How customer voice
drives business

SMS marketing is one of the fastest-growing trends in the modern world. As generations change, more and more interest is garnered for text communication from companies. This report looks at the amazing growth of the new marketing medium, along with it’s pitfalls and triumphs.  Below are statistics meant to give a holistic view of SMS marketing and its importance to businesses and consumers.  10 Major SMS Statistics for 2021 Before the Covid-19 pandemic, 51% of US retailers planned to invest more in SMS marketing, and in 2020 the percentage grew to 56% (eMarketer, 2021). Using texting for B2C customer service is rising, reaching 2.7 trillion in 2020 during th pandemic (eMarketer, 2021). The number of mobile phone users stands at 7.1 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow to 7.4 billion by 2025 (Satista, 2021). To give perspective, there are over 7.7 billion people on earth.  About 96% of marketers claim SMS marketing drives revenue and 60% found SMS marketing greatly improved revenue (Attentive Mobile, 2021). Of the marketers that have not used mobile marketing, around 66% have highly considered or plan to in 2021 (Attentive Mobile, 2021). According to adults that received SMS texts, 29% valued notifications about […]

For entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a small business, having the right marketing tools is necessary for success. Digital marketing tools can level the playing field, allowing upstarts to compete with established players. If you have a limited budget, it’s essential to maximize productivity and keep your overhead low.  By understanding the arsenal of affordable tools available to your brand, you will be able to improve your marketing experience and maximize sales.  3 Fantastic Web Design Tools A website or social media page is a company’s calling card to potential customers. In 2020, around 80% of shoppers reported making online purchases. With the increasing number of resources available for businesses to improve online channels, providing a fantastic buyer experience online has never been more crucial. Web design tools can empower small and mid- sized businesses to optimize their sites and social media. This will help you make them more attractive, competitive, and effective.  Product Price trScore Pros Cons WordPress.org Free, with hosting costs at $46 – $100 per year 8.7/10 Integrated link management,Customizable templates,SEO-friendly permalink structure Number of plugins,Customer support,Learning curve BigCommerce     $30-$300 per month 8.2/10 Integration with marketplaces,Automated inventory management,Dropshipping  High fees,Reporting,Customer support Canva $0-$290 per year  […]

If you’ve been online at all in the last few months, you’ve likely seen an article or two about problems with the supply chain and how it might cause issues with your holiday shopping.  Supply chain issues came into public awareness amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite nearly two years and guidance from several consulting firms including Deloitte and Accenture, they remain a significant challenge for suppliers, manufacturers and retailers around the world. The ongoing challenges have emphasized the need for efficient supply chain management for all businesses. Top 10 Supply Chain Statistics for 2021 It is estimated that the supply chain management industry will reach a valuation of $8.95 billion by 2024. (Statista 2020a) Of those in the supply chain management industry, 45.1% said that they were investing in warehouse management software, and that automation was a key feature. (Statista 2021a)  58.6% of retail supply chain executives wanted to invest more in omnichannel fulfillment, s a result of supply chain disruption.(Statista 2021b) 42% of supply management organizations stated that increased cost to supply management due to the Covid-19 pandemic was one of their top concerns of 2021. 43% of those in the same survey listed limited availability of raw materials […]

The Internet of Things (IoT) speaks to a system of devices that connect wirelessly to the online space. These devices are capable of data transfer, communication, and storage. This is where we introduce Big Data. With a total of 35.82 billion IoT devices slated to be installed by 2021, the size and amount of data circulating are at an overwhelming high. Big Data has become so apparent the mathematical science occupations will grow to 27.9 percent from 2016 to 2026. This translates into 50,400 new jobs. This massive data consumption requires regulation and employing people to aid in managing the data. This also calls for new technology to harness the potential that Big Data has to offer. Top 10 Big Data Statistics Big Data is proving to immerse at lightning speed and with that is the increasing data consumption seen across several platforms. Let’s see how the stats add up: Each person generated 1.7 megabytes per second in 2020. (IBM, 2020 ) Of the data we generate today, 80-90% is unstructured. (CIO, 2019) 95% of businesses report one of the problems for their business is the need to manage unstructured data. (Forbes, 2019 ) Of companies worldwide, 45% are running […]

Since more people are working from home now than ever before, online communication tools have become the most popular software on the TrustRadius platform. In just the first few months of 2020, we’ve seen a 445% increase in impressions across the entire web conferencing category: Skype was one of the first online video calling and chat apps on the market. For many professionals, this was their first introduction to the online communication world. Yet Skype is not the top web conferencing tool in the global market right now—Zoom holds that position, with Skype as a commonly-compared alternative. In fact, the Skype vs Zoom comparison page ranked #4 on the TrustRadius top list of growing product comparisons post-COVID:  While competition continues to ramp up in the saturated video conferencing market, Skype is still a valid choice for veteran users and organizations who want to be able to make calls to landlines and host online meetings all in one tool. Still, many users prefer to seek alternatives.  Below we’ll explore Skype’s interesting history as a preferred web conferencing tool and highlight five Skype alternatives to consider when choosing your ultimate video conferencing software.  An Overview of Skype Online Meeting Software Skype currently […]

Education is a powerful force that grows careers and companies. There are countless study tools and private tutor companies available to help students get to their next stage in life. One new and trending education aid for both students and educators is Course Hero. Course Hero is designed to help students with study resources like notes, shared documents, and textbooks. Anyone could learn from the shared course information on the website. Course Hero Explained  Andrew Gauer is the founder of the e-learning and study resource site. He has a BA from Cornell and is the current CEO of Course Hero. Gauer’s undergrad experience led him to the idea of an education platform to help students by sharing information. He even included extensive tools to help professors as well. Anyone who subscribes to Course Hero will gain access to over 60 million course materials, resources, and have the option for tutoring. More than 60,000 educators are on the site sharing information and helping each other to become better teachers. To create an account you need to select your college or university. The free plan is Basic Membership upon making an account. Any member is able to earn “free unlocks” to courses […]

A quick google search for online accounting software will return a long list of contenders. QuickBooks will be at the top of this list, for good reason. QuickBooks has been around since 1992 and is the most popular accounting software used today. QuickBooks introduced QuickBooks Online (QBO) to take advantage of cloud convenience as well as decreased hardware and IT costs. However, the complaints about QuickBooks Online will be as numerous as it’s praises. “[Needs] better customer support [and] more training options for newcomers, it’s not an easy to learn software if you’ve never used accounting software before.” Verified User | Marketing Executive | Online Media Company “With QuickBooks Online you cannot export your data to even QuickBooks Desktop versions. However, you can import from Desktop versions to QuickBooks Online. They hold your data hostage, with no way to export it. The rising costs have upset many small business owners, including us. We basically have to start all over with a new program. QuickBooks doesn’t have any justification for these huge increases other than profit. They are not adding any new features in exchange for the large increases.” Don F. | Partner | IT Services Company “The program runs WAY […]

Finding POS software is a great resource for online and in-person businesses of any size. Some have extra features to help you grow, and others have the perfect hardware for your store and employees. The process of shopping for the right one can be confusing and draining.  There are processing fees, along with a subscription with monthly fees. You want to find the best POS systems, but they often blend together and cost a lot. You need a payment processing system that doesn’t cost half your budget. Point of sale systems can come with more than transaction processing. Most platforms offer hardware and integrations like payroll and inventory management. Many of these systems are cost-efficient and have useful integrations to save money elsewhere. POS Software Available Best POS Systems Square POS Shopify POS Toast POS Lightspeed POS Clover POS POS Nation Plans Free, Plus ($6/Month), Premium (Request) Separate set for Online Only – Free, Professional ($12/Month), Performance ($26/Month), Premium ($7z/Month) Shopify POS Lite ($29/Month), Shopify POS Pro ($89/Month) Pay-as-You-Go (From $0/Month), Essentials (From $165/Month), Growth (From $272 /Month) Lean ($69 /Month), Standard ($119 /Month), Advanced (&199 USD /Month), Enterprise (Request) No Hardware (&9.95/Month) *All other plans depend on which software […]

If you are a website looking to increase your click-through rate and rankings, it is a necessity to have rich snippets. Google Rich Snippets can help you maximize your position on SERP and get the most out of your content. Not only does it make your listing attractive but it drives traffic to your site, which opens the floodgates to a plethora of benefits. What are Google Rich Snippets? Rich snippets or rich results are like blurbs of a web page. When making them Google rich, there are a few key things to note, that will truly enhance your listing on the search engine results page. No one wants to be another overlooked blue link. Notice that this snippet included the normal features found in Google search results, the Title, Meta Description, and URL. It became a rich snippet because of the additional details. These include the concert dates, purchase links for tickets, and the number of people who liked/viewed or are interested in it. Pay attention to the following video for thorough detailing on how to use Google rich snippets and structured data to optimize your listing: How to create Google rich snippets using structured data and schema markup. […]

Website hosting services allow those of us without the skills to build a site from the ground up to run a successful online presence. While the options out there have their own blend of benefits, Wix and WordPress are two of the most popular. Both are capable of exploding your business potential with a fraction of the effort from a self-built, self-hosted website. To be clear, this discusses WordPress engine plans and hosting. WordPress is also a software that can be used on other platforms. For visual learners, we also have a video explaining the differences between Wix and WordPress below. Understanding the unique features each offer, their limitations, and what they can do for your use case will help you make the right choice.  What is the Difference Between Wix and WordPress?   Wix WordPress trScore 8.1/10 8.6/10 Pricing $23-$49/Month for Business Plans, $14-$18/Month for Personal   $30 – $291/Month With eCommerce, $25-$241/month Without Pros Very Easy to Use,Cost-Effective  Versatile, Hugely Scalable, Functions as a Content Management System,Huge Array of Third-Party Plugins Cons Less CustomizationLittle Room For Coding ExpertsNot Suitable for Content Hosting Harder to Use,More Expensive, Third-Party Plugins Not Managed By Vendor Difference in Features and Purpose The biggest difference between the two […]

Wireframes are a wonderful way to plan the user interface for web pages and apps. User Experience (UX) designers and students can use them in their design process. Designers use wireframe tools or pencil and paper and plan out the backgrounds, navigation, home button, and much more. You don’t need to be a web designer or student to use wireframes. You could have a blog that you want to plan out; the project does not have to be coded from scratch. Anyone using a website builder can benefit from the wireframe process. Your use case doesn’t even have to be web-related. Any person that needs to visualize a project or concept can take the skills learned here and apply them elsewhere.  Wireframes are about planning and visualizing your project. They are used in User Experience Design because they help you plan for the user or customer’s experience. The wireframe you create can be tested and researched multiple times before you actually create the project. That way, by the time you’re ready to create the project or product, you’ve worked out kinks in the design. User Experience Design Website UX design aims to put the customer at the center of brainstorming, […]

A/B testing tools are a way for companies to make more money by putting forward the best version of their websites, emails, ads (etc.) possible. Testing two designs and seeing which one drives the most traffic allows companies to ensure that the content they put out will result in the most engagement possible.  A/B testing can also help examine user behavior on web pages. With data from A/B testing, companies can determine whether they should stick to the status quo, or if changes couldincrease their conversion rates and engagement. For example, something as simple as a red or green button could make a 21% difference in the number of clicks. Such an increase in clicks on a CTA button is nothing to sneeze at for any business! 9 Essential A/B Testing Statistics Businesses large and small are utilizing A/B testing, and the market is poised for growth. Business Insider predicts that the A/B testing software market will surpass $1.08 billion by 2025. (QY Research 2019) 51% of the top 10,000 sites on the internet were utilizing A/B testing as of October 2021,  (BuiltWith 2021) 27.1% of businesses using A/B tests are using client-side and server-side simultaneously, while 17.8% are running […]

If you’ve listened to a podcast or watched a YouTube ad in the last year or two, you’ve probably heard an advertisement for a VPN (virtual private network). In addition to a way for social media influencers to make money through referral codes, a VPN is a useful tool for increasing your privacy online. By providing an encrypted tunnel, a VPN shields your data while browsing among other benefits. This blog will cover how to set up a VPN on your computer or mobile device, but not how to set up a VPN on your router itself. Setting up a VPN on your router may be a good option for the more security-conscious and tech-savvy person. For other users, the benefits may outweigh the costs for the average person. If you want more basic information on VPNs, see the video below. If you want more to set up a VPN on a router, see the video below. VPNs for Personal vs Business Use VPN is an invaluable tool for businesses with remote workers. A VPN allows remote employees to access the company network, and thus company data, from home. Using a VPN to log on to the company network also […]

Remembering anything before the pandemic is a challenge, but remote wasn’t always a necessity. Covid forced the transition to virtual workspaces overnight, creating mixed feelings for many.  One of the big decisions facing employers is whether to go back to the office or stay remote. The answer depends on the business, but virtual collaboration is so essential it should be considered as a real option.  Virtual collaboration has serious potential to improve your business in amazing ways. In 2019, 24% of the workforce was hybrid or entirely remote. In 2021, 1 in 4 Americans is expected to work from home. As people that work remotely increase, so does productivity by a whopping 47%.  Benefits of Virtual Collaboration Team collaboration from home opens digital doors. Employee workflows can improve from constant practice with new software. Problem-solving will improve from experience with troubleshooting. The communication skills of your network can improve after learning new messaging apps. When your workforce is virtual your employees can improve their computer literacy skills.  Bigger Talent Pool  If your position is remote you can hire nationally and globally. Expanding the net you cast expands the kinds of fish you catch… Talent with diverse backgrounds, innovation, and experience […]

Sezzle is a payment platform like Klarna and Afterpay. They allow you to split up one transaction into 4 interest-free installment plans. Apps like these allow shoppers to spend more on items they would save up for, and instead pay later in smaller payments.  As customers purchase directly from the company website, they will find it easy to spend more while online because of the convenience. Companies can benefit greatly from that combination of ease and convenience. The concept is similar to some credit cards where if you make the full payment when it’s due so you don’t incur interest.  Sezzle is a platform that’s grown exponentially and is happy to brag about it. The company decided to make a commitment to the environment while showing how much they’re growing. In 2021, they began planting a tree for every new user. They’re at over one million trees. How To Use Sezzle First-time users must make a Sezzle account, and then you can select Sezzle at the time of the transaction, but only at a Sezzle integrated store. Currently, Sezzle does not offer any in-store integrations, only online checkout.  When You Make an Account Sezzle does run a credit check, but […]

Research and mining information is one of the most important ways to grow a business, career, or personal goal. The time it takes to acquire that information is arduous. Multiple searches, and checking back for new information is hard to juggle while working on immediate tasks.  Google Alert allows you to have new information delivered straight to you as soon as it arrives on the search operator’s radar. Google alert functions as a hyper-vigilant assistant notifying you about a super important person, company, or concept, all in real-time.  You can use it to keep tabs on your image and brand, learn about new discoveries by NASA, or see what people say about you personally. The reasons are endless, from marketing to personal interest and exploration. Google Alerts is a perfect research tool for any intent. How To Create a Google Alert A Google Alert sends a notification to your Gmail, or you can use your regular e-mail. It will push you to use your Google account if you already have one. To get to the Google Alerts page, type “Google Alerts” into a search engine, or add a slash to Google.com and enter “alerts.” Alternatively, you can use this link: […]

There are a plethora of Blueprint Makers that offer premium services and features. If you’ve come across any of these you’re also familiar with the hefty price tag attached.  The problem is, this isn’t always a feasible option for a student working minimum wage, or a do-it-yourselfer who has tons more projects and out-of-pocket expenses to cover. Even if you are a sought-after interior designer or architect, you still are not obligated to break the bank. Hence, the most trusted and low-risk option is opting for free floor plan creating software which, might I add, you can find to be of very high quality.  From apps available on Android and Apple to online sources, there is not a shortage from which to choose. What is a Blueprint/Floor plan maker? If you’re anything like me, you may need to brush up on a few points about Blueprint makers and how they create 2D, 3D, or even VR-capable blueprints. This clip gives a great rundown of how to use some of the features and capabilities within blueprint-making software to create visually stunning floor plans. What are the Best Free Blueprint Makers? With more blueprint-making software gaining popularity, the process may become overwhelming […]

Ecommerce solutions help business owners create their online stores. With the right platform, users can showcase their products and attract more sales. Small businesses should consider the ease of use and price of each platform. Although the products mentioned in this piece share the same purpose, they work best in different circumstances. This piece will give you an overview of the popular eCommerce platforms for small businesses.  Affordable Ecommerce Platforms for Small Businesses Shopify – Web Hosting Shopify is a popular and versatile platform for small businesses. It is extremely user-friendly and offers a wide spread of features. You can customize every aspect of your store with HTML and CSS. Users host their websites on Shopify and have access to a complete blogging platform.  Shopify integrates with over one hundred payment gateways, making it extremely convenient for merchants and customers. You have the option to set up free shipping and determine the price point at which it applies. Shopify is unique because it includes abandoned checkout recovery for all of its subscription levels. It also offers a free SSL certificate, which is designed to protect transaction and credit card information. This platform is essential for conducting business online. Shopify is […]

You need product demo videos to share your vision of your product. You may think your new app is amazing and everyone will love playing it, but that won’t translate with a simple description in the AppStore. Customers need to be shown what’s in your head. That’s how you generate excitement, by sharing how you see your product.  The statistics for viewer engagement are great, and today there are so many mediums to share your video like Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok.  There is so much for you to consider going into this form of advertising. Who will make this video? And what do you need to make it yourself? The best part of the process is learning there are options for every situation. Small business, low-budget, there are few obstacles in the modern age. Some of the cheapest, shortest videos can drive campaigns.  Overview  Before you get into specifics, make sure to check all prerequisites before video production. Poorly planned videos are a waste of your time, money, and won’t achieve your goals.  Video Goals Are you looking to spread awareness or make sales? Do you have a detailed marketing plan around this video and other advertising? Where are […]

Microsoft Teams is the ideal video conferencing and collaboration software for any organization that needs remote communication. Businesses that love Microsoft products will find Teams to be the ideal choice. For those that are less familiar, Microsoft Teams is an online application that allows groups of people to collaborate and communicate remotely. Teams is so popular for remote work they boast over 200 million daily active users for 2021. Below is an in-depth tutorial on how to use Teams. It will give you a better understanding of the user interface and different options. Microsoft Teams Pricing Microsoft Teams Plans include three paid options and one free. Each one can fit a business of small to mid-size and offers integrations with 250 Microsoft Online applications. Microsoft Teams (Free) Microsoft 365 Business Basic $5.00 User/Month Microsoft 365 Business Standard $12.50 User/ Month Office 365 E3: Includes Teams$20.00 User/Month Participant Capacity: 100 Participant Capacity: 300 Participant Capacity: 300 Participant Capacity: 300Online Events Capacity 10,000 Microsoft Teams (Free) The Microsoft Teams free plan includes online meetings, screen, sharing, and customized backgrounds. The free plan caps video calls at one hour, but the free plan is capped at 500,000 users, whereas the two business premium […]