Category: Online Business Solutions

Why Palm Springs is the Perfect Market for SEO Lead Generation

As more and more businesses shift towards online platforms, lead generation has become a crucial aspect of digital marketing. SEO lead generation, in particular, has become a popular strategy for businesses to attract potential customers through search engines. By optimizing their website for search engines, businesses can rank higher in search results and increase their visibility to potential customers. In this blog, we will explore why Palm Springs, California, is the perfect market for SEO lead generation and discuss some key strategies to implement for a successful campaign.

Palm Springs is a beautiful resort city in the Sonoran Desert of Southern California. With a population of around 48,000, it is a popular destination for retirees, second homeowners, and tourists. Palm Springs’s real estate industry is also booming, with a high demand for real estate services and a low level of competition compared to other major cities. These factors make Palm Springs an attractive market for businesses looking to generate leads through SEO. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of SEO lead generation in Palm Springs, key strategies to implement for success, and a successful campaign case study.

Overview of Palm Springs as a Market for SEO Lead Generation

Palm Springs is a desert resort city located in Riverside County, California. Palm Springs is a popular tourist destination because of its hot springs, stylish hotels, golf courses, and vibrant nightlife. The city is also home to a large retiree population and many artists and creative professionals.

The Palm Springs area has a population of around 500,000 people. The median age is 51, and the population is evenly split between males and females. The area is predominantly white, with a sizable Hispanic population. The median household income is around $60,000, and the cost of living is higher than the national average.

The economy of Palm Springs is primarily driven by tourism and the service industry. The city’s year-round sunny climate attracts visitors from all over the world, and many businesses cater to the needs of these tourists. The area is also home to many retirement communities, which provide services to older residents.

The real estate industry in Palm Springs is a significant driver of the local economy. The city’s desirable climate and stunning scenery make it an attractive location for vacation homes and permanent residences. The median home price in Palm Springs is around $450,000, which is higher than the national average. The rental market is also strong, with many investors purchasing properties for vacationers.

Concerning SEO lead generation, Palm Springs presents several opportunities for businesses in the real estate, hospitality, and service industries. By targeting specific keywords related to Palm Springs tourism and real estate, businesses can attract visitors and potential homebuyers to their websites. Additionally, by optimizing their websites for local search, businesses can ensure that they appear in search results when potential customers are looking for services in the area.

Overall, Palm Springs is a thriving market with a solid real estate industry and a significant tourism industry. Businesses can generate leads and attract customers in this vibrant and growing market by targeting specific keywords and optimizing their websites for local search.

The Benefits of SEO Lead Generation in Palm Springs

SEO lead generation in Palm Springs offers several benefits for businesses looking to expand their reach and grow their client base.

Firstly, the real estate industry in Palm Springs has low competition, making it easier for businesses to rank highly in search engine results and attract new leads. This is particularly true for niche areas of the real estate market, such as mid-century modern homes or vacation rentals.

Secondly, there is a high demand for real estate services in Palm Springs, driven by the large population of retirees and second homeowners in the area. These individuals often require real estate services such as buying or selling properties, property management, and home renovation.

Thirdly, the large population of retirees and second homeowners in Palm Springs presents a unique opportunity for businesses targeting specific demographics. SEO lead generation allows businesses to tailor their marketing efforts to the needs and preferences of these individuals, increasing the chances of generating high-quality leads.

Finally, the high-income demographic in Palm Springs offers the potential for businesses to generate significant revenue from SEO lead-generation efforts. These individuals often have more disposable income and are willing to pay a premium for high-quality services, making them an attractive target for businesses looking to expand their client base and increase revenue.

Overall, SEO lead generation in Palm Springs offers a range of benefits for businesses, including low competition, high demand, specific demographic targeting, and high-income potential. As a result, it is a promising market for businesses looking to grow their client base and increase revenue.

Key Strategies for SEO Lead Generation in Palm Springs

If you’re looking to generate leads through SEO in Palm Springs, here are some key strategies to consider:

Targeting long-tail keywords related to Palm Springs real estate: Long-tail keywords are specific keyword phrases that are more likely to be used by people looking for a particular type of real estate service in Palm Springs. By targeting these long-tail keywords in your content and on your website, you can increase your visibility to potential clients who are more likely to be interested in your services.

Creating content that caters to the needs of retirees and second homeowners: As mentioned earlier, the population of retirees and second homeowners is a significant demographic in Palm Springs. Creating content that addresses their specific needs and concerns, such as a home renovation or property management, increases the chances of generating high-quality leads.

Using local SEO tactics to reach potential clients in the area: Local SEO is a set of tactics specifically designed to help businesses rank higher in local search engine results. Using strategies such as claiming your business listing on Google My Business, building local citations, and optimizing your website for local search terms, you can increase your visibility to potential clients in Palm Springs.

Leveraging social media and email marketing to engage with potential clients: Social media and email marketing are powerful tools for engaging with potential clients and building brand awareness. By creating content tailored to your target audience’s needs and preferences and promoting it through social media and email, you can increase your reach and generate high-quality leads.

Overall, these strategies can help you generate high-quality leads through SEO in Palm Springs. By focusing on long-tail keywords, creating content that caters to the needs of retirees and second homeowners, using local SEO tactics, and leveraging social media and email marketing. You can increase your visibility to potential clients and grow your client base.

Successful SEO Lead Generation Campaign in Palm Springs

In the competitive hospitality industry in Palm Springs, one luxury hotel brand faced the challenge of generating more leads and increasing direct bookings through its website. To address this challenge, they launched a successful SEO lead generation campaign to improve their online visibility and organic search rankings. The campaign included a range of strategies, such as targeted keyword research, on-page optimization, content marketing, and local SEO tactics.

Key strategies used:

Targeted Keyword Research: The first step in the campaign was to conduct extensive keyword research to identify high-value search terms and phrases relevant to the hotel’s target audience. This included short and long-tail keywords aligned with the hotel’s offerings and unique selling points.

On-Page Optimization: With the keywords identified, the team optimized the hotel’s website pages by incorporating them into meta tags, title tags, headers, and content. They also worked to improve the website’s load speed, mobile-friendliness, and overall user experience.

Content Marketing: The team created a strategy that included regular blog posts, informative guides, and social media content. The content was optimized for search engines and shared widely on social media, which helped to build the hotel’s authority and drive traffic to the website.

Local SEO: Since the hotel’s target audience was located in Palm Springs, the team also implemented local SEO tactics, such as creating Google My Business listings, building local citations, and optimizing for location-specific keywords.

The hotel’s SEO lead generation campaign yielded impressive results, including a 44% increase in organic search traffic and a 73% increase in direct bookings through the hotel’s website. Additionally, the hotel’s search engine rankings improved significantly, with over 90% of targeted keywords ranking on the first page of Google search results. The campaign’s success was primarily attributed to the strategic approach to keyword research, on-page optimization, content marketing, and local SEO, all of which helped to improve the hotel’s online visibility, drive more traffic to the website, and increase direct bookings.

The successful SEO lead generation campaign in Palm Springs highlights the importance of a well-planned and targeted approach to search engine optimization. The key strategies, including targeted keyword research, on-page optimization, content marketing, and local SEO tactics, helped improve the hotel’s online visibility, drive more traffic to the website, and increase direct bookings. Palm Springs is the perfect market for SEO lead generation due to its competitive hospitality industry and highly sought-after destination status. If you are interested in implementing an SEO lead generation campaign in Palm Springs, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Nerd Alert Solutions at (760) 383-3591 or via email at [email protected].

 

 

 

 

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How To Become A Web Designer

Becoming a web designer involves learning the skills necessary to design and develop websites. This can include knowledge of graphic design, user experience (UX) design, and front-end web development. This article will explore the steps necessary to become a web designer. From learning the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to honing your design skills and building a strong portfolio, we will cover everything you need to know to start a career in web design. Whether you are just beginning or looking to make a career change, this guide will provide the information and resources you need to succeed in the field. So, if you are ready to learn how to become a web designer, read on!

What is a Web Designer?

A professional web designer creates visual designs and layouts for websites. They use a combination of graphic design principles and technical skills to design and develop websites that are visually appealing, user-friendly, and easy to navigate. Web designers typically work with various tools, including graphic design software, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, to create the look and feel of a website. They may also work closely with web developers to ensure that the website functions correctly and is optimized for search engines. 

Importance of Web Design in Today’s Digital World

Web design is an essential aspect of today’s digital world. With the increasing importance of the internet in everyday life and the ever-growing number of people accessing the web through various devices, businesses, organizations, and individuals need a strong online presence. A well-designed website can help businesses attract and retain customers, increase sales and revenue, and establish credibility and trust. A good web design is also important for user experience and accessibility for users to easily navigate and find the information they need.

How To Become A Web Designer

  1. Learn the Basics

Learning the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is crucial for becoming a web designer. HTML provides the structure and layout for a website, CSS controls the presentation and design of web pages, and JavaScript allows for creating interactive and dynamic elements. By mastering these essential skills, you can create and design professional-quality websites. Many resources are available for learning these basics, such as online tutorials, coding boot camps, and online communities. Websites like freeCodeCamp, W3Schools, and Codecademy offer interactive tutorials and exercises that can help you learn quickly and effectively. Additionally, online communities like Stack Overflow can be an excellent resource for asking questions and getting help from experienced developers. With the right resources, you will have the foundation you need to start your journey as a web designer.

  1. Develop Design Skills

Developing design skills is an important step in becoming a web designer. A deep understanding of graphic design principles such as composition, color theory, and typography is essential for creating visually appealing and practical websites. These skills can be learned through formal education or by studying design independently. In addition to graphic design, studying user experience (UX) design is crucial for creating websites that are easy to use and navigate. UX design focuses on creating a positive user experience by understanding the user’s needs, goals, and behaviors and designing a website that meets those needs.

Using design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.) is also important as it allows web designers to create, edit and manipulate images, graphics and layouts. With the knowledge of design principles and the ability to use industry-standard software, you can create professional-quality designs. By understanding both graphic design principles and user experience design and having the skill to use design software, you will be able to create websites that not only look good but also function well, provide a positive experience for the user, and are easy to manage

  1. Build a Portfolio

Building a strong portfolio is an important step in becoming a web designer. A portfolio is a collection of your best work demonstrating your skills, abilities, and experience as a designer. It is often one of the first things potential employers will look at when considering you for a job or project. A well-crafted portfolio can help you stand out from other candidates and showcase your strengths as a designer.

When creating a portfolio, it’s important to focus on showcasing your best work and highlighting the skills and techniques you’ve used to create them. It’s also important to ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate and visually appealing. Additionally, it’s important to include information about your design process and the problem you solved with your design.

Examples of effective portfolio pieces can be wireframes, mockups, case studies, and examples of your work on live websites. Additionally, a variety of projects showcasing different skills, such as branding, web design, mobile design, and user experience design, will demonstrate your versatility as a designer.

A strong portfolio is essential for any web designer looking to showcase their skills and find new opportunities.

  1. Stay Current with Industry Trends and Technologies

Staying current with industry trends and technologies is an important aspect of being a web designer. The field of web design is constantly evolving, and new technologies, design trends, and best practices are continually emerging. To stay relevant and competitive, it’s essential to keep up with these changes.

One way to stay current is to regularly read industry publications and follow leaders in the field on social media. This will help you stay informed about the latest design trends, technologies, and best practices. In addition, participating in online communities such as forums and social media groups can be a great way to connect with other designers and stay updated with the latest developments.

Attending web design conferences, workshops and webinars are also an excellent resource for staying current with the latest trends and technologies. These events provide an opportunity to learn from experts in the field and network with other designers.

In short, staying current with industry trends and technologies is essential for any web designer. It’s an ongoing effort that requires a commitment to learning and staying informed about the latest developments in the field.

  1. Finding a Job

Job search strategy: Research job opportunities and look for open positions in web design or related fields. Utilize online job boards, industry-specific websites, and social media to expand your search. Networking with professionals in the area can also open up job opportunities.

Tailoring your resume and portfolio to the job: Tailor your resume and portfolio to the specific job you’re applying for by highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position. Make sure to include specific examples of projects that demonstrate your abilities.

Job Interview Preparation

  • Research the company: Before the interview, research the company you’re interviewing with to learn more about its mission, values, and recent projects.
  • Understand the role: Understand the part you’re interviewing for and be able to explain how your skills and experience align with the responsibilities of the position.
  • Prepare answers to common interview questions: Practice answering questions such as “Why do you want to work for this company?” and “What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?”
  • Prepare questions to ask the interviewer: Prepare a list of thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer, such as “What are the main challenges facing the team right now?” and “What opportunities are there for professional development within the company?”

Different Types of Web Designers

There are several types of web designers, including:

Graphic Designers: These designers focus on creating visually pleasing layouts and designs for websites. They often use software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to create mockups and wireframes.

Front-End Developers: These designers focus on a website’s user interface and user experience. They often use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create the look and feel of a website.

Back-End Developers: These designers focus on the functionality and structure of a website. They often use programming languages such as PHP, Ruby, and Python to create databases and servers that power a website.

Full-Stack Developers: These designers have knowledge and skills in front-end and back-end development.

User Experience (UX) Designers: These designers focus on the user experience of a website. They conduct research, create personas, and create wireframes and mockups to improve the usability of a website.

User Interface (UI) Designers: These designers focus on the visual design of a website. They create wireframes and mockups and often work closely with UX designers to create a cohesive user experience.

Motion Designer: They create animations, interactive elements, and other dynamic visual effects for web and mobile apps.

Accessibility Designers: These designers ensure a website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. They use keyboard navigation and high-contrast design techniques to make websites more accessible.

Web design is a field that has been growing in popularity over the past few years. With so many people using the internet for everything from shopping to staying connected with friends and family, a website that looks good and functions well is key. If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact us. We would love to help you start your journey to becoming a skilled web designer.

 

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How Mobile App Development is Revolutionizing Business in San Diego, CA

Mobile app development has become increasingly important for businesses in San Diego, California, as more consumers rely on mobile devices to access products and services. As a result, businesses are leveraging mobile app technology to engage with their customers, improve user experience, and increase revenue. In a highly competitive market, businesses need to be innovative and responsive to customer needs, and mobile app development provides the necessary tools to achieve these goals.

Mobile app development is transforming businesses in San Diego, California, by providing a platform for enhanced customer communication and engagement. With the ability to personalize content, push notifications, and location-based features, mobile apps offer a more tailored and relevant user experience. Mobile app technology has also enabled businesses to streamline their operations, automate processes, and collect data on user behavior. This data can be used to refine marketing strategies, optimize customer service, and ultimately drive business growth. As mobile app development continues to evolve, it is becoming increasingly evident that businesses that embrace this technology are more likely to succeed in a fast-paced, ever-changing market.

Benefits Of Mobile App Development For Businesses In San Diego, CA

Mobile app development has become a vital tool for businesses in San Diego, California, to engage with customers, streamline operations, and boost sales and revenue. Here are five key benefits of mobile app development for businesses in San Diego:

Increased Customer Engagement: Mobile apps enable businesses to engage with customers in real time, providing instant updates on new products, special offers, and promotions. This level of engagement keeps customers informed and creates a sense of loyalty and connection to the brand. Businesses can leverage this engagement to build brand recognition and drive customer loyalty.

Improved Customer Experience: A well-designed mobile app can provide a seamless, user-friendly experience that allows customers to quickly and easily access the information they need. Businesses can improve customer satisfaction and loyalty by providing a more personalized and convenient experience.

Increased Sales and Revenue: Mobile apps can significantly increase sales and revenue by making it easier for customers to purchase products and services. The ability to offer customers personalized product recommendations and the convenience of one-click purchasing can result in a significant increase in revenue.

Improved Brand Recognition and Customer Loyalty: Mobile apps allow businesses to showcase their brand in a unique and engaging way. Businesses can increase brand recognition and customer loyalty by using mobile app technology to provide exclusive content, offers, and promotions.

Improved Communication with Customers and Stakeholders: Mobile apps can communicate more directly and efficiently with customers and stakeholders. By sending push notifications, personalized messages, and updates, businesses can stay connected to their audience and provide the necessary information promptly.

Mobile app development offers a range of benefits to businesses in San Diego, California. Whether it is increased customer engagement, improved customer experience, increased sales, and revenue, improved brand recognition and customer loyalty, or improved communication with customers and stakeholders, mobile apps can be a game-changer for businesses looking to gain a competitive edge in a fast-paced, ever-changing market.

Specific Industries In San Diego, CA, That Mobile App Development is revolutionizing

San Diego, California, is known for its thriving economy and diverse industries, and in recent years, mobile app development has been revolutionizing the way businesses operate in the region. In this blog, we’ll explore specific sectors in San Diego that have been transformed by mobile app development.

Healthcare Industry

Mobile app development has significantly changed the healthcare industry in San Diego. Mobile health (mHealth) apps have emerged as a tool to help patients manage their health and wellness, as well as a way for doctors to monitor their patients remotely. These apps allow patients to book appointments, access medical records, and even chat with their doctors from the convenience of their own homes. In addition, mHealth apps are being used to improve clinical outcomes, reduce medical errors, and increase patient engagement.

Tourism Industry

San Diego’s tourism industry has also seen the impact of mobile app development. Visitors to San Diego can now access travel apps that provide real-time information on local attractions, restaurants, and hotels. These apps also offer discounts and coupons for various activities, making it easier for tourists to plan their itineraries and save money.

Restaurant Industry

Mobile app development has transformed the restaurant industry in San Diego by offering customers the convenience of ordering food and drinks from their mobile devices. These apps allow customers to browse menus, place orders, and even pay for their meals without waiting in long lines or being flagged down by waitstaff. For restaurant owners, mobile apps provide an opportunity to increase sales and customer loyalty by offering rewards and promotions to app users.

Retail Industry

Mobile app development has also revolutionized the retail industry in San Diego. Retailers can now offer customers personalized shopping experiences using mobile apps to track their preferences and purchase history. These apps can also send targeted offers and promotions to customers based on their past purchases, increasing the likelihood of repeat business. In addition, mobile apps can help retailers streamline their operations by managing inventory, tracking sales, and analyzing customer data.

Real Estate Industry

The real estate industry in San Diego has also been transformed by mobile app development. Real estate agents can now use mobile apps to provide their clients with 3D virtual tours of properties, making it easier for potential buyers to view properties without having to visit them physically. These apps also allow agents to manage client relationships and track sales, improving efficiency and productivity.

Mobile app development has significantly changed various industries in San Diego, allowing businesses to improve their operations and provide better services to their customers. As technology evolves, we expect more innovation and transformation in San Diego’s economy.

How To Get Started With Mobile App Development In San Diego, CA

Getting started with mobile app development in San Diego, CA, can be an exciting yet daunting process. Here are some key considerations and steps to take when embarking on this journey.

Overview Of The App Development Process

Ideation: This involves identifying the app’s purpose, target audience, features, and functionalities.

Design: This stage involves creating wireframes and visual designs of the app.

Development: This is where the actual coding and programming of the app take place.

Testing: This stage involves testing the app’s functionalities, features, and usability to ensure it works as intended.

Launch: After testing and debugging, the app is launched and made available on app stores.

Maintenance: Regular updates and bug fixes are required to keep the app functioning correctly.

Tips For Selecting The Right Development Company

  1. Look for a company with experience developing mobile apps for your specific industry or niche.
  2. Check the company’s portfolio and reviews to ensure they have a history of delivering quality work.
  3. Ensure the company has a skilled team of designers, developers, and testers who can handle the entire app development process.
  4. Verify that the company can deliver the project within your timeline and budget.
  5. Choose a company that offers ongoing support and maintenance after launching the app.

Potential Costs And Roi For Mobile App Development

The cost of developing a mobile app in San Diego can vary depending on the complexity of the app, the number of features, and the development company’s hourly rate. On average, the cost of developing a simple app can range from $10,000 to $50,000, while a more complex app can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $250,000 or more.

When considering the ROI of mobile app development, it is important to note that a successful app can significantly impact a business’s bottom line. A mobile app can increase customer engagement and loyalty, streamline business operations, and provide valuable data and insights into customer behavior. A mobile app can increase revenue and profits with proper marketing and promotional strategies.

Getting started with mobile app development in San Diego requires careful planning, research, and consideration of the above factors. Businesses can reap the benefits of a successful mobile app by selecting the right development company, managing costs, and aiming for a positive ROI.

Future Of Mobile App Development In San Diego, CA

The future of mobile app development in San Diego, CA, looks promising, with emerging technologies and trends opening up new opportunities for businesses and developers alike.

Emerging Technologies And Trends In Mobile App Development

Internet of Things (IoT): Mobile apps are being integrated with IoT devices to create a seamless user experience and improve efficiency in various industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML are used to power chatbots, voice assistants, and personalized recommendations within mobile apps.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): AR and VR are transforming industries such as gaming, entertainment, and education by providing immersive and interactive experiences.

5G Technology: The advent of 5G technology promises faster and more reliable connections, enabling mobile apps to handle more data and provide richer user experiences.

Low-Code Development: Low-code development platforms are making it easier for businesses to develop and deploy mobile apps quickly and at a lower cost.

Potential Impact On San Diego’s Economy And Business Landscape

As a hub for technology and innovation, San Diego is well-positioned to benefit from these emerging technologies and trends in mobile app development. The city’s thriving healthcare, biotech, and tourism industries will likely see significant efficiency and customer satisfaction improvements through mobile apps.

Furthermore, the growth of the mobile app development industry in San Diego is likely to impact the city’s economy positively. The industry is expected to create more jobs, increase revenue, and attract more investment.

The future of mobile app development in San Diego looks bright, with emerging technologies and trends providing new opportunities for businesses and developers. As these technologies become more widespread and accessible, San Diego will likely see significant improvements in various industries and the economy.

Mobile app development offers significant benefits to businesses in San Diego, CA. With the city’s thriving industries and culture of innovation, mobile apps can improve customer engagement and loyalty, streamline business operations, and provide valuable insights into customer behavior. Emerging technologies such as IoT, AI, and AR are opening up new opportunities for businesses to create immersive and interactive customer experiences. If you’re a business in San Diego looking to develop a mobile app, we encourage you to reach out to Nerd Alert Solutions for expert guidance and support. Contact them at (760) 383-3591 or email them at [email protected] to get started today.

 

 

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How to Build a Sales Funnel for Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a powerful way to earn money online by promoting other people’s products or services. However, to be successful in affiliate marketing, you need to have a proven strategy in place to attract, convert, and retain customers. One of the most effective strategies is building a sales funnel. A sales funnel is a series of steps that guide potential customers through the buying process, from initial awareness to final purchase. This article will walk you through building a sales funnel for affiliate marketing and show you how to optimize and improve it over time. With a solid sales funnel in place, you can increase your chances of success in affiliate marketing and earn more revenue.

What is Affiliate Marketing?

Affiliate marketing is a performance-based marketing strategy in which a business rewards one or more affiliates for each customer or visitor brought about by the affiliate’s marketing efforts. It is performance-based advertising where an affiliate earns a commission for promoting another company’s products or services.

In affiliate marketing, an affiliate promotes a merchant’s products or services through a unique referral link or code, which the merchant tracks. When a customer clicks on the link or enters the code and makes a purchase, the affiliate earns a commission. The commission can be a percentage of the sale or a flat fee, and the merchant determines it. 

Benefits of Building a Sales Funnel for Affiliate Marketing

There are several benefits to building a sales funnel for affiliate marketing, including:

  • Increased conversions: A well-designed sales funnel can guide potential customers through the buying process, making it more likely that they will make a purchase.
  • Increased revenue: By converting more leads into customers, you can increase your revenue through affiliate marketing.
  • Better targeting: A sales funnel you to segment your audience and target specific groups of customers with tailored messages, which can increase the effectiveness of your promotions.
  • Better customer engagement: A sales funnel allows you to nurture leads and build relationships with potential customers, which can lead to increased customer loyalty and repeat sales.
  • Improved customer retention: You can retain customers and increase revenue over time by providing excellent customer service and upselling or cross-selling additional products or services.
  • Increased scalability: By automating your sales funnel with the help of tools, you can scale your affiliate marketing efforts more efficiently and reach more customers.
  • Better measurement and optimization: By tracking and analyzing data, you can identify areas of improvement in your sales funnel and optimize them for better performance over time.

How to Build a Sales Funnel for Affiliate Marketing?

1: Attracting Potential Customers – It is essential in building a sales funnel for affiliate marketing. There are several methods you can use to attract potential customers, including:

  • Creating valuable content: By creating valuable content that addresses your target audience’s pain points and interests, you can attract potential customers to your website. This can include blog posts, videos, infographics, and more.
  • Using paid advertising: You can use platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads to drive traffic to your website and attract potential customers.
  • Building a social media following: By creating a following on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, you can attract potential customers to your website and promote affiliate products or services.
  • Optimizing your website for search engines: By optimizing your website for search engines, you can increase your visibility in search results and attract potential customers who are searching for products or services related to your niche.
  • Building partnerships and collaborations: By building partnerships and alliances with other businesses or influencers in your niche, you can attract potential customers to your website and promote affiliate products or services.
  1. Capturing Leads – Once potential customers are on your website, you must capture their contact information to nurture them and promote affiliate products or services. Here are a few ways to capture leads:
  • Lead magnets: Offer a lead magnet, such as a free ebook, webinar, or consultation, in exchange for contact information. This can be done using forms on your website or landing pages.
  • Exit-intent pop-ups: Use exit-intent pop-ups on your website to capture leads as they are about to leave your site.
  • Content upgrades: Offer a content upgrade, such as a bonus or additional resources, in exchange for contact information.
  • Surveys and quizzes: Use surveys and quizzes to capture leads by asking for contact information in exchange for the results.
  • Social media lead generation: Use social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn to capture information by promoting lead magnets or forms to your followers.

3: Nurturing Leads – helps build trust and relationships with potential customers. Here are a few ways to nurture leads:

  • Email marketing: Use email marketing software like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or AWeber to send automated email sequences to nurture leads. These emails can include educational content, promotions, and calls to action to purchase affiliate products or services.
  • Lead scoring: Use lead scoring to determine the readiness of leads to buy. Lead scoring assigns a numerical value to leads based on their behavior and demographics.
  • Retargeting: Use retargeting to remind leads of your affiliate products or services. You can use platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads to retarget leads who have visited your website.
  • Personalization: Personalize your communication with leads based on their behavior, demographics, and interests.
  • Live chat: Use the live chat to communicate with leads in real time and address their questions or concerns.

4: Converting Leads – Converting leads into customers is the ultimate goal of building a sales funnel for affiliate marketing. Here are a few ways to convert leads into customers:

  • Promote affiliate products or services: Use your website, email list, and social media following to promote affiliate products or services. Be sure to disclose that you are an affiliate and only promote products or services you believe in.
  • Use scarcity and urgency: Use scarcity and urgency to create a sense of urgency and make it more likely that leads will make a purchase.
  • Use social proof: Use social proof, such as customer testimonials, to build trust and credibility.
  • Use retargeting to remind leads of your affiliate products or services. You can use platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads to retarget leads who have visited your website.
  • Use upselling and cross-selling: Use upselling and cross-selling to increase the value of each sale by promoting complementary products or services.
  • Use bonuses and incentives: Offer bonuses and incentives, such as discounts or free shipping, to encourage leads to purchase.

5: Retaining Customers – Once a customer has made a purchase, it’s essential to keep them engaged and encourage them to make repeat purchases. Here are a few ways to retain customers:

  • Build a loyalty program: Offer rewards or incentives for repeat purchases to encourage customers to return.
  • Use upselling and cross-selling: Use upselling and cross-selling to increase the value of each sale by promoting complementary products or services.
  • Use email marketing: Use email marketing to send targeted promotions, educational content, and other relevant information to customers.
  • Use retargeting to remind customers of your affiliate products or services. You can use platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads to retarget customers visiting your website.
  • Use social media: Use social media to connect with customers and build a relationship.
  • Use surveys and feedback: Use surveys and feedback forms to gather customer feedback and improve your products or services.

6: Optimizing and Improving the sales funnel is an ongoing process that is essential for the success of affiliate marketing. Here are a few ways to optimize and improve the funnel:

  • Use analytics: Use tools like Google Analytics to track and analyze the performance of your website and sales funnel and identify areas for improvement.
  • Use A/B testing: Use A/B testing tools like Optimizely, Google Optimize, and VWO to test different elements of your sales funnel, such as headlines, images, and CTAs, to see what works best.
  • Use heatmaps: Use heatmap tools like Hotjar, Crazy Egg, and Mouseflow to understand how users interact with your website and identify areas for improvement.
  • Use surveys and feedback: Use surveys and feedback forms to gather customer feedback and improve your products or services.
  • Use customer data: Use customer data to segment your audience and create targeted campaigns.
  • Use multivariate testing: Use multivariate testing to test multiple elements of your funnel simultaneously.

What Tools are Necessary to Build a Sales Funnel for Affiliate Marketing?

  • Landing page builders: These tools allow you to create and design landing pages to capture leads and promote affiliate products or services. E
  • Email marketing software: These tools allow you to create automated email sequences to nurture leads and promote affiliate products or services.
  • CRM software: CRM software allows you to store and manage customer information and interactions and track the performance of your sales funnel. 
  • Advertising platforms: Platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads can be helpful in driving traffic to your website and retargeting leads.
  • Analytics tools: These tools allow you to track and analyze the performance of your website and sales funnel and identify areas for improvement.
  • A/B testing tools allow you to test different elements of your sales funnel, such as headlines, images, and CTAs, to see what works best. 
  • Payment gateway: To process the payment, you need a payment gateway like PayPal, Stripe, and authorize.net

How Does Affiliate Marketing Sales Funnel Work?

An affiliate marketing sales funnel works by guiding potential customers through a series of steps that lead to a final purchase. The process typically involves the following stages:

  • Awareness: The customer becomes aware of the product or service through various marketing channels such as ads, social media, or content.
  • Interest: The customer expresses interest in the product or service and wants to learn more.
  • Evaluation: The customer compares the product or service to other options.
  • Purchase: The customer decides to buy the product or service and makes a purchase.
  • Retention: The customer is satisfied with their purchase and may become a repeat customer or refer others to the product or service.

Building a sales funnel is essential to make your affiliate marketing campaign more effective. Following the steps outlined above, you can attract new customers, convert leads into customers, and retain customers to increase your revenue. You can make a significant income through affiliate marketing with the right approach. For more information or if you need any help, please feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to assist you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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10 SEO Tips For More Traffic

Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial to driving traffic to a website. Optimizing your website for search engines can increase its visibility in search results and attract more visitors. In this article, we will be discussing 10 SEO tips that can help you boost your website’s traffic. From optimizing page titles and meta descriptions to building backlinks and using social media, these tips are designed to help you improve your website’s search engine rankings and drive more traffic to it. With a little effort and patience, you can see a significant increase in the number of visitors to your website.

What are SEO Tips?

SEO tips are strategies and techniques that can be used to improve a website’s visibility in search engine results. These tips are designed to help websites rank higher in search results for specific keywords, which can lead to more traffic and, ultimately, more conversions. 

Importance of SEO Tips

SEO is an ever-evolving field, and staying updated with the latest best practices and trends is important to ensure your website is visible in search results. With the increasing number of websites being created and the fierce competition for online visibility, it’s crucial to have a solid SEO strategy. Utilizing the right SEO techniques can help your website rank higher in search results, leading to more traffic and, ultimately, more conversions.

Here are the 10 SEO Tips for More traffics

  1. Optimizing Page Titles and Meta Descriptions

    These elements are key to helping search engines understand what your page is about and can also be used to generate click-throughs from the search results.

    To optimize page titles and meta descriptions for SEO, here are a few tips:

    • Keep page titles between 50-60 characters. This will ensure that the full title is visible in the search engine results.
    • Make sure to include relevant keywords in the page title and meta description. This will help search engines understand the page’s content and increase the chances of ranking well for those keywords.
    • Use unique and compelling page titles and meta descriptions for each page on your website. This will help improve click-through rates from the search results.
    • Avoid using the same page title or meta description for multiple pages. This can confuse search engines and users.
    • Use schema markup to provide additional information about your pages to search engines like Google and Bing.
  2. Using Keywords in Content

    Keywords are the terms or phrases people use to search for information on search engines. Including these keywords in your content can help search engines understand what your page is about and increase the chances of ranking well for those keywords.

    Here are a few tips for researching and using keywords effectively:

    • Use a keyword research tool to identify relevant keywords for your business or website. Some popular tools include Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, and Ahrefs.
    • Use long-tail keywords, which are more specific and less competitive, in addition to more general keywords.
    • Incorporate keywords naturally into your content rather than cramming them in unnaturally.
    • Use variations of keywords and synonyms to help your content rank for multiple search terms.
  3. Creating High-Quality Content

    High-quality content is essential for good SEO. Search engines, like Google, prioritize websites that provide valuable and informative content for users. High-quality content can help improve your website’s search engine rankings, increase engagement and drive more traffic. 

    Here are a few tips for creating high-quality content:

    • Understand your audience and create content that addresses their needs, interests, and pain points.
    • Use a clear and engaging writing style.
    • Use subheadings, bullet points, and other formatting techniques to make your content easy to read and scan.
    • Use visuals like images and videos to supplement your text and make your content more engaging.
    • Make sure your content is original, informative, and well-researched.
    • Optimize your content for readability by using short paragraphs and simple words.
    • Update your content regularly to ensure that it remains relevant and valuable.
  4. Building Backlinks

    Backlinks, also known as inbound or incoming links, link from other websites that point to your website. Backlinks are important for SEO because they signal to search engines that other websites consider your content valuable and relevant. The more high-quality backlinks you have, your website will likely rank well in search results.

    Here are a few tips for acquiring backlinks from other websites:

    • Create high-quality, informative, original content that other websites want to link to.
    • Reach out to other websites in your industry and ask if they would be willing to link to your content.
    • Submit your website to online directories and business listings.
    • Participate in online communities and forums relevant to your industry and include a link to your website in your forum signature.
    • Guest post on relevant websites and include a link to your website in your author bio.
    • Create infographics, videos, or other types of multimedia that other websites might want to embed on their site with a link to your site.
  5. Optimizing Images

    Images can significantly impact SEO because search engines can’t “see” images as humans can. Therefore, optimizing images is important so search engines can understand what they are about. This can be done using descriptive file names and alt tags for images.

    Here are a few tips for optimizing images for SEO:

    • Use descriptive, keyword-rich file names for images. Instead of using generic file names like “image1.jpg”, use a descriptive file name like “sunset-beach-hawaii.jpg.”
    • Use alt tags to describe the image. Alt tags provide a text description of the image for search engines and visually impaired users.
    • Use relevant and specific keywords in the alt tags and file names.
    • Compress images to reduce their file size and improve page loading speed.
    • Use responsive images to ensure that images look good on all devices.
  6. Using Header Tags

    Header tags, also known as H1, H2, and H3 tags, are used to structure the content of a webpage. These tags are used to create headings and subheadings, making it easier for users and search engines to understand the content of a page. They also help to indicate the importance and hierarchy of the information on the page.

    Here are a few tips for effectively using header tags:

    • Use the H1 tag for the main heading of the page. This should be the most important and descriptive title of the page.
    • Use H2 tags for subheadings, H3 tags for sub-subheadings, and so on to create a clear information hierarchy.
    • Use keywords in header tags, but avoid keyword stuffing.
    • Keep the number of H1 tags per page to a minimum, usually one.
    • Use header tags to break up long blocks of text and make it easier for users to scan the page.
    • Use header tags consistently throughout the page, and keep their structure in mind when organizing the content.
  7. Optimizing for Mobile

    With most internet users accessing the web via mobile devices, it’s important to ensure that your website is optimized for mobile. Mobile optimization is important for SEO because search engines like Google consider a website’s mobile-friendliness when ranking pages in search results. A mobile-friendly website not only helps improve search engine rankings but also ensures that users have a positive experience accessing the website from their mobile devices.

    Here are a few tips for ensuring a website is mobile-friendly:

    • Use a responsive design that automatically adjusts the website’s layout to fit the screen size of the user’s device.
    • Keep the page load fast by optimizing images and other media and reducing the number of redirects.
    • Ensure all links and buttons are large enough to be easily clicked on a small screen.
    • Use a legible font size and ensure that the text is easily read on a small screen.
    • Make sure that the website is accessible on all types of mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets.
    • Test your website on mobile devices and browsers to ensure it looks and functions correctly.
    • Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test tool to check if your website is mobile-friendly and to get suggestions for improvement.
  8. Using Social Media

    Creating and sharing content on social media platforms can reach a wider audience and attract more visitors to your website. Social media can also increase brand awareness and engagement, increasing organic traffic to your website.

    Here are a few tips for using social media to promote your website:

    • Create a social media presence on multiple platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and others.
    • Share high-quality, engaging content on social media that will encourage users to click through to your website.
    • Include links to your website in your social media profiles and your posts.
    • Use social media analytics tools to track the performance of your social media campaigns and adjust your strategy accordingly.
    • Use social media advertising options to reach a wider audience, like promoting your posts or creating ads.
    • Engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages on time.
    • Create social media-specific content that can be shared on different platforms, like videos, infographics, and live streams.
  9. Using Analytics

    Tracking website analytics is important for understanding how visitors interact with your website and where they come from. This data can help you identify trends, track progress and measure the effectiveness of your SEO and marketing efforts. You can make data-driven decisions to improve your website’s performance and increase traffic by tracking website analytics.

    Here are a few tips for using tools like Google Analytics to track website analytics:

    • Set up Google Analytics on your website by adding the tracking code to your website’s HTML.
    • Create custom reports to track important metrics such as page views, bounce, and conversion rates.
    • Use the Google Analytics Audience report to understand your visitors’ demographics, interests, and behavior.
    • Use the Google Analytics Acquisition report to understand the sources of traffic to your website.
    • Use the Google Analytics Behavior report to understand how visitors interact with your website, including which pages are most popular and how long visitors stay on your site.
    • Use the Google Analytics Conversion report to track and measure the conversion rate on your website.
    • Use the Google Analytics Real-time report to monitor the number of visitors on your website in real time.
  10. Keeping the Website Updated

    Keeping a website updated is important for SEO because it shows search engines that it is active and relevant. Regularly adding new, high-quality content to a website can improve its search engine rankings, attract more visitors and increase engagement. Additionally, regularly updating the website can fix bugs and security vulnerabilities and improve the user experience.

    Here are a few tips for ensuring a website remains relevant and useful:

    • Regularly add new and fresh content to the website, such as blog posts, articles, and videos.
    • Update the website’s design and layout to keep it fresh and modern.
    • Ensure all the links on the website are working, and remove any broken links.
    • Check for and fix technical issues like broken links, missing images, or slow page load times.
    • Regularly check for and update any out-of-date information on the website.
    • Use analytics to track the website’s performance and identify improvement areas.
    • Regularly test the website on different devices and browsers to ensure it is fully optimized for all users.

    Implementing these tips and staying updated with the latest best practices and trends can help improve your website’s search engine rankings and drive more traffic. If you need more information on SEO or want to discuss improving your website’s visibility, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We have a team of experts who can help guide you through the process and provide the tools and knowledge you need to succeed online.

 

 

 

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Ethics In User Experience Design – Usability Geek

Ethics In User Experience Design

Professional ethics exists in various fields, but how does it manifest itself in user experience design? What can be done to provide users with products that put their interests up front, and how do brands do it?

User experience design is a term that has many different layers. Those who practice it are paving the way for users to interact with a product. Decisions are based on this fact. Some decisions may result in a limitation of the users’ actions or doing things that the user would not necessarily choose.

The area of ethics in user experience design lies on a scale that ranges from providing complete freedom for users, up to making all the decisions for them.

As a part of our daily routine, user experience designers “hack” into the thought patterns of their users. When they succeed, it very likely results in the success of the product itself. The process starts by choosing which options are available, while limiting personalization capabilities. It continues through stages where the flow dictates the user’s actions using learning steps, reaching the point where the system benefits from predicting behavioural patterns.

I would define an ethical challenge as the moment when the line of making seemingly-motiveless decisions that serve the interests of the system over those of the user, is crossed.

Why should we care at all? Well, if we are the ones who plan the processes and make the decisions, these are topics that ought to be addressed from a professional standpoint. No one would like to be labelled as the creator of an app that makes its users feel uncomfortable to interact with. For company owners, it is even more significant. Users today have a developed sense of critique. They voluntarily leave reviews in app stores, use stars to rate, invest time in conversations about the product/service, etc. You would probably like to avoid a PR crisis or a product failure which originated from poor planning, especially when it is relatively easy to prevent by putting your mind to it and gaining trust.

What Do Ethics Have to do with User Experience Design?

Every project requires planning from scratch, and no axiomatic assumptions should be made. Even if something proved effective for one target audience, it does not mean that the same process would work again for a different set of users.

Depending on the project, you are at liberty of taking a number of decisions. For example, you can decide how limiting the onboarding process would be or whether or not you should gamify the process that is leading to a review prompt. You can choose what data to display and what to hide (ideally, basing this on research results). You can decide what should be animated so as to create an emotion before making a decision. These are just some of the various decisions you can take for the benefit of the product. Such decisions have crucial importance for a product since manipulation attempts will very likely irritate users and cause them to leave, or close their account and delete the app. In three words: “that escalated quickly”, and in four: “influencing the user’s opinion”. Users usually make up their minds and accumulate a sense of comfort towards your product faster than you might think.

Ethics in user experience design is not a binding rule, but rather a collection of professional tips that would help you improve your product for your target users. The goal of this article is to create understanding and familiarity with this concept in various applications, so you could group these hunches with your common sense, beginning with your current projects.

Occasionally, while working, I find myself asking ethical questions regarding micro-actions and processes regarding registration, requests for permissions, monetizations and more. For each project, I consider what is the best solution. After collecting several solid ideas, I am sharing with you some of the dilemmas and the solutions I have found. I hope that you would benefit from that, regardless if you are the UX researcher, the product manager or even the CEO.

Recently, for example, I have noticed that Waze’s “Go Invisible” option was bumped up the menu. Waze stresses the social aspect of their app (traffic reports, chatter, seeing friends on the move, even carpool), and yet, they chose to put this option up front. This seemingly opposes their general philosophy. I assume they faced a choice between wanting to showcase active audience in a social network of drivers, and the freedom the drivers have to become invisible, and the latter won.

True, the notion is anything but new in social media apps, from Skype to the happy days of ICQ, we could do the ingenious action of being connected without being seen. Since then, in my opinion, values that deal with the users’ benefits (such as the need for privacy) have triumphed over the social/commercial need.

See the wisdom behind this. In such cases, potential users who would otherwise hesitate about trying the product, feel less threatened and more inclined to try it out. I assume that if Waze were not offering the option to disappear, the abandonment rate would go up or at least several users would consider the app nosey. So, flexibility towards the user’s needs can prove beneficial. Also, allowing users to choose the level of data access permissions, or not requiring many from the start, would allow more untrusting users on the bandwagon – people who are not feeling forced. In other words, users who object sharing personal data would try your product too. Therefore, a system that allows new and curious users to operate in an “unregistered” mode wins.

Every Product and its Ethical Questions

It is not always obvious, so, if you have any suspicion or ethical challenge during the creation of a flow for example, just put the question through the following filter: in a conflict of interests, do the user’s interests win? Meaning, no wasting time, no invasion of personal privacy, no unnecessary limitations and so on.

Can you answer that? Great! You are halfway there.

On one hand, multiple options = freedom to act

In the blue corner of the ring, we are placing the liberal principles of providing maximum personalization options and complete freedom. We expect the user to adjust the parameters however he/she sees fit. Here, all the questions are asked, all the possibilities are presented, and users are free to do as they please. Thus, they claim responsibility for their actions, whereas we, the designers of the system, are presenting the full scale of the system in the easiest and clearest way we can arrange the interface. In such cases, the user is expected to waste much time, as at any moment it is possible to backtrack and change parameters, settings and whatnot. Tinkering with the system itself can be never-ending.

Freedom is the main benefit, and the stage is set for the user, with maximum assistance for every action they might want to perform.

On the other hand, limiting the user = preventing errors

On the opposing red corner, find principles of conservatism and wrapping up the user. Here, we will not assume the user comprehends the entire gravity of their choices. We will ask as few questions as we can, with most choices being pre-made. In such cases, it is common to see a closed circuit of onboarding/tutorial that showcases the options, allowing the user to confirm only the most crucial choices (while being asked just once). Here, we strive to get the system as foolproof as we can. Consecutively, the interface would be linear, reduced and efficient, while guiding the user into performing specific actions without having to mess around with the system. Some might say that this is the optimal experience and the manifestation of respect to the user’s time.

This scenario is very much similar to how in the iOS interface, the “closeness” of elements allows the planning of streamlined processes, thus making the experience more consistent.

How much emphasis to bestow unto each approach

In reality, things are not black and white (…but rather, red and blue). Let me explain.

Let us take a banking app. Depositing a cheque would require the app to walk the user hand in hand, confirm multiple times while checking the balance and should not require any specific assistance. Meaning: when facing an action with significant consequences, where no mistakes are allowed, we need to lead our users, while confirming the understanding of each step and pacing by them.

Alternatively, think of states in which you have no direct control over, let us say, Gmail’s or Google Docs autosave features at intervals. Changes are saved automatically, sometimes allowing you to view the drafts or change history. As opposed to the banking app, there is no escorting. The decision has been made for you. Even if you are an above-average user, you cannot choose when to auto-save. Any negative implications for auto-saving? Virtually none.

Have you ever thought about the question “should your credit card details be saved for future purchases?” and whether it is toggled by default? (Hint: if it is on, someone has been relying on the statistic that a user would refrain from doing any additional action he/she is not sure about). Even though it might be easier not to retype the details, the system designer, in this case, is willing to compromise the data and to a certain degree, this decision is being taken in the light that it is in the system’s interests). The default might tell you, as users, a great deal about the intentions of the system’s planners.

Using passwords: A problematic topic from its very core, passwords are tough to remember and to type them cumbersome. However, the system is still expected to do whatever is possible to keep the account, data and password safe. Sometimes, the experience would be “educating” to the point of frustration: “you should use at least eight characters, one capital letter, digit and special symbol at the very least”. True story. In such situations, try to think of an action that would be a reasonable compromise for the user that would save future attempts to reset forgotten passwords. Example? Social login (Google/Facebook/Twitter), external confirmation (email/SMS), or even providing a little “life hack” to your users on how to remember passwords. The system loves me!

Newsletter registration: It is quite obvious that whoever builds a registration form is interested that users would sign up. On the other hand, as users ourselves, most of us can attest the problems in newsletters. You have been participating in a conversation online, and the next thing you know, you are getting a newsletter, ads and notifications of new posts without explicitly opting. So, should we pre-check opt-in checkboxes or not?

Social networks: If we think of Facebook’s default settings for a moment, when commenting, unless set otherwise, you will be notified of every new comment. It is true that it is useful (to keep track of the conversation), but there is no ignoring the fact that Facebook benefits from you returning over and over to check your notifications. The fear of missing out (or being left out, in this case) can become addicting eventually. I am quite certain that they have considered the number of notifications to walk the fine line between being informative and wasting time.

A recent feature has been introduced on Facebook. Besides (not instead) the notifications we are used to seeing, comments on someone’s wall post pop up in a seemingly “chat window”, next to the “regular” chats. For example, if I have congratulated someone, and they thanked me, it pops in the form of a conversation window, encouraging me to keep the conversation going (take note – publicly). For Facebook, it is close to a magical feature. A small change in a familiar pattern, yet one that increases user engagement. You are used to seeing private chats appear this way, so the primary instinct would be to divert attention there and keep on chatting.

There is no debate over the fact that if you want any product to survive, one major long-term goal is always to make the users come back and act over and over again. That being said, users who feel burdened by distractions demanded by less-important visuals would probably be irritated when being forced to divert their attention.

To summarise this part: The dilemmas grow more and more significant when the actions become more “critical”. As mentioned, when money can be accessed (PayPal, or apps that allow purchases and money transfers), it is advisable to make the process slightly longer to eliminate mistakes, even though it might be tempting to design a system that “compels” the user to make such an action quickly. We, as the experience planners, can make such choices. Everyone is rooting for ease of access and lightness of processes. Still, you might not want to be held responsible for making an instant loan request process too easy and impulsive, even though it might make the financial institution that provides the loan euphoric.

Guidelines to Resolve Ethical Dilemmas in UX Design

I have compiled seven guidelines that would help your users benefit from your choices, and I hope it might help you when making decisions:

1. Foolproof it

Even when that means “taking the wheel”. If the user is clearly heading for an action they might regret, plan ahead and prevent it. Think about the scenario of a highlighted save button when attempting to close an unsaved document. It is like stating: “We understand that you might regret leaving now, so, at the very least, we would like to show you the action you are assumed to prefer”. In most cases, this action should reversible.

2. Be the good guys and girls!

As a typical user, what would you expect to happen? Would you like to be signed in automatically to the mailing list? Would you like to see a summary before wiring money away to an account you have never wired money to before? Would you trust the app to have access to your personal and/or social media accounts? In such cases, keeping the best interests of the average user is probably the correct answer.

3. Yeah, science!

There are dozens of tools that allow you to conduct research. Whether it is a data analysis or the creation of an alternative page/site/app/feature, use real data to reach conclusions regarding the things your users prefer and how they react. The average developer should be able to tweak a simple form in moments, allowing you to see if the existence of a particular field affects conversion. So get it checked where doubt exists.

4. Correct data hierarchy

It is advisable to avoid any difficulty in accessing options the system is advertised to provide and making the user waste time in vain. Windows 10 users, for example, you are welcome to see whether it is easy to change the screen resolution as it used to be in previous versions.

5. Do not fear change

Even after a decision has been made, there is no reason to feel too attached to it. Gather feedback, take it into account, reply to your users and remember that the ones who bother to complain are those that are inclined to like your product. They are the users who invest the time to provide feedback. Also, you can always leverage a flow change for a new version upload that would benefit your PR.

6. Read the room

Nowadays it is safe to say that every product has a market share that used to (or expects) a certain user experience. Get to know the patterns and the audience. In case you have chosen to provide more options for a more advanced user base while giving up a bit of “streamline”-ness, make sure you understand tip #4. Alternatively, opting to provide fewer variables to more basic users should go hand in hand with having the interface teach the “game plan” in the best way possible.

7. Small bites

Facebook (and every company in the big data game) are known to be able to change the interfaces for billions of users on a whim, for better or worse. That is why they implement changes gradually: remember the frequent timeline changes? The registration for the new timeline layout (for users who wanted to see it first)? That is how you do it. Reveal features gradually or run several versions of your product in parallel (yes, A/B testing is advisable), and collect user feedback and data. This will make data gathering easier, diminish the feeling of intolerance towards existing users and reduce hurting the user base.

A Word on User Testing

User testing is a subject often raised when discussing ethics. I beleive that conducting user tests, knowingly or otherwise, yields a vast source of knowledge and provides the means for gathering data to evaluate. There are many ways to conduct research, whether it requires sitting next to users and watching them use the product, recording their actions or providing customised versions for specific crowds, and anything in-between.

As opposed to meeting your users in person or virtually, anything that is being done “behind the curtains”, whether the users are aware or not, has a layer of ethics on top of it. Every user of the Waze beta program is mindful of the fact that they get the chance to experience the latest features ahead of everyone. Whereas errors and even inability to use the app are not rare, at least, the user is aware of what to expect.

A/B testing is conducted, when versions of an active product are being operated side by side without the user being aware that they are a test subject. A particular question is in order: “is it OK to have users try things out without knowing, in the benefit of making the product better for everyone?”. Very often, the answer is yes, it is fine, as long as there is no harm done and no personal data is revealed. Indeed, a small percentage of users might face difficulties, but the aim is that the test is limited appropriately and the results are worth the trouble. This is particularly applicable in products that are provided free of charge. Some would prefer the chance for small, controlled instability, with the purpose of making the experience improve for the greater good.

There are those who have done something about it. Ind.ie are a Swedish duo who attempt to be the pioneers of technological ethics. In many aspects of it, interface planning included. You are welcome to watch them speak here:

In Conclusion

Ethical challenges often arise while planning and creating the initial wireframes, and particular ethical difficulties continue to rise during the product planning stage. It is advisable to conduct properly to avoid negative public opinion and trust pitfalls in the future.

I suggest thinking ahead about where the user is to be given freedom of choice, and where choices are to be made for him/her, in an attempt to provide the best experience possible and respect their time. In which cases we would prefer to point towards the “correct” action, so we will prevent errors, misunderstandings and keep things reversible. The field of ethics in UX planning is devoid of fixed rules and guidelines. Choices are measured in actions: how do users perceive your product and how much do they eventually trust it.

Consider the character of the product and its message. Within these frames, choose the amount of freedom you would like to provide. Base these decisions on research, tests and your personal experience as users (do not be afraid to make changes accordingly). You should strive to understand the product you are planning, both as a creator and as a user.

The most useful advice I can probably give you is to be as friendly to your users as possible. Keep their best interests in mind, and you will eventually benefit from it. Let them enjoy trusting you while feeling comfortable using the product, whether it is free or costly, simple or complex. Good luck!

Disclaimer: I have originally published a similar version of this article in Israeli on GeekTime and I have adapted it in English for UsabilityGeek.

http://usabilitygeek.com/ethics-in-user-experience-design/

On – 04 Apr, 2017 By Hila Yonatan

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A Guide for CMOs on the Integration of Social Media with Traditional Marketing • blogbrown

 

Digital transformation has shown us a new face of
marketing.

With the increased use of electronic gadgets and the IoT
(Internet of Things), the gap between businesses and customers
have reduced to a great extent. Finally, businesses realized
the importance of digital marketing and started hiring in-house
digital marketers.

Marketing mostly deals with the
advertisement and promotion of products. Marketers should make
a continuous search for the platforms where they can interact
with more people. In this context,
social media evolves as the next big advertising platform

after television and print media.

And in reality, it goes beyond them.

Social Media Marketing and Strategies

Nicholas Lamphere of Harvard University
defines social media as:

  • “A media for interaction using
    highly accessible and scalable publishing techniques.”

Social media acts as the nexus that connects around 2
billion
netizens worldwide. It would seem that social
media is a treasure trove of potential customers.

Leveraging the social media networks for business is
called social media marketing.

If you are a blogger, you can
generate traffic for your business
. A service or
product-based business can advertise and promote their services
and products. These are the ways that businesses can use social
media.

Your specific strategies, however, depend on the niche of
your business. There are
so many social media networks available
. Each platform
allows marketers to function in different ways. So, you have to
determine which platforms serve you the best.

Social Media Integration in Business

Social media is the perfect place for:

  • Brand promotion
  • Lead generation
  • Customer support
  • Customer relations management

The number of social users increases rapidly as the
business invests more time and resources into social
media.

As per the recent reports of the CMO’s survey, the
social media spending of businesses is above
10%.

And it seems that spending may rise dramatically.
According to the report, the spending will see a 3%
rise
 in the next 12 months and will be
doubled
in the next five years.

In the below infographics,
you can see the social spending of B2B in 2016:

In the below table, you can see the social spending of
B2B and B2C businesses:

social-media-spent-over-years

If you observe the table, B2C services are
investing more on social media
marketing when compared to other businesses. This reason
is due to more exposure to their audience.

Well, the overall spending is in a healthy state.

But when they were surveyed about the
integration of social media marketing with their
current marketing strategies, the results are not as
encouraging. CMOs are still failing in implementing strong
social media strategies.

Here is the report of the CMO’s survey where they
inquired the chiefs of around 289 businesses in the US about
the integration of SMM strategies with their business.

They scaled up the answers from 1-7:

  • 1 being not integrated.
  • 7 being well-integrated.
  • The mean level of the integration is 4.2.

survey-on-social-media-integration

As per the social media marketing industry
report (Michael A. Stelzner, 2016):

  • 23% of social marketers strongly
    agreed
    that they have integrated social media
    strategies with their traditional marketing
    strategies.
  • 58% marketers simply “agreed”.

integration-of-smm

  • And 40% of marketers feel that SMM has become
    harder
    than it was a year ago.

smm-difficulty

In such a case, social CMOs should hone
their strategies
to get the best outcomes from social
media.

What should the CMOs do?

The younger
generations
are more familiar with social media networks. A
junior employee can know more about social media sites when
compared to the CMO of the business. We can call the junior
staff digital natives.

Digital natives can create good business pages on various
social sites. Digital natives can make outstanding
content. But digital natives may not know the best marketing
route to get the desired effect. They need guidance.

It is an undeniable fact that marketing, be it
traditional or digital, deals with strategies. And this is why
a social CMO, whose primary responsibility is to make
strategies, is good for social marketing.

So the CMOs should keep three things in mind for better
social media outcomes:

1. Give a break to the figures

Most marketers are thinking about their social media
figures:

  • Facebook likes
  • YouTube views
  • Twitter retweets
  • +1s on Google Plus
  • etc.

Of course, these figures are important. But they are not
the most important.

The count of people you have doesn’t matter as much as
what you do with those people.

Simply guide your digital natives around increasing the
amount of likes. They will take care of it.

Once you get those likes, you have to focus on how to
turn your social audience into your loyal customers.

2. Enhance the social skills of your staff

As a CMO, you are the driving force of your business’s
social media success. But you can’t do everything.

As said earlier, your junior staff are likely already
very active on social media. So nurture their skills with
proper training on how to use social media for
business.

There are many
social media management tools
that can manage your
campaigns and
help in generating leads for your business
. Train your
staff on using these tools effectively. Let them know how to
determine targeted users and make conversions.

This mix of strategy and social media skills can do
wonders for your business.

3. Measure performance

Now you have some great social media strategies and a
well-trained team. And you are making good campaigns on social
media. But how do you analyze your performance?

Different businesses have different goals in social media
marketing:

  • Some marketers want to increase their brand
    awareness.
  • Some want to generate leads.
  • Some want to make more conversions.

As a CMO, you have to maintain a checklist of
what outcomes you want from your social media campaigns. We can
call the checklist points key performance
indicators (KPIs).

There are many such KPIs to help you check whether you
are making any difference in your marketing. Let’s have a look
at them:

Key Performance Indicators

1. Rise in engagement

As said above, different marketers need different things
from social media. Facebook likes matter for some marketers and
YouTube views matter for others.

The increase in each parameter indicates your
success.

If you are a retail marketer, measure CTR for your
content on social media and for your sponsored posts. A rise in
these parameters can indicate the increased visibility of your
business on social media.

If you want to use social media for CRM, measure the
feedback for the support you provide on Twitter and
Facebook.

2. Conversions

In terms of digital marketing, getting someone to perform
the desired action is known as a conversion.
In a social media context, getting a response from your
call-to-action is the conversion (a key performance
indicator).

For example, you want to increase registrations on your
website. You use the call-to-action ‘Register’ in your
campaigns. The number of registrations you get from the
campaigns is the measurement of your performance.

You have to measure two types of conversions:

  1. Conversions on your website.
  2. Conversions on social media.

You might want to try
different types of content
on your website to attract your
users. Determine what kind of content gets you more conversions
and make more of that content.

On social media, you may have tried different kinds of
campaigns. Measure how much budget you have allocated for each
campaign and plan how you want to manage your budget depending
on each performance.

3. Sentiment analysis

As people are so expressive on social media, you can
easily measure the sentiment.

Knowing what the public is saying about your brand is a
very important thing.

As a CMO of a business, you are responsible for the
reputation
of your brand. So, you have to know what your
users are thinking about your brand. There are many tools available that analyze
sentiment
.

4. ROI

ROI is possibly the most important KPI.

When you are investing valuable time, money, and effort,
it is so important to make sure you are getting worthy returns.
As per the social media industry report:

  • Only 41% of marketers said that they are
    able to measure ROI.
  • 37% of marketers are still
    uncertain.

roi-measure

But social media is not just for posting content and
getting likes.

It’s a great place for generating leads and driving more
traffic to your website. But this doesn’t happen so easily. It
costs you time, money, and resources.

You have to get the best possible outcomes from social
media. So, CMOs need to measure the social media ROI.

Conclusion

Awareness, targeting, and lead generation (the
trifecta of marketing),
 have become easier with
social media marketing.

As of now, there are around 2.35 billion social
media users
in the world. And it is predicted that
there will be 3 billion by
2020. 

Integrating social media marketing with your traditional
marketing strategies should become the most prioritized task of
CMOs. They should utilize their young talent and implement
potential strategies to make a prosperous business in today’s
digital era.

What are your thoughts on this article? Share your comments
below!

Did you like this post? Share it with your friends on
Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus!

 

http://www.blogbrown.com/a-guide-for-cmos-on-the-integration-of-social-media-with-traditional-marketing/

On – 30 Mar, 2017 By

 

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Top 7 IOT Trends For 2017 I Internet of Things I hIOTron

Every user requires a single access point instead of multiple interfaces which are well connected, smart and fast. Almost every industry is investing in Internet of Things (IoT) recently.
IoT is one of the transformational trends that will shape the future of businesses in 2017 and beyond. Many firms see big opportunity in IoT uses and enterprises start to believe that IoT holds the promise to enhance customer relationships and drive business growth by improving quality, productivity, and reliability. By having the right IoT model companies will be rewarded with new customers, better insights, and improved customer satisfaction to mention few benefits.

Top 7 IOT Trends

1. Internet of Things Platforms

Apps driven platform is getting replaced by Artificial Intelligence driven platform.

Good platforms provide enormous value by linking IoT to advanced analytics and applications to generate business outcomes. This enables the generated data to be meaningfully used by the users.

An IoT platform is required to collect data, connect devices, handle hundreds of vendors and dozens of wireless standards (like LoRa and SigFox etc.) and must be scalable enough to send messages across the network.

Platforms must be able and efficient enough to add close loop automation, privacy, security, cognitive and insight generation.

IoT can sometimes even act as an agent to transform business.

2. Security

Security is an important aspect, when everything is connected via internet. People rely on internet as it makes their lives easier and happier.Application developers, device Manufacturers, operators, consumers, enterprise businesses and integrators etc all have to follow best practices to keep their data secure.
A multi-layered approach is required for Internet of Things security. Security approach must start with hardware devices then coming over to software / firmware.

A sequence of education, interoperability and decent design along with a proactive approach in designing security features is required to create better products and solutions.

3. Cognitive Computing

Internet of Things presents tremendous opportunities.

The commoditization of sensors, memory and processors has made things more intelligent rather than just being connected in a network and being identified with their IP addresses.

Traditional IoT implementations are accompanied by cognitive computing which increases the amount of data that helps in improving the learning environment and increases the possibilities of edge analytics.

Multiple data streams can be combined with cognitive IoT.

Sensors can be made capable of diagnosing and getting adapted with the environment, without human interference.

IoT value is further showcased by artificial intelligence, cognitive IoT and machine learning. To make use of existing IoT data and information new approaches are required

4. IoT and Many Mobile Moments

IoT is creating new opportunities and providing a competitive advantage for businesses in current and new markets. It touches everything—not just the data, but how, when, where and why you collect it.

The technologies that have created the Internet of Things aren’t changing the internet only, but rather change the things connected to the internet. More mobile moments (the moments in which a person pulls out a mobile device to get what he or she wants, immediately and in context) will appear on the connected device, right from home appliances to cars to smartwatches and virtual assistants.

All these connected devices will have the potential of offering a rich stream of data that will then be used by product and service owners to interact with their consumers.​

5. IoT, Artificial Intelligence, and Containers

In an IoT situation, AI can help companies take the billions of data points they have and boil them down to what’s really meaningful.

The general premise is the same as in the retail applications – review and analyzes the data you’ve collected to find patterns or similarities that can be learned from so that better decisions can be made.

The year 2017 would see Internet of Things software being distributed across cloud services, edge devices, and gateways. The year would also witness IoT solutions being built on modern Microservices (an approach to application development in which a large application is built as a suite of modular services.

Each module supports a specific business goal and uses a simple, well-defined interface to communicate with other modules) and containers (lightweight virtualization) that would work across this distributed architecture.
Further, machine-learning cloud services and Artificial Intelligence will be put to use to mine the data that would be coming in from IoT devices.​

6. IoT and New Business Models

The bottom line is a big motivation for starting, investing in, and operating any business, without a sound and solid business models for IoT we will have another bubble , this model must satisfy all the requirements for all kinds of e-commerce; vertical markets, horizontal markets, and consumer markets.

A new business model including sharing cost of devices with consumers, reducing the cost of ownership and making UX less hassle and more joyful. 2017 will see new categories being added to smart markets.

One key element is to bundle service with the product, for example, devices like Amazon’s Alexa will be considered just another wireless speaker without the services provided like voice recognition, music streaming, and booking Uber service to mention few.​

7. IoT and Blockchain Will Converge

Blockchain is more than a concept now and has applications in many verticals besides FinTech including IoT. Blockchain technology is considered by many experts as the missing link to settle scalability, privacy, and reliability concerns in the Internet of Things.

Blockchain technology can be used in tracking billions of connected devices, enable the processing of transactions and coordination between devices; allow for significant savings to IoT industry manufacturers.

This decentralized approach would eliminate single points of failure, creating a more resilient ecosystem for devices to run on.

The cryptographic algorithms used by Blockchain would make consumer data more private. In 2017 IoT will converge with Blockchain for better security and privacy opening the door for a new category in applications, hardware, and talents.

Conclusion

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an ecosystem of ever-increasing complexity; it is the next level of automation of every object in our life and convergence of new technologies will make IoT implementation much easier and faster, which in turn will improve many aspects of our life at home and at work and in between. From refrigerators to parking spaces to smart houses, IoT is bringing more and more things into the digital fold every day, which will likely make IoT a multi-trillion dollar industry in the near future.

One possible outcome in the near future is the introduction of “IoT as a Service” technology. If that service offered and used the same way we use other flavors of “as a service” technologies today the possibilities of applications in real life will be unlimited.

 

http://www.hiotron.com/top-iot-trends/

On – 29 Mar, 2017 By

 

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How The Rise of Chatbots Can Affect Ecommerce Startups – Inc42 Media

Artificial intelligence is the new trend in tech and marketing. Consumers are loving it. What’s the ultimate goal of any brand or business? Engaging customers.

But what does engagement really mean in 2017? Today is the era of conversational marketing. If you want to win customers, you MUST make a real conversation with them. Even if you count how many messaging apps you have on your mobile phone, the chances are you have more than two or three apps.

Messaging apps have become important in our daily lives. 55% of the population of the planet use a messenger app every single day

And chatbot is the newest trend in messaging. A Chatbot is an interactive and interesting automated phone system which allows you to connect with a brand.

What Exactly Are Chatbots

Here’s Zembula’s quick and easy definition of a chatbot:

“In its most basic form (we’ll use basic as a relative term here), a chatbot is a form of artificial intelligence that combined with rules and algorithms that allows for a text-based chat interface to communicate with others. A chatbot is a tool that lets brands interact over chat with consumers.”

Let me make it more simple for you. Read this statement by Mark Zuckerberg,

“We think you should message a business just the way you would message a friend.”

This statement means more than any other technical definition.

Here’s an example to make it clearer:

If you wanted to order pizza from Domino’s, you’d go to their site, look around until you find your choice pizza, and then you’d order that.

But with the help of a Domino’s chatbot, you’d simply be able to message them on Facebook Messenger. It will understand your requirement by asking you relevant questions and you would simply tell it what you want… Simple.

(Image Credits)

According to David Marcus, Facebook’s VP of Messaging Products

“Bots can provide anything from automated subscription content like weather and traffic updates to customised communications like receipts, shipping notifications, and live automated messages all by interacting directly with the people who want to get them.”

Watch this video  – Facebook showing what a chatbot can do.

Here are some examples of chatbots:

TacoBot is the Taco Bell (Fast food chain) robot. They unveiled it on the popular messaging platform Slack, which allows customers to order food by messaging TacoBot, which asks all the right questions.

H&M, Sephora, and Victoria’s Secret have all recently introduced chatbots which make suggestions to customers and allow them to buy through the messaging platform. Burger King and Pizza Hut allow customers to order food directly through Facebook Messenger by messaging the restaurant chains’ bots.

CELEB STYLE chatbot analyses what your favourite celebrities are wearing and tells consumers where they can purchase each wardrobe item.

With 300 million downloads, the Kik chat app is used by close to 40% US teens. Facebook Messenger is another major player with 1 billion users! Some other popular platforms are: Slack, WhatsApp, ChatFuel, and many others.

Do you wonder what is the potential impact of a chatbot on an ecommerce startup? Take a look at some stats:

Live chat users spend an average of 5%-30% more and The buyer conversion rate is 5 to 10 times higher following a chat session. (Source)

90% of our time on mobile is spent on messaging platforms. People are using messenger apps more than they are using social networks. (Source)

80% of businesses said they already used or planned to use chatbots by 2020.

So, a chatbot is a BIG opportunity for your ecommerce startup to get ahead of your competition. Jes Stiles, CMO Emerging Markets, Ringier AG, perfectly answers why chatbots are important: “A messenger bot can allow you to have personalised 1-1 conversations at scale, opening up a whole new audience who do not wish to connect with the brand over email or download an app. Moreover, when built in a user-friendly manner, chatbots can actually provide a better experience than a human for common use cases with faster response times (no matter what time or day of the week) and greater personalisation of content.”

The Role Of  Chatbots In Ecommerce

Let’s take a look at how chatbots will completely change the way you do business:

Customer Experience And Service

Chatbots are meant to replace traditional chats and other communication media like phone calls and emails. The days are not that far when it completely replaces all human interaction.

Chatbot will take your customer service to another level. A chatbot can give your customers a quick, personalised, and interactive customer experience. They are meant to deliver instant and round-the-clock services and support to customers in need, offering all customers a quick and instant resolution to their queries and complaints.

Improve Your Sales

An ecommerce company which has chatbots indeed offers a prominent feature on their brand.

Chatbots can help you in the generation of potential leads and drive sales. A chatbot quickly responds to the customers who are scrolling through your sales page, can help to capture all potential customers by supplying their useful information to the sales department.

Chatbot can also send notifications and reminders to your prospects.

Make Conversation With Users

You can shop or order something in a conversational style. For example, your order a pair of shoes online by using the shopping website or by downloading the app of an online shopping site.

But with a chatbot, you don’t need to download an app or open a website. Just open Messenger, type XYZ shoes and a bot will take your order. It will ask you some relevant questions and show you shoes according to your preferences.

It will save a lot of time of your users. They serve the purpose in the best possible manner.

Help Customers To Make A Purchasing Decision

Chatbots help customers (who are not tech-friendly) in putting the items in the shopping cart and successfully completing the whole shopping process.

A chatbot stores your order history and suggests similar or complimentary products. If you have a confusion about any product, you can chat with a bot to ask your questions.

Do you want to register a complaint? Or do you need to return a product?

You don’t have to write a long email and no need of a telephonic conversation. A chatbot will take care of it. A chatbot gives a personalised feel to your customers. And makes your users feel like they are talking with a human. It will help you to cut business costs.


About The Author

[The author of this post is Kunjal Panchal, Digital Strategist and a social media geek – passionate about content marketing and strongly believes in the power of storytelling for marketing.]

Note from Inc42: The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views held by Inc42, its creators or employees. Inc42 is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied by guest bloggers.

 

https://inc42.com/resources/rise-chatbots-affect-ecommerce-startups/

On – 18 Apr, 2017 By

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The Evolving Role of Social Media in Ecommerce

As social media and ecommerce become increasingly enmeshed in our lives, the opportunities for them to interact with and bolster each other are innumerable, considering that the average person spends around an hour and 40 minutes browsing social media every day, and the number of internet shoppers in the US will reach 217 million this year.

Back in the old days, a business’s presence would be signified by advertisements in the paper and a physical storefront. Now, in the digital age, business reputations live and die by their social media standing. Right now, social media is used by brands as a way to advertise, increase their online presence, and deliver high-quality customer service. In 2017, we can expect those trends to continue, as some new ones emerge. Let’s take a look at the growing role of social media in ecommerce.

Paid advertisements.

With the almost absurd level of customization you can put on a Facebook ad (age, geography, preferences and more) and the detail with which Facebook can report your results, it’s a no-brainer for brands to keep using Facebook and other social media advertising. It’s also a win for Facebook, which raked in more than $7 billion in advertising in 2016.

The most successful brands in 2017 will be those able to maximize their reach and effectiveness on paid social media advertising. William Harris, an ecommerce growth consultant for elumynt.com, says, “I see ecommerce brands investing a lot more in paid social, and I think that trend will continue into 2017…it’s not enough to simply pay for ads on Google Shopping. You’ve got to find a good audience on Facebook ads, Instagram ads and more and more, on Pinterest and other paid social media accounts. It’s getting easier to set these up and track the return on advertising, which means more brands will start doing it.”

Private messaging.

Over the past few years, analysts have noticed an interesting, unexpected trend. While the use of public social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter is starting to decline, private messaging services are exploding in popularity. WhatsApp, Snapchat and Facebook Messenger are all app juggernauts with colossal engagement numbers running into the billions.

Top 10 Best Chatbot Platform Tools to Build Chatbots for Your Business

Where the people go, the businesses must follow, and brands are edging their way into private messaging through chatbots. Chatbots, AI personalities that can simulate real conversations, can answer questions on products, offer recommendations, and resolve customer complaints.

Consumers are slowly warming to the idea. According to Venturebeat.com, 49.4 percent of customers would rather contact a business through a 24/7 messaging service than through the phone. Brands would be prescient to start looking into catboat services as a supplementary channel to reach customers.

Additionally, many private messaging services now offer financial integration. Opening up WeChat, chatting with a brand AI representative, and purchasing a product without closing the app once, is entirely within the realm of possibility in 2017.

In-app purchasing.

The harder it is to buy or access something, the less likely we are to follow through. This explains why ecommerce sites that take a long time to load have higher bounce rates, and online stores with clunky interfaces sell less. One can already buy products through Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter. Once Apple Pay experiences widespread adoption, it’s almost scary to think about how easy impulse buys will be — if you see something you like on social media, one swipe will get it delivered to your door. Brands should immediately start evaluating how they can sell their products through social networks, coupling a strong advertising presence with an easy purchasing process.

What’s coming.

This year, social media will not only play a big part in ecommerce, but also in all aspects of our social life, just as it has been, arguably, for the last several years. Moreover, several new social network technologies, including powerful advertising tools, chatbots and in-app purchasing, as well as improved design, will make ecommerce easier, and bigger, than ever.

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/288952

On – 18 Apr, 2017 By Ellie Martin

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