All posts by Miley

Software
DevelopmentSaaS

How AI can Help Software Testing

Software testing is an essential part of the software development process, as it helps ensure that the developed software is of high quality and meets the requirements of its users. However, manual testing can be time-consuming and error-prone, making it necessary to explore other options to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of software testing. One such option is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in software testing services.

AI has the potential to revolutionize the way software is tested, as it can automate many of the tedious and repetitive tasks involved in testing, freeing up testers to focus on more complex and challenging tasks. 

AI can be used to automate the following aspects of software testing:

Test Case Generation: AI can be used to automatically generate test cases based on software requirements and other relevant information. This can help ensure that all the critical scenarios and edge cases are covered during testing, leading to more comprehensive testing.

Test Case Execution: Once the test cases have been generated, AI can be used to execute them automatically, freeing up testers to focus on other tasks. AI can also monitor the execution of the test cases, providing real-time feedback on the progress of the testing.

Test Case Evaluation: AI can automatically evaluate the test cases’ results, identifying any failures or issues that need to be addressed. This can help testers quickly identify and fix any problems, improving the overall quality of the software.

In addition to automating the various tasks involved in software testing, AI can also help improve the accuracy and reliability of the testing process. By using machine learning algorithms, AI can learn from previous testing experiences and adjust its approach accordingly, leading to more accurate and reliable results.

Overall, the use of AI in software testing company has the potential to greatly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the testing process. By automating tedious and repetitive tasks, AI can free up testers to focus on more challenging and complex tasks, leading to better-quality software and a more efficient testing process.

Using AI with software testing can greatly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the testing process. By automating tedious and repetitive tasks, AI can free up testers to focus on more challenging and complex tasks, leading to better-quality software and a more efficient testing process.

Software development
A schematic representation of the software development process

One way AI can be used in software testing is to automate the generation of test cases. This involves using AI algorithms to automatically generate test cases based on the software requirements and other relevant information. This can help ensure that all the critical scenarios and edge cases are covered during testing, leading to more comprehensive testing.

Another way AI can be used in software testing is to automate the execution of test cases. Once the test cases have been generated, AI can be used to execute them automatically, freeing up testers to focus on other tasks. AI can also monitor the execution of the test cases, providing real-time feedback on the progress of the testing.

AI can also be used to automatically evaluate the results of the test cases. This involves using AI algorithms to analyze the results of the test cases and identify any failures or issues that need to be addressed. 

Replacing Lost Car Keys
Insights

Know The Process Of Replacing Lost Car Keys

Cars are very special for us and the car keys are very much important. That is why we always take so much care of it. However, losing your car keys is a very common incident and if you have lost your car keys, you will need to replace them. You can do this by going to your local automotive store or by ordering a new set of keys from your car’s manufacturer.

Things To Consider Before Replacing Lost Car Keys:

  • You must have a spare key. If you do, you can use that to get into your car and drive it to a safe location. 
  • If you don’t have a spare key, you will need to call a tow truck to take your car to a safe location. Once you have your car at a safe location, you can then call a locksmith to replace your lost car keys.

There Are A Few Things That You Can Do To Prevent Having To Replace Your Car Keys

  • First, be sure to keep a spare key with you at all times. This way if you lose your keys, you will have a spare to use. 
  • Another thing that you can do is to make sure that you do not leave your keys in your car. This can be a very easy way for someone to steal your car. Hide the keys well if you need to leave your keys in your car, be sure to. 
  • The last thing that you can do to help prevent replacing lost car keys is to get a good security system. This will help to deter thieves from stealing your car. A good security system will also help to protect your car from being broken into.

Best Place For Replacing Lost Car Keys:

  • The dealership is the best place for replacing lost car keys. If you have lost your car keys, the dealership is the best place to replace them. The dealership will have a record of the keys that came with your car, and they will be able to cut you a new set of keys. 
  • If you have lost your car keys and you are not sure where to replace them, you can also check with a locksmith. A locksmith may be able to make you a new set of keys if they have your car’s make and model. 
  • Also, you can visit local hardware store. Many hardware stores sell key blanks that can be cut to match your car’s ignition.

Pros Of Replacing Lost Car Keys:

  • Some of the pros include having a spare set of replacing lost car keys, not having to worry about losing your keys, and not having to pay for a locksmith to come and make a new set of keys. 
  • If you do it yourself, then you will need to find a place that sells replacement keys and then follow the instructions that they give you. 
  • If you use a locksmith, then they will come to your house and make a new set of keys for you. The process of getting a new set of keys made can be very time-consuming and it can also be very expensive. 
  • If you do not have the time or the funds necessary to have a new set of keys created, then you should probably think about merely replacing your lost car keys instead of getting a new set made. Getting a new set of keys can be accomplished by visiting to a local auto parts store and making the purchase there. 
  • You can also order a new set of keys online. You need to make sure that you order the correct ones. 
  • You will also need to make sure that you order the right size. 
  • You should also make sure that you order the right type of key. If you do not order the right type of key, then you may not be able to use your old set of keys.

Conclusion

It is possible to replace your lost car keys yourself, but it is not recommended. Replacing lost car keys is a delicate process and if done wrong, it could damage your car. Contact a professional.

Digital marketing
Martech

4 Good Reasons to Entrust Your Digital Strategy to “Small” Influencers

With the rise of social networks, micro-influencers have become an essential marketing lever for brands. True prescribers, occupy a place of choice in the life of their community. With less than 100,000 followers, these “small” influencers get a higher engagement rate than larger Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok accounts. In this article, we explain to you what makes the success of these 3.0 content creators and why they are a safe bet for your digital strategy.

1. The expertise of “small” influencers: the key to reaching a niche audience

What makes the strength of the micro-influencer is their expertise in a very specific field. Whether he is passionate about fashion, vegan cuisine, gaming, or even entrepreneurship, his content will always be articulated around the same theme, thus meeting the expectations of his subscribers. When macro-influencers promote a shampoo and a robot vacuum cleaner on the same day, the micro-influencer focuses on his universe. The primary objective of its digital presence is therefore to federate a community around its favorite subject.

This specialist gets his hands dirty for his followers: he tests new products, familiarizes himself with products, and shares his experience. In addition to his in-depth knowledge, he brings solutions to the problems encountered by his audience and this can make all the difference! Another asset that hits the mark with his audience: is his ability to hide behind the product he presents, without trying to put himself in the spotlight.

By dint of publications, this content creator masters his subject at his fingertips. His subscribers are then more attentive to his recommendations, they give him credit and trust him. They react willingly to his interventions by leaving a comment, by sharing his snack content (understanding a short content that goes to the essentials), or by buying the products put forward. The expertise and power of persuasion of this “small” influencer then establish him as a major opinion leader.

2. Proximity: a value that wins the hearts of followers

Advantaged by a small community, micro-influencers interact easily and spontaneously, which gives them an accessible and sincere side in the eyes of subscribers. The more human and personalized dimension of their communication allows them to establish a relationship of trust and build a base of loyal and committed followers. These talented prescribers become familiar and endearing figures, who enter into the daily lives of your potential customers. By consuming realistic content, which echoes “real” life, the audience will then cultivate this feeling of belonging and closeness.

The power of the “small” influencer also lies in their original and personal approach to content creation. Its editorial line and style are easily recognizable. He works his publications with care and creates his own DNA. This proximity, coupled with expertise, gives the latter a certain authenticity, and this is exactly what consumers are looking for today.

To confirm this trend, just look at the engagement rate! According to Up fluence, an influencer marketing platform, influencers with less than 100,000 followers have a more loyal and responsive community than big social media stars. Whether on Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok, nano and micro-influencers are undeniably powerful vectors of communication!

🎯 To retain your online customers, also consider implementing these 9 essential tips!

3. Transparency: a pledge of trust that enhances brand image

If the micro-influencers community is looking for authenticity and a certain closeness, it also expects him to show loyalty. As we mentioned, trust is the key to retaining and engaging an audience. What interest would he have in not being honest with his subscribers? He could then lose all credibility and see his popularity and his collaboration proposals melt like snow in the sun.

By playing the card of transparency, he remains faithful to his convictions and does not seek to deceive his public. If he doesn’t like a product he’s testing, he’ll say so. His goal is not to sell at all costs, but rather to share his experiences, with sincerity.

When the proposed content comes from a paid partnership, the influencer mentions it explicitly so that the objectives behind his communication are clear and not concealed. He thus protects his image and that of the brand with which he collaborates.

4. The accessibility of micro-influencers: holy bread for your digital strategy

Strategy
A person is schematically writing about strategy on a white paper

The omnipresence of micro-influencers, on any social media by the social media verification agency, is an undeniable advantage! In this ocean of experts, you will inevitably find your rare pearl. And to meet him, you can opt for two approaches:

  • The “push method: you are the one who sets out to conquer the Grail! By browsing social networks strategically, you will be able to identify influencers who match your values, your image, and above all the message you want to convey to your target audience. You are therefore dealing “directly”. However, this technique can be very time-consuming.
  • The “pull” method: simplifies your task and saves you time. To unearth the future prescribers of your brand, all you have to do is use platforms specializing in influence marketing that can put you in touch with relevant profiles, according to your criteria and your needs. You can submit a campaign on sites like Octuply, Influence4You or Havens, and wait for content creators to apply. All you have to do is make your choice!

The accessibility of these ambassadors with less than 100,000 subscribers is also understood in terms of remuneration. Good news for your marketing budget, they do not ask for colossal sums! Moreover, the majority of them are satisfied with an exchange of services, that is to say, the sending of a product against a publication of content. According to influencer marketing agency Influencer Marketing Hub, 36% of professionals (brands or marketing agencies) “paid” them by simply giving them the product they promoted in their content, compared to 32.4% who transferred money to them. In the table below, the Ko Square digital solution presents the average prices charged by influencers in 2020, according to their profile:

According to figures from Influencer Marketing Hub, ex-reality TV star Kim Kardashian charges an average of 440,000 euros for a simple post on Instagram. You will then agree that collaborating with several “small” influencers will be much cheaper than calling on influencer stars!

Thanks to a communication strategy articulated around strong values, micro-influencers are the best allies to promote a company on social networks. Betting on them is a sure bet to win the hearts of your target. At a lower cost, they know how to retain a community, enhance a brand image and create consumer needs. It would be a shame to deprive yourself of their services, right?

Office
DevelopmentInsights

Gaming in the Office: Pros and Cons for Businesses

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many new trends have been introduced to the workplace, including remote work and gaming. Remote work took a while to implement because we’ve had hundreds and hundreds of years convincing ourselves that our physical presence was required for every kind of work. But gaming in the office is something that many of us already do under the desk, during lunchtime, or inside the office toilet cubicle. It is one of the guilty pleasures of the workplace. So to have it as a growing trend is no small deal, and many employees are jumping on the idea as they have never jumped before.

But apart from the fun, what are the benefits of allowing video games in the workplace? And apart from being a distraction, what are the detriments? Let’s find out.

Pros of Gaming for the Business

1.     Relaxation

When carried out repeatedly and over 3 or 4 hours at least, practically every kind of work becomes monotonous. And because the human mind was not designed to horse around with monotony, stress sets in. The mind then begins a quest for anything and everything exciting. And if you keep forcing it back to the monotonous task at hand, it triggers fatigue in the body until you are ready to stop working or find something else in the environment to pacify it.

This is the kind of struggle that most workers deal with every day. But they have found ways to alleviate stress, including a quick snooze or a 5-minute break to play a game on their phones. So why not make it official and allow periods of genuine relaxation with video games installed in the workplace?

When gaming is allowed in the workplace, it becomes a relaxed environment and employers become used to that relaxation. They can refresh themselves more efficiently. So, there’s a subtle message to every employee: Are you tired? Nothing that playing Angry Birds on your phone can’t fix. Come one, come all! Refresh yourself!

Gaming provisions alleviate the stress of long, difficult, or monotonous work. It is a healthy way of decompressing and maintaining a spirit of happiness in the workplace.

2.     Improved Muscle Flexibility and Motor Skills

For businesses that revolve around tech, video games have the potential to juice up the employees’ speed of work. The majority of video games require a strong command of the eyes and the hands, and sometimes the ears. Each of these senses is constantly bombarded with effects and changes that facilitate training the sense of coordination. So, video games can be used to improve muscle activity among employees, as well as better train their sense of coordination.

Of course, even non-tech companies and employees can benefit from video games in this fashion. Employees with slow typing skills can improve dramatically after getting accustomed to video games that require a keyboard. With the fun element included, the learning speed will be astronomical when compared to similarly purposed video programs like Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing.

A video game like Call of Duty: Cold War is good for training muscle movement and motor skills. Available on PC and Xbox, installing it in the workplace removes the need to procure the assistance of typing experts to help employees.

3.     Boosted Memory

Games are engaging in a way that social media is not. Oddly, the mind can be bogged down by the monopoly of obligatory work but not by games. While gaming, our memories are more active because there are usually many elements to work with, each distinctive and captivating. The colorful squares and ellipsoids of Candy Crush, for example, can fix themselves in your mind long after you play the game. So, video games are great for helping employees boost their recollections.

Added to this boosted memory is the fact that video games are usually engineered to help people solve puzzles. What is the point of a game that is only fun but not challenging in any way? So having video games in the workplace improves employees’ ability to process a lot of information with incredible mastery.

Consider the racing game available on Xbox, Burnout Paradise, for example. The racing game quickly gets gamers adjusting their minds to the various curves and edges of the interface. Even after shutting their eyes, memories of their gameplay still flash under the eyelids of employees. So, with video games, employees’ eyes are put to great use—as an open window to memory.

4.     Bursts of Inspiration

Video games are great visual places to get bursts of inspiration. Even cartoonish and classic video games have aspects that are designed to promote thinking in the gamer. The more you play such games, the more you are forced to consider visible and unseen variables, especially considering that the game interface does not show you everything at once.

Anybody who has played Super Mario Bros. would be familiar with the simple and exciting narrative. The obstacles are generally easy to overcome but how you do so determines the points you get. As a result, the game’s substructural edge is that it forces players to be innovative in a simple way. This is an area that is overlooked but has significant implications for inspirational value in the workplace.

Video games consequently stimulate creative thinking, assist employees in testing possible implications of introducing new variables into their gameplay or making adjustments to the existent, and inspire them to try new methods. They can then subliminally gather this creativity and apply it to their work whenever they have to deal with difficult tasks.

5.     Employee Engagement

Lap top
A person is showing another person something on the laptop

Having video games installed in the workplace can get employees more committed to the workplace objectives and big picture. In cases where these games require teams to play them, the odds of increased social cohesion among employees are not small. Employees that play video games together are bound to have better communication than others. So in introducing gaming into the workplace, we are making it more convenient for employees to form communities, run tasks with teamwork effectiveness and with few complaints, and easily get behind company policies.

This is especially important for workplaces that are still remote and virtual. For these places, getting together over the weekend for a picnic might be taking it too far. But a meeting in the virtual world of gaming is just appropriate. These employees may decide to play Call of Duty and Burnout Paradise during particular times.

Playing these kinds of games together helps employees learn together. For instance, both of the aforementioned games are available on Microsoft Xbox. This game console is one of the very best because it is a Microsoft production and can easily integrate with all the other Microsoft stuff. Moreover, using it can help employees learn a lot of new things, like fixing login issues on the Xbox app.

6.     Easier and Speedier Decision-Making Processes

A visualization is an important tool for presentations for a reason. It is easier to convince people with pictures than without. In the same vein, video games are all about visuals, from the colors and textures of these games to the different modes and characterization that they have. These visuals, as we explained earlier, have a way of sticking out in the brain so that they become impressions. They also loosen the areas of our minds that want to work through every decision-making process.

So, through video games, an employer can help foster a mental culture of faster decision-making among their employees. Because these employees are forced to make casual decisions while gaming, those who are usually very demanding and rigorous with pipeline tasks would be forced to relax. Over time, this will allow them to form a culture of speedier thinking and processing of information in a more natural manner. This results in the culture creating a capacity for efficient decision-making in every employee in the workplace, thereby minimizing the headaches that team managers get from having overdependent employees.

Cuphead is a good example of a game that fosters decision-making among employees.

7.     Improves Collaboration and Leadership Skills

Another prominent advantage of having video games installed in the workplace is that it improves collaboration and leadership skills. Team managers can test-drive the leadership skills of workers to determine improvements over the years. Directly, managers can use video games in the workplace to engender trust in leadership and enhance the relationships of supervisors and department heads with their team members.

The direct materialization of oneself in the form of a game character allows a kind of liberation that is rarely obtained any other way. But as employees kick up their heels to have a good time, they are unconsciously leaning on their self-governing sides which makes the game more enjoyable as they make decisions themselves and see the implications of their choices. They consequently get more confident with every passing moment. This is probably why gamers who are otherwise shy any other time of the day are fierce and self-possessed once attached to the console.

Employees can also be taught leadership by letting them lead teams in video games. This helps them reinforce necessary leadership qualities and become used to doing so at any other time. Portal 2 is a fine example of a video game that fosters such qualities.

Cons of Gaming in the Workplace

1.     Distractions

The biggest minus to allowing video games in the workplace is that they can easily become distractions. It takes a disciplined mind to stay focused on the task at hand without needing the rush of excitement that video games offer to players. This kind of discipline is difficult to maintain when there are provisions for fun and entertainment just a few feet away.

So, unless gamification is effectively managed, introducing it to a workplace can collapse the structure of task allocation and delivery. Employees might become lazy and cultivate a habit of missing targets and deadlines.

2.     Displacement of the Big Picture in the Workplace

Video games tend to take over the human mind. Once again, the mind is not so responsible that it can be left unattended in the face of fun. This means that employees with access to video games in the workplace may unconsciously suppose that the game is an incentive for better work. Even though this is not a false observation, taking the games as rewards for good work rather than taking them as incentives are two different things. One has gamification in the workplace as an objective while the other has it as a tool. The latter case leads to increased productivity while the former breeds unintentional laziness and the misplacement of work values.

3.     Possible Splintering of Employees into Factions of Ardent Gamers and Non-Gamers

They may be exciting, relaxing, and absolutely enjoyable, but video games are not for everybody. Some individuals will only indulge because they have nothing else to do, while others will not do so even if they are compelled to with a gun to their heads. So providing gaming in the workplace can trigger schisms that never existed before, with the workforce breaking into factions of ardent gamers and passionate non-gamers. Such situations trigger unrest, disband social cohesion and reduce productivity.

4.     Impending Rigidity and Loss of Value and Meaning

Nobody wants to repeat a game continually. Given enough time, games that used to be exciting can become monotonous, forcing managers to think up new ways to make the enterprise perpetually attractive. But this can get expensive, not to mention that it was never the goal in the first place. So, gaming in the workplace is not sustainable in the long run because it can get rigid and lose value and meaning.

In Closing…

Ultimately, gamification in the workplace can be a good idea. It helps employees bond more easily, make decisions more quickly, and cut down stress more naturally. There are also a lot of transferable skills attached to the inclusion of video games in the workplace. However, this inclusion requires the integration of strategies that focus on promoting a healthy workplace culture—rather than negligence and unfavorable gaming habits—among employees.

e-Commerce
Insights

ECommerce Trends that Will Rule in 2022 and Beyond

The eCommerce industry seems to have taken everyone by surprise across the globe. I am sure as soon as you google the word “eCommerce”, you will come across a wide range of information such as what eCommerce is, how it works, how it is beneficial for businesses these days, and so forth. However, there are several nuances of eCommerce which no one talks about. Fret not, the following post covers it all!

It seems pretty uncanny that even though eCommerce being such a renowned trend, businesses often tend to ignore the emerging marketing trends and end up lacking behind like never before. Every time I type “eCommerce Trends” on the search engine, I am most likely to find new ecommerce trends around the corner. This is pretty bizarre, yet we have to keep up with it or else we might have a lot to lose.

The rise of the eCommerce Industry

eCommerce is no longer a buzzing term, it has successfully changed our lives by redefining several activities such as shopping, buying groceries, home decor, electronics, etc. Jumping on the bandwagon of eCommerce business seems a sure-shot way to succeed. Now we all know what eCommerce is right? The process of buying and selling products online. However, what you may not know is that the explosion is spreading like a fire.

Image Source: Euromonitor, National Data Sources Morgan Stanley Research estimates

If we take a look region-wise, then eCommerce seems to have covered almost 70% of the globe successfully and seamlessly. And when you break things down, you will find China with $740 billion while the US accounts for $560 billion, the UK with $93 billion and India to reach US$188 billion in a few years down the line. 

You see with more and more penetration and accessibility of the internet, the eCommerce industry will keep on rising like never before. No wonder, the concept of having tons of profound benefits has become mainstream in people’s day-to-day lives. It has already become mainstream in daily life. One fine day, you will find it breaking the net accounting for double-digit growth in those locations where it’s not even there such as Africa and the Middle East. Wondering how?

  • Here you get a wide range of payment options, e-wallets, net banking, COD, etc.
  • Seamless exchange and return policies
  • You get the privilege to order sitting right from your home
  • Smart shopping is possible by using options such as AR/VR, 360 -degree view, etc.
  •  Saves ample of time and energy
  • You are most likely to purchase all the items on your checklist in the least amount of time.

Above all, you are privileged enough to get the product delivered within a span of days or hours. Yes, you heard it right, hours! Amazon offers this privilege to deliver products in the least amount of time, i.e. 2-4 hours for its valuable customers. So I say when you get all these benefits and advantages in a one-stop-shop destination then why the heck does not anyone prefer these eCommerce stores over those conventional brick-and-mortar stores?

Now if I may ask who has the most purchasing power or who should be your target audience? It has to be no doubt, millennials, and GenZ. People born from 1984 to 1994 are the ones who have the ability to spend millions, billions, and trillions on an annual basis. Also, changes in consumer behavior are inevitable day in and day out. And COVID-19 plays a very pivotal role in the rise of the eCommerce industry.

Further, I would like to shed some light on some of the most crucial eCommerce trends to take into account for 2022 and a few years down the line.

Top eCommerce Trends To look Forward in 2022

#1 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Now you must be wondering how these disruptive technologies are shaping the eCommerce industry. Technology and eCommerce are like chocolate and peanut butter, they do have a pretty kind of symbiotic relationship with each other. The mass adoption and demand for smartphones and other computing devices, certainly call for the trillion industry to keep growing at a fanatic pace. eCommerce is one of a kind concept that seems to have always embraced and made the most of the different new and emerging technologies right from the start.  And artificial intelligence and machine learning are no exceptions. It’s well known that ML and AI companies are transforming the e-commerce and retail industries.

Now you must be wondering how AI and ML can assist your eCommerce stores to grow and expand significantly.

  • Conversions – Now I am sure you do know the importance of increased conversions. Well, by using these disruptive technologies such as AI and ML, eCommerce stores can easily boost their conversion rates. Have you heard of smart search results? Yeah, they are much faster and better in comparison to the generic ones. For example, let’s say most of your target audiences are looking for the new iPhone 14 instead of One plus 10. So what your store can offer is to recommend the Apple product then and there or on social media feeds instead of other options. By doing so, the consumer will directly reach the product without any hassle and end up purchasing the product immediately.
  • Personalization – The next advantage of using artificial intelligence or machine learning technology for your eCommerce store is it offers an immense amount of personalization. Now your customers will always remember how you made them feel when they reached your store, so don’t miss this chance of grabbing their attention in the long run. These technologies certainly assist in understanding the needs and demands of your current end users and offer them personalized services easily. Try to enhance your store with relevant recommendations and nothing can stop you from increasing sales.
  • Predictive Analysis – Lastly, AI and Machine Learning have the potential to understand your customers way more than you think. Whether it’s based on their search history or previous purchases, or window shopping pattern, you are more likely to receive important insights within regular intervals. Also, after going through such data and analysis, you can offer personalized offers or discount coupons again to increase sales.

#2 AR/VR is in Vogue!

Our next emerging eCommerce trend is AR/VR. After Pokemon Go became a massive hit, people including techies and non-techies have started becoming well acquainted with these bizarre yet intimidating technologies. Slowly and steadily, AR and VR technologies are found penetrating our day-to-day lives through eCommerce and several other mainstream industries. Now earlier it was observed that people do visit your store, they even end up liking the product but when the time of checkout comes, they abandon the cart and leave. Almost 70% of shoppers used to abandon their respective carts just because they feared that the product wouldn’t fit. So in that case what should online retailers do, how can they persuade their customers to make the purchase?

Here AR/VR technology comes to play. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality have been trending a lot lately and will be seen reshaping the eCommerce industry. Here’s How!

  • Try before you Buy – One of the most crucial advantages offered by these technologies is that it offers the option of trying before you buy right then and there. With the help of virtual tools, customers can easily try the product and make informed decisions right then and there. Also, you will get to know which brands manage to meet customer expectations and which don’t! With the virtual try-on option, customers can try the product virtually on themselves. As a result, more and more customers will visit your store just for the sake of enhanced shopping experiences. For example, IKEA launched the AR catalog app enabling customers to see how certain items would look in their real homes. After which, Converse and Lego seem to have started using the technology as well.    
  • Convenience – Another interesting benefit of using AR and VR technology is that though you are visiting a virtual store, it doesn’t mean it won’t be offering any real-store experience. In fact, the space often makes online shopping more convenient, seamless and free of any kind of stress or anxiety. These real-life experiences can definitely save ample time while they can enjoy their leisure time and shop.
  • Saves Money – As I said, here you do get to try before you buy so you won’t be wasting products that don’t seem right to your place. There was a time when customers discovered that the product wasn’t right once it had been brought home, which can be pretty disappointing, tiresome and daunting. Here all you need to do is stand in your living room and put the headset on, start buying.

#3 Personalized Experience is all that matters!

No matter which technology or trend you follow, personalized experiences or customized experiences have always been and will always remain a trend! As the name implies, here eCommerce store owners must offer products and services that are relevant to the particular customer. According to stats, around 80% of customers are more likely to buy the product, especially from the stores that end up offering a personalized experience instead of those that don’t.

  • Enhanced brand engagement – Now when you exactly know what your customers want to shop for and what type of products they are more likely to buy. When this happens, eCommerce store owners do get a fair chance to enhance engagement and interact with the brand. With personalization, you can exactly show and offer your end users what they’re looking for before they buy.
  • Enhanced customer experience – Another advantage of personalized experience is enhanced customer experience. By doing so customers are going to love their shopping time and enjoy the experience. Even on an ordinary day, they can feel special just by your strategies. Try showing all the products they want to see, offer quick access, and keep them updated in regard to relevant discounts and promotional offers. Try to come up with more and more ways of enhancing their buying experience and compelling them to shop from your store again and again.  

Final Words

Of course, this is not it. Several other trends are going on such as chats for personal interaction, Buy now pay later options, diversified payment options, video marketing, social commerce, and so more! However, the aforementioned ones are the best ones to take into account and you can never go wrong with them.

I hope you did enjoy reading the post. In case, if you have any doubts or queries, feel free to mention them in the comment section below.

Electrician Service
Insights

What are the Criteria That Make a Local Electrician Service Worthy?

An electrical hazard is a common problem. And all of you are acquainted with the problem, more or less. But honestly, it becomes a headache when you fail to fix the snag yourself. In such cases, calling the local electrician service can be the best savior. In the meantime, you need to be very vigilant and check out the other credentials of the company. For how many days they serve the local people and feedback from the other local customers. Therefore, in this context, let’s see what criteria make a local electrician service worthy of calling. 

Skilled And Trained 

The first thing that makes you hire any local electrician service is their elementary skills to tackle any electrical problems. Now that’s because majorly they undergo training, and their skills get honed with that to a great extent. They get specific training related to their job. And they have to pass various levels to get done with the training. 

License Is Must 

To get the license, local electrician services need to update their skills. They need to stay updated with the latest technology. Now the upgradation helps them to follow the guidelines and take safety measures accordingly. Having a license is not a leisurely cup of tea. Instead, it becomes challenging because local electricians must pass inclusive tests. Also, inspection is done stringently so that the right one is selected. This license is evidence that the commercial electrician is equally competent in their job and can solve the resident’s electrical problems unfailingly. Besides everything, the license is also proof that guarantees the electrician’s work. So you can stay assured that they won’t leave the site once you call them unless the job gets done.

Time And Money Saved 

Calling the experienced and professional local electrician service to a great extent will save you money as well as time. Because of the training and experience, they use their knowledge and detailed understanding to detect electrical problems. You won’t see them goofing around with the work. They also ensure that the electrical setup is acceptable for the residents. They would also help you in knowing whether the occupants can stay peacefully inside the building or not.

Insurance Of Liability 

Electrical work is dangerous, so you can’t guarantee the electrician’s safety. In that case, it becomes burdensome for you. But when you contact a local electrician service with proper liability insurance, you no doubt get released from the stress. In case of any casualty, the occupants are not answerable to the company. Also, they don’t need to pay additional costs or medical bills. If they have got proper licenses along with the insurance, then the insurance company or the electrical service provider’s company would be responsible for paying off the injury bills.

You can also consider a situation like if an electrician fails to complete the work within the said date, you will get the compensation for that. Besides that, local electrician service providers usually have this security bond. So now you don’t need to worry about electricians who do not complete the work on time or provide unexpected results.

When you hire electricians with valid certificates, stay assured that they will complete the work with full accountability. Also, they will never run away from the middle of the project. Besides that, they will submit legal documents in case of legal tasks. So you can also protect yourself from getting scammed or overcharged. 

Licensed Electricians Never Follow A Shortcut Route

Electrician
An electrician is solving the problem with the power socket

Calling a local electrician service gives you peace of mind because you know they won’t follow any shortcut method for their work. Now they are aware that following shortcut methods in case of electrical problems, can lead to various hazards. Electrical snags can lead to dangerous situations and, at times, fire hazards. Now certified electricians make sure that inspection of the cables is done minutely. After identifying the issues, they also make sure that all the problems are recognized in time and you get a permanent solution. After identifying the problem, they will use the right tools and equipment to get rid of it. 

Final say 

Thus, these are some of the best qualities of the local electrician service. So go through these at once to understand them in detail. 

Prices
Insights

Competition Based Pricing: Pros and Cons of Competitive Pricing

Pricing is one of the most important decisions a company has to make. It can impact many aspects like sales, market share, and consistency. Our prices need to be competitive for us to succeed in today’s marketplace. This is why each company should consider pricing strategies to increase sales and help businesses grow.

One of the most popular pricing strategies is competition-based pricing. However, it is an incredibly contentious topic. On the one hand, competitive pricing is a fantastic way to create customer loyalty and maximize earnings. However, there are many arguments against using competition as your pricing strategy. Which side of the fence are you on? There are both pros and cons of competition-based pricing that we will dive into in this article.

What Is Competition-Based Pricing?

Competition-based pricing is about using a strategy of price cutting against your competitors. It’s a popular strategy among low-cost vendors to try and compete with higher-priced competitors. However, many people have doubts about competition-based pricing because they believe it creates loyalty issues.

Today many companies use different pricing strategies. A very good resource can be found on softwarepricing.com, where you will see examples of innovative pricing strategies in software. The Software Pricing Partners company supports businesses to develop unique strategies to increase sales and minimize risks at each stage of the pricing process.

How Can Competition-Based Pricing Help Your Business?

Competition-based pricing can help increase sales but maybe not profit. People can buy your products or services if you have the lowest prices. But more likely to buy your product if they understand the value to the company and are generally willing to pay a premier if that value is high. Moreover, you should keep in mind that you will earn a lower profit margin after the price reduction is implemented.

Pros Of Competition Based Pricing

The biggest pro of competition-based pricing is that you become one of the cheapest solutions available in your market. After all, your competitors are doing this, and by matching their prices, you can reap huge benefits. In some cases, price competition can even help your business grow through increased sales from new customers.

It’s Fairly Simple

Competition-based pricing is a simple strategy to implement. If you are thinking about lowering your price, go ahead and do it. However, you should be aware of the consequences that can follow after this decision. That’s why you should have a goal in mind instead of blindly implementing competition-based pricing.

For example, if you want to attract more customers or gain more market share, then lowering your price will help with these goals. However, if your goal is to increase profit margins, then lowering prices may not be the best idea.

It’s Low Risk

Another important reason why competition-based pricing works is low-risk because the chances of not being profitable are low compared to other strategies. So if your competitors go live with this strategy, you will.

It Can Be Accurate

Competition-based pricing can be accurate, especially in saturated industries like software solutions. This market provides enough data to move pricing toward a methodology based on market price and market share.

Cons Of Competition Based Pricing

The biggest problem with competition-based pricing is typical, there is no actual need for it because each business has different costs and different markets.

It Leads To Missed Opportunities

Sometimes businesses don’t really need to use competition-based pricing. Instead, they can focus on building a better product or service and win customers by innovation. It can also be a cheaper solution than price wars.

Many Companies Copy

Why lower your prices if you know your competitors will do it as well? It makes no sense, especially if you have a strong brand. By reducing your price, you are just contributing to the problem by making price the most important factor for a customer’s buying decision instead of the quality of your product or service.

Short Term Thinking

A lot of companies often have short-term thinking, which makes them use competition-based pricing. But usually, this strategy is effective only in the short term. Longer-term views will allow you to be different from your competitors and grow without being involved in a price war.

Should Competitive-Based Pricing Be An Aspect Of Your Pricing Model? 

Model
A graphic model is used for price evaluation

Companies in different industries use many pricing strategies. However, competition-based pricing is often mentioned among products or services in the same business. It’s a strategy that many companies use to gain more customers, increase sales, and still stay competitive.

If you have good margins and a strong brand image, you don’t need to consider lowering your price. In such cases, you can rely on promotions, running competitions, expanding your market, and other pricing strategies that are more appropriate for your particular situation.

The Bottom Line

All businesses have different needs and different opportunities. It is important to look at all the possible pricing strategies you can use for your business and stick with the one suitable for your company. For example, price based on your competitors is a better strategy if you want to increase sales and customer loyalty promptly.

In most cases, it’s not a bad idea to price according to how other companies charge for similar products or services. The problem is that customers often don’t know anyone else who uses identical products or services and may be unable to compare their products with those of other companies.

Travertine stone
Insights

Pros and Cons of Using Travertine Stone for Flooring

Travertine stone has to be on your list of possibilities to take into consideration if you value the opulent and distinctive appearance of natural stone. A sedimentary stone found in nature, travertine is related to marble and limestone.

This stone works well for counters, backsplashes, and shower walls but is most frequently used for flooring and paving. Travertine stone has certain maintenance issues while being a great option for achieving a relaxed and soothing look.

Flooring For The Kitchen, Bathroom, And Living Room

The variety of colour schemes and patterns that travertine flooring allows is one of its biggest benefits. Travertine comes in a wide range of hues, from beige and ivory to gold and deep reddish-brown. The stone’s subtle colour blending and natural veining make it simple to design the desired look and create one-of-a-kind designs.

Four Alternative Finishes Are Available:

Matte honed, tumbled, brushed, and polished. The most common option, the honed finish, is slick while maintaining a natural appearance. Textural interest is provided by the harsher brushed and tumbled finishes. Polished travertine has a glossy finish that blends in beautifully with modern décor schemes and resembles marble.

 Travertine stone
A travertine stone is used for building stairs on home property

Travertine stone is challenging to keep sparkling, but its organic matte nature has a unique appeal. Any décor style benefits from the aged, weathered appearance of travertine that has been tumbled and brushed. These coatings suit rustic designs very well. Even better, with proper upkeep, the stone’s look won’t deteriorate significantly over time.

Because travertine tiles are available in such a wide variety of sizes, you may use massive slabs to create a streamlined and uncluttered look in vast areas, mosaic tiles to create colourful motifs or anything in between. Simple to Replace

Finding a tile with a similar appearance to install as a replacement for a damaged or discoloured travertine tile won’t be too difficult. Finding a tile that blends in is more difficult with porcelain tiles.

Travertine’s inherent troughs, pits, and holes are prone to deterioration, especially in areas with a lot of foot traffic. Even tiny divots have a tendency to grow over time. Fixing these holes on a consistent basis is not part of the routine maintenance that a travertine floor needs to remain in good condition.

Cost Was Relatively High

One disadvantage of choosing travertine for a substantial piece of flooring is the cost. Travertine stones are a more costly alternative to porcelain than many natural stone tiles made of man-made materials. A greater quality of travertine requires less filler material, which is typically concrete, in order to look beautiful. This results in an increase in both its worth and its cost.

Costs are further increased by the need for installation. Your floor may need to be modified before the tile is put in as stone tiles demand a firmer floor than porcelain tiles do. The thin-set, the glue used to fasten the tile, should come next. Travertine often needs a modified thin-set, which is more expensive since it has latex or polymers added to it.

Backgrounds And Counters

Travertine enables you to design stunning countertops and backsplashes that perfectly suit your tastes. However, maintenance will need some work. Due to its great porosity, travertine quickly absorbs any liquids that come into contact with it. A small juice or wine spill can leave a lasting mark. Even while sealant makes the stone more resistant to stains, it needs to be reapplied on a regular basis and, even then, it is not an entirely perfect solution. As soon as spills happen, clean them up for the best chance of keeping the stone stain-free.

When exposed to acids, travertine responds. This makes it susceptible to etching, which manifests as drab white spots. Even simple liquids like vinegar and orange juice can leave etch impressions on surfaces.

Poolside And The Bathroom

Despite being stronger and less likely to break, travertine is softer than many other stones and porcelain. Travertine is quite simple to cut because of this combination, which cuts down on the work and time needed for the installation project.

If you are seeking a natural stone that encourages you to express your creativity, travertine stone is the best choice.

Plumber
Insights

Choose Your Plumbing Services Carefully

Plumbing issues are one of the major household problems which most homeowners seem to ignore. But if you have been doing the same now then it would be very irrelevant to blame the system later. In simple words, the plumbing issues stay in control and in a reparable condition in the initial stages. But if you keep on ignoring them for a long, then it would soon go out of your hands and end up in a worsened condition where you would finally have to call for professional help.

Thus, without wasting much time in the initial stage, you can call for plumber services to look into the water leakage issues in the first place only where you would not have to bear additional costs in the stages. You can keep eye on the following article to choose the right choice of plumbers now.

You will know very well that your plumbing services are the best when there are no:

  • Peculiar sounds coming from the faucets
  • Water pressure is at its best
  • The drain gives out a bad odor
  • Slow moving drains
  • Damaged or stained walls

If you start seeing these signs then you will have to rope in your plumbing services to action.

The Services That You Can Expect From Your Plumbing Services

There are many problems that a plumber fixes. You must know what they are. They would include inspecting, installing, and replacing your plumbing system. If they detect any flaws in your system after inspection, they will either replace or install a new system in place. 

You can expect toilet repairs from your plumbing services. A toilet is one place that you will not be able to do without in your daily life if you live in a civilized society. So as soon as you detect even the tiniest blockage or improper flushing system or blockage in the drains, immediately put in a call to your plumber.

Your plumbing services will repair leaks, clean the drains of foreign particles to keep them running, and repair and replace pipes. He will also repair the sewer. If your water heating system has conked out then call in your plumber. You can expect him to function in all these capacities.

Plumber service
A plumber is doing repair work with pipes in his hands

Why Are Professional Plumbers Important?

Plumbing issues are common not only in households but also in commercial establishments. They include a variety of problems that have already been mentioned above. If there are minor issues, maybe if you have the least bit of an idea, you will be able to resolve them. But if the issue is a major thing, do not hesitate to call in your professional plumbing services

They know best how to handle matters because they have trained in them. Apart from their training, they are loaded with experience they have gathered over the years. Sometimes the issues are very complicated and beyond your capacity. So it is only reasonable that you call in professional plumbing services.

Reasons for hiring professional plumbing services include:

  • Professionals have the skill and experience that will ensure your plumbing services are up to the mark. The work is done efficiently
  • Professional companies take care that the waste water is disposed of in the correct method as laid down by the authorities
  • You as a layman may not notice certain defects and flaws that a professional would and thus, they will give you the best estimates
  • Professional companies have tools and equipment which ensure that work is done flawlessly and all issues are resolved

Tips To Choose the Best Plumbing Services

Corroborate with others on the price the plumbing services have quoted for you. The prices should be transparent and should be matching with others. Check out the customer services that they will give you. Even the after-sales services should be verified and made clear beforehand. 

The most important thing for you to realize is that no matter which plumbing services you have chosen, they should be done so locally. This will take care of the regular servicing that you might require and the response time will also be taken care of. 

It is assumed that now you have a fair idea as to how to choose your plumbing services. So go ahead and look for the best as they are definitely your life partners. You will require them every other day, so be careful and selective in your preferences.

NFT
Insights

Instagram for NFT: How to Succeed

Isn’t it amazing to know that Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT), the new black, have existed since 2014? Some choose to pronounce it as ‘en eff tee’ while others as neft. 

Let’s term it as super tech that has not only been super-efficient in solving the tech guru generation issues but has heightened and promoted work ownership (patents) Array Yu, chair of the Washington Technology Industry Association Cascadia Blockchain Council and managing director of Yellow Umbrella Ventures terms it as a platform that creates digital scarcity. 

It’s a part of the ethereal blockchain (a cryptocurrency like a bitcoin and a dogecoin) encoded with underlying software and marks which individuals and how they are trading in NFTs. So, technically it’s a real-time affair. NFT is unlimited; it can be practically anything digital from fine art drawings and abstracts, tacos, to music. The best part is that NFTs can’t be copied. 

As an artist, you can still retain your copyrights and production rights just like the physical art piece. With these, it has brought a wide array of job opportunities for software engineers, product managers, content creators e.t.c.  Incredible, right!

Benefits of NFTs

Some of the most successful products with NFTs include the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC). NFT is beneficial to both the vendor (artist) and the purchaser. As an artist, you can showcase your art pieces that on a regular market may not yield much. It enables you to attain full benefit by getting paid on every sold piece at a calculated percentage. Every sale is accountable and maximum yields are realized. The products are also publicized and a broader market is attained. 

You can also store specific information in NFT metadata. This includes also signing your artwork by including it in the files. The famous digital artist Mike Winklemann (Beeple) fashioned a composite of 5,000 drawings to create the most famous NTF in 2021 (every day: The first 5,000 days) sold at Christie’s for a whopping $ 69.3 Million. Twitter co-founder, Jack Dorsey also sold his first tweet as an NFT for more than $2.9 million. As a purchaser, you can promote your favorite artists You also attain usage rights like posting the entire image collage online even as a profile picture with a blockchain backup for free. You also own the ‘bragging rights’ unlike an individual who only downloads or screenshots.

How to promote NFT on Instagram

Instagram has proven to be a great lead in promoting NFTs and brand awareness while also accruing revenues. It fosters the creation of value and builds trust. The presence of multiple channels can create more solidly rooted connections with investors and NFT collectors. It is prudent to mix a variety of strategies to create a niche and actively involve your audience.

1. Build a community

Concentrate on establishing a strong community to support your NFTs. Ensure that you have a strong backing up community as they will be your referral points implying an increase in revenues. Engage with them on social media platforms and redirect them to your website. When your clients locate customized content on your website, it’s a plus and you can use the tool to curate your NFTs that suit their preferences.

2. Use hashtag strategy

Rather than curating your digital art, back them up with creative hashtags and suitable details. Make use of keywords in the hashtags and in the descriptions. Also, include keywords on every caption you upload.

This course explains how to perfect instagram captions and hashtags. Take advantage of also exploring other promotional options to increase your sales. As you are creating your content, assess the responses and creatively look for ways to increase your reach based on your audience preferences.

3. Approach influencers

Watch the biggest creators and NFTs promoters. Select an influencer with a considerable follower base and specialize in it. Take advantage of building your authenticity and personality for your brand without hindering your budget. Align your promotional strategy and their reach to leverage their followers and attain more brand awareness, you can also hire a content contreator to publish content regularly.

Describing concepts on NFT trading to educate the public. You can as well post a story announcing the launching date of your content. You can also take advantage by utilizing the influencer’s image on your post and leverage the face value they have for your content. It’s remarkable how sometimes a single post from the right influencer can do wonders for your brand.  Assess your impressions and traffic created by checking the UTM links.

4. Paid advertising strategy

Most times the most successful campaigns are a mix of paid ads and organic reach. You can run your ads on various social media websites and channels. You can optimize your ads by remarketing strategies like email newsletters and reminders on your launching date. You can also collaborate with a partnered NFT marketing agency to promote your NFTs on Instagram. You can also hire crypto marketing professionals on Web3 job boards to grow your community.

5. Engage your audience

It’s not only about posting photos, engage your audience with different content in different formats. For example, you can create reels and IGTV videos with creative topics and trendy music to engage your audience. You can also interact with your audience by posting frequent stories and making them interactive. You can enhance it by making teasers and short trailers of your NFT’s launch. 

How does an NFT work?

Since NFTs exist in a blockchain, it is practically a distributed public ledger that records transactions. They are also minted from digital objects that represent both tangible and intangible objects like graphic art, GIFS, videos and sports highlights, collectibles, virtual avatars, video game skins, designer sneakers, and music.

Uses of NFTs

It shifts your culture of storing arts in galleries or auction centers to attain revenues. It also offers a unique opportunity to monetize your wares. NFTs enable direct vending thus, yields full benefits to artists. As an artist, you can also channel it into royalties thereby earning some percentages from each sale. It is a great benefit that originally was not yielding any future proceeds after the sale. The platform is also versatile and not only vends artistic pieces but includes other ventures as well. Charmin and Taco Bell brands have auctioned off theme NFT art to raise funds for charity. Charmin’s NFTP (Non-fungible toilet paper) and Taco Bell’s NFT sold within minutes and amassed the highest bid of 1.5 wrapped ether (WETH) amounting to $ 3,723.83. Nyan cat (2011-era GIF) sold for nearly $ 600,000 and the NBA shot earned $500 million in March while a single LeBron NFT highlight incurred more than $ 200,000.

How Instagram NFTS work

Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram described a group of collectors and creators who will display NFTS in their Instagram stories, messaging, and feeds termed as digital collectibles and will be displayed as tagged profile pictures and products. 

Upon tapping the tag, the creator’s name, NFT owner, and other details will be available. It will begin with a small group as a tester to learn from the user community, creators, and collectors. The small team will also help in incorporating the principle of distributed trust and power. From the initial feedback, they will be able to incorporate other functionality. 

NFTs minted on polygons and ethereal blockchains will be fostered. Flow and Solana will be incorporated later. From the third-party crypto wallets, Trust wallet, Rainbow, and Meta mask will be supported while Phantom, Coin base, and Dapper will also be incorporated later. Upon plugging their wallet, the user can prove ownership of NFT, display their profile, and tag the creator of the digital artwork. 

The collector can then post the digital work and a description of the piece can be included. The plans include letting individuals use augmented reality to display 3D NFTs on Instagram stories.  Mark Zuckerberg revealed it will be built using Spark AR.

What will be the costs?

You will not be charged for sharing or posting a digital collectible on Instagram

What about Safety

How to Avoid NFT Scams: The Safety and Risks of NFTs in 2022

Instagram emphasized its key objective is to keep the platform safe and enjoyable for all users. As users, you are free to use your tools and keep your accounts safe. You can also report NFTs that break the user community guidelines. Renewable energy will also be purchased to ensure sustainability and reduce the impact of emissions linked with NFT displays.

Since the hacking on BAYC social media has been concerned about the idea of Meta joining the crew. Yuga Labs (BAYC creator) pinpointed the two-factor authentication was activated and security practices were imposed. The hackers promoted the fake distribution of NFTs and deceived users by clicking on malicious links giving leeway to thefts. The damage was estimated to be around $3 million and more than 90 NFTs were stolen including the Four Bored Apes and Six Mutant Apes. 

Hype on NFTS

Sophie Sturdevant (NFT artist) shared with Forbes her opinions on the importance of the NFTs partnership with Instagram. She remarked it will increase the visibility and adoption of NFTs. However, the dominant view is that it’s too early for mainstream adoption. From September 2021, the sales have declined by 92%. There has also been a decrease in NFT value such as the NFT tweet by Jack Dorsey a year later was less valued. Sina Estavi (the new purchaser) only managed to sell it at $ 14,000 from the initial $2.9 million.

How to build an NFT brand audience on Instagram

You can partner with influencers, use hashtags, assess your rivals, tell stories, showcase live events, hold contests and giveaways, provide social proof, share the creative process, including action-oriented CTAs, live stream events, and new releases, and promote new and upcoming releases, respond to comments and use analytics to guide on content strategy. An example of an influential hashtag by Flick’s content manager Mackenzie Taylor, Hashtag Academy Course is a high-converting page on their website:

Conclusion

NFTs have transformed the artists, purchasers, and collectors’ way of showcasing and attaining artistic pieces. More yields and publicity have also been attained. More opportunities have been created thanks to NFTs.