly interactive customer engagement.

It allows you to send files, documents and images – and to connect your live chat with social networking sites like Messenger and Twitter.

Scheduling calls with your customers is also more convenient with Crisp. Instead of using a third-party communication software, your customers can enjoy video and audio calls right through Crisp.

Plus, if you have customers speaking a different language and you’re worried you can’t converse with them, you can breathe easy. Crisp can translate both your and your customers’ messages automatically so you can still interact in real-time.

With Crisp, you can foster customer relationships through live chat and significantly improve your conversions.

Did you know that when it comes to purchasing decisions, 83 percent of consumers trust their peers’ recommendations more than advertisements? Moreover, if they see people patronizing a product, they are likely to consider it as attention-worthy. This reality is called “social proof,” and if you haven’t leveraged it yet, you should now, because it can increase your conversions by 15 percent.

To make that happen, you need a tool called TrustPulse. When you install it on your online store, visitors can see real-time and recent activities such as sign-ups, purchases and product demonstrations.

Such notification creates a “fear of missing out” (FOMO) in your visitors and prompts them to participate, just as the others have. And if you want to see how your conversions and pages are doing, TrustPulse can provide you analytics and reports.

Additional tip: aside from TrustPulse, you can also leverage user-generated content (UGC) such as testimonials for social proof. Testimonials will help convince your prospective customers that your products are worth it. Not leveraging UGC is one of the biggest branding mistakes online retailers can make, mind you.

When you’re running your online store, one of the basic things you’d want to be doing is monitoring your ads performance and conversions from specific products.

You do this by inserting tracking codes and scripts of appropriate plugins into your website. To organize and manage these codes efficiently, you need a tool like IntellyWP.

With it, you can see all your tracking codes and scripts on one page. You can also opt to display them on the whole website or in particular pages or posts only.

If you ever fret losing your previous tracking when your website theme is updated, fear not because that won’t happen when you use this tool. With IntellyWP, you can manage pixels for tracking your ads, codes, and conversions in a more organized manner.

Imagine this. Your shoppers browse through your product list on your ecommerce site and add items on their virtual carts one after another.  Suddenly, when they’re about to hit checkout and seal the deal, they leave without making any purchase.

Is this a common scenario in your online store? If so, then you need to win your sales and shoppers back using strategies and a powerful tool called Sumo.

Sumo is built to help you supercharge your ecommerce sales and conversions. It has a neat pop-up feature which helps you gather emails and regain lost revenue. In this way, Sumo decreases cart abandonment and increases your average order value.

Here’s what happens when you wield abandoned cart popups using Sumo:

• Sumo recognizes signs of shoppers who want to leave the site.
• It launches an attractive exit intent pop-up form to bring shoppers back to the purchase funnel immediately – or at a later time through its autoresponder email.
• Using the popup, you can present irresistible discounts or value offers when shoppers try to click away or desert their carts.
• Sumo delivers an exclusive discount code in the success message and the auto-response email.

Sumo’s abandoned cart pop-ups help online store owners to recover sales from potential buyers who don’t make a purchase.

Wield these tools

These tools are well-known in how they have significantly improved the performance of many ecommerce websites.

If you have not used these tools yet to achieve the best possible results for your online store, it’s about time you do.

Photo by Igor Miske on Unsplash

UK shoppers more likely to be positive in online reviews than negative

UK shoppers are more likely to post a positive online review than one that is negative, research has found.

The research discovered that 71 per cent of UK shoppers will go online to leave a review if they have had a good experience of a product or service, only 52 per cent go on-line after a bad experience.

The findings were revealed in a survey examining attitudes to online reviews among 2,000 UK consumers. It found that the most common subjects for reviews are restaurants, followed by electronic goods and holidays.

“It’s quite refreshing to see that for UK shoppers the positive outweighs the negative when it comes to sharing reviews online,” said Matt West, CMO at Feefo. “Yet although it’s great to be praised, no business need ever fear bad feedback. With advanced technologies such as sentiment analysis, all reviews become a hugely valuable source of insight into how a business is performing and where improvements can be made.”

Exploring the future of reviews, the research found that 91 per cent of respondents want to save themselves time by having multiple reviews for a single product summarised, while 75 per cent would like to see product ratings left by friends and family.

And although written reviews remain most popular, there is increasing demand for video and voice reviews. In fact, 51 per cent said they would be more likely to buy a product if they could view a video review and 54 per cent are interested in listening to voice reviews.

“Whatever the method, consumers know what they are looking for in reviews, so businesses need to respect that and provide them with honest, verified, but not filtered reviews they can rely on,” said West.

Yair Cohen, internet law and social media lawyer at Cohen Davis Solicitors and panellist at a Feefo roundtable event, said: “Video reviews have a higher level of credibility, especially when the reviewer is on-screen speaking to the camera.” But he said trust in online reviews requires a new regulatory body to establish standards and establish greater credibility in the whole review system.

In other findings, the research revealed differences in attitudes between the sexes, with for example, 70 per cent of women saying they read reviews before buying, compared with 61 per cent of men. More men, however, read reviews by professionals than women. Men are also more likely to watch product videos than women.

Local SEO for beginners in 2019

It’s no secret that SEO is ever-changing, and it can be incredibly easy for marketers to get left behind the curve.

So, how are busy business owners who’re looking to grow their online presence supposed to keep up?

This guide outlines three of the most important factors in regards to local SEO in 2019. These factors will no doubt continue to grow as strong ranking factors for years to come, so be sure to spend time testing, reworking and optimising to get these right.

These tactics are also fantastic for beginners to get their teeth stuck into, and are not technically demanding (unlike other tenants of SEO).

On-Page SEO

Many small business owners may not be able to commit to the services of an SEO consultant. However, this does not mean that local SEO growth is not unattainable.

On-page SEO refers to the additions a website owner puts on each page of their website to make the job of the search engines easier. When it comes to local SEO, it is vital to focus on the following factors:

Title Tags: When used correctly, title tags are incredibly effective to target the keywords you want to target. As a small or local business owner, it is important to understand the fine line between under and over-optimising your title tags.

For example, ‘Plumbers | Manchester’ as a title tag is lacking in keywords, whereas ‘Best Manchester Plumbers in Manchester Highest Rated Best Manchester Plumbers’ is far too over-optimised. So, how can you ensure that your title tags keep search engines happy in 2019? Ensure that the keywords you use are both relevant and useful to the searcher.

Ensuring title tags are no longer than a maximum of 70 characters is also essential, otherwise they will be cut off within the search results.

Meta Descriptions: Not strictly a ranking factor, meta descriptions should include the keyword(s) you are targeting as a trust signal and method of conversion rate optimisation. With Google often changing the character limit, the recommended length may change again in 2019, however, to be safe be sure to stick between 130-155 characters of well-optimised, relevant text.

These on-page SEO factors will not be going anywhere in 2019.

Local Citations & Publications

Local citations from online newspapers and online directory websites have been around for years, and whilst they do still carry relevance for local SEO, there is an even stronger factor which will continue to grow into 2019 due to the relevance of the link: Local publications.

Google knows that any website owner can simply sign up to a directory and achieve a backlink, therefore the amount of manual backlinks that can be added to a site and still achieve effectiveness certainly dwindles out quickly.

Consider this – If you are a local barber in London and get featured in TimeOut or a relevant London publication, the link is much more contextual and, even if you have had to pay for it, will be of a much more natural and higher quality than a manual directory submission.

Search for local online publications in your area and reach out to them for a guest post or sponsored article. 



Local Landing Pages

What exactly is a local landing page? Local pages are an incredibly effective way for business owners to target their areas of operation (and even some they don’t).

Landing pages must be written with the searcher in mind, and must remain unique. If done well, this tactic can continue to work well into 2019 and beyond.

When it comes to writing a local landing page, be sure to include:

• Up to 500 words of unique copy
• Images which are geo-tagged and contain relevant alt text
• A URL with the location and keyword within
• Appropriate page headings
• An embedded Google Maps listing of your business

Take a look at what your competition are doing. How can you improve on their content? What are they missing out on that you can quickly create as a piece of content or page on your website?

The above tips are just a start when it comes to the world of local SEO, but they will certainly get the needle moving in the right direction.

Be sure to keep track of your progress via analytics and test, test and test again!

Why sports betting operators like Betway are focusing on online casino

The UK is one of the world leaders when it comes to online gambling. The major bookies and sports betting operators are increasingly taking advantage of a positive worldwide reputation to broaden their markets and revenue share.

As revenues from online bookies in the UK continue to rise, more sports betting operators are making the transition into online casino branches. There are a number of reasons for this shift in focus, but grabbing a larger portion of the potential online gambling market is the key. As the UK betting industry continues to be a world-leader, here are the reasons why so many household names such as Betway are leaping at online casino branches.

Social Media

The rise of social media has proven to be positive for those brands that embrace it. Sports betting operators that have adopted trending social marketing have seen their brand recognition sky-rocket. Names like Paddy Power have joined Betway at the top of the market, with the average Betway casino review showing just how far they have come since adopting the bestcasino.co.uk status. Eye-catching marketing and a broader consumer base have made it almost inevitable that these household names are looking at offering more than ever before.

Proven Interest

Not everyone is into sport, and not every country has the same obsessions with the same sports. By making the shift to online casino gambling, UK firms are able to attract a wider portion of the global gambling community. There’s no disputing that gambling has resulted in one of the biggest UK business success stories of recent years. There are estimates that the UK market alone amounts to £2.8bn into the public purse. With easily recognisable games like roulette, craps, slots, and blackjack, sports betting companies are able to attract more players and more revenue.

Global Access

With such incredible revenue potential in the UK, it’s no wonder that UK brands are looking beyond the horizon at larger and less saturated markets. As more of the globe develop more reliable internet connections, sports betting companies are positioning themselves to take advantage of those markets and get a head start on their competitors.

Mobile Access

You don’t need a PC or even a laptop to get involved with online gambling. Now, you can place a bet, play a game, and collect your winnings using nothing more than your smartphone. That means that UK sports betting operators are diversifying. Now that anyone can gamble from the comfort of their own home, on the daily commute, or on their lunch break, the potential scope for profit generation is bigger than ever.

Improved Security

One of the barriers to online gambling is fears about cybersecurity. Online betting companies have embraced the challenges and are among the first industries to take advantage of the latest cybersecurity trends. With the adoption of resources like the blockchain, online casinos are proving to be one of the more secure forms of online gambling.

As technology continues to improve, the online gambling industry is only set to grow. Tech like virtual reality is set to be the next big leap forward for online casinos, and that means that online sports betting operators are racing to keep up with the brands that started moving more quickly.

Five crucial factors for a successful web design

Not dissimilar to fashion, web design is subject to constant change, with current trends coming and going.

When it comes to creating a sleek website for your company that will leave a lasting professional impression, it’s crucial to ensure that both the initial and ongoing design is up to date, current, and on-trend.

Businesses today are relying more than ever before on online interactions with their customers, so your website and online presence plays a huge, central part when it comes to achieving business success and turning over a growing profit. It’s never been more important to have a website that’s up to date, interesting, and easy to navigate for your users, both in terms of SEO, your Google ranking, and the reputation that you build with your customers.

We’ve put together five of the best web design tips that any online company can use in order to boost and improve their website, getting the most from their online presence.

#1. Consider Using a Professional:

Today, there’s an abundance of options available when it comes to creating and designing your own website, and thanks to user-friendly design tools, it’s become easier than ever to put together a website that you love and that works well for your business, even if you have no previous experience of coding or web design at all. But, whilst creating your own website to save money can be a useful option to have, it’s wise to be aware of the limitations that this can have on your company and the website’s growth overall.

Many DIY web design platforms work on a template basis, which can be great if you need something quickly, but will limit the amount of bespoke design that you can do for your site. We’d recommend checking out PWD for professional, bespoke design services with no limitations. Their portfolio really stands out and shows how diverse their client base is, so no matter what your website is about, they can create something bespoke.

#2. Clean and Clutter-Free:

Whether you’re using a professional web designer or doing it yourself, one of the key things to remember when building your website is to keep the design clean and clutter-free. Less is definitely more when it comes to successful web design; whilst interesting or unusual design elements can grab attention and keep visitors on your website for longer, bear in mind that trying to do too much or incorporate too many different design elements into your site can make it look busy and cluttered, leading to it having the opposite effect. Minimal web designs are one of the longest-standing trends in the industry, and it’s easy to see why – you simply can’t go wrong with a site that is simple, easy on the eye, and uncluttered, therefore, allowing you to navigate and get to where you need to be quickly and easily.

#3. Easy to Read:

When it comes to visuals, it’s important to make things as easy and hassle-free as possible for your users. Whether you’re running a blog or an online shop, you’re likely going to have some text content on there to help your visitors understand more about the website, your business, the services that you offer or the products you sell, and much more. You might not put much thought into inputting text content into your site, but the truth is that how it’s laid out and how well it reads can have a huge effect on user satisfaction. For example, choose a font that’s easy to read and understand, make sure that it is sized large enough, and break down any large chunks of text into smaller, more manageable segments. This is especially important if your website has a lot of text content for users to take in, like long-form blog posts or lengthy informational pages about your services.

#4. Great Visuals:

Whilst less certainly is undoubtedly more when it comes to your website design, don’t forget to include interesting visuals in the design, which will help your brand stand out, generate more interest in your content, and give visitors a clearer idea of what your brand is all about. A hero image on your front page, for example, can be just what it takes to incorporate an interesting visual into the design without going overboard, whilst a carousel can be ideal for helping your users learn more without taking up too much site space. Or you could even opt for a background video, for even more interesting visual appeal.

#5. Responsivity:

Last but certainly not least, a key web design element to consider is how well the site responds to being viewed on a range of different devices. Mobile-friendliness, in particular, is extremely important, as more and more users are choosing their smartphones and other mobile devices to browse the web, compared to laptop and desktop PC use. Ensuring that you are using a responsive design will not only boost your reputation and trustworthiness with users who land on your site but also improve your standing with Google, who are quick to penalise any sites that haven’t incorporated mobile viewing into their design.

When it comes to success with your business website, these factors are absolutely essential.