Category: Archive

  • 9 Business Trends to Follow in 2017

    9 Business Trends to Follow in 2017

    The world is changing at the speed of technological innovations and the public is more digital, more demanding. The Millennials, as well known as Generation Y, grew hand in hand with technology and is today the main responsible for purchasing decisions, as the largest group of consumers.

    The business trends for 2017 are following these changes.

    The world is changing and businesses, for the coming years, will have to take care of this generation.

    The 10 trends that will drive your business in 2017 will be focused on technological tools, on the growth of eCommerce platforms, on work remotely and more.

    Here you go.

     business trends 2017

    1. Web Design Trends

    It is no wonder web design has become more important to business than ever before.

    Long scrolling, flat design, micro interactions, rich animations and HD visuals are just some of the new trends. From logos to websites, to enriched graphics on social media accounts, consumers are becoming more obsessed with visually appealing content and companies need to take advantage of it.

    Following web design trends for 2017 will be required for every business in order to compete at the highest levels. This holds true especially for those companies who refuse to embark on the Internet for fear of getting lost and not being able to emerge.

    Every company, every startup, every small workshop will need a strategic online presence. CMS platforms like WordPress allow you to easily manage a website, with just a minimum of technical know-how to build your online activities. 

     

    2. Personal Branding

    If you are a young entrepreneur then you should know that personal branding is a key element for the growth of your business.

    The Internet has opened the field to a grueling competition among experts in this sector, generating a kind of uniformity among rivals. What matters is being able to find new personal branding tools to help bring out our companies, like Mention, which helps to monitor in real-time your business name or brand. Just enter a keyword in the search box and you can track what people are saying about you across different platforms.

     

    3. Remotely Recruitment

    remote recruitment trends in business

    Tech companies and startups are using different forms of remote working.

    Since the meeting can be made on Skype or other video conferencing platforms, there’s a much better chance of taking true talents via the digital channel, without the tedious and costly grain of the work on site, in order to have an important role within the company and bring success to your business.

     

    4. Millennials

    People may think that Millennials are lazy kids who prefer to stay at home and work in pajamas and slippers.

    On the contrary, they are just the opposite of the baby boomers. They seek creative ways to do their job, constantly improving the work process.

    This means that companies have the opportunity to meet the needs of the talented Millennials to get in return success and turnover, following the trend of the business carefully.

     

    5. eCommerce

    ecommerce trends 2017

    2017 will be the year of the growth of online shopping: the spending is on the rise in both the US and Europe.

    Just consider that one of the points in favor of the online business development is about shipping and for 2017 the business trends will be all oriented on electronic commerce.

    The shipping cost has a very important role in decision making of customers. 58% of consumers are willing to add items to their carts to meet the threshold for free shipping.

    Also, the web development and loading time of the ecommerce pages will influence the purchase decision. Be sure to choose the right web hosting to avoid losing customers.

    Other important areas will be the social commerce, because many consumers can now make secure purchases using their smartphones.

     

    6. Business Intelligence Software

    In 2017 the Business Intelligence will give a big hand to SMEs. BI is a set of business procedures used for the collection and analysis of data and strategic information. Through software like Cyfe you can collect the data fragmented by translating them into valuable information for the development of our business.

    BI has historically been used by large enterprises to treat, preserve and display what is known as Big Data. However, the growth of technological solutions and the large amounts of data gives the possibility to small companies to take advantage of BI solutions.

     

    7. Green Business

    Green Business Trends 2017

    The Millennials are quite aware of what types of products to buy. For this reason, they search for companies that pay attention to the planet’s health through the products they consume.

    Green business is a very familiar term, but only recently has been taken seriously by the companies, which have developed specific products to contribute to the success of this mission. Nothing strange, then, of seeing a grow for green businesses in 2017.

     

    8. Videos

    2016 was the year of online videos, so much that Facebook has invested and continues to invest much on this powerful medium.

    2017 could be the year when videos will be used to create useful content to solve the customer problems.

    The video is becoming an essential source of information and many experts have understood in advance. Through powerful targeting tools offered by social networks, you can create a real-time video to address specific issues and help our users to solve them.

    In essence, focus on videos to promote your product.

     

    9. Fewer Emails

    business trends 2017

    2017 could be the year of Slack overtaking emails. Just think this famous tool has exceeded 4 million users a day.

    This does not mean companies will abandon emails so sudden, but it is certain these tools of real-time communication will become more used among users.

    In an organization where internal and external communication takes place via email, you can save much time using real-time tools, other than spending most of the day with the mailbox open waiting for a response.

    As we all know: time is money!

  • Thrive Themes vs X Theme: The Best WordPress Theme Of The Year

    Thrive Themes vs X Theme: The Best WordPress Theme Of The Year

    Thrive Themes vs X Theme.

    I get it. You are undecided on two of the best premium WordPress themes on the market. Lucky for you, you will find the complete review on both Thrive Themes vs X Theme in this post.

    And if you wonder why I do so, it is simple. I’ve been in the same position as you in the past, and it is hard to decide. As for the record, I ended up buying both the themes!

    Being an avid WordPress user myself, I totally understand how it felt like when it comes to choosing the best WordPress theme for your blog. On the one hand, you have the popular Thrive Themes, and on another, you have the X Theme which was rated as the best WordPress theme in 2015 on CodeCanyon.

    Don’t worry. In this post, you will find the complete review of Thrive Themes vs X Theme — all under one roof.

    Of course, if you like this WordPress builder review, I would appreciate if you can share it with your friends!

    If you are looking for comparison between Thrive Themes and other WordPress builders instead, here are some links you should take a look at:

    thrive themes vs x theme review

    What is a WordPress builder theme?

    WordPress builder allows you to do a heck lot of things, especially when it comes to customizing your WordPress theme. In most WordPress themes development, a single project can costs at least $200.

    If you are feeling adventurous (and tight on budget), getting yourself a WordPress builder theme such as Thrive Themes or X theme is a great alternative.

    Developing a WordPress theme is time-consuming and in most cases, you are required to have a certain expertise in coding. This is where WordPress builder theme comes into play.

    A good WordPress builder helps you to create awesome themes without any coding knowledge. In most cases, you are just required to drag and drop different columns to create the ultimate theme of your choice. And yes, all the above is done without any coding skills.

     

    What are the requirements of a good WordPress builder theme?

    The market is saturated with dozens of WordPress builders. Sadly, not many make the mark!

    So, here are some of the requirements of a good WordPress builder theme:

    • Mobile responsive
    • An array of typography
    • Search engine friendly (and optimized)
    • Fast loading speed
    • Affordability
    • All year round support (email or forum)
    • Integration with other important plugins
    • Low learning curve
    • Automation upgrading

    Lucky for you, both Thrive Themes and X Theme have pretty similar similarities with the above requirements (which we will dive deeper in this post).

     

    Thrive Themes review

    You can read my up-to-date Thrive Themes review, and I am firm with my stance; Thrive Themes is one of the best drag and drop builder in the market.

    But wait! What should you know about Thrive Themes?

    The theme doesn’t have tons of bloatware, and all the Thrive Themes are built with the focus on speed and converting visitors into paying customers (or email subscribers).

    As a blogger or marketer, you’ll understand how important getting leads through your blog. And that’s exactly what Thrive Themes can help you to achieve! Every part of the theme created is focused heavily on getting conversions; email subscribers, inquiries, etc.

    For one, I’m a huge fan of StudioPress themes and personally, I have used it for over ten years. When I decided to use Thrive Themes on one of my websites, I was worried and to be extremely honest, I was not convinced on Thrive Themes.

    However, I read many blog posts talking about the advantages of Thrive Themes, and I was tempted to try it. After all, what’s the worst case that can happen, right?

     

    My experience using Thrive Themes

    As an experienced WordPress user, I skipped the manual and went directly into installing the premium theme.

     

    (a) Installation of Thrive Themes

    My verdict for this part is that Thrive Themes is easy to use. It doesn’t take long to install, and it is very easy as well.

     

    (b) Using Thrive Themes

    A full copy of Thrive Themes comes with inbuilt Thrive Leads and Thrive Content Builder. With the combination of both plugins, you get a complete, all-in-one premium theme that takes away all the hard work and leave the nice results for you.

     

    (c) Thrive Leads integration

    Thrive Leads is pretty much the most advanced version for any lead generation plugin. As a huge fan of OptinMonster, Thrive Leads easily surpass what most common lead generation plugin could do.

    You can integrate custom lead forms or choose from the huge library of pre-made forms seamlessly into your blog or website.

    A huge plus point for Thrive Themes users is that Thrive Leads can integrate into dozens of email marketing providers. Seriously, you will be surprised on how many plugins who face multiple issues when it comes to integration!

    Side note: I use Convertkit for my email marketing, and there is absolutely no problem using it with Thrive Leads! You can also read my post on why I left MailChimp for Convertkit.

     

    (d) Thrive Content Builder

    Thrive Content Builder or TCB, in short, is a powerful plugin that comes along with Thrive Themes. Instead of the traditional blog writing, Thrive Content Builder allows you to create powerful and highly effective content through drag-and-drop option.

    You can easily add content, images, videos, maps and other interactive ‘˜materials’ within the blog post with using any codes. All you need to do is to select the option available and start writing!

     

    (e) Thrive Themes loading speed

    Makes no mistake. Thrive Themes is excellent when it comes to website loading speed. I am always keen on making my website load under 1 second, and that’s why I use WP Engine to host my websites.

    With StudioPress themes, I can load my website under 1 second, and when I use another theme builder, it usually takes a whole 2 seconds or more!

    When I use Thrive Themes with WP Engine, my website loads around 1.2 seconds which is superb!

     

    X Theme Review

    I came across X Theme two and a half years back. Back then, I was hunting for another premium theme apart from StudioPress. Adam Connell (founder of Blogging Wizard) introduced me to X Theme, and I was instantly ‘wow-ed.’

    At that time, X Theme was still new in the market, and it was okay. It provides tons of features and is probably one of the best I ever used.

    Fast forward to now, X Theme has come a long way. Now, it can integrate to dozens of plugins and add-ons, including Cornerstone which is awesome!

    For me, X Theme is a great choice for both beginners and experienced WordPress users simply because it offers a lot of features under its hood.

    For starters, X Theme can integrate to multiple plugins such as email opt-in forms, lead generation, under construction and social sharing. Instead of buying a truckload of plugins, you can find nearly everything with X Theme.

     

    My experience using X Theme

    Similar to the above, I installed the X Theme and here’s my honest review about X Theme.

     

    (a) Simplicity in using X Theme

    X Theme is way easier to use now than previously. After installing the theme, you can select to import designs or pre-made layouts from the option. Alternatively, you can create your theme from scratch.

    X Theme also comes with Expanded Demos which you can import directly into your WordPress website. Here’s a short video of it.

     

    (b) Using X Theme

    Do you want an honest answer? X Theme is great, and there’s a lot under its hood. However, it is not that straightforward (if you are comparing Thrive Themes vs X Theme).

    But it makes all the sense, though. X Theme offers more features and is often very ‘˜heavy.’ Compared to Thrive Themes, you can do more with X Theme.

    The downside? There’s a learning curve, and it can be annoying if you skip the manual altogether (like me).

     

    (c) X Theme integration with Cornerstone

    X Theme nearly lost the entire battle when it comes to the premium plugin, but thankfully for Cornerstone integration, it is now back on track.

    So, what is Cornerstone?

    Cornerstone is a drag and drop plugin that allows you to do pretty much anything with the X Theme. With it, you will get WYSIWYG, and you can easily customize your website in real time.

    Pretty awesome, right?

     

    (d) Multiple visual effects using X Theme

    If you are the type that loves powerful and engaging visual effects on your blog, you got to try on X Theme.

    Personally, X Theme is very good when it comes to creating 3D buttons and effects. In most cases, you will not be able to have such features easily on most premium WordPress themes. You would either need to have some serious coding work needed or installing a few more plugins to get the desired results.

    With X Theme, all you need is to select the option for 3D effect and you are good to go — all under 10 seconds, or less!

     

    Thrive Themes vs X Theme review

    Trust me, I put a lot of thought into this and to be honest, I can’t make a solid decision (literally speaking). Both are equally good and to make the decision much easier, carry on reading the below.

     

    Thrive Themes vs X Theme: Simplicity, ease of use and fast loading speed

    The winner got to be Thrive Themes. Sure, X Theme is good, but Thrive Themes excels much more in this category.

    It is easy to use, very straightforward and more importantly, it has a fast loading speed (around 1.2 seconds compared to X Theme at around 1.8 seconds).

    Want to see Thrive Themes in action? Click here for the complete demo!

     

    Thrive Themes vs X Theme: Design, features, and future integration/upgrades

    When it comes to design, I am an avid believer that X Theme still has the upper hand compared to Thrive Themes. The designs on X Theme is often more intuitive and flexible, while Thrive Themes is very much ‘˜by default.’

    Also, X Theme has always been adding new features and upgrades since day one. Therefore, X Theme may one day be the top player in the industry especially if they continue to add more integration into the theme.

    Click here to see what X Theme can do for your website!

     

    Summary: Thrive Themes vs X Theme review

    I don’t believe there is a clear winner when it comes to comparing Thrive Themes vs X Theme. It boils down to exactly what you need as a blogger/writer and how these themes can be used in your daily usage.

    If you are looking for a fast loading website with leads conversion focused, Thrive Themes is the one you should be using.

    If you are more towards custom theme and building a theme from scratch, consider using X Theme as it offers a wide range of features to help you customize your blog.

    What do you think? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think.

  • Contentmart Review – One stop solution for content writing services

    Contentmart Review – One stop solution for content writing services

    It can be difficult to find a good writer at times. The problems can be a) you don’t get a writer who is worth hiring for the job or b) He/ she might charge a high amount. So, how to get out of such a sticky situation? Are their quality content writers at affordable prices? Well Yes, Contentmart.com addresses this problem and helps connect you to a skilled, qualified writer.

    Contentmart works in a way such that not only the clients but the writers can also find projects of great value. Addressing the above-stated problem clients can post their requirements with details of what they are looking for and writers can then bid for the project. The client then makes a choice depending on the bidding writers’ area of expertise, education, experience and knowledge of grammar.

     

    Contentmart Review – A platform for Clients and Writers

    Contentmart serves as a platform for authors, copywriters, and clients. Contentmart has a categorical presentation of a list of writers as well as clients with an easy interface for both the clients and writers to find each other.

    Contentmart is a platform solely dedicated to content which the clients can trust and helps them reach out to serious individual authors and editors.

    With over 48 thousand writers and 56 thousand clients, Contentmart promises to take content writing to another level.

     contentmart review

    Clients @ Contentmart

    Posting content requirement at Contentmart is simple. Register as a client on contentmart.com. Registration can be done using Facebook id or e-mail id without disclosing the credit card details. After successful registration the following page appears:

    how to use contentmart

    To place an order go to ‘New Order’ and follow the steps given below:

    • Click on New Order
    • Give a name to your order and describe the details in the ‘Order Details’ section. This helps the writers analyze the requirements and apply for the project

    what is contentmart

    • Fill in other important details like the category of writing, deadline, language, etc.

    buy cheap content online

    • Moving ahead mention the details like number of words, price per word and writers to whom your post would be visible.

    contentmart pricing

    • Click ‘Publish’ to post your order
    • The writers will start sending bids after the order has been published and approved by Contentmart team.
    • Go ahead and hire the best writer for your project.

    Once the writer has been finalized it is his prerogative to deliver the work well within the mentioned deadline, failing which the client can cancel the order.

    The client, in turn, has to accept or reject the content within five days of viewing.

    Once accepted, the amount will be transferred to the writer’s account, and if rejected the amount is refunded to the client.

     

    Writers @ Contentmart

    Writers are equally well served by Contentmart. A one-time registration is needed where the writer has to fill in his/her credentials correctly. The registration can be done using a Facebook id or an e-mail id. After creating the account, a link for activation is sent to the registered email id. Once the link is clicked upon, and the account is activated other details such as education, work preferences, etc. can also be updated.

    The writer can also upload work samples so that the client can have a look at the previous work of the writer.

    Once all the details are provided the writers can start bidding for orders that meet their interests. Though the bidding is completely free, it is totally up to the client whether he/she chooses you for the project or not. Writers can withdraw payments from their accounts only if they reach above Rs. 3000/-. Contentmart charges 10 percent of the total earnings from the project.

     

    Why use Contentmart?

    • Clients need not pay any commission for getting their work done at Contentmart which is unlike any other content providing the platform.
    • Maximum bids due to a large number of writers present on Contentmart (48000+ writers). The client has a wide range to choose from and hence can judicially choose the best writer for the project.
    • Writers are graded as per their English grammar knowledge and their work with previous clients.
    • Complete freedom to the client to reject the work if he/she does not like it. The client can even ask the writer for editing.
    • Provides a great opportunity to writers to find good projects as the client base is huge (56000+ clients)
    • Writers can withdraw payments directly to their bank accounts once they reach the threshold of Rs. 3000.
    • Safe Billing. Once the client has placed an order, the payments are locked so that if the client cancels the order mid-way or is not available for payment, the writer still gets paid.
    • Contentmart is a platform which is solely dedicated to content writing.

     

    Affiliate Program by Contentmart

    Joining Contentmart can also be beneficial through its affiliate program. The program is free of cost and someone joining Contentmart through a referral link makes the referrer eligible for 10 percent of the referral’s income for a year.

    Though the affiliate program is optional, the link for the same can be found in the dashboard after signing in on Contentmart.

    This is a great strategic move by the Contentmart team to expand their base and add more writers which would ultimately benefit their clients by giving them more options to choose from.

     

    Summary

    Contentmart is a great platform to connect Writers and Clients and provides a large number of choices to both the Client and the writers.  A writer can use the platform to get creative and quality writing work. It is also a great opportunity for writers to find good projects with renowned clients.

    For clients, it takes away their pain of hunting for writers as the client only has to put in his requirements and then can choose from all writers who bid for the project. Also being the only dedicated platform for content gives Contentmart an advantage over all other platforms.

    If Contentmart can hold on to its uniqueness and engage the writers by encouraging them to share their writing styles and writing tips they could be a great marketplace to hire writers.

  • 4 Steps To Build A Brand For Your New Blog

    4 Steps To Build A Brand For Your New Blog

    Do you know that branding is as important for bloggers as it is for big names? The process of building a brand is often overlooked by many bloggers, and as a result, they will lead to many ‘˜challenges’ such as infringement and trying to be different as they move along their blogging journey.

    According to Entrepreneur, the definition of branding is ‘The marketing practice of creating a name, symbol or design that identifies and differentiates a product from other products.’
    CONTINUE READING

  • How Can I Boost My Facebook Page?

    Since 2005, I’ve been helping business owners with digital marketing matters. Last week, I was thrown into a question that sound just too familiar.

    ‘How can I boost my Facebook page?’

    The more I help companies with their digital marketing, the more worried I got because with the enormous resources out there on the Internet, businesses are still wondering how to boost their Facebook page.

    Today, I’m going to spill the beans on how businesses can get back to Facebook fast and hard. Below are the tips on how to break through the crowd and boost your Facebook page like a professional.

    But first, how not to use Facebook page.
    CONTINUE READING

  • Hootsuite Supports Personal Google+ Profile

    Hootsuite Supports Personal Google+ Profile

    I wished that one day, Hootsuite will integrate personal Google+ profiles into its social media automation platform.

    The above was three years back when I first started using Hootsuite. If you are one of those social media marketers like me who loves Hootsuite and waiting for integration with personal Google+ profile, the wait is over.

    If you missed it, Hootsuite supports personal Google+ profile!
    CONTINUE READING