Wednesday, November 16, 2022

6 Steps to Building A Website for Your Small Business


Introduction

You need a website to promote your business but can’t afford to pay someone to build it for you. What are you to do? Your first option is to recognize it is unnecessary to be an expert web developer to build your website. Read on to learn six critical steps to building a website. We will point you toward some of the needed resources along the way.

Research the type of website and features you need 

When you’re ready to build a website, the first step is to do your research. There are many different types of websites, and it’s crucial to pick the one that’s right for you. You’ll need an eCommerce website to sell products or services. If you’re a blogger or writer, you’ll need a site that’s easy to update and add new content. And if you’re promoting a brand or business, you’ll need a professional site that’s easy to navigate.

Once you’ve figured out what website you need, the next step is determining what features are important to you. Do you need a shopping cart? A contact form? A blog? A newsletter sign-up? Take some time to figure out what you need, and then start looking for a web builder with all the features you need.

Select a Web Builder and Web Host

Once you have determined the type of website you need and some of its requirements, the next step will be to assess your web builder. Here I’m referring to the application you will use to build the site. Knowing what web builder you will use will help you decide on a web host.

A web host is a service that leases storage space on its servers. Web servers have software specific for connecting or broadcasting websites to the internet. You will need a web host to make your website available on the internet. The amount of storage space and bandwidth required will determine the service’s cost. 

As suggested above, a site with a shopping cart will be more data-driven than one primarily used for blogging. Therefore, the shopping cart will use more bandwidth than the blog.

While storage and bandwidth are factors to consider when selecting a web host, your web builder will be another factor.

In its article, “10 Best Website Builders for Small Business: Compared for 2022,” WebsiteBuilderExpert recommends these five web builders for small businesses:

  • Wix– Best small business website builder.
  • Squarespace– Best for building your brand.
  • GoDaddy– Best for businesses that need to get online quickly.
  • Weebly– Best for value for money.
  • Zyro– Best for business basics.

Each of these five builders comes as part of a web hosting service package. Each is respected, and each is drag-N-drop in functionality, and thus easy to use. Using Wix as an example, Wix is a hosting service. For $22 per month, you get a free domain and free SSL certificate for one year, plus the web builder. You also get 5 GB of storage and one hour of video play. The video play is their way of limiting bandwidth.

WebsiteBuilderExpert gives Wix the top ranking in this list of builders, so it is a quality builder, as are the others.

I will discuss WordPress in a different category, which is not on the list but is one of the most popular platforms for building websites. WordPress is independent of any web hosting service. That said, some hosting services cater specifically to WordPress. Two of these are Siteground and Bluehost. These two services are special WordPress tools included in their service.

Pick a domain name

A domain name is what identifies your website on the internet. The name must be registered with a domain service and configured to locate your website when entered into a browser. A fee is required to register the domain name and is due annually to remain active. While specific sought-after names can be expensive, the typical cost is around $15 annually.

Choosing the right domain name for your business is vital for several reasons.

  • First, it’s one of the first things potential customers will see when looking for your site. Therefore, you want to ensure that it’s easy to remember and relevant to your work.
  • Second, the domain name is a crucial part of your branding. It should be unique and reflect the image that you want to project.
  • Third, you’ll want to choose an available domain name.
  • Finally, you will want a domain name with good keyword value.

What is a keyword? A keyword is a term that best describes the content on your page or post. It’s what you want to rank for when people search for that keyword or phrase in Google or other search engines. So, when they search, your page should come up. Several keywords may describe a page’s content. In this case, you will want to use multiple keywords. Multiple keywords will broaden the search possibilities for finding your content.

Based on the name and nature of your business, there will be words that best describe your business and perform well in search engine search results. Therefore, it could be profitable to do some keyword research to find a good keyword on which to base your domain name. Some services offering free keyword research are Keywords Everywhere and Ubersuggest.

Create your website content

Creating your website content can be a fun and rewarding experience or a real chore. It will depend on your skills and interests. Even if you know what you want to say, you may be at a loss for how to say it. How can you say it using good grammar and sentence structure while capturing the attention of your audience?

How to say what I want to say is where it becomes a chore for me. But I have discovered some tools that do much of the hard work for me and allow me to post content confidently:

  • Jasper ai – Jasper uses artificial intelligence to generate content and word it clearly and engagingly.
  • Grammarly – As its name suggests, Grammarly addresses spelling, grammar, and sentence structure. If you subscribe to the Jasper service, Grammarly will come with it. I subscribe to Grammarly separately, allowing me to use it wherever I write. Even in email. As I write, it is there offering corrections and making suggestions. When I complete an article, I don’t need a proofreader to catch what I have missed. Grammarly has my back.
  • Ubersuggest – When it comes to writing content, Jasper and Grammarly are adequate. Ubersuggest is a multi-tasker. As I mentioned above, it does keyword research. But it also does website analysis and offers SEO help to increase traffic to your website. It has yet another feature for which I suggest it in this context. It, too, has an AI writer. Though it is not as robust as Jasper, it is beneficial in giving help with content. If I need a boost to start writing on a topic, I go there first to ‘prime the pump.’

Add Images

A website without images can be a very dull site, indeed! At least visually. But where can you find images, photos, or videos that are free or inexpensive, about which you can be confident you have permission to use?

We all know about Google images, a rich storehouse of graphic content. But which images can you use on a website, and which are prohibited? Sure, you can contact the content owner, but that takes time, and you may or may not receive a prompt reply. So I rely on four services:

  • Graphic River – A combination of free and paid downloads.
  • Unsplash – https://unsplash.com/ – Also a combination of free and paid downloads.
  • Pond5 – Pond5 offers both a subscription and a pay-per-use approach. I usually pay, at most, $2.50 for an image.
  • Canva – Canva is an excellent source for downloading images, but I use it primarily for graphic design. There is a free version that has some limitations. The principal limit is the inability to download a high-quality version of the image I want. Higher-resolution downloads require a fee. I use the Pro version, which gives me every advantage I want. It costs $119.99 annually.

Launch your website!

So you’ve built your website and are ready to show it to the world. Congratulations! Publishing your site can be daunting, but with some preparation, you can make it go smoothly. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you launch your website:

  • First, Double-check your site for any broken links or errors. Nothing is more frustrating for a visitor than clicking on a link and getting an error message. Before you go live, test your links to ensure they work.
  • Next, take a look at your site’s design and layout. Is everything easy to find and navigate? Is the overall look and feel professional and polished? If not, make some changes before you launch.
  • Finally, once your site is up and running, promote it! Let people know where they can find your site and what they can expect to see there. Use social media, email marketing, and other strategies to get the word out. Launching a successful website takes effort and planning, but it’s ultimately worth it. With these tips in mind, you’re on your way to a successful launch!

Conclusion

So there you have it – a simple guide to creating your website. Do the research, choose the right web host and domain name, and produce quality content. You will then be well on your way to having a successful website that reflects your business in the best possible light.

Have questions or comments? Leave them for us in the comment section below or use our contact form.


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Saturday, November 12, 2022

Amazon Black Friday Deals You Won’t Want to Miss

Amazon Black Friday Deals You Won’t Want to Miss Planning your holiday shopping? Check out these deals from Amazon. We'll be sure to update this post as new sales are announced!


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Friday, November 4, 2022

14 Online Apps & Services for Freelancers




Many online apps and services can help make you more productive if you’re a freelancer. This article will discuss 14 of these tools, including three writing tools, four website-building tools, three creative tools, and four productivity tools.

Writing Tools
Grammarly

Grammarly

Grammarly is a grammar-checking tool that helps improve writing skills. Before I learned about the app, I struggled to write clearly and concisely, but Grammarly has helped me greatly. My sentences used to be too long and complicated, but now I feel better about my writing skills. I use Grammarly for everything from blog posts and emails to website copy. It’s the best tool around for polishing up your writing!

Grammarly is constantly active, no matter what application I am using. As I write, it will suggest changes to improve spelling, style, and tone. Sometimes, it will rewrite sentences to make them neater and simpler.

I am confident in the quality of my work, free of typos, misspellings, and bad grammar.

Grammarly has indeed been a lifesaver for me and my writing.

Jasper AI

Jasper

Before I publish anything, I use Grammarly to check my writing for errors. However, when actually creating content, Jasper AI is where I turn to spark my creativity.

Jasper AI is the perfect tool to help me quickly and easily develop original, engaging content. With Jasper‘s help, I can come up with dozens of ideas for blogs, product descriptions, and web copy.

This can all be done in a fraction of the time it would normally take, and because Jasper integrates directly with social media platforms, I can publish content on these platforms without any hassle.

Sqribble

Sqribble eBook Creator

Artificial intelligence is increasingly automating tasks that have here-to-fore been time-consuming. Sqribble eBook Creator is a leader in using AI to automate the process of eBook creation. With just a few clicks, you can create amazing eBooks that will educate, inform and entertain your readers. And best of all, you don’t need any design, technical or writing skills to start!

Sqribble provides over 50 alluring eBook templates belonging to 15 distinct niche categories. So, no matter what book you want to write – whether it’s a cookbook, a self-help guide, or an eBook on your pastime – we have your back.

With customizable templates, you can make your eBook unique by adding photos, videos, and text. And if you need help along the way, a support team is always available.

Website Tools
Nicepage

Nicepage

Nicepage is a website design app capable of turning out sites in WordPress, Joomla, and HTML.

Nicepage is my choice for web design. It is the tool I use for my website and to build sites for other businesses.

With Nicepage, you can create stunning websites without writing a single line of code! Just use its easy drag-and-drop website builder software to implement your ideas. Install its desktop app and get started designing your website. There are over 10,000 designer-made templates to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your business. And if you want to customize anything, it’s easy to do with no coding required. Websites created in Nicepage are mobile-friendly, so they’ll look great on any device.

If you want a website that runs on WordPress or Joomla, design the general layout in the Nicepage desktop application. Afterward, export it as a template file and install it onto either WordPress or Joomla. A Nicepage Plugin will be included with the installation to enable you to continue the design and do editing from within the CMS.

Although I recommend Elementor, I prefer Nicepage because it is more flexible and gives me more freedom. With Nicepage, my creative ideas aren’t restricted by its capabilities. This saves me a lot of time not having to find a way to make my ideas work — they do.

Elementor

Elementor

With Elementor, you can create a stunning website without any coding! With its easy-to-use drag-and-drop editor, you can create beautiful pages in no time. And with 100+ full website Kits and endless possibilities, you can let your creativity shine. Plus, Elementor‘s world-class hosting and robust security features will give you the peace of mind you need to focus on creating the website of your dreams. 

Elementor attempts to do it all with its own built-in features that eliminate the need for other plugins and thus do away with plugin clutter. And with 90+ widgets and countless built-in capabilities, you can create any website you can imagine. 

You won’t go wrong with Elementor as your choice for website creation.

Pretty Links

Pretty Links

Pretty Links isn’t just for those looking to make money from their content with affiliate links. It has plenty of other benefits, too. Pretty Link’s main purpose is link shortening, but it also tracks clicks for each link created within the program.

While this obvious perk is especially enticing to affiliate marketers, anyone wanting to see how many people are clicking on certain parts of their website can benefit from Pretty Links‘ click-tracking feature. Use Pretty Links as a link shortener for every link on your website, and you will easily track what parts of your website people are viewing or interacting with.

Plus, Pretty Links makes it a breeze to put links on your site. Just add a keyword or phrase when you create the link using Pretty Links. Then, Pretty Links will automatically insert that link any time the keyword appears. And if you ever need to change a link, you will not have to go through your site to change every link usage. Simply update it in one spot – Pretty Link – and it’ll be good to go sitewide!

Pond5

Pond5

Pond5 is a great resource for finding professional content at an affordable price. It has everything you need for your project, with millions of royalty-free photos, videos, audio clips, and more. And their license allows you to use their content without worry.

The main reason I use Pond5 is that a subscription isn’t required to access the media library- you can pay for each item separately. Most of the photos I purchased cost less than $5.00. If you would rather have a subscription, though, they are available at different price points depending on the content you want to access. You can also buy Credit Packs, which offer a 20% discount off the total purchase price.

Creative Tools
Snagit

Snagit

Techsmith’s Snagit is a screen capture software that lets you quickly and easily share what’s on your screen with others, so you don’t have to waste time with back-and-forth emails or messy file attachments. Just share a link to your Snagit capture, and they can view it in their browser.

With Snagit, you can not only take screenshots and mark them up, but you can also record a video of your screen. This is especially useful if you want to show someone how to do something or navigate a process step-by-step. Plus, once you’re done recording, Snagit will automatically turn it into a shareable video that’s easy for anyone to understand.

Snagit is my favorite tool to use when I need help with website design or illustrations for blog posts. The video screen capture feature also comes in handy whenever I need to show someone how a particular software works.

Camtasia

Camtasia

Camtasia is another app created by Techsmith. With Camtasia, you can quickly and easily create professional-looking videos without prior video editing experience. Camtasia is quick to learn and easy to use, so you’ll be up and running in no time. It is the ideal tool for creating high-quality videos that engage your audience and help them learn more than text alone. Camtasia is perfect for creating video tutorials, how-to videos, software demo videos, meeting recordings, training videos, and lessons.

Canva Pro

Canva

Canva Pro is an excellent choice to up your design game. This design software makes design simple, convenient, and reliable. With time-saving tools that make anyone look like a professional designer, you can create anything you need in no time.

Need to add some curved text, photo effects, or image enhancer? How about adding frames to photos or even text to videos? It’s all covered. And if you want to take your content to the next level, the online video recorder and converter let you record, edit, trim, and splice videos — all in one place. Plus, you can easily convert them to MP4 format for easy sharing.

When it comes to design, I’m a novice. But with Canva‘s array of templates and tools help my ideas take shape by imitating the professionals. Not only does Canva have great samples that spark creativity, but their design tools are user-friendly. Whenever I need graphics for product promotion or to design a logo, business card, or flyer, I go to Canva.

Productivity Tools
Keeper Security

Keeper

Keeper Security offers a top-notch solution to protect your passwords and personal information from cybercriminals. With Keeper you will be Joining millions of people who use Keeper to protect their online identities. You’ll never again have to remember or worry about a password.

Powered by cutting-edge technology, Keeper offers unparalleled protection against ransomware attacks by generating high-strength, random passwords for each website, application, and service you use. In addition, BreachWatch® monitors the dark web 24/7 and alerts you if your credentials are detected in a public data breach so that you can take action immediately.

I have depended on Keeper for several years. Not only does it enable me to retrieve a saved password quickly, but it will also manage the process of registering a new user account and storing the necessary username and password for later use. It is not only for passwords, though. You can also use it to store credit card accounts, driver’s license numbers, and health insurance credentials.

I use Keeper’s Chrome extension to quickly locate the URL of any website I frequent from Keeper’s database. Once the desired website launches, Keeper is on standby to automatically enter my username and password so I can easily log in.

Todoist

Todoist

As my task manager and to-do list app, Todist is my choice to keep me more focused, organized, and calm. With Todoist, you can add tasks like “read work emails every day at 10 am” in seconds using natural language recognition and recurring dates. Plus, your to-do lists are automatically sorted into Today, Upcoming, and custom Filter views to help you focus on your most important things.

Todoist allows you to break big tasks into smaller ones, share projects with your team, and add reminders. You can also use Todoist’s apps, extensions, and widgets on any device or platform, so you’re never far from your to-do list.

Todoist seamlessly integrates with your voice assistant, calendar, and over 30 other tools to make productivity effortless, whether at home or on the go. Todoist also has the added bonus of promoting a sense of calm by letting users know that they won’t forget any new tasks that come to mind–enter them into Todoist!

Hubspot

Hubspot CRM

CRM stands for “customer relations management,” but at Hubspot, it means much more than managing your contacts. With the easy-to-use HubSpot CRM, you’ll never have to manually update reports or wonder how your team tracks toward quotas. Get a real-time view of your entire sales pipeline on a visual dashboard.

Access detailed reports on sales activity, productivity, and individual performance. Then use those insights to track team performance and spot opportunities for growth. Enjoy unlimited users, data, and up to 1,000,000 contacts with no time limit or expiration date — whether you’re a team of 1 or 1,000.

Using Hubspot‘s WordPress plugin, people who sign up to join our email list are automatically added to our Hubspot list. Their activity on our website is tracked so we can track preferences and habits.

ezyCollect

ezyCollect

ezyCollect has cutting-edge technology to help you get paid faster and protect your business from unpaid invoices. What’s even better, their system is fully automated so that you can save time and effort. You’ll feel like you have an extra person on your team! And with their humanized automation, you can connect with customers more personally.

Within the first 12 months of using ezyCollect, businesses typically see a 43% reduction in outstanding overdue bills. That’s huge! And with their easy-to-use payment portal, customers can view and download invoices, pay one or more invoices on the spot, part-pay, or pay later while they get paid upfront. This makes it super easy for them to pay their invoices and means you don’t have to chase them up for payment.


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Friday, October 28, 2022

10 Essential Digital Resources For The Home Business On A Budget




INTRODUCTION

You need specific tools to thrive as a home business owner, so we’ve gathered these ten digital resources for you. With this office kit, you’ll be able to get the job done without going over your budget.

All items listed, except the docking station and external hard drive, are resources I use in my home business. If I were using a laptop as my primary office computer, I would use the docking station to connect to a desktop monitor and possibly other peripherals.

In place of an external hard drive, I use Google Drive as an online file storage and sync app. For more information on backup options, read my blog, “5 Recommended Cloud Storage Services For The Small Business.”

You may ask whether to use a desktop or laptop computer or both. Or maybe an all-in-one computer would be best? To help with these questions, read my blog, “Finding the Right Computer for Your Home Business.”

Please use the comment section at the bottom or our contact form if you have questions or suggestions.

(We independently select these products — if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.)

1. HP 17.3″ FHD Laptop

The HP 17.3″ FHD Laptop is perfect for budget-conscious shoppers who don’t want to sacrifice quality or features. It boasts an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U 4.0GHz processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. And if that wasn’t enough, the HP 720p HD Camera with integrated dual array digital microphone ensures high-resolution video calls whether you’re working from home or on the go.

Technical Details

Standing screen display size‎17.3 Inches
Max Screen Resolution‎1920 x 1080 Pixels
Processor‎2.1 GHz amd_ryzen_5_5500u
Processor Count‎4
RAM‎8 GB DDR4
Hard Drive‎256 GB SSD
Graphics Coprocessor‎AMD Radeon™ graphics
Average Battery Life (in hours)‎8 Hours
Operating System‎Windows 10 Home

2. HP Pavilion TP01 Business Desktop

The HP Pavilion TP01 Business Desktop Intel i3-10100 3.60GHz Processor is an excellent desktop computer for businesses and professionals who need a dependable machine that won’t break the bank. It has 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB PCIe SSD drive, making it perfect for those who need something that can handle heavy use without issue. With 4 USB 3.1 Gen1 ports, 4 USB 2.0 ports, 1 HDMI port, a USB 3, 1 Type-C Geni port, SDXF Reader, and 1 x Headphone/ Microphone Combo Jack, this desktop has all the essentials. Additionally, it comes preloaded with Windows 11 Home 64 edition.

Technical Details

Processor‎3.6 GHz core_i3
RAM‎8 GB DIMM
Hard Drive‎256 GB Solid State Hard Drive
Graphics Coprocessor‎Intel UHD Graphics 630
Processor Count‎4
Number of USB 2.0 Ports‎4
Number of USB 3.0 Ports‎4
Series‎Pavilion TP01
Operating System‎Windows 11 Home

3. HP All-in-One PC Desk Computer

The HP All-in-One PC Desk Computer is perfect for anyone seeking an affordable and powerful all-in-one desk computer. Its specs include a 2.6 GHz amd_ryzen_3_2300x processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and a 256 GB SSD hard drive. In addition, the AMD-integrated graphics allow for smooth gameplay or video streaming experiences. Lastly, its 4 USB 2.0 and 2 USB 3.0 ports make it simple to connect all necessary peripherals and devices.”

Technical Details

Series‎HP All-in-One 22-dd0032
Standing screen display size‎22 Inches
Operating System‎Windows 11 Home
Processor‎2.6 GHz amd_ryzen_3_2300x
RAM‎8GB DDR4
Hard Drive‎8 GB SSD
Chipset Brand‎AMD
Card Description‎Integrated
Graphics Card Ram Size‎8 GB
Number of USB 2.0 Ports‎4
Number of USB 3.0 Ports‎2

4. Sceptre E248W-19203R 24″ Ultra Thin 75Hz 1080p LED Monitor

Sceptre 24″ Professional Thin 75Hz 1080p LED Monitor is an excellent choice if you’re budget-conscious but still want a high-quality LED monitor. With its thin bezel design, it’s perfect for both home and office use. Plus, the Full HD resolution delivers crystal clear images, while the 75Hz refresh rate ensures smooth gaming action. And since it has built-in speakers, you don’t need to buy separate ones!

Technical Details

Standing screen display size‎24 Inches
Series‎E248W-19203R
Screen Resolution‎1920×1080
Max Screen Resolution‎1920 x 1080 Pixels
Color‎Machine Black
Product Dimensions‎21.59 x 7.02 x 15.83 inches

5. HP ENVY 6055e All-in-One Wireless Color Printer

The HP ENVY 6055e All-in-One Wireless Color Printer has what you need for your home office at a reasonable price. With auto 2-sided printing, you can save time and paper, while borderless printing gives you professional-looking results every time. Plus, the self-healing Wi-Fi ensures that you always stay connected, even if there’s a hiccup with your internet connection. And with an input/output capacity of 100 sheets/25 sheets, you’ll easily handle even the most significant print jobs.

Technical Details

ManufacturerHP Printers
Product Dimensions14.21 x 17.03 x 5.2 inches
Item model numberENVY 6055e
Customer Reviews4.1 out of 5 stars

6. Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station

The Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station makes connecting multiple devices to your laptop easy. With four USB 2.0 and two USB 3.0 ports, you’ll have plenty of options for connecting external devices – perfect for an expanding work setup from home or a busy office desk on the go! Plus, the black color looks great with any laptop, so you can keep that polished look no matter where you work.

Technical Details

Brand‎Plugable
Item model number‎UD-3900
Number of USB 2.0 Ports‎4
Number of USB 3.0 Ports‎2
Color‎Black
Power Source‎DC

7. Logitech M720 Triathlon Multi-Device Wireless Mouse

The Logitech M720 Triathlon mouse is the perfect device for those who use multiple computers or devices regularly. Its easy-switch feature allows you to toggle between three different devices with a simple push of a button, and its contoured shape and textured rubber grips make it comfortable to use for long periods. Furthermore, it features an advanced optical tracking sensor for precise control on almost any surface, and dual connectivity that allows you to connect wirelessly via Bluetooth or the included Logitech Unifying Receiver. The mouse also provides side buttons and a scroll wheel for easy navigation, and it is available in black.

Technical Details

Brand‎Logitech
Series‎M720 Triathlon
Item model number‎910-006036
Average Battery Life (in hours)‎24 months
Operating System‎Windows 10, 11 or later, Linux +no software support legal footnote, Chrome OS, macOS 10.5 or later, iPadOS 13.4 or later, Android 5.0 or later

8. Arteck 2.4G Wireless Keyboard Stainless Steel Ultra Slim Full Size Keyboard

The Arteck 2.4G Wireless Keyboard is perfect for anyone who wants a straightforward, dependable wireless keyboard. This no-frills keyboard is ideal for those looking to declutter their desk or prefer being unencumbered by a wired connection. The robust and reliable 2.4GHz wireless connection of the Arteck guarantees uninterrupted typing sessions. The Arteck’s slender and smooth design is perfect for those constantly moving or with limited space, and it can easily withstand regular wear and tear. Plus, with its quiet keys and detachable USB receiver, the Arteck provides users with a hassle-free typing experience.

Technical Details

Product Dimensions16.85 x 4.92 x 0.55 inches
Item Weight14.9 ounces
Item model numberHW192
Batteries1 CR2032 batteries required. (included)

9. Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive HDD

You are introducing the Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive HDD. This external hard drive is perfect for storing your essential files and documents. With 1 TB of storage space, you’ll have plenty of room for everything you need. The Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive HDD is easy to use and compatible with Windows and Mac computers. Plus, it comes in a sleek black color that will look great with any setup. Order your Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive HDD today!

Technical Details

Hard Drive‎1 TB Portable
Brand‎Seagate
Series‎STGX1000400
Item model number‎STGX1000400
Operating System‎Windows®10, Windows 8, Windows 8
Color‎Black
Hard Drive Interface‎USB 3.0

10. Logitech C270 HD Webcam

Looking for an affordable and easy-to-use webcam? Check out the Logitech C270 HD Webcam! With a wide field of view and crystal clear HD 720p video, it’s perfect for Skype calls, webinars, and even recording videos. Plus, the built-in microphone with noise reduction ensures your voice comes through loud and clear. And setup is a breeze – connect the webcam to your computer’s USB port, and you’re ready to go!

Technical Details

Brand‎Logitech
Series‎960-000694
Item model number‎960-000694
Color‎Black
Rear Webcam Resolution‎8 MP
Batteries‎1 Lithium Ion batteries required.
Manufacturer‎Logitech

Thursday, October 13, 2022

LED Display - What It is, And How It Can Benefit The Home Business



LED Display – What It is, And How It Can Benefit The Home Business

Introduction

LED display is one of the newest and most innovative advertising methods. People quickly turn to outdoor LEDs for their advertisement needs because they use significantly less energy than traditional billboards. Also, the screens are large and bright, making them more difficult for people to miss.

In this blog, we will be looking at what LED display is, how you can use them for advertising, and how they could benefit the home business.

What is LED display Outdoor advertising?

LED advertising is a type of outdoor marketing that uses electronic displays to show static images, videos, and animation. These advertisements are displayed on high-definition screens, making them visible from far away. This digital advertising method is very versatile and suitable for placement almost anywhere.

Advantages of outdoor LED display advertisement

The outdoor LED display screen offers a lot of advantages for advertising. Of course, any business wants people to pay attention to their advertisements, so they notice and understand the material. As a result, advertisements seem more appealing to potential consumers. But that isn’t all; several more benefits come from using outdoor LED displays for ads.

1. Eye-Catching Advertising

As I already alluded to, using bright LED lights with color and motion, outdoor LED displays are attention-grabbing. When you add video or animation, they command even greater attention. In short, the possibilities of LED display advertising are limited only by the advertiser’s creativity.

2. OOH Advertising Solution

According to the article, “LED Screen Advertising Benefits – 10 Reasons Why LED Technology Helps You Expand Your Business,” by Daniel Reynolds (https://dynamo-led-displays.co.uk/led-advertising-screen-advantages/), “Using LED screen advertising as your Out Of Home (OOH) advertising solution means that your digital content can be published with high-quality outdoor LED screens and relayed to a far broader public audience. Depending on the footfall, traffic speed, and the frequency and duration of your message, you can get your ads in front of a broad cross-section of a local community, potentially generating new interest, widening your audience, and increasing inquiries.”

3. Lower Cost Advertising

You might be shocked to learn that outdoor LED advertising displays are cost-effective. As a result, many clients want to invest in an outdoor LED display. When compared to traditional advertising boards, they are far more cost-efficient.

Unlike typical print ads, LED ads can easily be edited or updated without the additional costs of reprinting. The upfront costs can add up to considerable financial savings by eliminating the time and cost of editing and reprinting print ads.

4. Real-time updates and edits 

The cost savings of editing and updating LED advertisements over printed ones was just mentioned. Now I’d like to highlight the ability to real-time adjust and improve your targeting using LED advertising, which allows you to hone your targeting precision on a continuing basis. You may push your marketing efforts from anywhere in the world thanks to wireless technology and cloud-based computing, allowing you to manage them from anywhere. Various sophisticated software platforms enable you to make any desired changes immediately by working remotely.

5. Effective advertising

With outdoor LED displays, you control which ads to play and when. Furthermore, there’s no limit to how many ads you can display or run at one time–you could even alternate between multiple ads.

6. Synchronous Digital Campaigns 

In real-time, DOOH provides for the opportunity to establish completely synchronous digital campaigns published and streamed across websites, mobile devices, applications, television, radio, and Digital Out of Home (DOOH) media. The cutting-edge technology and servers may be programmed to deliver coordinated and highly targeted advertising with a level of control and accuracy previously unimagined.

How can LED display advertising benefit the home business?


This article is titled “LED display advertising – what is it, and how can it benefit the home business.” As I write, that is always my concern – to benefit the home business. So can LED display ads help the home business? The short answer is, “It all depends.”

But before getting into what it might depend on, I want to highlight the vast array of new possibilities it offers. Having read this far, you know about some of its advantages and opportunities. It has all the capabilities and options of ads on the internet or television.

You can now move your advertising outdoors using the same design tools you have already been using. And your ads are displayed wherever you choose. They don’t have to be in front of a computer or mobile device or at home watching their television. They might be driving across town or to another city. They might be at the mall or an athletic event.

Each setting catches the person in a different frame of mind and receptivity to your message. And, whatever the location, it segments your audience based on interest.

So with these thoughts in mind, allow your mind to run free as you consider the possibilities.

It all depends

Now to mention a couple of factors that can determine whether or not the home business might benefit from LED display ads.

  • Advertising Budget – Your business’s advertising budget will be a significant factor. I am not suggesting that LED display advertising is more expensive than other forms. But it could require more outlay to get the coverage you might get with other forms of advertising. Since LED display ads are stationary, multiple locations will be necessary to broaden your scope. On the other hand, in specific settings, it may grab attention better than the internet or social media ads which compete with many other diversions.
  • Geographical reach – Another significant factor that could impact the benefit of LED display advertising for your home business is the geographical reach of your product or service. In some cases, that reach will be local, whereas, in others, it will be state-wide, nationwide, or even global. If your business has a broad reach, you should not automatically eliminate the use of LED displays. Should you want to infuse a heightened awareness about your product or service in a specific market, LED displays might fit the bill.

Adcritter

As you think about using this form of advertisement in your home business, consider the operation of a company such as Adcritter. Adcritter (adcritter.com) bills itself as “The Small Business Ad Platform,” targeting TV, Internet, and Billboards.

Adcritter offers subscriptions on its platform with a monthly fee of $149. You design and schedule your advertising yourself using templates they provide. Templates vary depending on the media you plan to use, whether TV, internet, or billboards.

When you have designed your ad campaign, you are ready to arrange with Adcritter the media, coverage, and desired schedule. You decide the ad budget right for your business, and Adcritter uses its buying power to get you the best possible prices.

Through this or similar ad agencies, the home business can coordinate its advertisements across social media, internet search ads, TV, and LED display billboards. And you have eliminated using an expensive ad agency in the process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, LED display advertising can be a great way to get your home business noticed. However, it is crucial to consider your advertising budget and geographical reach when deciding if this form of advertising is suitable for you. Additionally, an agency like Adcritter can help you coordinate your ad campaign across multiple platforms and save money.

Please share your thoughts or experiences concerning LED display advertising in the comments below. If you would be interested in receiving bi-weekly email notices of our blogs for home and small businesses, please sign up using the form below.


Saturday, October 1, 2022

What Is A Pad Printer And How Can It Help Your Home Business?

What Is A Pad Printer And How Can It Help Your Home Business?



Introduction

What Is A Pad Printer? If your business transfers two-dimensional images onto three-dimensional objects, that question could interest you. Your quality might be lacking if you use screen printing or another technique rather than pad printing. The pad printer is made specifically for this print job.

But you may also be looking for a way to take your home business to the next level. Pad printing can benefit your existing business but can also be an avenue for diversifying your business or starting a new one.

What Is Pad Printing?

Pad printing is an indirect offset where ink from a laser engraved plate is transferred onto a 3-D object using a silicon pad. Thanks to pad printing, a process once difficult or impossible to complete is now available for customization. With the pad printer, it is possible to print on such materials as:

  • Aluminum
  • Cellulose acetate
  • Ceramics
  • Chromium-plated surfaces
  • Coated surfaces
  • Cotton
  • Duroplastics (phenolic and melamine resins, glass-fiber reinforced polyester, and epoxy resins)
  • Glass
  • Gold-plated surfaces 
  • Leather
  • Metals
  • Nickel-plated surfaces
  • Paper
  • Plasticized PVC
  • Polyester (PES)
  • Rubber
  • Silicone rubber
  • Synthetic leather
  • Wood
  • and many more

By broadening the types of materials you can print on, you also enlarge the number of doors opening for starting a new business or expanding an already current one. With being able to print on any of the following surfaces, your printing ventures could include:

  • 1. Custom coasters
  • 2. Ceramics such as mugs, plates, and bowls.
  • 2. T-shirts
  • 3. Golf balls
  • 4. Keychains
  • 5. Magnets
  • 6. Notepads
  • 7. Pens
  • 8. Mousepads
  • 9. Stickers
  • 10. Glassware Decoration
  • 11. Metal Signage
  • 12. Promotional Items such as pens and buttons
  • 13. Product Labeling
  • 14. Barcodes

This list is not exhaustive, but it should pique your thinking about the limitless options. These choices might be made available as promotional goods for your company or to sell, or you may contract with other firms to print on products they create or market.

Basics of Pad Printing

How does a pad printer work? 

Three components are necessary for a pad printing machine to deliver a print to an object: the plate, the ink cup, and the pad.

The Plate: The printing plate holds the image you want to engrave on the object. Common ones are plastic – thin metal plates covered using photosensitive plastics. They are known for their flexibility, cheapness, and easy printing. Another type is the steel plate, known for toughness and durability and better suited for large production runs.

The Pad: The mechanism that transfers ink in a pad printing machine is called the printing pad. With the image on the pad, the pad stamps it onto the object.

Pads are silicone, with the type and hardness depending on their purpose. Pads also come in diverse shapes and sizes, determined by the application and artwork.

The Ink Cup: An ink cup is a mechanism that contains the ink printed on a component. The ink cup travels over a plate containing the etch and then returns, leaving only a tiny amount of ink in the etched region.

The ring and cup are the two essential parts of an ink cup. The plate has a ring that slides over the cup to limit ink to locations on the plate consistent with the image. Some manufacturers use ceramic, metal, and plastic rings in their products.

For more details, go to: 

Cost of getting started

Suppose you’re wondering how much it costs to begin pad printing. In that case, the answer is relative to whether you plan on utilizing it for existing business ventures or starting an independent pad-printing-based business.

Print Projects within your business

With an established business, you may wish to print your company name or logo on goods as a marketing technique. For example, publishing your firm’s name and logo on coffee mugs as a giveaway is an option. You may rent a little pad printer for $310 from here. A printer with this price range would come with supplies such as ink, paper, and plates, but not necessarily the printer itself.

Pad Printer Business

There are a variety of print projects that a company may undertake. Therefore, the cost depends on the nature of the job. Other factors contributing to the cost are the size and quantity of the product to be imprinted. To give an example, I’ll utilize one case study; you may tailor it to your needs.

This example will use mugs as the product of choice using the Printa Systems ready-made printing system.

The Printa System provides you with the high-quality equipment needed to run your business and the expert training necessary for success. With this particular plan, you are leasing to buy the 990 Series Silver Pad Printer System. The cost of the machine is $3995, with shipping totaling an extra $110—making the total $4105. Your contract stipulates that you pay out this lease at a manageable monthly rate of $138.75 for 48 months. At the end of this period, you will own the equipment.

It is wise to keep it simple and start with a niche market such as mugs. But the equipment you purchase will enable you to branch out and print many other things like water bottles, pens, glasses, cups, and golf balls. You won’t need to purchase any extra machinery.

In addition to the equipment, you will also receive training on how to use it. The session covers setup, preparation, artwork, printing, and more topics. This way, even if you have never worked with a printer, you can get started without trouble.

Go to this link to explore the information further.

Other Ideas: This is only one way to secure the printing equipment. However, this example may serve as a guide for the cost and capacity of a pad printery. Furthermore, this method allows you to start without making a significant financial investment.

Go to https://www.printa.com/business-resources/how-to-start-a-mug-printing-business for more information about the printa system.

Ideas For Identifying Business Clients

After you’ve decided to start your own pad printing company and have acquired your equipment, you will now need print jobs. Enlisting jobs may be the most challenging part of launching a print shop business for you. Where can you locate customers, and how will you entice them?

Individual Customers

If you operate a home-based business, realize that foot traffic will not contribute to your success as it would for a store-front operation. Your primary customers deliberately seek out your products or services online or through word of mouth.

Any mode of advertisement or promotion (aside from a street-level sighting) places you on equal footing with the store-front business owner. Those ads can easily direct customers to your website, make a phone call, or send an email inquiry.

Business Clients

You’re not limited to only finding individuals as customers; business clients are another great option. If you pad print any products, find businesses that make and sell those same items so they can use your service for imprinting purposes.

Teaming up with this type of business can make sense financially because you would print more items and get stable work. In other words, having just a few contracts like this could be all your company needs to do well. Once established, you can increase your production with more of the same printing or start imprinting onto different products–or both! This way, your printing volume will go up, along with how much money you’re making.

Here are some reasons why choosing a B2B approach to identifying print jobs might be wise. These ideas come from the article, “Why B2B is a Better Choice for a Print Shop Franchise,” published by Signarama Franchise.

Conclusion

To summarize, pad printers can be highly beneficial to home business owners:

Business projects can help you create professional-looking marketing materials and personalized gifts and save money on commercial printing services.

Start a new business: Starting a pad printing business can be a great way to earn extra income from home. Anyone can get started in this rewarding field with a small investment in equipment and supplies! 

Please share your thoughts or experiences in the comment section below. What would you like me to write about? Contact me at: wayne@digitalchowder.com

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