Author: Reginald Chan

When building an eCommerce store, a business owner must first understand the importance of getting the right type of server. 

Servers are high-powered computers that store and serve information to other computers. In website development, choosing the best server means providing an ideal environment for a website.  

Without a good server, a website may load slowly, have unstable online availability, and experience frequent server crashes.

In this article, we’ve compiled seven easy tips for selecting the perfect server for your eCommerce business. Let’s dive right in.

1. Server Speed and Reliability

Almost 70% of customers point out that page speed affects their decision on buying from an eCommerce website. Luckily, it only takes a 0.1-second improvement to get 9.1% more shoppers to add items to their baskets. 

For the above reasons, excellent eCommerce site performance is crucial to help boost an eCommerce site’s conversion rates and improve user experience. 

And the easiest way to ensure an excellent site’s speed is by choosing a server with reduced server response time. An SRT is the amount of time a server needs to respond to a query. The lower the number, the faster a website will be. 

Google PageSpeed Insights suggests going for a server for which SRT is under 200 milliseconds. Furthermore, a study proves that web pages that load within 0-2 seconds have the highest conversion rates. 

On top of that, checking the server’s uptime is essential to ensure a more stable online availability. Server uptime refers to the percentage of total duration for a server to be fully up and running.

A 99.5% uptime is a good number. However, going for a server that guarantees up to 99.9% uptime is even better. The downtime possibility for the former adds up to 1.83 days a year. Whereas the latter is only 8.76 hours.

2. Server Capabilities and Limitations

To ensure you get the correct server that can cater to your eCommerce requirements, take notes on what the different providers’ plans actually include. Here are some factors you should consider:

• RAM. Short for random access memory, it writes and reads information for faster retrieval. However, a website’s speed may suffer if there are too many running programs in the background. Therefore, it’s vital to calculate how much RAM a website needs to help ensure excellent performance.
• File storage. Hard disk and solid-state drives are two popular storage devices for website hosting. To improve performance, an SSD is the better option. As it uses a memory chip, it can process information faster than the traditional HDD. 
• Bandwidth. It’s the maximum quantity of data that can be transferred in a second. For this aspect, check a provider’s bandwidth limit and overuse fees to get the suitable bandwidth needed for your eCommerce site.
• CPU power. This hardware is like the server’s brain. A CPU makes it possible for a server to receive, process, and deliver information to users. With a CPU, the bigger the core number, the more queries a server can handle simultaneously.

In relation to storage space, a reliable server helps minimize Error 502. One of the most common causes for such an error is an overloaded server. It makes a website take too long to complete a request, hence the error.

Thus, consider going with a provider that offers ample storage space if you display lots of product photos and videos.

3. Server Security and Encryption

eCommerce website owners should never let their server security be compromised. 

A study revealed that 43% of data breaches involved small businesses, with negligent employees or contractors being the leading cause. 

Small businesses are fitting targets for hackers as they may not have a professional security team to improve their systems. In this situation, selecting a reliable server that guarantees robust security is a top-tier prerequisite measure.

An SSL certificate is crucial for online stores. Short for a secure sockets layer, an SSL’s job is to protect all users’ data. It moves a website from the HTTP to the HTTPS environment, where all information is encrypted.

Without an SSL certificate, site owners make it easier for attackers to steal customers’ data. Incidents with data leakage can damage a brand’s reputation, resulting in customer loss and revenue drops.

For that reason, it’s advisable to check if your chosen provider offers a free SSL certificate with its plan.

4. Server Location

Server locations impact a website’s speed. If a site’s server is far from where the business’s target audience is, it’ll increase the site’s latency. With that said, the less the physical distance, the better the loading time.

That’s why it’s advisable to choose the most strategic server location for your eCommerce website. 

Another tip is to look for the integration of a content delivery network. A CDN is a cluster of geographically distributed proxy servers that help boost a website’s speed. The servers will store a site’s content, bringing it closer to the target audience. 

Thus, a CDN integration is a perfect feature to consider if you want to build an eCommerce website for a global audience.

5. Server Backups

Sometimes, a small, neglected error may lead to a more damaging incident, like data loss and unexpected downtime. On top of that, eCommerce sites are among the most popular targets for cybersecurity threats. 

To prepare for such situations, conducting backups is the best security prerequisite for every site owner. They can help site owners recover their files and have the website back online as soon as possible.

Data backup is about duplicating any type of file into a separate location for easy retrieval. It’s one of the most vital elements in website maintenance, as it helps ensure the safety of a site’s digital information.

The negative impacts of not backing up a website include:

• Loss of customers.
• Prolonged downtime.
• Permanent deletions of products, orders, and customer information.

A reliable host may offer regular daily, weekly, and monthly backups. 

On top of that, an automated backup should be on your list, as it definitely makes the process a lot easier. Using the feature, all you need to do is set a schedule and let the server commence the backup for you based on the specified time.

6. Technical Support

Setting up a website is relatively easy. However, errors still may occur every now and then. They can come from both the server and user sides.

When it comes to technical support, reflect on your skills in handling website development, maintenance, and optimization. If you’re new to these topics, you may need a higher support level.  

To help troubleshoot issues quickly, check if your chosen host offers technical support. An excellent provider will offer it 24/7 on different communication channels, such as live web chat, phone calls, email tickets, web forms, and social media.

In addition, checking support reviews helps get clearer insights into what you can expect from a company’s customer service. Thus, research thoroughly.

7. Money-Back Guarantee

A money-back guarantee allows customers to get their money back in case they’re not happy with a company’s service. With that said, a customer may ask for a refund if they feel a product may not be what they expected it to be

Quality companies often offer a money-back guarantee to ensure service excellence, especially if the competition is tight. By providing this policy, a customer may try a business’s product themselves and confirm its claims. 

In terms of the time frame, each provider has its own time period. Some offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, while others may stretch it to 45 or 60 days. 

Some terms and conditions may also apply. For instance, a company that offers a 100% money-back guarantee will refund the total price of the product its customers buy. Other providers may offer a different amount.

In addition, keep in mind to check the lifetime warranty if you’ve decided on a provider. This is to ensure that you’ll get the same experience past the trial period. 

Conclusion

Selecting the most suitable server for your site is one of the most crucial stages of building a website. The best kind of server will help provide a supportive environment for a website to grow. 

Throughout this article, we covered seven aspects to consider when choosing the perfect server for eCommerce. Here’s a short recap:

1. Server speed and reliability. Go for a provider that offers an under-200-milliseconds server response time and over a 99.5% uptime guarantee.
2. Server capabilities and limitations. Compare one provider to another to find the perfect storage space, RAM, bandwidth, and CPU power matches for excellent eCommerce performance.
3. Server security and encryption. SSL certificates are a must for eCommerce websites.
4. Server location. Reduces latency and improves user experience. 
5. Server backups. The most vital eCommerce security prerequisites. Automated daily backups help ensure data safety and ease data retrieval in case of an emergency.
6. Technical support. Ensure 24/7 assistance to help solve issues quickly.
7. Money-back guarantee. Let customers experience the product and confirm the company’s claims.

We hope all the above tips are insightful and help you get the best server for your eCommerce business. Good luck!

When you’re in business, especially in the early days, the thought of experimentation and risk-taking is a difficult thing to come to terms with. On the one hand, you might be aware about how such risks and ventures can lead you to the kind of success that you’re looking for, but on the other hand, you might not feel as though you’re in the right financial position to do this.

What will help you solve your conundrum is having some sort of idea about which risks are worth taking, or how to find out what could work best for you. This can vary from business to business, but acquiring more knowledge in the field means that you tackle future problems with more confidence.

Get Professionals to Help You Along

Taking risks and trying something new, often means that you’ll be working with tools or technology that you’re unfamiliar with. Ordinarily, in a personal sense, this just means that you have a period of time when you can learn how to work with this and become more confident with it. However, when you’re trying something new in business, you’re trying to meet a financial goal. Therefore, what might be your best course of action here is to acquire the help of professionals in the field that you’re delving into in order to make your debut in that regard as successful as possible.

For example, if you were thinking of expanding your marketing capabilities by trying different means through which to exercise your strategies, there will be appropriate professionals to help you along. One option that you would have if this is something you were trying to explore, would be to conduct your marketing campaigns through text message platforms, something that Tatango can help you ensure is as smooth as possible. In any case, while there can be a temptation to do everything yourself due to either pride or financial reasons, working with other professionals can broaden your perspective and lead you to achieve the results that you seek.

Follow in the Footsteps of What’s Worked

While this may not sound like an approach that should be followed when discussing taking risks, the risk is relative to your company and that doesn’t mean that you have to do something radical and new. Looking at the examples that bigger, more established names in your field of business have set can lead you to a myriad of possible options for you to follow. This is something positive and should be viewed as such.

While you might be unwilling to look to learn from your competitors, it’s important to view your dynamic with them in a positive light, and gleaning something beneficial out of being the underdog shows that you’re willing to make the most of your situation.

In any case, thanks to their success, you’ll have access to knowledge about what works and what doesn’t, and you, fortunately, don’t have to be the one to see if something new will work or not.

An LLC is one of the most popular structure options people consider when starting a business these days. This is because it gives the proprietor several advantages of a limited partnership and a corporation. An LLC also comes with more privileges compared to a sole proprietorship. For starters, owners get the freedom to choose how they are taxed, with most people preferring to be taxed as an individual. At the same time, an LLC means that you and your business are two completely separate entities, thus protecting your personal assets from liability in case of unmanageable business debts or other legal obligations.

The best part is that starting an LLC is fairly easy, plus it offers higher managerial flexibility compared to a corporation. The requirements and regulatory procedures may vary from one state to another, but the formalities are not complex, and the paperwork is usually minimal. It usually starts with selecting a unique business name, filing the required paperwork, and registering the business. As a matter of fact, it might take just a few hours to set up an LLC and make it a legal entity if you know the steps to follow.

Let’s take a look at the following six steps you need to make your LLC set up a breeze.

1. Pick A Unique Business Name

For the sake of branding and marketing, choosing the right business name is a crucial aspect when launching. However, the business name you pick is also required to meet the state’s requirements.

Basically, the law requires you to pick a unique business name that is not already in use by another business entity in your state. Benjamin Aronson’s article from the FinancePond provides some tips about the best states to form an LLC. The article also sheds some light on domestic and foreign LLCs, which basically refers to LLCs formed in your home state or out of state.

In some states, also, using certain words that may falsely imply that the business is in a certain industry (like banking or insurance) is prohibited. At the end of the business name, you will need to add the acronym LLC to indicate that it is a limited liability company. As you review the LLC naming requirements in your state, don’t forget to conduct research and find out with the responsible business filing agency if the name you want to use is available.

2. Pick A Registered Agent

Next, you will want to choose a registered agent, who is basically your business representative involved in receiving and sending paperwork for your business. They will be in charge of any document you will need to file with the state, legal action paperwork such as subpoenas, and much more. A registered agent is basically a state requirement when forming an LLC. You could also be your own registered agent when forming a domestic LLC, or the registered agent you choose should be a resident of the state where the LLC is being created.

3. Preparing The LLC Articles Of Organization 

Sometimes called the certificate of formation, The Articles of Organization document must be filed with the respective state agency for an LLC to become a legal business entity. Many states have a standardized form that can be downloaded online from the respective agency’s website. Once you download the form, you will need to fill in several details while adhering to the state-specific requirements listed on it or provided on the official website. Some of the details you will be required to fill in include the following: 

• Business name 
• Business purpose 
• Principle business physical address 
• LLC management plan 
• Registered agent contacts 
• Prospected LLC duration 
• Business owner signature 

4. Filing The AOU 

Once you have prepared the Articles of Organization (AOU) and supplied the required information, you will need to submit the document to the responsible state agency for business filings. This is referred to as filing the articles of organization or certificate of formation. Be sure to find out how much you need for the filing fees in your state, or else your business will not be registered. Upon approval, the state issues you with a certificate indicating that your LLC is now a registered business. You will basically need this document when opening a business account at the bank and other crucial tasks such as obtaining a Tax ID.

5. Formulate The Operating Agreement

When an LLC is started, there is either a single owner or multiple members. To avoid future wrangles or conflicts down, an operating agreement is necessary for the latter. The document contains detailed information and articles on how the multiple-member LLC  will be run and managed. Some examples of the particulars covered in an operating agreement include the following:

• Administrative roles and rights of members
• Financial rights of members (like financial input and profit distribution)
• Legal rights and obligations of members (like how a member should leave the business)

While an operating agreement may not be a state requirement in your location, it is necessary if the business will have more than one owner. It is also helpful in some instances if you run the LLC solo. You can DIY or use free online templates, but complex LLC formations will often need a business attorney to help craft the operating agreement.

6. Understand Tax And Regulatory Compliance Requirements

When starting an LLC, you may also need to comply with certain regulatory and tax requirements beforehand. Some of them are additional and may not apply to all LLC formations, so it is necessary to find out if you need them. They may include:

• Employer and Sales Tax: If you will have several employees in your LLC, it means that they should pay income tax. If the company is in retail, there’s a high chance you will collect sales tax as well. In this case, you need to learn about LLC tax registration and the rules involved. The last thing you want is for your company to get into loggerheads with the taxman at takeoff.
• Employer Identification Number: EINs are used for a wide range of purposes, including taxation, insurance, and lending. LLCs with more than one owner should have an IRS EIN, which can be applied online. The same should apply if an LLC has employees or plans on hiring employees at some point.
• Business Licensing: On top of the registration certificate, an LLC might need certain business licenses and permits from local and state governments. The licenses you need will largely depend on the type of your business and its primary location.

As you can see, setting up an LLC is not a complicated process if you know what you need to do. The few steps above could get you up and running if you are yet to do so, perhaps because you don’t have registration documents. Keep your LLC active and ensure the business maintains a good track record with the state by paying the required fees on time and filing your annual reports.

Cross-channel marketing is becoming increasingly popular in the business industry. Almost every corporate company has incorporated this strategy to boost its revenue. Since this strategy is primarily based on customer engagement and retention, it has shown noticeable increments in ROI values and sales. Although this is a widely known strategy, many people and companies are still trying to figure out what this kind of marketing strategy exactly is and how it can be implemented into their systems to increase the return on investment of their business. If you are one of these people, here’s a simple guide to help you understand what cross-channel marketing is and how it improves the ROI and revenues of a company.

Cross-Channel Marketing Explained

Cross channel marketing is a customer-centric marketing approach that consists of personalization features to target every customer individually. It utilizes the numerous channels available today through the internet to reach millions of people every day. One of the best features of this model that attracts customers is its consistency in promoting your brand and its products. Whether it is digital marketing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Snapchat, or mediums like texts, emails, web, and apps, this strategy makes use of every resource available to reach the maximum number of people.

Cross-Channel Vs. Traditional Marketing Strategies

Traditional marketing strategies can include television advertisements or print ads in newspapers and magazines. As compared with digital marketing strategies, these traditional advertising methods seem wildly ineffective. While digital marketing reaches millions worldwide, traditional methods can only reach local consumers. In addition, digital marketing strategies consist of different methods to increase customer engagement. In comparison to single and multi-channel marketing, cross channel marketing strategy is considered the most effective out of these. While many people assume these two strategies to be the same, it is pretty different. Although both strategies use multiple advertising channels to promote brands, multi-channel marketing isn’t linked together like cross-channel marketing. This networked system ensures maximum customer personalization, which is essentially the number one consumer demand these days.

Effective cross-channel marketing can look like this: your website is visited by a customer who views certain products but leaves the website without purchasing. This will be followed by an automatic personalized email being sent to that individual, targeting specific products they were interested in. This process not only increases your chances of making a sale but also increases a positive customer experience.

How It Improves ROI

The trend shifts over the last decade have converted businesses to be completely consumer-driven, depending mainly on customer engagement and retention. This is why cross-channel marketing is a hit these days, as it focuses on customer needs individually. While older marketing techniques would target a general demographic and use targeted ads for a large population, modern cross-channel methods use innovative technology to identify individual preferences and target ads according to those preferences. This, in turn, increases the sales and generated revenue and gives a high return on investment for many businesses. Here is how this strategy improves the ROI of a business.

1. Ensures Brand Consistency

Cross-channel marketing ensures brand consistency over a large number of platforms to send a good message to your customers. Millennials, especially now, expect companies to remain consistent across all their marketing channels. So whether it’s your brands’ principles, content strategies, or customer communication tone, every factor needs to sync with the message you want to send out. Moreover, consistency promotes your brand image as well as standard of quality.

2. Optimizes Marketing Funnel

Optimizing the marketing funnel is the key to improving the ROI for your business. The best way to do this is through cross-channel marketing, which uses contextual messaging to optimize the funnel. It also helps create a seamless user experience that enables customers to move across marketing channels easily. Moreover, you can easily target and re-target consumers by linking channels together. Automation is the future, and cross-channel marketing uses this feature to improve marketing return on investment.

3. Improves Customer Experience

About 90% of marketers use personalization features to ensure customer appeal and increase their marketing efficiency significantly. As compared to general advertisements, personalized ads have a much higher chance of customer engagement. Surveys show that around 45% of millennials claim to become loyal customers of a brand if their shopping experience is personalized. In simpler words, effective marketing strategies need personalization, which cross-channel marketing provides, increasing ROI.

4. Provides Significant Data

Cross channel marketing provides you customer data from numerous platforms to help you identify your brand’s most engaging content and use it to benefit your marketing process. This strategy can help you gain valuable information and insights about your customers and their preferences. Moreover, certain advertisements are proven to be more engaging to specific customers than others. To identify this type of ad content, you need to make use of cross-channel marketing campaigns. This way, you can better connect with your audience, improve customer retention, and generate revenue.

5. Increases Brand Exposure

This type of marketing strategy will ensure that your competitors can find you on any platform they want to. It will not only effectively promote your business across different social media platforms but also conventional mediums. Your brand exposure is automatic when using this strategy, which naturally increases brand awareness and provides a solid customer base.

6. Provides Multi-channel Attribution

ROI is directly affected by customer experience and customer engagement, and cross-channel marketing takes care of both. Rather than a periodic email or advertisement every few months, a cross-channel strategy regularly sends engaging, targeted ads and messages to your customers; this not only increases customer engagement but also helps build trust with your consumers.

Cross channel marketing is considered the future of digital marketing strategies now. Its highly effective method ensures maximum customer engagement, brand recognition, and customer retention. Moreover, by effectively incorporating this strategy into your marketing plan, you can improve your company’s revenues and return on investment. Because of the numerous benefits of cross-channel strategies, companies benefit greatly when implementing this plan in their business structure and obtain a loyal customer base.