SMB Marketing Feed

Amazon Launches Enhancements to Bedrock AgentCore for Smarter AI Agents

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 17:11:00 +0200

At the recent AWS re:Invent conference, Amazon Web Services (AWS) unveiled significant enhancements to its Amazon Bedrock AgentCore, designed to empower businesses in developing, deploying, and scaling AI agents effectively. These innovations can reshape how small businesses integrate artificial intelligence into their operations, providing tools that not only streamline tasks but also enhance decision-making processes.

The new features of the Amazon Bedrock AgentCore include real-time policy enforcement, continuous evaluations, and advanced memory mechanisms. These developments address several challenges that businesses face when adopting AI technologies.

One of the most critical capabilities introduced is policy enforcement that actively blocks unauthorized actions by AI agents. This function operates outside the core agent code, offering small business owners a robust layer of security against unintended or harmful decisions made by AI systems. As Paul Kinney, Vice President of Product Development at Amazon Device Operations, noted, “Trust is crucial in AI adoption, and our new policy controls ensure that human oversight is maintained even as businesses scale their operations.”

Additionally, AgentCore Evaluations enable developers to continuously assess their AI agents’ performance. This real-time feedback can be particularly beneficial for small businesses that may lack the extensive resources to monitor AI developments rigorously. By leveraging these evaluation tools, small business owners can ensure that their agents are operating efficiently and making effective decisions based on current data.

The newly introduced AgentCore Memory feature further enhances AI functionality by allowing agents to learn from past interactions and decisions, improving their decision-making capabilities over time. This episodic learning can significantly boost operational efficiency, particularly for businesses in customer service, marketing, and supply chain management. For instance, a small e-commerce shop could employ an AI agent that remembers customer preferences, delivering personalized experiences that drive sales and increase customer satisfaction.

Real-world applications of these innovations span a wide array of industries. From healthcare organizations like Cohere Health, which could leverage AI for patient management, to logistics firms enhancing supply chain decisions with better data analysis, the potential is vast. This adaptability underscores the utility of AgentsCore across sectors, making it an attractive option for small businesses aiming to gain a competitive edge.

However, it’s essential for small business owners to consider the potential challenges these technologies may bring. The complexity of implementing AI can overwhelm smaller teams lacking in-depth technical expertise. As noted by tech consultant Lisa Jacobs, “While these advancements are promising, it’s vital for small businesses to invest in training and support to maximize their benefits. Without a proper understanding, the risk of underutilization increases.”

Moreover, the rapid pace of AI development means small businesses need to stay abreast of continuous updates and changes. Keeping up with technology is not just about acquisition but also involves ongoing education and adaptation. For some smaller firms, especially those operating under tight budgets, investing in such technology can feel daunting. However, taking advantage of AWS’s extensive resources and tutorials could ease this transition.

Nevertheless, the potential benefits often outweigh the challenges. The enhancements to Amazon Bedrock AgentCore could catalyze significant transformation for smaller enterprises. By leveraging these advanced AI capabilities effectively, businesses can streamline operations, enhance customer interactions, and ultimately drive growth.

The bottom line is that these innovations provide a unique opportunity for small businesses to harness the power of AI. The tools and mechanisms offered in the Amazon Bedrock AgentCore can help them navigate the complexities of AI integration while benefiting from increased productivity and improved decision-making processes.

For more details on the newly introduced capabilities of Amazon Bedrock AgentCore, visit the original press release at Amazon News.

Image via Google Gemini

This article, "Amazon Launches Enhancements to Bedrock AgentCore for Smarter AI Agents" was first published on Small Business Trends

10 Essential Sales Tips and Tricks for Success

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:31:00 +0200

In sales, perfecting key strategies can greatly improve your success. Knowing your product inside and out is crucial, but it’s equally important to understand your customer’s specific pain points. Effective follow-up and relationship building can lead to loyal clients and referrals. By utilizing rejection as a learning opportunity, you can refine your approach. These foundational tips are just the beginning; exploring the nuances of each can transform your sales technique. What’s next on your path to excellence?

Key Takeaways

Understand your product’s unique features and benefits to effectively convey its value to customers.
Research prospects’ pain points to tailor solutions that resonate with their specific challenges.
Follow up consistently, as most sales require multiple touchpoints to close a deal successfully.
Embrace rejection as a learning opportunity to refine your sales strategy and improve future interactions.
Set clear, measurable sales goals to maintain focus and track progress towards success.

Know Everything About Your Product

Comprehending your product is vital for achieving sales success. Knowing its features, functions, and benefits allows you to address customer pain points effectively.

Familiarize yourself with product demo videos, support documents, and FAQs to confidently answer questions during sales interactions. Highlighting unique features that set your product apart from competitors strengthens your sales pitch, reinforcing your unique selling proposition (USP).

This knowledge enables you to tailor solutions to meet the individual needs of prospects, creating a personalized sales experience. Continuous learning and staying updated on product developments will help maintain your confidence, which is imperative for building trust and rapport.

For effective sales, apply these helpful sales tips and sales tips tricks to guarantee you’re prepared for every interaction.

Understand the Prospect’s Pain Points

Grasping your prospect’s pain points is crucial for developing effective sales strategies. Actively listening to prospects can reveal specific challenges, which allows you to present customized solutions that resonate with their needs.

Research shows that 68% of buyers prefer salespeople who comprehend their problems and offer relevant solutions. By asking open-ended questions, you can uncover underlying issues that may not be immediately apparent, nurturing deeper engagement.

Addressing these pain points effectively builds trust, as prospects are more inclined to believe in sales professionals who articulate how their product or service directly addresses their challenges.

In the end, comprehending pain points can greatly increase your sales conversion rates, making it a critical focus in your sales approach.

Know Your Customer in Advance

Knowing your customer in advance can greatly improve your sales effectiveness. Researching prospects before meetings can boost your success by 70%, as it allows you to tailor your approach to their specific needs.

Identifying the decision-maker is essential, since 75% of buyers prefer reps who understand their company’s structure.

Furthermore, knowing the goals of your call helps maintain focus; calls with clear objectives have a 30% higher success rate.

Reviewing previous interactions builds relationships, making 65% of customers feel valued when you acknowledge past conversations.

Finally, utilizing customer data and insights boosts engagement, with personalized outreach leading to a 45% increase in response rates compared to generic messaging.

Prior preparation is key to effective sales.

Always Follow Up

After you’ve taken the time to understand your customer and their needs, the next step in the sales process is to follow up.

It’s important to keep in mind that 80% of sales require at least five follow-ups to close a deal. Timing matters; responding to leads within 24 hours can double your win rates for smaller deals and boost larger ones by 21%.

Use follow-up emails to maintain connections and address any lingering questions. Here are some tips to improve your follow-up strategy:

Personalize your communications by referencing past conversations.
Utilize tools like Badger Maps to schedule follow-ups efficiently.
Keep your follow-ups brief and focused.
Follow up consistently to demonstrate your persistence and interest.

Use Rejection as an Opportunity

Rejection is an integral part of the sales process, and using it as a tool for growth can greatly improve your success.

By analyzing the reasons behind each rejection, you can pinpoint areas for improvement and refine your approach, making every setback a stepping stone.

Cultivating resilience in the face of rejection not just builds your adaptability but furthermore positions you for better outcomes in future interactions with potential clients.

Embrace Rejection’s Lessons

In the domain of sales, facing rejection can be a valuable opportunity for growth, as it allows you to reflect on your approach and refine your techniques.

Embracing rejection helps you develop resilience and adaptability, which are essential for long-term success.

Consider these strategies to turn rejection into a learning experience:

View rejection as a learning tool: Each “no” can reveal areas for improvement.
Gather feedback: Ask rejected prospects for their thoughts to uncover objections.
Stay motivated: Use rejection to fuel your desire to improve skills.
Keep a growth mindset: Understand that persistence often leads to eventual success.

Analyze Rejection Reasons

When sales professionals encounter rejection, it’s essential to analyze the reasons behind it to transform setbacks into stepping stones for future success.

By comprehending common objections, you can improve your sales pitches, boosting effectiveness by 20-30%. Furthermore, gathering feedback from rejected prospects helps refine your value propositions, increasing your conversion rates in future interactions.

Rejections likewise provide valuable insights into market trends and customer preferences, allowing you to adjust your sales strategies accordingly. Viewing rejection as a learning opportunity not only strengthens your resilience but can increase your likelihood of closing future deals by 50%.

Finally, documenting rejection reasons creates a resource for training, nurturing a culture of continuous improvement within your team.

Build Resilience Through Experience

Building resilience through experience involves recognizing that rejection is a natural part of the sales process.

To thrive, you need to embrace rejection and view it as an opportunity for growth.

Consider these key points:

Understand rejection: It’s common; 80% of sales require at least five follow-ups.
Analyze feedback: Investigate why a prospect declined; insights can refine your pitch.
Adapt and improve: Use setbacks to strengthen your future interactions.
Shift your mindset: View rejection as a stepping stone to boost your performance.

Leverage Technology for Efficiency

To boost your efficiency in sales, consider utilizing CRM tools to centralize customer interactions and manage your sales pipeline effectively.

By automating administrative tasks, you can save significant time—up to 20%—which allows you to concentrate on selling.

Embracing these technologies not just streamlines your processes but likewise improves your ability to build stronger customer relationships.

CRM Tools Utilization

Utilizing CRM tools effectively can greatly improve your sales efficiency by centralizing customer data and streamlining communication.

These systems help you manage leads and track interactions, potentially boosting your sales productivity by 30%.

Here are some ways you can leverage CRM tools:

Automate repetitive tasks like follow-up emails and appointment scheduling.
Gain insights into customer behavior and preferences through advanced analytics.
Integrate with other sales technologies for a more cohesive workflow.
Regularly update and maintain your CRM data for accurate records.

Automate Administrative Tasks

Automating administrative tasks is a breakthrough for sales professionals looking to improve their efficiency and focus on what truly matters: building relationships and closing deals.

By utilizing sales automation tools, you can reduce time spent on administrative duties by up to 30%. This allows you to dedicate more time to selling and nurturing connections.

Implementing CRM systems streamlines lead management, tracking interactions effectively and potentially increasing your win rates by 20%.

Automating repetitive tasks like email outreach can save you an average of 8 hours each week.

Additionally, leveraging AI-powered tools provides insights into customer behavior, boosting conversion rates by 15%.

Integrating chatbots for initial interactions improves lead qualification, capturing valuable data and enabling engagement with more qualified prospects.

Build Strong Relationships

Building strong relationships with your prospects is essential for long-term success in sales, as trust is a key component of any business transaction.

To nurture these connections, consider the following strategies:

Engage in meaningful conversations instead of just delivering sales pitches, boosting your closing chances by 50%.
Follow up on personal connections made during meetings, as 70% of buyers appreciate personalized outreach.
Maintain regular communication and check-ins, since 80% of sales require at least five follow-ups to secure a deal.
Show genuine interest in your prospect’s needs, leading to a 41% increase in customer loyalty and higher referral rates.

Develop a Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

A Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is vital for distinguishing your product in a crowded marketplace. It clearly articulates what sets your product apart from competitors, highlighting unique features and benefits that resonate particularly with your target audience.

A well-defined USP can greatly boost customer engagement; 64% of consumers are more likely to buy from a brand that communicates its value proposition clearly. To develop your USP, understand your customers’ pain points and directly address them, which can improve conversion rates.

Successful brands incorporate their USP into all marketing materials, ensuring consistent messaging that improves brand recognition and loyalty. Regularly testing and refining your USP based on customer feedback is critical, as 70% of companies that do so see improved sales performance.

Master the Art of Listening

How can perfecting the art of listening transform your sales approach? By focusing on active listening, you can better understand your customers and improve your rapport with them.

Here are some key techniques:

Paraphrase customer statements to guarantee comprehension.
Use open body language and nod to show engagement.
Actively listen to feedback to refine your sales techniques.
Identify unconsidered needs to tailor your solutions.

Set Clear Goals and Metrics

Setting clear goals and metrics is essential for driving sales success. When you set specific sales goals, you increase your focus and motivation, making you ten times more likely to achieve them.

By utilizing metrics, you can track your progress and make timely adjustments to your strategies, potentially boosting your performance by up to 30%. Establishing SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound—provides a structured approach that improves accountability.

Regularly reviewing sales metrics like conversion rates and customer acquisition costs helps identify patterns and areas for improvement.

Finally, celebrating milestones toward your goals boosts team morale and cultivates a culture of success, encouraging continuous improvement in your sales efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the 7 Essential Selling Skills Every Sales Person Should Know?

To succeed in sales, you should master seven crucial skills: active listening to understand customer needs, emotional intelligence to connect with clients, and thorough product knowledge to answer queries confidently.

Adaptability allows you to adjust your approach for different personalities, whereas persistence guarantees you follow up effectively.

Strong communication skills help convey your message clearly, and negotiation skills enable you to reach mutually beneficial agreements.

These skills improve your overall effectiveness in sales.

What Are the 7 Keys to Sales?

The seven keys to sales include comprehending customer needs, active listening, personalizing communication, leveraging technology, demonstrating value, consistent follow-up, and maintaining persistence.

First, identify and empathize with your customer’s challenges. Next, listen carefully to tailor your approach.

Use CRM tools to streamline processes and analyze data. Show how your solution provides unique benefits, not just a lower price.

Finally, follow up regularly, as persistence often leads to successful outcomes in sales.

What Are the 5 Key of Sales?

The five keys to sales include grasping your buyers, aiming to solve their pain points, following up strategically, personalizing communication, and leveraging social proof.

First, create detailed buyer personas to tailor your approach.

Next, address specific challenges your customers face.

Then, implement consistent follow-ups, as many sales need several attempts.

Personalize your messages to build rapport, and finally, use testimonials to establish credibility and influence decisions effectively.

These strategies improve overall sales success.

What Are the 7 Steps to Successful Selling?

To achieve successful selling, follow these seven steps:

First, identify and qualify leads to target the right prospects.

Next, build rapport and trust through meaningful conversations.

Then, present customized solutions that address specific pain points.

After that, handle objections gracefully by anticipating concerns.

Finally, close with confidence, emphasizing the value and urgency of your offering.

Timely follow-ups can improve your chances of closing deals and securing new customers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering sales requires a strategic approach that includes in-depth product knowledge, comprehension of customer pain points, and effective follo

Key Differences Between LLC Vs EIN

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:31:00 +0200

When considering the key differences between an LLC and an EIN, it’s important to comprehend their distinct roles in business operations. An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, serves as a legal entity that protects its owners from personal liability, whereas an EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is a tax identification number issued by the IRS. Knowing how these two elements interact can impact your business strategy considerably. Let’s explore why grasping these differences is essential for your business success.

Key Takeaways

An LLC is a business entity providing liability protection, while an EIN is a tax identification number issued by the IRS.
LLCs are formed at the state level, whereas EINs are assigned by the IRS for tax purposes.
An LLC can have one or more members, while an EIN is issued to any business entity, regardless of its structure.
Single-member LLCs may not need an EIN unless they hire employees, while multi-member LLCs must obtain one for tax compliance.
An LLC offers operational flexibility and liability protection, whereas an EIN helps separate business and personal financial identities for tax purposes.

What Is an LLC and How Does It Function?

An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, serves as a versatile business structure that combines the benefits of both corporations and partnerships. This classification provides personal liability protection for its members, meaning you won’t be personally liable for business debts.

LLCs additionally offer tax flexibility; you can choose to be taxed as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation, potentially saving money. Forming an LLC involves a formal registration process governed by state laws, requiring you to file Articles of Organization.

You can have one or multiple members, and the management can be either member-managed or manager-managed, providing operational flexibility. Compared to LLCs, LLCs have fewer formalities, making them easier for small business owners to maintain and operate efficiently.

Understanding the Purpose of an EIN

Comprehending the purpose of an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is essential for any business owner. An EIN, assigned by the IRS, serves to identify your business for tax purposes, separating your financial identity from your personal one.

If you’re a sole proprietor, you might wonder, “Do I need an EIN as a sole proprietor?” The answer can depend on your business activities. Even though you can use your Social Security number for tax filings, obtaining an EIN can protect your personal assets and simplify hiring employees.

If you’re running an LLC, you might likewise ask, “Does an LLC need a 1099?” Yes, for certain payments.

In the end, having an EIN facilitates business growth and compliance with tax regulations.

Key Distinctions Between LLC and EIN

Comprehending the key distinctions between an LLC and an EIN is crucial for anyone traversing the business environment.

Here are the primary differences to evaluate in the LLC vs EIN discussion:

Nature: An LLC, or limited liability company, is a legal business entity providing liability protection, whereas an EIN is a federal identification number for tax purposes.
Formation: LLCs can be formed by individuals or groups at the state level; EINs are issued by the IRS.
Requirements: Most single-member LLCs don’t need an EIN except for hiring employees, whereas multi-member LLCs must obtain one for tax compliance.
Function: An EIN aids in separating personal and business finances, whereas an LLC establishes a legal business presence.

When Is an EIN Required for an LLC?

When considering whether your LLC needs an EIN, it’s essential to understand the specific circumstances that require this federal identification number.

If you manage a multi-member LLC, you’re required to obtain an EIN for tax identification.

Even though you have a single-member LLC, you’ll need an EIN if you choose to be taxed as an S Corporation or a corporation, rather than as a disregarded entity.

If you plan to hire employees, you must likewise acquire an EIN for payroll tax reporting.

Furthermore, if your LLC’s activities involve federal tax reporting, such as alcohol or firearms sales, you’ll need an EIN.

Finally, remember, changes in ownership or restructuring may require obtaining a new EIN.

Benefits of Forming an LLC

When you form an LLC, you gain several key benefits that can simplify your business experience.

You’ll enjoy personal liability protection, which keeps your personal assets safe from business-related debts and legal issues.

Moreover, LLCs offer tax flexibility and fewer administrative requirements, making them an attractive option for many entrepreneurs.

Liability Protection Advantages

Forming an LLC offers significant liability protection advantages, making it a popular choice for many business owners. As a limited liability company, your personal assets are typically safeguarded from business debts and legal responsibilities.

This separation of personal and business finances helps minimize risk, especially in lawsuits or financial obligations. Here are some key liability protection benefits of an LLC:

Protection of personal assets from business debts.
Shielding members from liability for actions of others.
Improved credibility with clients and vendors.
Avoidance of double taxation on profits during enjoying liability protection.

Understanding the sole MBR meaning is essential, as it allows single-member LLCs to benefit from the same protections, even if you still need to take into account the LLC self-employment tax.

Tax Flexibility Options

Beyond liability protection, one of the standout benefits of forming an LLC is the tax flexibility it offers. As a limited liability company, you can choose how your business is taxed. You might opt for pass-through taxation, reporting profits on personal tax returns, or elect to be taxed as an S Corporation or C Corporation.

Unlike corporations, LLCs avoid double taxation, allowing you to distribute income without corporate-level tax implications. Moreover, you can withdraw profits anytime, enhancing your financial flexibility. You likewise have the ability to deduct business expenses easily and allocate profits and losses strategically.

If you’re wondering, can a sole proprietor have an EIN? The answer is yes, and with an LLC, do you pay self-employment tax? Typically, yes.

Administrative Simplicity Benefits

Even though many business structures come with a host of administrative obligations, an LLC stands out for its simplicity in this regard.

Here are some key benefits of forming a limited liability company:

Fewer formalities: LLCs don’t require annual meetings or extensive record-keeping like corporations do.
Flexible management: You can manage the LLC directly without needing a board of directors, making it easier for you and others—yes, two people can start an LLC.
Less stringent regulations: LLCs face fewer regulatory requirements, simplifying compliance.
Simplified taxation: With pass-through taxation, profits are reported on personal tax returns, easing limited liability company accounting and avoiding double taxation.

If you’re looking to convert a sole proprietorship to LLC, these administrative simplicity benefits make it an attractive option.

Advantages of Obtaining an EIN

Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) offers several significant advantages for business owners.

First, an EIN helps distinguish your business’s identity from your personal identity, reducing the risk of identity theft and personal liability. It’s crucial for opening a business bank account, allowing you to separate personal and business finances—important for managing taxes effectively.

If you plan to hire employees, having an EIN guarantees compliance with federal tax regulations and facilitates payroll processing.

Additionally, an EIN is necessary for establishing business credit, which can help secure financing and loans for growth.

Finally, using your EIN instead of your Social Security Number (SSN) in transactions improves your privacy.

Remember to reflect on how to fill out a W9 for an LLC, especially if you’re a single member LLC.

The Application Process for EIN and LLC Formation

Before you can apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN), you need to complete the formation of your Limited Liability Company (LLC) by registering it with your state.

Here’s how to proceed:

Choose a unique business name and confirm its availability.
File your Articles of Organization with the state.
Obtain any required licenses or permits.
After your EIN is formed, fill out the SS-4 form for your EIN.

If you’re shifting from a sole proprietorship and wondering, “how do I change from sole proprietor to LLC?” make sure to update your business name and apply for a new EIN, as your sole proprietorship EIN won’t suffice for your LLC.

Common Misconceptions About LLCs and EINs

Many people have misconceptions about LLCs and EINs that can lead to confusion.

It’s not true that every LLC needs an EIN; single-member LLCs without employees can use their Social Security Number instead.

Furthermore, whereas an EIN serves as a tax identification number, it’s important to understand that it doesn’t define your business structure like an LLC does.

EIN Not Required Always

Although it’s a common misconception that every Limited Liability Company (LLC) is required to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN), this isn’t always the case.

Sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs without employees can often use their Social Security Number instead.

Here are key points to reflect on:

Multi-member LLCs usually need an EIN.
LLCs planning to hire employees must obtain one.
Changes to business structure, like adding partners, require a new EIN.
Even though not required, having an EIN offers benefits, such as privacy and easier banking.

LLC Is Not EIN

When starting a business, it’s essential to understand that an LLC and an EIN serve different purposes and aren’t interchangeable.

An LLC, or limited liability company, is a legal entity that provides liability protection to its owners. The single-member LLC agreement helps clarify the operating structure.

Conversely, an EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is primarily used for tax reporting. You might wonder, do you have to have LLC in your EIN? The answer is no; single-member LLCs without employees can use their Social Security Number instead.

Nevertheless, obtaining an EIN can improve privacy and professionalism, regardless of whether it’s legally required, especially for multi-member LLCs or those opting to be taxed as corporations.

Single-Member Exceptions Exist

Grasping the nuances surrounding single-member LLCs and EINs can clarify common misconceptions that may lead to confusion. Here are some key points to contemplate:

You can use your Social Security Number (SSN) for tax purposes unless you elect S Corporation status, which requires an EIN.
Single-member LLCs are classified as disregarded entities by the IRS, meaning income is reported on your personal tax return unless you obtain an EIN.
If you hire employees or file specific tax returns, you’ll need an EIN, in spite of being a disregarded entity.
Some banks or creditors may require an EIN to open a business account or establish credit, making it beneficial to obtain one.

If you’re looking to change your sole proprietorship to LLC, think about drafting a single member LLC operating agreement, and be prepared to fill out a W9 form LLC if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need an LLC or Just an EIN?

You need an LLC if you want liability protection for your business, as it separates your personal assets from business risks.

An EIN, conversely, is necessary for tax purposes, especially if you plan to hire employees or open a business bank account.

If you’re a single-member LLC without employees, you mightn’t need an EIN, but having one can simplify banking and improve privacy.

Assess your business needs carefully.

Can I Use My Existing EIN Number for My LLC?

You can’t use your existing EIN for your LLC if you’ve changed your business structure.

Each LLC requires its own EIN for tax and legal purposes, especially if it’s a multi-member LLC.

If you formed an LLC after previously operating as a sole proprietorship, you’ll need to apply for a new EIN.

This guarantees compliance with IRS regulations and avoids potential legal complications related to identity and taxation for different business entities.

Does an EIN Make You a Business Owner?

An EIN doesn’t make you a business owner; it’s simply a tax identification number assigned by the IRS.

You need to formally register a business entity, like an LLC, to establish ownership.

As an EIN is crucial for activities such as hiring employees and filing taxes, it doesn’t provide the legal protections or structure that come with being a registered business.

Without this registration, you’re not recognized as a business owner.

Should Each LLC Have Its Own EIN?

Yes, each LLC should have its own EIN. This is especially true if the LLC has multiple members or hires employees, as it’s required for tax identification.

Even single-member LLCs benefit from an EIN for privacy and to separate personal and business finances.

Moreover, if an LLC is owned by another LLC or undergoes structural changes, obtaining a new EIN is necessary to comply with IRS regulations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, grasping the differences between an LLC and an EIN is vital for effective business management. An LLC offers liability protection and operational flexibility, whereas an EIN serves as a tax identification number necessary for separating personal and business finances. Forming an LLC often requires obtaining an EIN for tax purposes. By recognizing these distinctions, you can better navigate the intricacies of business formation and compliance, ensuring your venture operates smoothly and legally.

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This article, "Key Differences Between LLC Vs EIN" was first published on Small Business Trends

Best 7 Social Media Posting Apps

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 03:27:25 +0200

When managing social media, choosing the right posting app can greatly improve your strategy. Several top contenders offer distinct features customized to various needs. For instance, SocialBee shines in content curation, whereas Pallyy is ideal for Instagram’s visual layout. Other options like Sendible and Metricool provide advanced analytics, ensuring you track performance effectively. Each app comes with its own strengths, so comprehending their unique offerings is essential for making an informed choice. Which one will boost your social media game?

Key Takeaways

SocialBee offers unique content curation and AI-driven strategy generation, starting at $29/month with a 14-day free trial.
Pallyy specializes in visual content scheduling for Instagram and TikTok, with a generous free plan for up to 15 scheduled posts monthly.
Sendible is great for agencies, providing scalable scheduling, content creation integrations, and multiple client dashboards for efficient management.
Metricool features a drag-and-drop planner and built-in analytics, with a free plan allowing up to 50 posts, ideal for budget users.
Agorapulse combines advanced scheduling, a unified inbox for engagement management, and robust analytics, starting with a basic free plan.

SocialBee

If you’re looking for a reliable social media scheduling tool, SocialBee might be the right fit for you. This platform is highly recommended among social media automation tools because of its formidable content curation and publishing features, supporting major networks like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

SocialBee offers unique functionalities, such as Content Categories for organized post management and an AI copilot for generating effective social media strategies. Moreover, the post variant feature allows for diverse content presentation.

Pricing starts at $29/month, with a 14-day free trial available and a 16% discount for yearly sign-ups. Although it stands out in scheduling and content management, it lacks social listening features, making it less extensive than some best social media posting apps.

Pallyy

Pallyy stands out as an ideal tool for scheduling visual content, particularly on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. This social media management company offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop scheduling workflow that simplifies content planning.

With its Feed Planner, you can maintain a visually appealing Instagram aesthetic, as it allows for easy media uploads and visual organization. Pallyy likewise features a unified social inbox, making it easier to manage interactions across different channels and enhancing user engagement.

For individual content creators, the generous free plan includes one social set with up to 15 scheduled posts per month. If you need more advanced features, premium plans start at $25 per month, offering templates, media storage, and an analytics suite to track performance.

Sendible

Sendible is a scalable social media scheduling tool perfect for both agencies and individuals, making it easy to manage multiple clients and campaigns.

With customizable content scheduling, you can tailor your posts to fit your brand and audience as you automate your posting to maintain a steady online presence.

Plus, its integrations with platforms like Canva and Pexels streamline content creation, enhancing your overall social media strategy.

Scalable for Agencies

When managing multiple clients, scalability becomes a crucial aspect of any social media strategy.

Sendible shines in this area, making it an ideal choice for a social media management company for small business. With its ability to handle multiple client dashboards and social media accounts from a single platform, you’ll find it highly efficient.

The integration with tools for social media managers like Canva and Pexels simplifies content creation, catering to diverse client needs. Furthermore, Sendible’s customizable posts and visual campaign overview streamline your scheduling process.

The platform likewise offers social listening and reporting features, allowing you to effectively track performance metrics for your clients. With pricing starting at $29/month and a 14-day free trial, you can easily evaluate its capabilities.

Customizable Content Scheduling

Customizable content scheduling is a potent feature that improves your ability to engage with audiences across various social media platforms.

With Sendible, you can create customized posting schedules for each network, ensuring you post at ideal times for maximum engagement. The platform’s Smart Queues automate social media posting by scheduling posts based on your defined criteria, enhancing visibility and interaction.

You can customize messages to fit each platform’s audience, ensuring your content resonates with different users. Furthermore, Sendible provides a content calendar view, visually organizing your scheduled posts for better management.

It integrates with various content sources, including RSS feeds and cloud storage, allowing seamless content curation, making it an invaluable tool for your social media management business.

Metricool

Metricool is a versatile social media posting app that supports a variety of platforms, enabling you to schedule posts on networks like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn from a single dashboard. It simplifies small business social media management with its drag-and-drop planner, allowing easy scheduling and batch posting. You can start with the free plan, which lets you schedule up to 50 posts, perfect for those on a budget. Moreover, Metricool provides built-in analytics to track post performance and audience engagement, aiding social media automation. It even includes a link shortener and an AI caption writer to improve your content creation.

Feature	Description	Benefit
Drag-and-Drop Planner	Easy scheduling for multiple posts	Streamlined content management
Built-in Analytics	Track post performance and engagement	Informed decision-making
Link Shortener	Shorten URLs for cleaner posts	Improved post effectiveness
Free Plan	Schedule up to 50 posts	Accessible for small businesses
AI Caption Writer	Generate engaging captions automatically	Enhanced content quality

Publer

Publer stands out with its unlimited scheduling feature on all paid plans, making it perfect for users who regularly manage numerous posts across different social media platforms.

You can create and schedule posts individually or in bulk, as the platform likewise suggests ideal posting times based on audience activity.

With plans starting at $12 per month and a 14-day free trial, Publer provides an affordable solution for both individuals and businesses looking to improve their social media strategies.

Key Features Overview

In relation to effective social media management, Publer stands out with its robust set of features designed to streamline your posting process.

One of Publer’s key advantages is unlimited scheduling available on all paid plans, allowing you to create and schedule posts individually or in bulk. The platform furthermore suggests the best times to post, enhancing engagement based on your audience’s activity.

In addition, you can recycle content automatically, ensuring that high-performing posts are reposted at ideal intervals to maximize reach.

Publer supports various social platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest, making it a versatile social media application for multi-channel marketing.

Plus, new users can explore all features with a 14-day free trial before committing.

Pricing Plans Breakdown

For those looking to optimize their social media management, comprehension of Publer’s pricing plans is important. This social media app offers a free plan that allows you to schedule unlimited posts across all platforms, making it ideal for individuals and small businesses.

If you need more advanced features, paid plans start at $12/month and include bulk post creation, suggested best times to post, and content recycling. Plus, you can try any paid plan with a 14-day free trial to assess its capabilities.

Publer provides multiple tiered pricing options, catering to various needs, ensuring affordability for users who want to utilize one of the best social media reporting tools to manage their online presence effectively.

User Experience Insights

How does the user experience with Publer improve social media management?

Publer improves your workflow with its user-friendly interface, allowing you to navigate and manage multiple accounts efficiently.

With unlimited scheduling on all paid plans, you can create and schedule individual or bulk posts without limitations, making it one of the best social apps for social automation.

The platform likewise analyzes your engagement patterns to suggest ideal posting times, ensuring better reach.

Plus, the content recycling feature lets you automatically repurpose high-performing posts, maintaining audience interaction without constant content creation.

You can even try Publer’s free plan, which requires no credit card and supports up to five social accounts, giving you a risk-free opportunity to explore its capabilities.

Agorapulse

Agorapulse stands out as a thorough social media management tool that improves collaboration among teams. With its unified inbox, you can manage comments, messages, and mentions across multiple platforms in one place, simplifying your workflow.

The advanced scheduling capabilities let you automate post publishing and rescheduling, whereas the visual content calendar improves your planning process. Furthermore, Agorapulse offers robust analytics and reporting features, allowing you to track post performance, audience engagement, and social media ROI using insightful data.

Its user-friendly interface and effective social listening features help you monitor brand mentions and competitor activities. For those seeking social media marketing services near me, Agorapulse provides a basic free plan, with paid options starting at $79/month for businesses and agencies managing multiple clients.

Buffer

Buffer is a highly regarded social media scheduling tool that simplifies managing multiple accounts across various platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. With its user-friendly interface, you can easily handle your automated social media account. Buffer offers a free plan for one user, three accounts, and up to ten queued posts per profile, whereas premium plans start at $15/month, giving you access to advanced features.

Feature	Details
Free Plan	1 user, 3 accounts, 10 posts
Analytics	Engagement tracking
AI Tools	Idea generation and drafting

Buffer furthermore integrates with Zapier, enhancing your experience with AI tools for social media, streamlining workflows, and optimizing your content sharing processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the best app for social media posts depends on your needs.

For robust content scheduling and curation, consider SocialBee or Sendible, both offering user-friendly interfaces and integration options.

If you focus on visual content, Pallyy provides an intuitive drag-and-drop feature.

Later is excellent for Instagram planning, whereas Buffer surpasses in simplicity for managing multiple accounts.

Evaluate pricing and features like free trials to find the right fit for your social media strategy.

When considering the top 10 social media apps, you’ll find popular options like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat, each offering unique features.

LinkedIn is crucial for professionals, whereas TikTok caters to a younger audience with engaging video content.

Pinterest focuses on visual inspiration, and Reddit nurtures community discussions.

Furthermore, platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram provide messaging services.

Each app serves different purposes, so evaluate your needs to determine which ones suit you best.

Yes, there are apps that let you post to all your social media accounts simultaneously.

These tools typically offer features like scheduling and content management from a single interface, which saves you time. You can customize posts for each platform, ensuring they meet specific requirements for ideal engagement.

Apps like Buffer, Hootsuite, and Agorapulse are popular choices that provide these functionalities, making it easier for you to maintain an active online presence.

You won’t find a single app that controls all social media platforms seamlessly.

Nonetheless, several tools can manage multiple accounts from one dashboard. Apps like Hootsuite and Buffer allow you to schedule posts, monitor engagement, and analyze performance.

As they integrate with major networks like Facebook and Twitter, features vary. It’s crucial to assess your specific needs against the capabilities of each tool to find the best fit for your social media management.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right social media posting app can greatly improve your online presence and engagement. Each of the seven apps—SocialBee, Pallyy, Sendible, Metricool, Publer, Agorapulse, and Buffer—offers distinct features customized to different needs, from content curation to analytics and audience interaction. By considering your specific requirements, you can choose an app that effectively streamlines your social media strategy, allowing for better content management and enhanced audience engagement over time.

Image via Google Gemini

This article, "Best 7 Social Media Posting Apps" was first published on Small Business Trends

What Is a Personal Background Check and Why Is It Necessary?

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 21:31:00 +0200

A personal background check is a detailed review of your history, including criminal records, employment history, and even social media activity. It’s crucial for uncovering inaccuracies that could hinder your job prospects or housing applications. By conducting this check, you can address potential issues like identity theft before they become a problem. Comprehending what goes into a background check can empower you to present the best version of yourself to employers and landlords alike. So, what should you know about the components involved?

Key Takeaways

A personal background check is an examination of an individual’s history through records like criminal searches and employment verification.
It helps identify errors or inaccuracies that may arise from misreporting or identity theft.
Conducting a self background check provides insights into what potential employers or landlords may discover.
It enhances your professional image by allowing you to clean up social media profiles and address past issues.
Understanding your background check is essential for managing reputation and preparing for personal history questions during applications.

Understanding Personal Background Checks

When you consider a personal background check, it’s important to understand that this process involves a thorough examination of your history through various records.

A detailed background check typically includes an SSN trace, national and state criminal searches, and checks against global watchlists and sex offender registries.

You might wonder how to check my background record for free; there are options available online, even though results may vary in depth.

This process is crucial for identifying errors or inaccuracies that could stem from misreporting or identity theft.

By conducting a personal background check, you can proactively address these issues and anticipate questions from potential employers or landlords regarding your history.

Third-party providers like Checkr offer FCRA-compliant services that streamline the review and correction of your records, ensuring you present the most accurate version of your background.

Importance of Conducting a Self Background Check

Conducting a self-background check is vital, as it allows you to uncover potential inaccuracies in your records that could impact your future opportunities. By taking this proactive step, you can identify any issues that may arise from misreporting or even identity theft.

Here’s why it matters:

You’ll gain insights into what employers or landlords might see, letting you address concerns beforehand.
You can reveal any past criminal history, driving records, or employment verification issues that may hinder job opportunities.
It helps improve your professional image by cleaning up your social media presence and online profiles.
You’ll have peace of mind and be better prepared for questions about your personal history.

Knowing how to get your criminal history and correcting discrepancies can greatly influence your career and housing prospects, making a self-background check an important part of your preparation.

Components of a Personal Background Check Report

A personal background check report contains several key components that provide a detailed overview of an individual’s history and current standing.

First, it includes a Social Security number (SSN) trace, offering basic information about the SSN, such as associated names and addresses. Next, a national criminal search reveals felony and misdemeanor convictions, whereas federal criminal searches uncover any federal offenses.

You’ll furthermore find state and county criminal searches that detail convictions within specific jurisdictions.

Moreover, the report checks global watchlists and sex offender registries to identify individuals who may pose a risk. If you’re learning how to search criminal records effectively, these components are fundamental.

Finally, driving records and civil court records improve your comprehension of an individual’s background, providing a thorough view that can be vital for various purposes, from employment to personal safety.

Legal Considerations for Background Checks

When you’re considering a background check, it’s crucial to understand the legal requirements that come with it, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

This law mandates that you must provide consent before any check is conducted, and you have the right to review and dispute any inaccuracies.

Furthermore, many jurisdictions enforce Ban the Box laws, which prevent employers from asking about criminal history until a conditional job offer is made, promoting fair hiring practices.

FCRA Compliance Requirements

Grasping FCRA compliance requirements is crucial for employers conducting background checks, as it guarantees adherence to legal standards and protects both the employer and the individual.

To comply with FCRA, make certain you:

Obtain written consent from candidates before running background checks.
Allow individuals to access and dispute any inaccuracies in their reports.
Provide a “pre-adverse action” notice if a negative employment decision is made based on a background check.
Limit reporting of negative information, typically to seven years, for most employment purposes.

Understanding these elements not only helps you maintain compliance but also guides you on how to check criminal record online responsibly.

Following FCRA requirements can minimize potential liabilities and promote trust in your hiring processes.

Ban the Box Laws

Ban the Box laws represent a significant shift in how employers approach the hiring process, as they prohibit inquiries about an applicant’s criminal history on job applications.

These laws, enacted in over 30 states and numerous cities, promote fair chance hiring by allowing candidates to be evaluated based on their qualifications first.

By delaying criminal history inquiries until later in the hiring process—typically after a conditional offer—Ban the Box laws help reduce bias, particularly for marginalized communities disproportionately affected by incarceration.

Employers must comply with these laws to avoid legal repercussions, including fines and potential lawsuits for discriminatory practices.

In the end, Ban the Box laws aim to create a more equitable job market for all applicants.

Methods to Obtain Your Background Check

Obtaining your background check can be a straightforward process, especially if you know where to look. You can learn how to get my police record and more through several methods:

Third-party providers: Services like Checkr provide online requests for personal background checks, covering criminal and driving records.
Self-background checks: Though this process may incur fees and take time, platforms like iprospectcheck offer quicker results, typically within an hour for basic checks.

Always verify that your background check complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to protect your rights and guarantee accurate reporting.

Utilizing Professional Services for Background Checks

When you consider utilizing professional services for background checks, you gain access to accurate and timely information that meets legal standards.

These services not just guarantee compliance with FCRA guidelines but likewise provide extensive reports that cover crucial aspects like criminal history and employment verification.

Benefits of Professional Services

Utilizing professional services for background checks offers numerous advantages, particularly in ensuring compliance with legal standards like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

These services provide reliable information during the screening process, protecting individual rights. Here are some key benefits:

Fast turnaround times, with basic checks often ready within an hour.
Access to thorough reports, including criminal records and social media analysis.
Organized results that improve the reliability of background checks.
Reduced risk of errors, thanks to expert knowledge and up-to-date data sources.

Compliance With Legal Standards

Guaranteeing compliance with legal standards is a critical aspect of conducting background checks, especially in today’s complex regulatory environment. Utilizing professional services for criminal background checks helps you navigate these requirements seamlessly. Here’s a table summarizing key legal considerations:

Aspect	Requirement	Notes
Written Consent	Mandatory under FCRA	Obtain consent before any check
Report Access	Must provide copies if decisions are impacted	Transparency for candidates
Industry Specific Compliance	Customized to different sectors	Meets unique legal obligations
Local Regulation Navigation	Adheres to state laws like Texas Government Code 411	Guarantees lawful handling of criminal data
Fair Hiring Practices	Complies with the Fair Chance to Compete Act	Prevents premature inquiries about history

Accuracy and Timeliness Assurance

Accurate and timely background checks are essential for making informed hiring decisions, especially in a competitive job market.

Utilizing professional services guarantees accuracy and timeliness assurance, allowing you to confidently assess candidates. Here’s how these services can improve your background checks:

They source information from verified databases, reducing errors compared to DIY methods.
FCRA-compliant providers assure adherence to federal regulations, protecting individual rights.
Fast turnaround times mean you can receive detailed reports within hours.
Access to industry experts allows for organized results and thorough research.

If you want to know how to look up criminal background efficiently, relying on these professionals is your best bet for reliable and current information.

Benefits of Running a Background Check on Yourself

Many people find that running a personal background check can be a valuable step in managing their reputation and future opportunities. By reviewing your records, you can identify and correct inaccuracies, which might arise from misreporting or identity theft. This proactive approach helps you anticipate potential questions from employers or landlords regarding your history, allowing you to address concerns confidently.

Moreover, conducting a self-background check gives you peace of mind, confirming there are no unexpected issues that could hinder your personal or professional growth. It furthermore allows you to improve your online presence by removing unprofessional social media content before potential employers look at your profiles.

Finally, completing a personal background check saves you time and money compared to gathering information independently. Plus, it equips you with the knowledge needed to understand how to see if someone has a criminal record, ensuring you’re fully prepared for any employment screenings.

Common Misconceptions About Background Checks

Though it might seem straightforward, there are several common misconceptions about background checks that can lead to confusion. Many people think all background checks are the same, but they vary greatly in purpose and scope.

Here are some key points to reflect on:

Background checks don’t just focus on criminal history; they likewise include credit and employment verification.
Privacy concerns often arise, but reputable providers follow legal standards to guarantee ethical checks.
Accuracy is vital; inaccuracies can result in serious consequences like job loss.
Laws like Ban the Box restrict when employers can ask about criminal history, guaranteeing fair treatment.

If you’re wondering how to find out if someone has a criminal history, it’s important to understand these misconceptions to navigate the process effectively. By clarifying these points, you can approach background checks with a more informed perspective.

How Background Checks Impact Employment Opportunities

Background checks play a significant role in shaping your employment opportunities, as they help employers verify your work history and assess your reliability.

If you have a criminal record, it can impact your chances of being interviewed, with studies showing you might be 50% less likely to get a call back.

Furthermore, employers often examine your social media presence, which can further influence their perception of your suitability for a position.

Employment Verification Importance

Employers rely heavily on employment verification to guarantee that the information candidates provide is accurate and trustworthy. This process is essential for preventing hiring fraud and ensuring candidates possess the necessary skills and experience.

With about 30% of applicants providing inaccurate information, employment verification plays a key role in maintaining organizational integrity. It can reveal discrepancies in employment dates, job titles, and reasons for leaving, which greatly influence hiring decisions.

Moreover, many employers in regulated industries must conduct these checks to comply with legal standards. Candidates with verified employment histories are often regarded as more reliable, improving their chances of securing job offers.

Confirms accuracy of work history
Prevents hiring fraud
Maintains organizational integrity
Improves candidate credibility

Criminal Record Influence

When considering potential hires, many companies look closely at an applicant’s criminal history, as it can greatly influence hiring decisions. A study by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 69% of employers conduct background checks, with 33% eliminating candidates because of criminal records.

Although Ban the Box laws limit inquiries about criminal history, employers may still consider records further along in the hiring process. If you want to know how to find out if someone has a police record, you can access public records or use online databases.

Candidates must be notified of adverse actions based on their history under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, allowing them to dispute inaccuracies. Clean records typically lead to quicker hiring and better opportunities.

In today’s hiring environment, many candidates may not realize how essential their social media presence can be in the job application process.

Social media screening effects can notably influence your employment opportunities. Here are key points to keep in mind:

70% of employers research candidates on social media.
54% have reconsidered a candidate because of unprofessional posts.
A strong online image can increase your hiring chances by 40%.
45% of employers eliminate candidates based on inappropriate content.

Given these insights, it’s important to actively manage your digital footprint.

Your online behavior often reflects your personality, which employers weigh heavily in their hiring decisions.

Being aware of how social media impacts your job prospects can help you present yourself more favorably.

Key Areas Employers Focus on During Background Checks

A thorough background check involves several key areas that can greatly impact a candidate’s chances of landing a job.

Employers often focus on criminal records, as serious offenses can hinder career opportunities and reflect on your trustworthiness. If you’re unsure how to look up criminal background information, many online resources can help.

Verification of work history is vital; employers check employment dates and titles to confirm accuracy and avoid inflated resumes.

Education verification is likewise common; employers need to guarantee candidates hold the degrees or certifications they claim, as exaggerations can harm reputations.

For financial roles, employers may review credit history, as poor credit

What Features to Look for in a Video Shop Editor?

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 21:29:13 +0200

When selecting a video shop editor, it’s crucial to take into account various features that can improve your editing experience. Look for tools that allow you to trim, merge, and adjust playback speed easily. Moreover, sound editing options, visual effects, and customizable text overlays can greatly elevate your video’s overall quality. An intuitive interface and compatibility with multiple formats are equally important. Comprehending these features will help you make an informed decision, but there’s more to explore regarding usability and support options.

Key Takeaways

Look for trimming and merging capabilities to easily cut and combine clips for seamless storytelling.
Ensure the editor offers sound editing options, including custom music and voice-over recording for personalized narration.
Check for visual effects and color correction tools to enhance video quality and match desired moods.
Consider export and sharing options, including social media compatibility and quality settings up to 720p.
User-friendly navigation and clear instructions are essential for a smooth editing experience, especially for beginners.

Essential Editing Tools

When you’re choosing a video editing software, it’s vital to focus on the editing tools that will best meet your needs.

A video shop editor should include trimming and merging capabilities to cut unnecessary parts and seamlessly combine clips. Look for slow-motion and stop-motion options, which give you creative control over video speed.

Robust visual editing tools, such as filters and color correction, can improve your video’s quality considerably. Moreover, the ability to rotate or resize clips is important.

Text overlay functionality is fundamental; it should allow you to customize fonts and colors for subtitles or captions.

The videoshop app should support these features to guarantee your final product is polished and engaging.

Sound Editing Capabilities

Sound editing is just as important as visual editing in creating a compelling video. With Videoshop, you can improve your project by adding custom background music from your iPod library or purchasing music clips, creating a richer auditory experience.

The app furthermore provides a range of sound effects, including audience laughter and ambient noises, making your content more engaging. You can record voice-overs directly, allowing personalized narration that aligns with your video’s theme.

In addition, the sound editing features support lip syncing, helping you match audio with video effectively. With the ability to adjust audio levels and incorporate multiple sound elements, Videoshop offers an all-encompassing sound editing suite, making it suitable for various video projects.

Visual Effects and Filters

When you’re working on your video projects, visual effects and filters can greatly improve your content.

With options for creative filtering and layering, you can match your video’s mood and theme as you add depth and interest.

Whether you’re applying slow-motion effects or superimposing images, these tools allow you to create unique and engaging compositions that capture your audience’s attention.

Essential Visual Enhancements

To raise your video projects, Videoshop provides a robust selection of significant visual improvements, including filters and visual effects that can greatly improve video quality.

You can apply various styles and moods to your clips, enhancing their overall appeal. The app furthermore features advanced effects like slow motion and reverse playback, which enable you to tell stories in unique ways.

Moreover, the superimpose feature allows you to layer images and videos, adding depth to your edits. For a polished look, utilize color correction options to adjust brightness and tone.

Techniques like Kenburns and tiltshift introduce dynamic movement and focus effects, making your videos more engaging and visually striking, eventually elevating your content to a professional standard.

Creative Filtering Options

Videoshop’s creative filtering options offer a range of tools that greatly upgrade your video editing experience. You can apply various filters to improve video quality, achieving professional-looking visual effects with just a few taps.

The app also provides advanced editing capabilities like color correction, allowing you to adjust the mood and tone of your videos effectively. Additionally, you can incorporate fun distortion effects and superimpose images, adding an engaging creative layer to your projects.

Techniques like Kenburns and tiltshift enable unique visual storytelling, creating dynamic movement within still images. With regular updates, Videoshop continuously expands its library of filters and effects, ensuring you stay up-to-date with the latest trends in video editing aesthetics.

Layering and Superimposing Effects

Layering and superimposing effects in video editing can transform your projects by allowing you to blend multiple clips or images into a single cohesive composition.

With the right tools, you can improve storytelling and creativity in your videos. Here are some key features to keep in mind:

Overlay graphics or text to add depth and engage viewers.
Apply various filters for improved visual quality and mood.
Utilize distortion effects to create unique, eye-catching visuals.
Explore advanced techniques like Kenburns and tiltshift for dynamic presentations.
Combine clips seamlessly to craft compelling narratives.

Text and Title Customization

When you’re looking to improve your video’s visual appeal, customizing text and titles can make a significant difference. Videoshop offers customizable text overlays with various fonts and colors, boosting your content’s attractiveness. You can likewise use animated titles for engaging introductions, making your videos stand out. Resizing text overlays is simple with a pinch-to-zoom gesture, even though it’s not clearly indicated. Furthermore, you can add subtitles for better accessibility, helping viewers understand without sound. Explore unlabeled slide controls to adjust text timing and appearance for the best results.

Feature	Description	Benefit
Custom Text Overlays	Various fonts and colors available	Boosts visual appeal
Animated Titles	Engaging introductions	Captivates audience attention
Subtitle Support	Adds subtitles for accessibility	Improves viewer comprehension
Pinch-to-Zoom	Resize text overlays easily	Customizes appearance
Adjustable Timing	Unlabeled controls for timing	Fine-tunes text presentation

User-Friendly Interface

When choosing a video shop editor, look for an interface that prioritizes intuitive navigation, making it easy for you to find tools without feeling lost.

Clear instructions for each feature will guide you through crucial tasks like trimming and merging, ensuring you can edit efficiently.

Plus, responsive editing controls allow for quick adjustments, so you can focus on your creative process without unnecessary delays.

An intuitive navigation design is essential in a video shop editor, as it greatly augments your editing experience and makes the process more accessible.

A well-structured interface allows you to focus on creativity rather than getting lost in complex menus. Look for these key features:

Clearly labeled tools and controls for easy identification
Support for pinch-to-zoom functionality to resize elements effortlessly
A well-organized layout that streamlines your editing process
Accessible menus that help you find features quickly
Regular updates that improve usability based on user feedback

Clear Tool Instructions

Clear tool instructions play a fundamental role in creating a user-friendly interface within a video editing app like Videoshop. When editing options like filters, shifts, and text overlays are clearly labeled, you minimize confusion and improve usability. Intuitive controls are important; unlabeled slide controls can hinder your editing experience considerably.

Feature	Importance
Labeled Controls	Reduces confusion
Tutorial Prompts	Boosts comprehension
Regular Updates	Enhances clarity over time

Incorporating tutorial prompts or tooltips within the app helps you grasp each tool’s purpose and functionality, making your editing process more efficient. Overall, clear tool instructions contribute greatly to a smoother and more satisfying editing experience.

Responsive Editing Controls

A user-friendly interface is key to a seamless video editing experience in apps like Videoshop, particularly concerning responsive editing controls. When editing, you’ll want tools that respond quickly to your commands, ensuring you can make adjustments without delay.

This feature is especially important for beginners who may feel overwhelmed by complex software.

Intuitive controls for trimming and merging
Clear labeling of features and tools
Immediate results from adjustments
An effective undo feature for quick corrections
Minimal delays during editing

These elements contribute to a smoother editing process, allowing you to focus on creativity rather than steering through confusion.

A responsive interface ultimately improves your ability to produce polished videos efficiently.

Performance and Stability

When using Videoshop, you’ll find that the app usually provides responsive editing tools, though some users occasionally experience minor delays during their editing sessions.

It’s important to mention that issues can arise with the Display editing feature, such as a stalled progress bar; nonetheless, restarting the process usually resolves these problems.

The developers frequently release updates, which contribute to overall performance stability and address potential issues. After these updates, users typically encounter no further complications, showcasing the developers’ commitment to improvement.

Furthermore, Videoshop’s ability to handle various video formats and provide quality adjustments up to 720p improves stability, making it a versatile choice for different projects.

Videoshop offers a variety of export and sharing options that make it easy for you to distribute your edited videos across multiple platforms. You can connect with your audience by sharing directly to popular social media sites.

Furthermore, saving your videos to the Camera Roll allows for quick access and further edits. The app guarantees your video length meets social media requirements, optimizing your content for each platform.

You can choose from various export quality options, up to 720p, depending on your storage needs. Plus, you have the flexibility to crop videos to a 1:1 ratio or maintain the original aspect ratio.

Direct sharing to social media
Save to Camera Roll
Length compliance indicators
Export quality options
Video cropping flexibility

Sharing edited videos on social media has never been easier, thanks to the extensive compatibility features of the Videoshop app. You can share your creations directly to platforms like Vine, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, enhancing convenience for any content creator.

The app includes indicators to help guarantee your video length meets specific social media requirements, making it simple to create shareable content. You can export videos in various quality options, ranging from low to high (up to 720p), allowing for flexibility based on platform needs.

Furthermore, Videoshop supports cropping for a 1:1 ratio or maintaining the original aspect ratio with black bars, catering to different display preferences. Its multilingual support guarantees creators from diverse backgrounds can easily edit and share videos.

Subscription and Pricing Models

When considering Videoshop’s subscription and pricing models, you can choose between a monthly plan at $3.99 or an annual plan for $23.99, both offering a free trial for new users.

If you prefer not to commit to a subscription, the app is available for a one-time purchase of $1.99, making it a budget-friendly option.

Furthermore, in-app purchases allow you to remove watermarks or buy tokens for extra features, giving you flexibility in how you use the app.

Monthly vs. Annual Plans

Choosing between monthly and annual subscription plans can greatly impact your experience with Videoshop, especially if you’re weighing how long you’ll use the app.

The monthly plan, priced at $3.99, is ideal for short-term use, offering full access without watermarks. Conversely, the annual subscription at $23.99 provides better value for long-term users, saving you money overall.

Here are some key points to evaluate:

Monthly plan for flexibility and short-term needs
Annual plan for cost savings if you stay long-term
Free trial available for both options
Access to all features, including watermark-free exports
Customize with in-app purchases if needed

Weigh your options carefully to choose the best fit for your video editing needs.

In-App Purchase Options

In-App Purchase Options provide users with a variety of ways to improve their Videoshop experience beyond the standard subscription plans.

You can choose a monthly subscription for $3.99 or an annual one for $23.99, both offering a free trial. If you prefer not to commit to a subscription, you can remove all watermarks for a one-time fee of $2.99.

For those wanting full access without ongoing fees, the lifetime Videoshop Pro option is available for $99.99.

Furthermore, you can purchase tokens to augment your editing capabilities—$0.99 for a Bag of Tokens, $1.99 for a Suitcase, and $2.99 for a Chest.

These purchases allow you to access premium content and features as needed.

Free Trial Availability

A free trial is available for both the monthly and annual subscription plans of Videoshop, allowing you to explore the app’s features without any initial commitment.

This trial is a great opportunity to assess its editing capabilities before deciding on a payment plan. Here’s what you can expect:

Monthly subscription at $3.99: Ideal if you need flexibility.
Annual subscription for $23.99: A cost-effective choice for regular users.
In-app purchases: Options to remove watermarks or secure a lifetime Pro license.
Tokens for features: Purchase varying amounts to access specific tools.
Regular updates: Guarantees the app evolves to improve user experience.

Take advantage of the free trial to find the best fit for your editing needs.

In-App Purchases

here.

Image via Google Gemini

This article, "Shopify Merchants Achieve Record $14.6B in Sales Black Friday and Cyber Monday Weekend" was first published on Small Business Trends

7 Free Marketing Calendar Templates to Enhance Campaign Planning

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 20:31:00 +0200

If you’re looking to improve your campaign planning, consider using free marketing calendar templates. These templates, including options for social media, SEO strategies, and email marketing, help organize your efforts efficiently. They provide a structured way to track activities, ensuring your team collaborates effectively. By implementing these resources, you can streamline workflows and boost accountability. Explore how these templates can transform your marketing strategies and what specific benefits each one offers.

Key Takeaways

Utilize a Social Media Calendar Template to efficiently schedule and manage posts across various platforms for enhanced audience engagement.
Implement an SEO Strategy Calendar Template to track keyword research and content optimization efforts, ensuring alignment with search engine trends.
Use an Event Marketing Calendar Template to coordinate logistics, manage timelines, and enhance team collaboration for successful event execution.
Leverage an Annual Marketing Strategy Calendar Template to outline key campaigns and milestones, maintaining organizational focus throughout the year.
Adopt an Email Marketing Planner Template to streamline campaign tracking and improve accountability across email initiatives, boosting overall effectiveness.

To effectively manage your social media presence, a social media calendar template is essential, as it helps you organize and schedule posts across multiple platforms.

With a marketing calendar template in Excel or a free marketing calendar template, you can streamline content planning efficiently. These templates typically include fields for the date, platform, content type, concepts, publish time, and relevant hashtags, ensuring your posts align with marketing strategies.

They likewise help identify peak audience engagement times, enhancing the effectiveness of your campaigns. Furthermore, you can manage influencer partnerships and track performance, allowing you to assess the impact of your efforts.

SEO Strategy Calendar Template

An SEO Strategy Calendar Template is crucial for efficiently tracking your SEO tasks, from keyword research to content optimization.

It helps you coordinate these efforts by laying out task descriptions, deadlines, and project owners, ensuring everyone stays on the same page.

Task Tracking Efficiency

Even though managing SEO tasks can often feel overwhelming, using an SEO Strategy Calendar Template can greatly improve your task tracking efficiency. This template helps you track timelines for SEO tasks, guaranteeing that vital activities are organized and prioritized effectively.

With fundamental elements like task descriptions, project owners, deadlines, and status updates, you gain clarity on project progress and accountability within your team. By coordinating on-page and technical SEO tasks, the template improves overall efficiency, which can lead to better search engine rankings and visibility.

Regular updates and maintenance of the SEO Strategy Calendar are significant, as they confirm it reflects current priorities, keeping your team aligned with evolving SEO strategies and reducing confusion about responsibilities and timelines.

Keyword Research Coordination

Effective keyword research coordination is vital for optimizing your marketing campaigns and achieving better search engine visibility.

Using an SEO Strategy Calendar Template helps manage timelines and tasks related to keyword research and optimization strategies, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. This template typically includes fields for task descriptions, project owners, deadlines, status updates, and relevant links.

By tracking these SEO tasks, you can align your content ideation with keyword strategies, enhancing search visibility. A well-maintained calendar encourages collaboration by providing clarity on project progress and deadlines, which are critical for timely execution.

Regular updates allow your team to adapt to changes in search engine algorithms or shifts in target audience behavior, maintaining the effectiveness of your SEO efforts.

Event Marketing Calendar Template

When planning a successful event, using an Event Marketing Calendar Template can streamline your efforts and keep your team organized. This template tracks all aspects of event planning to guarantee thorough execution.

Here are three key benefits:

Organized Coordination: It includes crucial fields like event name, date, and location, helping you coordinate marketing initiatives effectively.
Enhanced Visibility: You can customize it with status updates, resource links, and notes, which improves accountability among team members.
Efficient Logistics Management: Regular updates enable your team to manage logistics, booth setups, and attendee engagement activities, making sure everything is aligned.

Annual Marketing Strategy Calendar Template

An Annual Marketing Strategy Calendar Template serves as a vital tool for any marketing team, providing a structured layout of your marketing goals, key campaigns, and content themes for each month.

This template typically includes elements like marketing focus, key milestones, and links to resources, making it easy to track progress and adjust strategies as needed.

By outlining overarching marketing strategies, the calendar aids in brand awareness, lead generation, and customer retention efforts, serving as a roadmap for teams.

Utilizing this template improves visibility and organization, allowing you to plan effectively for seasonal campaigns and major marketing initiatives.

Regular updates to the calendar are important for maintaining relevance and ensuring all team members are aligned on objectives and deadlines.

Email Marketing Planner Template

To streamline your email marketing efforts, using an Email Marketing Planner Template can be a game-changer. This template allows you to track individual email campaigns effectively, making the planning process smoother.

Here are three key benefits:

Organized Campaign Tracking: You can keep a detailed record of campaign names, email types, audience segments, send dates, and subject lines.
Goal Setting: Set specific goals and KPIs for each campaign, which improves the effectiveness of newsletters and promotional emails.
Improved Coordination: Regularly updated templates increase visibility into email initiatives, helping your team coordinate campaigns across different channels and maintain accountability.

Content Marketing Calendar Template

A Content Marketing Calendar Template is crucial for streamlining your content scheduling, allowing you to plan various types of content like blog posts and social media updates effectively.

By enhancing team collaboration, it guarantees everyone is aligned on publication dates, topics, and promotional channels.

Furthermore, incorporating performance tracking metrics helps you assess the effectiveness of each piece, enabling you to refine your strategy over time.

Streamlined Content Scheduling

Streamlined content scheduling is vital for effective content marketing, and using a Content Marketing Calendar Template can greatly improve this process.

This template helps you organize and schedule various content types, ensuring consistency in creation and publication. It includes fundamental elements such as:

Publication dates and topics to keep track of what’s due.
Authors and promotion channels for clear accountability.
Key performance metrics to measure effectiveness.

Enhanced Team Collaboration

Though effective communication is crucial in any workplace, it becomes even more important in content marketing, where collaboration can greatly influence project outcomes.

A Content Marketing Calendar Template serves as a centralized platform, permitting you to track content creation, publication timelines, and responsibilities among team members. By including key elements like topic, author, publish date, and promotion channels, the template aligns everyone on your content objectives and deadlines.

It organizes various content types, such as blog posts, videos, and eBooks, nurturing clarity regarding roles in the marketing strategy. This calendar additionally improves communication, reducing miscommunication by providing a clear overview of ongoing projects and upcoming deliverables, while enhancing accountability by clearly assigning ownership and tracking progress.

Performance Tracking Metrics

Effective performance tracking is vital for evaluating the success of your content marketing efforts.

To guarantee your campaigns are effective, focus on these key performance metrics:

Website Traffic: Monitor the number of visitors to your content to assess reach and interest.
Engagement Rates: Track social shares, comments, and likes to gauge how your audience interacts with your content.
Conversion Rates: Measure how well your content drives actions, such as sign-ups or purchases.

Importance and Organization of a Marketing Calendar

A marketing calendar is essential for any organization aiming to streamline its marketing efforts and maintain clarity across teams. It serves as a central tool for tracking project timelines and objectives, improving overall organization and visibility. By listing key dates and events, you can manage multiple deliverables and keep everyone aware of significant deadlines. Regular updates are important, as accuracy allows your team to adapt to changing plans effectively. Additionally, assigning responsibilities within the calendar boosts accountability, ensuring tasks are clearly delineated.

Key Benefits	Impact on Teams
Tracks timelines	Reduces confusion
Lists key events	Improves collaboration
Improves organization	Boosts accountability
Adapts to changes	Keeps everyone aligned

Frequently Asked Questions

What Software Is Best for Editing Marketing Calendar Templates?

In terms of editing marketing calendar templates, software like Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets are excellent choices because of their flexibility and ease of use.

These programs allow you to customize templates with formulas, colors, and formatting.

If you prefer a more visual approach, tools like Canva offer user-friendly design options.

For collaboration, consider using project management software like Trello or Asana, which can help keep your team aligned on marketing timelines and tasks.

Can I Customize These Templates for My Brand’S Needs?

Yes, you can customize these templates to fit your brand’s specific needs.

Most marketing calendar templates allow for modifications, like adjusting colors, fonts, and layouts. You can add your logo, change dates, and include relevant events or campaigns.

This flexibility guarantees that the calendar aligns with your brand identity and marketing strategies.

Just make certain to keep the design consistent with your overall branding for a cohesive look.

Are There Templates for Specific Industries or Niches?

Yes, there are templates designed for specific industries and niches. Many marketing resources provide templates customized to sectors like retail, healthcare, or technology.

These templates often include relevant metrics, timelines, and promotional strategies unique to each industry. By using these specialized templates, you can streamline your planning process and guarantee that your marketing efforts align with your brand’s goals.

Explore various sources to find options that best fit your needs and objectives.

How Often Should I Update My Marketing Calendar?

You should update your marketing calendar regularly to stay aligned with your goals.

Aim for monthly reviews to assess progress and adjust strategies as needed. Furthermore, update it whenever there are significant changes, like new campaigns or shifts in your target audience.

This proactive approach guarantees you stay relevant and efficient. By keeping your calendar current, you can better allocate resources, track deadlines, and improve overall campaign effectiveness.

Do These Templates Support Team Collaboration Features?

Yes, many marketing calendar templates support team collaboration features.

These templates often include options for shared access, allowing team members to view and edit the calendar simultaneously. You can assign tasks, set deadlines, and leave comments, enhancing communication and coordination.

Look for templates that integrate with tools like Google Workspace or project management software, as these integrations can streamline the collaboration process, making it easier for your team to stay aligned and organized.

Conclusion

Incorporating free marketing calendar templates into your campaign planning can greatly improve your organization and efficiency. By utilizing tools like social media, SEO strategy, and email marketing planners, you’ll be able to streamline your efforts and maintain focus on your objectives. These templates not only improve collaboration among team members but likewise help you adapt to changes effectively. By implementing these resources, you can optimize your marketing strategies and achieve better results in your campaigns.

Image via Google Gemini

This article, "7 Free Marketing Calendar Templates to Enhance Campaign Planning" was first published on Small Business Trends

Visa and AWS Team Up to Revolutionize Agentic Commerce for Developers

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 19:11:00 +0200

In an era where digital transformation shapes consumer expectations, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Visa have made a significant leap forward. Their recent collaboration aims to establish what they call “agentic commerce,” which could redefine payment experiences and streamline workflows for small businesses across various sectors.

This partnership enables small business owners to leverage the Visa Intelligent Commerce platform, now available in the AWS Marketplace. This platform is designed to simplify and enhance payment processes, offering developers and companies access to critical tools necessary for building sophisticated agentic commerce capabilities. Key features include authentication, data personalization, agentic tokenization, and user intent capture—all essential for creating seamless, secure payment solutions.

Rubail Birwadker, SVP of Global Head of Growth at Visa, emphasized the importance of trust in commerce, stating, “Agentic commerce needs trust to move from intent to action; Visa Intelligent Commerce is designed to be the trust layer for the agent economy.” This focus on establishing a secure environment can potentially bolster customer confidence, a critical aspect for small businesses that thrive on building relationships with their customer base.

For small businesses looking to innovate, the publication of blueprints by Visa and AWS could be a game changer. These blueprints, available in the Amazon Bedrock AgentCore public repository, offer step-by-step guidelines for creating “work-agnostic” agentic commerce workflows. This means business owners, developers, and financial technology builders can more easily design systems that integrate various operations—from booking travel to managing payments—through intelligent, automated agents.

The implications are clear: a small business in retail could efficiently set up an end-to-end shopping experience encompassing product discovery, price comparison, and ultimately, streamlined checkout processes. Similarly, a travel agency could utilize these tools to provide clients with a more integrated booking experience, simplifying everything from planning trips to making secure payments.

However, along with these benefits, small business owners should be aware of potential challenges. Implementing such advanced systems may require a foundational understanding of technology and development processes that not all businesses currently possess. The learning curve associated with adopting new platforms can initially strain resources, which is a crucial consideration for small operations with limited budgets.

Moreover, while the promise of automation through AI agents is enticing, small businesses need to be cautious about over-reliance on technology. Balancing the benefits of automation with the human touch that many customers still crave will be essential. For instance, using AI to monitor price drops on ticket sales is revolutionary, but having the ability to provide personal customer service checks will enhance overall consumer satisfaction.

Quotes from industry leaders further shed light on the potential this partnership holds. David Richardson, VP of AgentCore at AWS, noted that “Visa Intelligent Commerce and Amazon Bedrock AgentCore simplify this by allowing agents to communicate securely and autonomously.” This means a business could efficiently manage customer transactions and data without extensive manual intervention.

Karen Bolda, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Expedia Group, adds, “Through Amazon Bedrock AgentCore and Visa Intelligent Commerce, we can deliver next-generation travel experiences.” This reaffirms that small businesses within the travel sector could greatly benefit from these innovations, enhancing their service offerings significantly.

The technology could also support strong financial automation for small businesses. As Saurav Sharma, Vice President of Product Management at Intuit, explained, “We’re at the beginning of a powerful new collaboration that will allow us to build done-for-you experiences.” This could translate to better, data-driven decisions regarding budgeting and planning—vital for small enterprises trying to navigate market fluctuations.

As small business owners consider integrating AWS and Visa’s agentic commerce solutions into their operations, understanding both the transformative benefits and inherent challenges will be paramount. Embracing these advancements could empower businesses to not only adapt but also flourish in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape.

For further details on this innovative collaboration, you can visit the full press release here.

Image via Google Gemini

This article, "Visa and AWS Team Up to Revolutionize Agentic Commerce for Developers" was first published on Small Business Trends

10 Must-Visit Crafts Sales This Season

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 18:31:00 +0200

If you’re looking to explore unique handmade goods this season, you won’t want to miss the top ten craft sales. These events showcase a range of sustainable and eco-friendly products, from lively local markets to interactive booths that offer customization. You’ll find bold statement pieces made from natural fibers and have the chance to engage with fellow artisans. As you prepare for these gatherings, consider how they cultivate community support and highlight quality craftsmanship. What else can you expect at these events?

Key Takeaways

Explore local craft fairs featuring handmade, eco-friendly products that emphasize slow fashion and sustainability.
Look for events showcasing bold statement pieces, such as colorful granny squares and oversized scarves.
Attend interactive craft shows with engaging booths offering try-on sections and customization options for a unique experience.
Research community-driven markets where crafters collaborate and share their insights to enhance your crafting network.
Seek out craft sales with memorable displays that highlight quality, durable items made from natural or recycled materials.

Embracing Slow Fashion and Sustainability

As you explore the domain of craft sales this season, you’ll likely notice a significant shift in the direction of slow fashion and sustainability, driven by consumers’ growing preference for handmade and eco-friendly products.

Crafting websites and DIY craft sites are buzzing with ideas that emphasize the use of natural fibers like cotton, wool, and linen. These materials, alongside recycled and upcycled items, attract environmentally conscious customers looking for unique, high-quality pieces.

Expect to see chunky colorful granny squares and oversized scarves as popular statement items. By participating in crafts sales focused on sustainable products, you not only support artisans but also promote community collaboration, helping to nurture a sustainable crafting environment that benefits everyone involved.

Exploring Bold Statement Pieces

Bold statement pieces have emerged as a defining trend in the craft sales environment, enchanting both makers and consumers with their distinctive designs and lively colors.

Items like chunky colorful granny squares and oversized scarves are particularly popular, drawing attention with their unique appeal. Utilizing chunky yarn not only speeds up production but also boosts profit potential, making these pieces highly desirable.

Unique color combinations can enhance your brand identity, helping your products stand out. Engaging displays featuring these bold statement pieces encourage customer interaction, improving the shopping experience at craft shows.

Furthermore, when considering craft party supplies, you might wonder, when does Hobby Lobby have yarn sales, and does yarn go on sale at Hobby Lobby? These questions can help you maximize your crafting efforts.

Interactive Booths for Enhanced Customer Engagement

Interactive booths can boost customer engagement by featuring try-on sections that allow you to experience products firsthand.

Furthermore, themed photo opportunities can encourage you to share your experience on social media, boosting visibility for the booth.

Engaging Try-On Sections

Creating an engaging try-on section in your booth can greatly improve customer interaction and elevate sales. A full-length mirror allows customers to visualize how your crochet pieces will look on them, increasing purchase likelihood.

Consider offering customization options, such as a selection of buttons for booties, which amplifies engagement and encourages personalization. This interactive display can considerably boost foot traffic, especially during events like the Hobby Lobby fabric sale schedule or the Hobby Lobby floral sale schedule.

A well-organized try-on area creates memorable experiences, prompting customers to share their finds on social media, which promotes your brand. Incorporating this fun element into your booth sets you apart from competitors and nurtures customer loyalty during the Hobby Lobby spring shop sale schedule.

Themed Photo Opportunities

When customers encounter themed photo opportunities in your booth, they’re more likely to engage with your products and share their experiences online.

Setting up attractive backdrops, like a pumpkin patch, can markedly boost your brand’s visibility through social media shares. Incorporating interactive booths, such as a try-on section with a full-length mirror, allows customers to connect directly with your products, enhancing their shopping experience and increasing purchase likelihood.

Moreover, offering customization options, like unique buttons for booties, adds a personal touch that deepens customer engagement. Engaging displays that invite interaction create memorable experiences, encouraging repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth.

This approach is particularly effective at larger craft shows, where high foot traffic can amplify customer engagement and drive sales.

Craft Show Preparation Essentials

Preparing for a craft show requires careful planning and attention to detail, as successful participation can greatly impact your sales. Start by researching current trends and consumer preferences to create high-quality, sustainable products. Focus on crafting unique displays that catch the eye, incorporating interactive elements to engage customers. For larger shows, set up customization options or photo areas to maximize interaction. Allow ample time for setup, guaranteeing your booth is visually appealing and organized for efficient customer flow. Continuously evaluate product performance during the event to adapt your offerings accordingly.

Crucial Item	Purpose	Tips
Trend Research	Identify popular products	Use social media insights
Unique Displays	Attract attention and improve experience	Use bright colors and lighting
Interactive Elements	Engage customers for better sales	Include customization options
Setup Time	Guarantee efficient customer flow	Arrive early to organize

Community Engagement and Support in Crafting

Engaging with fellow crafters can greatly improve your success at craft shows.

By sharing trends and ideas, you not only build collaborative connections but additionally create a supportive network that nurtures growth and innovation.

This community approach encourages the exchange of valuable insights, making the crafting experience more rewarding for everyone involved.

Building Collaborative Connections

Building a collaborative network within the crafting community greatly improves your ability to succeed at craft shows. When you engage with fellow crafters, you promote collaboration and idea-sharing, which can lead to increased sales.

Regular discussions or feedback sessions allow you to share insights and strategies that may boost your craft show performance. Utilizing social media platforms helps you connect with other makers, increasing your visibility and creating opportunities for partnerships and joint promotions.

A supportive atmosphere encourages you to tackle challenges together, share valuable resources, and celebrate each other’s successes. By nurturing these connections, you not only strengthen your own business but likewise contribute to a thriving crafting community that benefits everyone involved.

Crafting communities thrive when members actively share trends and ideas, creating a dynamic environment that fuels innovation. By building a supportive crochet business community, you improve collaboration and inspire creativity.

Regularly sharing content about increasing sales at craft shows not just cultivates community but encourages learning from each other’s experiences. Engaging with fellow makers on social media platforms can lead to valuable connections and collaborative opportunities that benefit everyone involved.

Hosting a waitlist for course updates keeps excitement high and encourages participation. Moreover, promoting a collaborative atmosphere by inviting feedback on trends strengthens your network of support, eventually benefiting your business and helping you stay ahead in the constantly changing crafting arena.

Showcasing Unique and Timeless Designs

In today’s competitive craft market, showcasing unique and timeless designs can considerably improve your sales potential. Bold crochet pieces, featuring chunky colorful granny squares and oversized scarves, are trending, making them ideal statement items for craft shows.

By using lively colors and unique combinations, you can elevate your brand identity and attract more attention at sales events. Timeless designs, such as minimalist wearables, likewise cater to the increasing consumer preference for sustainable fashion.

Incorporating recycled or upcycled materials, like thrifted yarn, appeals to eco-conscious shoppers. Moreover, engaging displays that highlight these unique and timeless designs create memorable experiences, encouraging customers to make purchases and share their finds on social media, in the end boosting your visibility and sales.

The Importance of Quality and Eco-Friendly Products

Quality and eco-friendly products have become increasingly important in today’s craft market, aligning with consumer preferences for sustainable shopping habits. As a savvy shopper, you’ll notice the rising demand for handmade items crafted from natural fibers like cotton, wool, and linen. Recycled and upcycled materials, such as thrifted yarn, are likewise gaining traction, promoting eco-conscious choices. Many consumers now favor timeless, high-quality pieces over fast fashion, emphasizing durability. Engaging displays at craft shows can improve your experience, showcasing unique crochet pieces, like chunky colorful granny squares, that highlight quality craftsmanship.

Eco-Friendly Materials	Benefits
Natural Fibers	Sustainable production
Recycled Materials	Reduces waste
Timeless Designs	Long-lasting quality

Creating Memorable Craft Show Experiences

As you prepare for a craft show, consider how engaging displays and interactive elements can greatly improve the customer experience. Creating try-on sections or customization options invites customers to interact with your products, boosting sales.

A cute photo area with themed backdrops encourages social media sharing, promoting your brand and drawing more visitors to your booth. Utilize bold, unique crochet designs and vivid colors to make your products stand out in a crowded space.

Offering high-quality, sustainable items, such as those made from natural fibers or recycled materials, resonates with current consumer interests.

Finally, research customer preferences and trends to craft memorable experiences that not only engage attendees but also encourage repeat purchases at future events.

Trends in Handmade Goods for the Season

This season, handmade goods are seeing a notable shift in consumer preferences, particularly toward sustainable and eco-friendly products. Customers are increasingly favoring options like natural fiber yarns, including cotton, wool, and linen.

In addition, bold crochet pieces with chunky, colorful granny squares and oversized scarves are trending, making them popular choices at craft shows. To improve the shopping experience, consider creating interactive booths with try-on sections or customization options, which can greatly boost sales.

As you prepare for craft shows, focus on crafting high-quality, timeless pieces that reflect these trends as well as emphasizing sustainability and unique designs. Staying informed about current trends will help you create products that resonate with consumers and stand out in the market.

Building Connections Within the Crafting Community

Building connections within the crafting community opens up numerous networking opportunities for you as a crafter.

By collaborating on projects or sharing innovative ideas, you not only improve your skills but additionally contribute to a lively atmosphere that nurtures creativity.

Whether through local events or online platforms, engaging with fellow makers can lead to valuable partnerships that boost your craft business.

Networking Opportunities for Crafters

Networking opportunities abound for crafters looking to strengthen their connections within the crafting community. Engaging in interactive booths at craft shows not only attracts customers but also nurtures relationships with fellow crafters and vendors.

Participating in local craft fairs and markets can help you network with other artisans, share ideas, and explore future collaborations. Building a presence on social media platforms is another effective way to connect with other makers, facilitating the exchange of best practices.

Joining local crafting groups or online forums offers invaluable resources for support and inspiration. Regularly attending crafting events and workshops keeps you informed about industry trends as well as allowing you to meet like-minded individuals who share a passion for handmade goods.

Collaborative Projects and Ideas

Engaging in collaborative projects can greatly improve your connections within the crafting community, especially when you involve others who share your interests.

Building a supportive crochet business community promotes collaboration, inspiring creativity among crafters. You can connect with fellow makers on social media platforms, exchanging experiences and trends, nurturing camaraderie and support.

Organizing group challenges or themed events encourages participation, helping crafters with similar interests gain visibility. Furthermore, offering workshops aimed at boosting confidence and sales at craft shows allows community members to learn from one another.

Actively inviting feedback and sharing insights on trends can spark dialogue, leading to innovative ideas and improved product offerings. By engaging with others, you’ll cultivate valuable relationships that benefit everyone involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Hottest Selling Craft Right Now?

The hottest selling craft right now is handmade, eco-friendly products, particularly those made from natural fibers like cotton and wool. These items appeal to consumers’ growing demand for sustainability.

Bold crochet pieces, such as chunky granny squares and oversized scarves, are likewise trending because of their lively designs.

Furthermore, products made from recycled materials are gaining popularity, as people increasingly seek items that reflect their environmental values and prioritize durability over fast fashion.

What Is the Highest Selling Craft Item?

The highest selling craft items typically include handmade jewelry, which often sells for $20 to $200, depending on its uniqueness and materials.

Home décor items, such as macramé wall hangings and hand-poured candles, likewise attract buyers looking for personalized touches.

Seasonal crafts, like holiday ornaments, see significant sales spikes during festive periods.

Moreover, eco-friendly products are gaining traction, appealing to consumers focused on sustainability, making them increasingly popular in the crafting market.

What Sells the Best at Craf

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Tue, 12 Nov 2019 15:53:57 +0200

Writing a blog post is easy.

If you don’t write often, you may feel otherwise, but just follow this and you’ll be good to go when it comes to writing. Or, you can just watch the video below.

But still, you write a blog post and then what do you do?

Well, I’ll tell you this… most people forget the “marketing” in content marketing. Most people write content but don’t do a great job of promoting it.

Here’s the thing: I figured out the perfect formula to promoting content.

Best of all, it’s not complex. Heck, it doesn’t even take 30 minutes. It’s so easy that I broke it down into 6 steps.

And just to give you an idea before we dive into the formula, it’s so effective here is the traffic to my latest blog post.

35,492 visits in a week isn’t too shabby. The post didn’t do exceptionally well and it didn’t tank. It was just an average post.

Now you probably won’t see the same results as me as I’ve been doing this for a long time, but your results will be much better than what you are currently getting. Hence, I used the number of 3,549 in the title as you should be able to drive 1/10th of what I am generating.

So, let’s dive right into the formula.

Step #1: Optimize your headline

8 out of 10 people will read your headline, but only 2 out of 10 people will click through on your headline to read the rest of your article.

No matter how well written your content is, promoting it won’t be effective if no one likes your headline.

Now I know what you are thinking… I’ve already published my article, is it too late to change my headline?

Nope, you can always change your headline, just try not to change the URL of the article once it is already published. And if you decide to change the URL, use a 301 redirect.

There’s a really simple way to come up with headlines that work. Heck, it doesn’t even take more than a minute or two.

Just head over to Ubersuggest and type in the main keyword or phrase your article is about.

You’ll see a report that looks something like this:

Now I want you to click on “Content Ideas” in the left-hand navigation.

You should now see a report that looks like this:

This report shows you all of the blog posts around the web that contain your keyword or phrase within their title. And it breaks it down by social shares, backlinks, and search traffic.

You can use this to see what is working in your space.

Ideally, you want to look for headlines that have thousands of social shares (or hundreds if you aren’t in a popular industry), at least 10 backlinks, and more than 100 estimated visits. Just like the example below.

Making your headlines similar to ones that meet those 3 criteria will increase your odds of getting more traffic.

Step #2: Add 3 internal links

The easiest way to get your new content more love is to build links.

Yes, links are hard to build, but internal links are not… plus they are still effective.

I rank for competitive terms like “digital marketing”…

A lot of it has to do with internal links. I link to my main digital marketing page within my sidebar and within my content.

Every time you publish a new blog post, I want you to go into your older content that is relevant to your newly published blog post and add a link to it. Do this to 3 of your older blog posts.

This helps with indexing and it also helps your new content rank higher on Google.

Step 3: Share your content on the social web carefully

The problem with social media marketing is that people think they can just share their content on sites like Facebook or LinkedIn and it will automatically do well.

Sadly, it won’t because billions of URLs have been shared already.

In other words, we just tend to ignore most of the links people share.

But there is a simple way to stand out and get thousands of visitors from the social web, just like I get.

So, what’s my secret?

Well, I will give you a hint. Just look at one of my most recent posts on LinkedIn:

And here is one from Facebook:

Do you notice a pattern?

I’m evoking curiosity. In other words, I am piquing your interest and if you want to know the “solution” you have to click through to my site.

With the LinkedIn post, I tell you that marketing is going to change next year. I also make a point to say how it is going to change in a way that nobody is talking about.

I do this because we all can assume marketing will change. But by saying it is in a way nobody is talking about, it evokes curiosity. And if you want to know how it will change you have no choice but to click through over to my site to read the rest.

With my Facebook post, I also evoke curiosity. I talk about a Google algorithm update, but I hint that I have an answer to leveraging Google’s latest algorithm update. And if you want to know what it is, you have to click through over to my site.

Whenever you post on the social web, evoke curiosity if you want people to head over to your site.

The easiest way to do this is that every time you share one of your articles on the social web, add a few sentences above the link that helps pique peoples’ interest.

Step #4: Message everyone you link out to

It’s common to link out to other sites within your blog posts.

Heck, sometimes I even link out to my competition.

If you don’t ever link out to other sites, you are making a big mistake. It helps with authority and trust.

If you are using stats and data within your article, you want to cite your sources. This brings credibility to you and it helps brand yourself as an expert which can help with Google’s medic update.

Now, when you link out to a site, go and search their email address. You can typically find their email address on their website.

Or if you can’t find their email address, look for a contact page on their site, you’ll typically see a form that you can fill out.

Whether you find an email address or contact form, I want you to message each and every single site you link out to with a message that goes like this:

Hi [insert their first name],
I just wanted to say, I love your content. Especially your article on [insert the name of the article you linked out to].
I linked to it from my latest blog post [insert URL of your blog post]. It would make my day if you checked it out and even shared it on your favorite social network if you enjoyed it.
Cheers,
[insert your name]

When I send out these emails, I am getting 50 to 60% of the people to respond and share my content. But of course, my blog is popular, so for me, it isn’t too hard. But it hasn’t always been that way, and I’ve been leveraging this tactic for ages.

On the flip side, I also use this tactic on a few of my blogs that are in other niches and don’t use my name (no one knows I own them) and I am seeing success rates around 20%.

Just make sure you don’t use this tactic to ask for a link back. Your success rate will be slim.

Step #5: Send an email blast

These last two tactics produce a large portion of my results, and you shouldn’t take them for granted, no matter how basic they may seem.

If you already haven’t, start collecting emails from your site. You can use free tools like Hello Bar to create popups or sliders.

Hello Bar will plug into whatever email provider you are currently using.

Once you are up and running, every time you release a new blog post, send out an email blast.

Here’s an example of one of my email blasts.

It’s so effective it generated 13,544 clicks.

I’ve found that you can drive good traffic from emails as long as you do the following:

Scrub your list – if someone doesn’t open your emails over the last 30 or 60 days, remove them from your list. It helps keep your emails in people’s inboxes.
Send text-based emails – if you look at the email I sent, I keep it simple. No images, nothing fancy, just text and a link back to my site. It’s that simple.
Evoke curiosity – just like how I explained with the social media posts, your emails won’t do well unless you evoke curiosity.

As you write more content you will get more traffic, which will cause your email list to grow. That will also cause you to get more traffic.

Marketing Trends for 2020: Here’s What Will Happen That Nobody is Talking About

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 15:42:54 +0200

The new year is right around the corner. And I know you are already prepared because you read this blog and tons of other marketing blogs, right?

But here is the thing: I also read most of the popular marketing blogs, follow all of the marketing YouTube channels, and listen to the same podcasts you do.

And I’ve noticed that very few people are talking about what’s really going to happen in 2020.

Sure, they will tell you things like voice search is going to account for over 50% of the search queries next year but all of that stuff has already been talked about.

And there are actually more interesting trends that will affect your marketing that no one is really talking about.

So, what are these trends? What’s going to happen in 2020?

Alright, here goes…

Trend #1: Companies who rely on Google Analytics will get beat by their competition

We all love Google Analytics.

Heck, I love it so much I log in at least 3 or 4 times a day. And here is the kicker: I get so much traffic that my Google Analytics only updates once a day.

I really need to break that habit but that’s for another day.

You are probably wondering, what’s wrong with Google Analytics?

There actually isn’t much wrong with it. It’s a great tool, especially considering that it’s free.

But here is the thing… marketing has been changing. New channels are being constantly introduced, such as voice search.

And transactions no longer are as simple as someone coming and buying from you and that’s it.

These days there are things like upsells, down sells, repeat purchases, and even checkout bumps. On top of that, there are so many different ways you can generate revenue for your online business, such as partnerships, affiliate marketing, and even webinars.

This has caused companies to start using analytics solutions that tie into their database better, such as Amplitude. Or better yet, you are seeing a big push into business intelligence.

A central place where you can tie in all of your data and make better-informed decisions so you can optimize for your lifetime value instead of your short-term income.

In 2020, you will see more companies adopting business intelligence solutions… from paid ones to free ones like Google Data Studio.

If you haven’t checked out Data Studio, you’ll want to start now because it is easy to pass in all of your business and marketing data into one place. For example, you can pass in more granular data from your Facebook ad campaigns into Data Studio while that would be a bit difficult to do with Google Analytics.

Trend #2: Companies will optimize for voice search, but not for revenue

According to ComScore, over 50% of the searches in 2020 will be from voice search. But that’s not really a new trend… everyone has been talking about that for years.

So, what’s the big deal?

Optimizing for voice search is a great way to get your brand out more, but how is that going to convert into sales?

I haven’t seen too many solutions so far when it comes to capitalizing on your voice search traffic, but so far there is Jetson.ai.

If you aren’t familiar with Jetson.ai, it makes it so people can buy from your site using voice search. It doesn’t matter if it is Alexa or Google Home, they work with most of the popular devices.

What’s cool about Jetson.ai is that it can learn from each customer and customize the interactions.

For example, if I keep ordering the same toothpaste from a specific store using voice search, Jetson.ai keeps track of that so you can easily keep ordering the same product over and over again with little to no friction.

Heck, it’s easier than logging into your computer or pulling out your phone to make a purchase.

Trend #3: Your lists won’t convert as well, so you’ll have to look for alternative communication channels

Email, it’s something we all use in the corporate world.

But here is something interesting when it comes to marketing emails… I’m in a group with a bit over 109 email marketers across different industries in different parts of the world.

And can you guess what we are all noticing?

Our open rates are staying roughly the same and that’s largely because we all know how to clean and optimizing for deliverability.

But our click rates are going down.

So far as a group we have seen our click rates drop by 9.4% in 2019.

That’s crazy considering as a group we have over 146 million email addresses.

Now does this mean email is dead?

Of course not!!!

Email is here to stay and will be here for a very long time.

But what companies will have to do in 2020 is to leverage more communication channels.

Chatbots will take off drastically. Not necessarily the Intercom’s or Drift’s of the world but more so the solutions like ManyChat and MobileMonkey.

ManyChat and MobileMonkey leverage Facebook Messenger and as they connect it with Instagram and WhatsApp it will get even more popular.

In addition to chatbots, you’ll see more people leveraging tools that allow push notifications like Subscribers.

It’s so powerful, here is the impact I’ve been able to generate from push notifications so far using Subscribers.

You can wait till next year to lever chatbots and push notifications, but I’d recommend you start sooner than later.

How Google’s Bert Update Will Affect Content Marketing

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 14:25:03 +0200

Google announced that it has been rolling out a new update call Bert.

I know what you are thinking… does this update really matter? Should I even spend time learning about it?

Well, Bert will affect 1 in 10 search queries.

To give you an idea of how big of an update this is, it’s the biggest update since Google released RankBrain.

In other words, there is a really good chance that this impacts your site. And if it doesn’t, as your traffic grows, it will eventually affect your site.

But before we go into how this update affects SEOs and what you need to adjust (I will go into that later in this post), let’s first get into what this update is all about.

So, what is Bert?

Bert stands for Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers.

You are probably wondering, what the heck does that mean, right?

Google, in essence, has adjusted its algorithm to better understand natural language processing.

Just think of it this way: you could put a flight number into Google and they typically show you the flight status. Or a calculator may come up when you type in a math equation. Or if you put a stock symbol in, you’ll get a stock chart.

Or even a simpler example is: you can start typing into Google and its autocomplete feature can figure out what you are searching for before you even finishing typing it in.

But Google has already had all of that figured out before Bert. So let’s look at some examples of Bert in action.

Is Bert even useful?

Here are 4 examples of Bert.

Let’s say you search for “2019 brazil traveler to usa need visa”.

Before Bert, the top result would be how US citizens can travel to Brazil without a visa. But look at the search query carefully… it’s slight, but it is a big difference.

The search wasn’t about US people going to Brazil, it was about people from Brazil traveling to the US.

The result after the Bert update is much more relevant.

Google is now taking into account prepositions like “for” or “to” that can have a lot of meanings to the search query.

Here’s another example… “do estheticians stand a lot at work”…

Google used to previously match terms. For example, their system used to think “stand” is the same as “stand-alone”.

Now they understand that the word “stand” has the context of physical demand. In other words, is the job exhausting… do you have to be on your feet a lot?

And one more, “can you get medicine for someone pharmacy” …

As you can see from the before and after picture, it’s clear that the new result is more relevant.

Same with this one on “math practice books for adults” …

Is that the only change?

It isn’t. Google also made changes to featured snippets.

For example, if you searched for “parking on a hill with no curb”, Google used to place too much emphasis on the word “curb” and not enough emphasis on the word “no”.

That’s a big difference… and you can see that in the results.

The new changes this algorithm update brings makes it much more relevant for searchers and it creates a better experience for you and me and everyone else who uses Google.

But how does it affect SEOs?

You need to change your SEO strategy

There are three types of queries people usually make when performing a search:

Informational
Navigational
Transactional

An informational query is like someone looking to lose weight. They aren’t sure how so they may search for “how to lose weight”.

And once they perform the search, they may find a solution such as different diets. From there they may search for a solution, using a navigational query such as “Atkins diet”.

Once someone figures out the exact solution, they then may perform a transactional search query, such as “the Atkins diet cookbook”.

From what we are seeing on our end is that Bert is mainly impacting top-of-the-funnel keywords, which are informational related keywords.

Now if you want to not only maintain your rankings but gobble up some of the rankings of your competition, a simple solution is to get very specific with your content.

Typically, when you create content, which is the easiest way to rank for informational related keywords, SEOs tell you to create super long content.

Yes, you may see that a lot of longer-form content ranks well on Google, but their algorithm doesn’t focus on word count, it focuses on quality.

The context of the tweet from Danny Sullivan, who is Google’s search liaison, is that he wants SEOs to focus on creating content that is fundamentally great, unique, useful, and compelling.

So when you use tools like Ubersuggest to find new topics to go after, you need to make sure your content is super-specific.

For example, if you have a business about fitness and you blog about “how to lose weight without taking pills”, your content shouldn’t focus on diet shakes or supplements or anything too similar to diet pills. Instead, it should discuss all of the alternative methods.

I know what you are thinking, shakes and supplements may not be diet pills and they aren’t the same keyword but expect Bert to get more sophisticated in the next year in which it will better understand what people are really looking for.

Additionally, you should stop focusing on keyword density.

Yes, a lot of SEOs have moved away from this, but I still get a handful of emails each day asking me about keyword density.

Keyword density will even be less important in the future as Google better understands the context of the content you are writing.

So, where’s the opportunity?

As I mentioned, it’s related to creating highly specific content around a topic.

It’s not necessarily about creating a really long page that talks about 50 different things that’s 10,000 words long. It’s more about answering a searcher’s question as quick as possible and providing as much value compared to the competition.

Just like when you search for “what is it like to be in the Olympics”, you’ll see a list of results that look something like this:

Although the first result has the title of “What it’s like to go to the Olympics”, the article doesn’t break down what it is like to go as an attendee, it breaks down what it is like to go as an athlete. Just like a searcher would expect based on the query.

Bert was clearly able to figure this out even though the title could have gone either way. And the article itself isn’t that long. The article itself only has 311 words.

If you want to do well when it comes to ranking for informational keywords, go very specific and answer the question better than your competitors. From videos and images to audio, do whatever needs to be done to create a better experience.

Now to be clear, this doesn’t mean that long-form content doesn’t work. It’s just that every SEO already focuses on long-form content. They are going after generic head terms that can be interpreted in 100 different ways and that’s why the content may be long and thorough.

In other words, focus more on long-tail terms.

You may think that is obvious but let’s look at the data.

It all starts with Ubersuggest. If you haven’t used it yet, you can type in a keyword like “marketing” and it will show you the search volume as well as give you thousands (if not millions) of keyword variations.

In the last 30 days, 4,721,534 keyword queries were performed on Ubersuggest by 694,284 marketers. Those 4,721,534 searches returned 1,674,841,398 keyword recommendations.

And sure, SEOs could be typing in head terms to find more long-tail phrases, but when we look at what keywords people are selecting within Ubersuggest and exporting, 84% of marketers are focusing on 1 or 2-word search terms.

Only 1.7% of marketers are focusing on search terms that are 5 or words longer.

Following the strategy of creating content around very specific long-tail phrases is so effective that sites like Quora are generating 60,428,999 visitors a month just from Google alone in the United States.

And a lot of their content isn’t super detailed with 10,000-word responses. They just focus on answering very specific questions that people have.

Conclusion

Even if your search traffic drops a bit from the latest update, it’s a good thing.

I know that sounds crazy, but think of it this way… if someone searched for “how to lose weight without diet pills” and they landed on your article about how diet pills are amazing, they are just going to hit the back button and go back to Google.

In other words, it is unlikely that the traffic converted into a conversion.

Sure, you may lose some traffic from this update, but the traffic was ruining your user metrics and increasing your bounce rate.

Plus, this is your opportunity to create content that is super-specific. If you lose traffic, look at the pages that dropped, the search queries that you aren’t ranking for anymore, and go and adjust your content or create new content that answers the questions people are looking for.

If you don’t know how to do this, just log into Search Console, click on “search results”, and click on the date button.

Then click on compare and select the dates where your traffic dropped and compare it to the previous periods. Then select “Queries” and sort by the biggest difference.

You’ll have to dig for the longer-term search queries as those are the easiest to fix. And if you are unsure about what to fix, just search for the terms on Google that dropped and look at the top-ranking competitors. Compare their page with yours as it will provide some insights.

So, what do you think about the latest update?

The post How Google’s Bert Update Will Affect Content Marketing appeared first on Neil Patel.

Hi, I’m Neil Patel, Co-founder of NPDigital. Ask Me Anything!

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 16:00:28 +0300

Today, I thought I would do something a bit different, as 66.9% of my website traffic is brand new.

For those of you who don’t know, my name is Neil Patel and I’m the co-founder of a digital marketing agency called, NPDigital, where we help companies of all sizes get more traffic and sales.

I’ve been an entrepreneur for roughly 18 years now and most of the companies I co-founded have been in the software arena, specifically the web analytics sector.

And now, I’m back at it with Ubersuggest, my latest software company.

In addition to that, I’ve angel invested in dozens of companies. Some have done well, and others haven’t.

Overall, I’ve been blessed with a few successes that have made up for my failures plus more.

So today is your day to ask me any questions you have, and I will do my best to answer it. You can ask me about entrepreneurship, marketing, or anything else. I’ve dealt with class-action lawsuits, an FTC investigation (which I passed), and I’ve lost out on acquisitions from Fortune 1000 companies because of stupidity on my part.

All I ask of you is. Please keep your question as short as possible. One to two sentences max as I will get hundreds of comments (potentially even 1,000 or more).

So, what can I answer for you?

*** You may have to scroll a bit down to see the comment section***

The post Hi, I’m Neil Patel, Co-founder of NPDigital. Ask Me Anything! appeared first on Neil Patel.

The Real Secret to My Social Media Success

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 16:09:37 +0300

The other day I was recording a podcast episode with my co-host Eric Siu and he wanted to discuss something in particular.

He wanted to talk about how I got to 62,000 Instagram followers in a very short period of time and without spending any money on ads or marketing.

Eric is a great marketer as well, and when it comes to social media, he spends much more time than me on it and he even has people at his ad agency dedicated to helping him grow his personal brand online.

And of writing this post, he has 4,056 followers.

It’s not just with Instagram either, I beat him on all platforms.

Heck, he even does something that I don’t do, which is smart… he continually pays for advice. For example, he had his team jump on an hour call with Gary Vaynerchuk’s social media team so they could learn from them and grow his brand faster.

So, what’s the secret to my success?

Well, before I get into it, let me first start off by saying I love Eric to death and the point of this post isn’t to pick on him or talk crap… more so, I have a point to make and you’ll see it in a bit below.

Is it the fundamentals?

Everyone talks about strategies to grow your social following… from going live and posting frequently or talking about the type of content you should post and what you shouldn’t do.

I could even tell you that you need to respond to every comment and build up a relationship with your followers, which will help you grow your following and brand.

And although all of this is true, I dare you to try the fundamentals or the strategies that every marketing guru talks about doing. If you do, I bet this will happen…

It will be a lot of work and, if you are lucky, in the next 30 days you may get 10% more followers.

Sure, some of you will get much more growth, but you’ll find that you can’t always replicate it and it won’t be consistent.

So, what is it then?

Is it luck?

Luck is part of some people’s success, but not most. The problem with luck is it doesn’t teach you much and it isn’t easy to replicate.

The reality is, some people will just get lucky and have tons of traction.

In other words, luck isn’t the secret. But if you do want to get “luckier”, then you can always become an early adopter which helps a bit.

How early is early?

When you jump onto a social network when it’s new, it’s easier to grow and become popular.

For example, I got to over 30,000 Twitter followers extremely fast when Twitter first came out.

At that time, I wasn’t as well known… it happened because of a few reasons:

Social algorithms are favorable early on – algorithms are typically favorable and most people will see your content. There aren’t many restrictions, hence it’s easier to grow. After a social network becomes popular, algorithms tighten up.
Algorithms are easier to game early on – when you are early, you can use a lot of hacks to grow faster. For example, on Twitter, I would just follow tons of people a day and unfollow anyone who didn’t follow me back.
First movers’ advantage – social networks want more users, that’s what they need to succeed. In the early stages of any platform, they want to help you gain more of a following so you will keep using their platform.

But here is the thing: even though being an early adopter helps, it’s not the secret to my success.

Just look at Instagram, I am really late to the game. But I started growing fast just this year as that is when we really started.

If you can get in early, you should do so, assuming you have the time to invest. For example, this is the time to get in on Tiktok.

When you get in early, there is always the chance that the social network may end up flopping. But if it does take off, you’ll be ahead of your competition.

So what did I do?

Here was the secret to my growth… and it still works today. Eric Siu is even doing it with me right now.

It’s piggybacking on brands that are already popular.

When I first started, no one knew who I was. And I’m not saying everyone knows who I am today… by no means do I have a large brand like Tony Robbins.

What I did early on in my career was piggyback off of other popular brands.

For example, I hit up Pete Cashmore from Mashable, Michael Arrington from TechCrunch, Adrianna Huffington from Huffington Post, and so many other popular sites like ReadWriteWeb, Business Insider, Gawker Media, and GigaOm to name just a few.

I know some of them don’t exist anymore, but back then they were extremely popular. Anyone who was in tech, and even some who weren’t, knew about each of those sites.

So, when I got started as a marketer, I hit up all of those sites and offered all of them free marketing in exchange for promoting my brand and adding “Marketing done by Neil Patel” or “Marketing done by Pronet”, which was my ad agency back then.

Just look at the image above. TechCrunch used to link to my site on every page of their site… forget rich anchor text, it really is all about branding.

The hardest part is, I had to email and message these influencers dozens of times just to convince them to let me help them for free. And a lot of them ignored me or didn’t accept my offer.

But of a few said yes.

Pete from Mashable was one of the first to say yes. Once his traffic and rankings skyrocketed, his competition hit me up. Especially TechCrunch.

What was funny, though, is that I was constantly emailing TechCrunch and didn’t hear back. 6 months from my first email, they eventually accepted my offer.

I made a deal with Michael Arrington at the time in which once I boosted his traffic, he would add a logo that I did marketing for him, which you saw above.

In addition to that, he would tell all of his venture capital friends what I did for him and share the results (so hopefully they would share it with their portfolio companies, which would help me make money) and write a blog post about me.

He didn’t end up writing the blog post, which is fine, but he did the other two.

When he sent out emails to VCs showing a Google Analytics graph of his traffic growing at a rapid pace, I quickly got inundated with inquiries about my marketing services.

In addition to that, I was building up my brand… and my social media following. I was gaining “social clout” because I was doing good work for influencers.

One could argue that boosting traffic for someone like TechCrunch by 30% is worth millions and I should have charged for my services. Although I spent countless time doing free work, I wouldn’t trade it for any single dollar as it is what made me and helped build up my reputation.

And I didn’t stop there. Even today, I try to associate myself with other popular brands. Just like how I was lucky enough to work with Robert Herjavec, who has a popular TV show in the US along with Mark Cuban…

Here’s how many visitors I was getting for my name “Neil Patel” on a monthly basis before I started working with Robert.

And this is how many visitors I get for my name on a monthly basis a few months after I worked with Robert.

That’s a 37.84% increase in a matter of months!

By piggybacking off of popular brands, it doesn’t just help my website traffic but also helps to grow my social media following as well.

Just like as you can see below with my Instagram growth…

Now it isn’t just me who can do this, anyone can.

How can you piggyback off of other brands?

Just like how I piggybacked off of brands like TechCrunch, Eric is doing something similar to me at the moment.

We have a podcast that generates over 1 million downloads a month.

Eric’s had a podcast for years, but the one he has with me has more than 10x the listeners. This has helped him grow his brand a lot over the last year.

Let’s just look at the data. According to Eric, due to the podcast, he has signed up 6 clients, which has generated 540,000 dollars in annual revenue.

Now when he goes to tech conferences, 3 to 4 people tend to come up to him and mention how they love Marketing School and his work. In addition to that, it has been easier for Eric to set up meetings (people respond back to him more now), and he is also getting advisory shares in companies due to his growing brand. And the best part is, he is getting more paid speaking gigs for up to $10,000 a pop because of the podcast.

The data shows it was a good move by Eric for partnering up with me. He pushed me to do a podcast years ago and I told him no because I was too lazy. He didn’t give up though. Eventually, he got me to say yes and flew to my house in Las Vegas to record our first episode.

He did all of the work and it has been a great mutual relationship as doing this podcast has also helped grow my brand at the same time.

Now you are probably thinking, why isn’t his follower count growing fast enough?

Well, he needs to do what he is doing with me with a few more influencers to really put fuel to the fire. Just like how I didn’t only piggyback off of TechCrunch… at one point the Gawker Media network was linking to me on every page of their sites, which was seen by over 100 million unique people per month.

That really gets your brand out there!

Another example is Brian Dean from Backlinko as he did something similar with me back in the day. Years ago I approached him to write a detailed guide on link building with him and he also created videos that were on my old marketing blog Quick Sprout, which helped him grow his brand.

I can’t take credit for “making” Eric or Brian successful. They would have done well without me… and in the grand scheme of things, I really didn’t do much for either of them.

It’s like saying TechCrunch made the Neil Patel brand. Of course, it helped, and helped a lot… but one partnership won’t make or break you.

And if I didn’t continually blog, create videos, speak at events, or do any of the other stuff that I did, the TechCrunch partnership wouldn’t have been as effective.

Eric and Brian would have grown their brand in other ways because their work stands for itself, hence they would have been successful on their own. I just helped provide a little boost, just like how TechCrunch provided me with a boost.

And once more people get to know you, you’ll naturally do better on the social web.

For example, when Will Smith created his Instagram account, he didn’t have to buy ads or anything. Everyone just knows him already and that’s why his Instagram account blew up really quickly.

And you can do what Will Smith did on a smaller scale. Similar to what I did.

But don’t expect it overnight. Will Smith has been on television for over 20 years. It’s multiple shows, movies, and connections with other famous people that have really helped grow Will’s brand.

Of course, we won’t get on TV as Will has, but you can piggyback on other popular brands multiple times to create a similar (smaller) effect.

All you have to do is help these influencers out for free.

If you are a web designer, offer design services. If you are a marketer, offer marketing services. If you are selling a product or service, keep giving it away for free and maybe someone will talk about your company.

If you don’t have anything you can offer that has value, just look at whatever influencer you want to associate with, see where they may need help, learn that skill, and offer it for free.

It’s the easiest way to become popular on the social web.

Conclusion

That’s my secret to being popular on the social web.

It’s also how I built a decent size company… purely by leveraging other popular brands in the early days.

You can do the same, but you have to be patient. Don’t expect it to happen overnight.

For example, Eric’s brand has been growing but we have been doing a podcast together for over 2 years now.

Plus, he continually pushes on his own and doesn’t just rely on leveraging other influencers.

Remember, nothing worthwhile happens overnight.

You have to be persistent with your emails, your direct messages, your text messages, and whatever else you can do to get a hold of these influencers. Most will ignore you but it is a numbers game and, eventually, you’ll be able to associate your brand with someone popular, which will grow your brand.

And last but not least: Don’t expect an influencer to make you successful. Sure, multiple influencers are better than one, but that’s not what I meant.

If Brian Dean from Backlinko wasn’t good at link building, creating content, SEO, and educating, he wouldn’t do well… no matter who he associated himself with. The same goes for Eric.

Your skills, your abilities, your product… whatever you are trying to brand needs to stand on its own.

So, what do you think about my secret? Are you going to copy it?

The post The Real Secret to My Social Media Success appeared first on Neil Patel.

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