Reginald Chan

Blog

  • 9 Ways to Grow Your Online Business

    9 Ways to Grow Your Online Business

    The world of trading and offering services online has never been bigger. If you are thinking of opening a business in 2021, chances are that you have already thought about at least having a profile on social media, if not going completely on the web to do your business. Well, here we will give you several neat tips on how to grow your online business!

    1. Simpler Websites Are Better

    A website is the alpha and omega of all online businesses, its showroom. While designing it, it is easy to get carried away trying to put every possible bit of info on it because you think it’s essential and it will attract the attention of the customer. In reality – sites that are overcrowded and too straining to interpret are much less favored compared to simple and condensed ones.

    Think of all the great online businesses, Google, Facebook, Netflix… They all have a very toned-down look, usually with only one defining color, and not a lot of text or information on their main page.  

    2. Improving Your SEO 

    This cannot be stressed enough, yet many people don’t even know what it’s all about. Search Engine Optimization is the process of boosting your website’s chance of being found on one of the internet search engines. Most people tend to hire professionals to do it for them, and they don’t even need to be near you but could even be a London SEO agency, for example. As every search engine has different algorithms that determine whether a website will be listed at the top, you need to carefully adjust your presentation so that some keywords are mentioned more, or that you are mentioned in other critical places also. 

    3. Keeping Customers Updated and Aware

    Although there’s a chance of it being marked as spam – sending emails to your clients and customers every now and then is a great way of making sure you don’t lose touch with them. It would be a very smart move to start making a mailing list right from the beginning, as every person who interacted with your business is a potential customer and worth having in mind. 

    Make sure that the emails you send are unique enough for the machine to not recognize them as spam, but also not too friendly and familiar as you are still representing a business and want to maintain such a relationship with clients. 

    4. Have Reliable IT Support

    There are many reasons why you should consider hiring an IT expert for your company, or at least have a deal with an IT company to maintain your website. Those who do their business exclusively online depend greatly on their website functioning properly, as any bug or delay in that part means lost revenue. 

    Having someone to jump to your aid in case of a hacker attack or when you expressly need to update some information is therefore of the utmost importance. 

    5. Be Present on Social Media

    As the number of users of social media platforms continues to rise we are faced with the fact that that is the best possible way of reaching out to people over the internet. Today even businesses that are very local have profiles on some platforms, so if you’re serious about your online business you have to have a presence there also.

    Depending on the type of business you do, you will want to focus on different sites, but have all those profiles interlinked so that potential clients can find your content more easily.  

    6. Be Present in Real Life Too

    Even though your field of conduct might be entirely online, such as giving consulting services, you should still consider actually having an office or exhibition space for it. For starters, it is a great place to make some content for marketing so you can show that you exist as a company.

    Secondly, there are clients who might learn about you online but will want to meet you in person to do business – so having an appropriate space to welcome them and have a meeting is a big plus! Of course, if all of this is out of your budget you can always settle for a rented space for the occasion that can do just the trick.

    7. The Attention Span is Short – Grab It! 

    Studies show that the average attention span of users on the internet is only a few seconds long, and is decreasing! This situation presents a very difficult problem regarding what to show on your website so it is both informative, relevant but also draws attention. 

    For starters, your website should load as fast as possible so you don’t lose any users to the waiting time. After that the main information you want to convey, such as a product or a message, should be clearly visible, without much, or any, pop-ups to disturb it. Unless you have established customers that don’t mind it – the initial impression should be very concise and attractive. 

    8. Cater to Mobile Users

    As more and more people have smartphones at their side it’s very likely that you will need to adapt to their needs and create a mobile-friendly site. 

    This is a job for web developers and they will have to do the needed programming for it, but it is still up to you to see what content and in what way it should be shown, as well as how optimized searching through it should be. 

    9. Connect with Colleagues

    Your online presence will only be highlighted if you’re also a part of a community that shares a trade. In reality, this doesn’t mean forming a union or closed market but being present on forums and chat rooms where colleagues exchange ideas and opportunities.

    If others perceive you as friendly and professional they will be likely to share projects with you or outsource to you if they cannot manage an order, for example. They will also sometimes mention you in their marketing if you’ve collaborated, and that is always good for business. 

    Swimming with the sharks is not easy in any business, especially not on the internet where the big sharks don’t have any physical borders. Luckily for you – neither do you, and the worldwide web offers an almost unlimited market for all but the vaguest of products. Following these simple tips, you can thoroughly grow your online business in every direction and maybe one day even be considered a big shark yourself! 

  • Reasons Why You Might Need To Hire An It Support Service

    Reasons Why You Might Need To Hire An It Support Service

    Information Technology refers to the set of methods and processes which cover a wide range of areas we’re familiar with, such as the Internet, telecommunications, and any device or technology used for work.  

    Computers and devices have become intertwined with people’s lives, both personal lives and in their businesses. If anything were to go wrong, there would be several reasons to panic as important data are at risk of being lost. However, there won’t be any need to panic when you have an IT guy readily available. Even though IT services might look so easy but don’t be fooled; it involves certain operations that require experience, expertise, swiftness, and some other soft skills.

    It is always recommendable to hire an IT expert that will provide support services that will help you improve and optimize your business and sort out any glitches in your system network.

    The great thing about IT support services is that they can be as simple, detailed, or complex depending on what challenge you or your business is facing. Below are some reasons why you should hire an IT support person.

    1. Swift Response

    Business owners require IT support services to ensure that their systems are working efficiently with no glitches. If one of your servers goes down within working hours, a hired IT support staff can immediately identify the issue and begin working to correct it.

    IT-related issues and system crashes are not only limited to business hours; when they occur after business hours, fixing them might be challenging if there isn’t an expert available. This is why 24/7 remote monitoring of your system network is an important necessity for your business.

    2. Enough Time to Focus on your Business

    When there is an increase in IT issues within your system network, more time is spent trying to fix problems identified and less time is spent on the smooth running of your business.

    Having a dedicated staff on the ground to monitor your systems means there’s no reason for you or your employees to worry about taking care of it. That’s why an IT consulting firm might be an option to consider if you’re seeking value and competence. If your budget can’t accommodate a firm, you can hire staff and make do with a fixed monthly fee. 

    3. Technological Advancement Within the Workspace

    As the world of technology constantly evolves, it seems nearly impossible to keep up with new and advanced applications or programs. Also, new viruses and other security threats are constantly emerging. It is the job of the IT professional to keep up with these changes and be there to create firewalls against breaches.

    If you are not an IT professional it would be difficult to keep up with the continuous changes taking place in technology. You could end up spending significant time researching and implementing protocols. An IT support service professional is dedicated, passionate, and always hungry to learn the newest tech trends in the industry.

    4. Increased Productivity

    IT services play a vital role in the daily routine of a modern company. Regardless of how trivial they might seem, everything regarding IT is critical for the productivity of a company.

    Depending on an IT support service professional to show you what you’re missing out on would show you ways to create better content while also decreasing the amount of time you spend on tedious projects because of outdated systems or programs you might be using.

    5. Security

    As your business grows, the possibility of a security breach becomes more possible. Your IT person can handle the server, desktop, device management, and cybersecurity remotely.

    With the help of expert IT support persons, your systems are sure to be secure from unwanted intrusions. 

    Almost every department in an organization is supported by the internet and information technology. So it’s only safe to say that organizations need to hire an IT support service to increase productivity and efficiency.

    IT support service is the expert’s ability to assist with any IT issues their client may have.  It is the process of offering assistance with technology-related devices and software. These services aim to provide users with the solutions they require when they are experiencing problems with their device or software so they can work seamlessly. 

    Considering that almost everything is computer-driven, there is no doubt that you’d need an IT expert for support and maintenance.

  • Reasons Why You Might Want to Invest in Cryptocurrency

    Reasons Why You Might Want to Invest in Cryptocurrency

    Do you know how people repeatedly say change is constant? It is more difficult to adjust and adapt to change even when it is staring you in the face, and this is where a lot of people have challenges. One big change that has come to stay would be how cryptocurrency is changing the narrative when it comes to the legal tender that people use in their everyday transactions. Admittedly, it must have been pretty difficult for people to adapt to internet banking and the likes. 

    However, changing the modalities of payment that everyone knows may still be herculean even in the minds of people who are not regressive in their thinking. Here are some reasons why investing in cryptocurrency may be your best decision yet.

    Dynamism 

    Many people test the versatility of a business by their dynamism in challenging times and the ability to remain relevant with every passing phase of life, and they are right. Cryptocurrency has come to replace the traditional ways of banking that we have grown accustomed to, and like every investment opportunity, there are risks to it. One thing to note here is that cryptocurrencies have decentralized systems, making it incredibly easy to carry out transactions even across borders. 

    It also takes away the need for physical banks, and although this may sound like it’s putting a lot of people out of their jobs, it is for the best and will foster smart work instead of hard work. Moreover, on www.nomadinvestor.com you can see in detail why cryptocurrency may be the future, and how simple are all the transactions and other processes. Another aspect is that it gives the investor freedom to deal with their money the way they please and control it. Cryptocurrency is fast becoming a legal tender across continents and gradually the globe, and it would be a swell thing to do to jump on this train.

    Return on Investment (ROI)

    Well, this is probably the oldest trick in the book. People invest in businesses because of the possible return on investment guaranteed. Cryptocurrency is one of those ventures that guarantees a high return on investment, which is a strong reason to plunge in. Let’s use Bitcoin, which is a type of cryptocurrency, as an example. People and investors have learned the art of trading with bitcoins and have made a lot more profit than they could have with other stocks. 

    An aspect that any investor should understand is the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies. This suggests that you could make millions within seconds, and you could lose a lot of money in the same manner. This is where risk evaluation is pertinent. 

    Simple Nature

    Cryptocurrency transactions have come to take away the tedious nature of banking. Investments in cryptocurrency do not require any filling of forms or frequenting banking halls, all to your detriment. With this new age investment platform, you get to control whatever form of investment you require from the comfort of your home. You could buy and sell with ease because the liquidity of cryptocurrencies is high. You can also invest with whatever amount of money you have as there is no threshold for such investments.

    Futuristic

    The invention of cryptocurrency has opened up the possibility of much more, and this is what people are keying into. Eventually, the value of cryptocurrencies will skyrocket as it is steadily building, and this is the prayer of every investor just so they can make a larger profit. Cryptocurrency is innovative, and several countries are gradually getting the hang of crypto trading by making it legal. The world will become one big trading pool shortly, which is one reason you should invest in any cryptocurrency of your choice. 

    One other reason to invest in cryptocurrency is the popular saying which goes thus “one should never put all their eggs in one basket.” Speaking, it is a better idea to have more than one investment in more than one place. We all know investments are a risk, but it might just be better to spread out your investments to not fall into crisis if one does not pan out. Cryptocurrency may just be the future of the conventional banking systems we know. There are different types of cryptocurrencies out there, and there’s no debating that the sky will be the limit.

  • 6 Ways to Streamline Your Digital Marketing Efforts

    6 Ways to Streamline Your Digital Marketing Efforts

    Marketing is more complicated than it used to be thanks to the introduction to social media and internet advertising. With so many avenues to market a single product or business, it’s more important than ever for your team to establish a workflow that increases overall efficiency. To reduce deadline stress, use these 6 methods to streamline your digital marketing efforts.

    1. Use the Right Tools to Stay Productive

    Reducing the amount of software you use can instantly make your team more productive. For example, if the bulk of your digital marketing force switched to one social scheduling tool, they could drag and drop each piece of content inside of this program. It can be difficult for each member of your team to stay up-to-date with all of their business clients if they’re switching back and forth, so ask your clients to conform to your methods, not the other way around. Plus, your team won’t have to be trained on a new scheduling tool every time you sign a new contract.

    2. Create a Shared Workspace

    Keep a schedule for your team to keep track of, whether you’re by yourself or have a small marketing team. There are multiple calendar programs available to suit your needs. Even something as simple as Google Calendar can keep everyone on track for each promotion. With a schedule, it will be easier to adjust changes on the fly, which will result in fewer missed deadlines. It may also be necessary to store marketing content as it’s being created on a shared online workspace, like on Trello, to brainstorm ideas before they’re concrete and ready to post.

    3. Establish a Digital Marketing Guideline

    Define your marketing process with your team to reduce the number of questions or internal conflicts that could arise between clients or project heads. Consider creating a shared resource on Google Docs or via the Cloud to establish what brand voice you want to make. For example, your branding’s tone and voice should all be the same across each marketing platform, so customers immediately recognize your products. You may also want to jot down grammar and punctuation rules, continent creation guidelines, and the approval process for editors.

    4. Choose the Appropriate Marketing Channels

    Sometimes streamlining your digital marketing efforts can come from reducing the number of places you post advertisements. For example, traditional marketing (billboards, radio, television) should be reduced where necessary because it’s expensive and only reaches local customers. Spreading yourself too thin on social media platforms could also cause chaos and increase the urge to cut corners. Email marketing may be appropriate if you have a website because it gives direct access to your customer base. Adjust so you only hit the platforms that will benefit you.

    5. Set Goals for Your Team Members 

    All businesses should create an atmosphere that’s goal and achievement base to know what they want to accomplish. Try not to set a goal that is difficult to obtain, like hitting 100k followers on Instagram in the next month when your business only has 5K. Instead, ask your team to reach 10K in 2 months or after a month-long campaign, as that is less overwhelming and achievable. Create goals associated with boosting brand recognition, driving traffic, promotion, conversion, and engagement because they will get you to that follower milestone.

    6. Choose Whether to Outsource, Automate, or Hire

    As a new business, you may not have a full team of employees. If you do, you may start questioning whether certain aspects of your digital marketing workflow can improve through automation, outsourcing, or with new hires. Hiring may be the option if you need someone in-house to form several duties, but outsourcing will come in handy if some aspects of digital marketing, like content creation, are possible remotely. Automation, especially in customer service, can free up time for your digital marketers to perform more tasks without distractions.

  • Planning to Start a Subscription Business? Learn From These 5 Companies in the Big Leagues

    Planning to Start a Subscription Business? Learn From These 5 Companies in the Big Leagues

    Starting any business is intimidating. There’s a lot to learn about the items you’re selling, the market you’re selling to, and how to market your product. However, plenty of other companies have been precisely where you are now: wondering how to bundle and sell items at a low cost. In fact, these industry giants know how to create and maintain a thriving subscription box service!

    Let’s take a look at 5 of some of the most popular subscription boxes and why they work.

    Bouq Co.: From Shark Tank to Flower Selling Moguls 

    Bouq Co. founders John Tabis and Juan Pablo Montufar noticed an issue in the quality of flowers being sold in the industry and the shady marketing tactics online retailers would use. The Bouq Co. delivered farm fresh flowers directly to your door and didn’t hide the price until checkout. Through Montufars’ hydration process, flowers typically lasted 2 to 3 weeks.

    Tabis and Montufar rolled out overnight shipping after receiving criticism from Shark Tank that your average consumer typically forgets birthdays and holidays. Now, you can purchase flower delivery for Mother’s Day and still ensure your mother gets her present! Plus, as a subscriber, you get 30% free shipping, flexible delivery days, and beautiful floras! 

    Bark Box: Gifts and Treats for our Furry Friend

    Over 63 million households own at least one dog in the United States. With that many dog owners, it was easy for founders Carly Strife, Matt Meeker, and Henrik Werdelin to come up with a solution to a problem dog owners didn’t know they had: finding the best toys. BarkBox services over 1 million dogs monthly and can attribute that number to clever marketing. BarkBox uses Instagram to promote their business. With plenty of cute dog photos, well-crafted dog memes, and pictures of happy dog customers, it’s no wonder people choose to follow!

    Candy Club: Their Success Speaks for Itself

    Who doesn’t love candy? Candy Club founder and CEO Keith Cohn likely asked himself that question when he started a candy subscription service in 2015. While candy doesn’t come in short supply, the variety can sometimes be scarce unless you go to a specialty store. Even then, there’s still the issue of geographic location, shipping costs, or rare snacks.

    Candy Club has all of your favorites: gummy bears, chocolate-covered almonds and taffy but adds a unique spin. Plus, the monthly rotation of six 6-ounce candy cups keeps the box exciting and new. Candy Club’s secret isn’t the product: it’s the marketing. Through affiliate marketing, Cand Club has successfully garnered over 50,000 members and counting!

    Itpy: Quality Deluxe Cosmetic Samples

    YouTube beauty vlogger Michelle Phan started her own subscription service on the back of her already large fanbase and social media following. Their growth model focuses on driving subscriptions through Michelle Phan and other popular beauty Vloggers. However, their collaborative efforts with other beauty companies is what makes this box unique because they feature both small and large makeup brands. They have spent virtually no money on advertising and instead offers mentorship, access to studio space, and a larger platform.

    Dollar Shave Club: Cheap, Yet Powerful Razors

    While skimming this list, you probably said, “I know this brand,” which is a great sign for their marketing efforts. Dollar Shave Club, created by founder Michael Dublin and Mark Levine, came together over their frustration over the cost of razor blades, and who could blame them? With over 2 billion tossed razor blades per year in the U.S. alone, that cost really starts to add up.

    Although they started their company in 2011, they didn’t see any real growth until March 6, 2012, when their YouTube video entitled “Our Blades Are F***ing Great” went viral, garnering 27 million views as of 2021 and 12,000 subscription orders. Through YouTube advertisements, they’ve continued to see massive success. Plus, their razors are actually “F***ing Great.”

  • The Ultimate Silver Buying Guide In 2021

    The Ultimate Silver Buying Guide In 2021

    Investment in precious metals such as gold and platinum is gaining much popularity. Investors are continuously diving into silver buying. This is because of the high demand it has in the market. The high volatility associated with silver makes it catch the attention of many. There are different forms in which you can buy silver. The common ones are bullion, coins, and rounds.

    The demand and supply curve regarding this precious metal affects its status. It normally has a wide application in many industries from jewelry to the battery. This makes it even more relevant in commercial settings. It is considered a safer investment than a fiat currency. Silver is typically rarer than other industrial metals hence it’s able to maintain its value. It is a great idea to buy this precious metal. Here is an easy and practical guide to follow for your 2021 silver-buying mission.

    Why Is Investing in Silver Important?

    Many people focus on the more expensive options of rare metals when doing investments. This leaves more gaps in the silver investment world. It may bring about more profits than you ever thought of. In comparison to others, it has higher volatility in the market. Despite the intrinsic value being on the lower side, it beats all when it comes to value increment.

    With high volatility comes the issue of more gains. This is mostly in the bullish markets whereby the prices are expected to keep rising. 

    With few silver investors, it means less competitiveness hence safer investment opportunities. It caters also to the liquidity aspect. Many manufacturers use silver as a major raw material for production thus you can be sure of unending demand.

    The Pricing of Silver Bullion

    Even as there are options of silver investment options, bullion ranks high on the list. It is liked for the simplicity which comes with it. As an investor, straight-forward approaches make you save money and time as well. There are three forms in which one can buy silver bullion. This can be in coins, rounds, or bars.

    When purchasing silver coins, consider going online. The relevant site makes the process of ordering effortless. Most of the payment methods are also straightforward. Knowing the prices for silver is the right way to start and the price of silver is influenced by many things so, sometimes the variance comes from the method of payment you use. For instance, when using credit cards. This is mostly since the dealerships need to maintain profitability after paying the credit card companies.

    The cost of silver coins is relatively higher as compared to the total price per ounce. The main reason for this is the additional costs incurred during the minting process. It also comes from the artistry and additional quality incorporated. The manufacturing costs for the bars and rounds are relatively lower.

    The coins also have a historical value which makes them more valuable. This refers mostly to the older coins as opposed to the newly minted ones. Most stores classify the different coins under several criteria such as based on historical significance.

    Best Time to Buy

    It is necessary to keep a good track of the fluctuations in the market value of silver. There are key reasons which bring about the rise and fall of cost. The minting rate by the government has a great impact on demand. This means the lesser the minting the higher the demand in the market. Focus on the supply-demand curve before you proceed to make a purchase.

    Going to different markets can be another worthy option. The online research again allows you to identify the variance in the pricing for silver in the different markets globally. With the online stores offering shipment options, it is possible to place an order from a different region and receive your package at your doorstep. This may take longer sometimes depending on the distance your shipment will cover.

    Find Reliable Bullion Dealers

    In the precious metal industry, there are many dealers ready to offer you the silver bullions. It is for you to use the right strategies for narrowing down for the best. The best way is to check how they conduct sales. For the deliveries, for instance, look at the efficiency and confidentiality in the process.

    The packages should not tamper with the quality of the products in any way. Look at the policies attached to the purchase. Check whether they have the guaranteed buy-back options. They need to be fast with the deliveries.

    Investing in precious metals is a worthy choice. Silver may not have a high value like gold and platinum but a profitable option for investors. This is partly from the high volatility associated with it. When buying silver bullion, consider knowing the issue of price well. Know the aspects which influence the pricing. Never forget to find the right dealerships.