business

Interested in Marketing? How to Get Started

Published

1 year ago

January 14, 2022

abdullah hussain tanoli

Marketing for a Small Business Explained

Table of Contents

Marketing is a big industry, with a lot of different cogs in the machine and many ways to make your mark. You can start out with almost any background. In fact, the more niche your background, the more you can stand out from the rest in the marketing industry. There is so much freedom to take your marketing career in any direction you want. You can work for a specific type of company. You can work solely with digital marketing. You can work freelance, for an agency, or for a company directly. There is no right or wrong way to get started with your career in marketing, and there is no right or wrong way to progress it. This gives you both a lot of freedom and a lot of choices, but with this guide, you’ll better understand marketing, and more importantly, how to get started in your marketing career.

What is Marketing?

Marketing is, at its core, a softer version of selling. Instead of directly, you sell the idea or the company. Marketing is a massive umbrella industry that includes sales, public relations, market research and analytics, advertising, and digital marketing. It is an umbrella of several different branches, and a successful marketing department or firm will have several people under its wing. The larger departments have people even for seemingly small jobs, like writing product descriptions, while smaller departments have people who carry multiple hats to get the job done.

What is Digital Marketing?

Digital marketing directly refers to the marketing and analytics done online. Much like marketing, it is also something of an umbrella term. It can include social media marketing, PPC marketing, online PR marketing, SEO, on-site marketing, email marketing, and more. Chances are you will specialize in one of these areas first, before moving up and taking on a wider scope, but with the added benefit of having people working under you.

As a digital marketer, you will be in charge of the digital aspect of a brand’s identity and advertising strategy, but you must always work in conjunction with the OOH marketing team so that your strategies complement and work off of one another. In some cases, this team may work alongside digital marketers, in other cases, they may be a separate division. In publishing, for example, print and digital are often two departments since they require a different approach.

What Skills Do You Need as a Digital Marketer?

Digital marketing is a massive industry, and you can either be a digital marketer that is in charge of all aspects of the digital marketing strategy on your own, or you can focus on a specific component to digital marketing.

If you want to grow and succeed in digital marketing, however, you will need a few essential skills. You will learn a lot of these if you invest in the right degree, but remember that is your foundation. A degree needs to be kept sharp with further training, certifications, and research on your behalf.

Digital marketers wear many hats, and though it is not essential to be skilled in all of these, you need at least an understanding and basic skills in these top skills:

Video

Video is king online, especially with the rise of TikTok, Reels, Stories, and IGTV. When you consider that 80% of customers are more likely to buy a product they see in a video than an editorial photo or product photo, you can start to understand just how important video is to your repertoire.

This doesn’t mean that you need to be able to create high-quality videos yourself. Outsourcing content creation to design industries is par for the course in marketing. If your company or the company that you work for is large enough, you may have a team of your own to create the high-budget videos and photos otherwise, you outsource.

Just because you can outsource, however, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t learn the basics and how to market and optimize the videos so that they get the greatest reach. If you can at least edit together simple social media videos, or use existing clips to put together short videos for marketing purposes, then you will be well ahead of many marketers out there.

Search Engine Optimization and Marketing

SEO is another field that is related to digital marketing that you don’t need to be an expert in to become a digital marketer, but one that you should definitely be familiar with the basics in. Knowing how to optimize any on-site, social media, email, and video for search engines is going to be a critical skill that you and any marketer you hire or work with should have.

More detailed skills involved with SEO, like increasing your backlink profile or auditing, can be outsourced to an SEO agency, but when the SEO relates directly to the marketing and content you create as part of your job, you need to know how to do it.

This is one skill you will need to brush up on continually. Google is the largest social engine, which is where most SEO and SEM efforts focus on. Google, however, also updates its algorithm once or more a day, and rolls out several big updates per month. While that SEO agency you have outsourced to should be the ones to keep up with the big changes and will be in charge of updating your SEO strategy accordingly, you don’t want the SEO you use to improve your marketing to cause issues for your overall SEO strategy, so staying up to date yourself is critical.

Content Marketing

Content marketing is something that every digital marketer should be familiar with and improve every day. Content is king online, and content can mean anything from text, email, infographics, photo, and video. You need your content to be optimized for search engines and customers alike, and there are many ways to improve your skills.

Investing in content workshops is a great place to start, but if you want to really get better, you’ll want to think outside of the box. Content only works when it connects to your customer, so investing time and effort to learn more about your customers, as well as the cultures, values, and language they use, can help you better connect in ways you never thought were possible.

Data Analytics

Data analytics and digital marketing are married partners. You cannot succeed in digital marketing without knowing, understanding, and leveraging data. This means more than knowing how to use Google Analytics. Knowing how to take large datasets, read them, and then put the information you have gleaned from them into your strategy is something that every great digital marketer can do.

This skill does delve into data science, which makes it a bigger skill to have. To master this skill, you won’t want to just take the free Google Analytics course and earn that certification. You’ll want to earn a degree. There are new degrees, like this great Boston Master’s in Marketing and Data Analytics, that will combine principle marketing theory with analytics to help you build the most important skills a digital marketer can have.

User Experience and Design

You don’t need to know web design, but you do need to know what makes up great design. Digital marketing is about building a great experience online to carry customers from wherever they are online to the checkout page. If there is a hiccup in the design from point a to point b, you will not get a sale or a signup. You are going to get a lost customer.

You will need to know how to empathize with your customer to know what they want, and you will then need to be able to define these needs, create an idea on how to solve them using design, then create the prototype and test. Most times, you will be working with a web designer through this process, so be open to suggestions and ideas. You may know your customers and your brand, but that web designer knows UX and web design, so combine your knowledge.

Only together can you create a seamless customer journey from start to finish.

Leverage All Your Other Skills

Marketing is all about people, which means that the skills you can use to be a better marketer (both for your company and to get that next great job) are using your background. You can come from anywhere and benefit. If you come from a minority background, for example, you can better market to people in that community than someone who comes from outside of it. Use this to separate yourself and sell your skillset. If you can sell yourself and the background that only you have, you have the job, even if not every company realizes your worth.

Once you do find that company, you have a lot of power, just remember to continue to invest in yourself. Pursue your passions on the side, and then use that new information to add another skill set to your marketing career. Almost everything can relate back to a career in marketing, giving you the freedom to do what you are passionate about as well as what you are good at and, when you get high enough in your career, what you can be paid well for.

How to Get Started with Digital Marketing

You can learn a lot with the right degree and a lot on the job. You can get started and learn as you go, or you can advance your skillset and jumpstart your career. All that is left is to get your foot in the door and to remember your worth every step of the way.

With Your Education

Your education is a great place to learn and build up the skills necessary to become a digital marketer. Use the work you did during your university (especially if your degree was in marketing and data analytics) to show what you can do. You will also want to use your university’s career department and your own alumni network in order to get in touch with companies and take advantage of the unique opportunities available to you.

Interning and Volunteering

Interning and volunteering should only be done when there is a very specific company or organization that you want to work for. Otherwise, there is no reason why your work shouldn’t paid, especially if you have graduated already. Your work is being used to earn that company money, and therefore you should get paid. Therefore, it is in your interest to apply to entry-level positions rather than internship opportunities in most instances.

The only times this isn’t the case is when you have that specific company or organization. In this case, they are often very popular and very difficult to get hired into without knowing someone in the company. Internships and volunteering can help you learn the right people and help you get your foot in the door.

Taking on Marketing Responsibilities

If you want a good way to build up your skills and your portfolio, go to your current employer. If you work at a store, café, or other similar business, you can easily take over their social media and marketing. This can either be part of your job role, or you can expand it. Always negotiate to be paid for this work, however. Every one of these businesses knows how important marketing is, but they usually don’t have the budget for a full-time employee to handle it. By negotiating for a pay rise, or only taking on, say, one day a week to manage the marketing, you can get paid and start your career.

Use this time as a marketer to get a job at a larger company or agency. You could also use it to get in touch with other local businesses and take on them as clients. There are so many ways that you can make a career for yourself when it comes to digital marketing, and you just need to be ready to communicate with others.

business

How to Spot the Biggest CVV Shop: A Comprehensive Guide

Published

3 days ago

March 24, 2023

abdullah hussain tanoli

With the widespread use of credit cards, credit card fraud has become a major concern for individuals and businesses alike. Fraudsters use various tactics to obtain credit card information, which they use to make unauthorized transactions. In this article, we will discuss how to identify credit card fraud and spot the biggest CVV shop.

Understanding Credit Card Fraud

Credit card fraud occurs when someone uses another person’s credit card information without their permission. Fraudsters may obtain credit card information through various means, including phishing scams, skimming devices, or hacking into databases containing credit card information.

Types of Credit Card Fraud

There are different types of credit card fraud, including:

Counterfeit Fraud

Counterfeit fraud occurs when a fraudster creates a fake credit card using stolen credit card information. They may use the fake credit card to make purchases or withdraw cash from ATMs.

Lost or Stolen Card Fraud

Lost or stolen card fraud occurs when a fraudster uses a lost or stolen credit card to make purchases or withdraw cash from ATMs.

Card Not Present Fraud

Card not present fraud occurs when a fraudster uses stolen credit card information to make online purchases or transactions over the phone.

Signs of Credit Card Fraud

There are various signs that can indicate credit card fraud, including:

Unauthorized transactions on your credit card statement.
Unexpected declined transactions.
Receiving a new credit card in the mail that you did not request.
Unfamiliar charges or inquiries on your credit report.
Receiving calls from debt collectors for debts you do not owe.

How to Spot the Biggest CVV Shop

A CVV shop is a website or online marketplace that sells stolen credit card information. CVV stands for Card Verification Value, which is a three-digit number found on the back of credit cards. Fraudsters use CVV shops to sell stolen credit card information to other criminals who use it for fraudulent transactions.

Signs of a CVV Shop

There are various signs that can indicate a CVV shop, including:

Dark Web Listings

CVV shops are often found on the dark web, which is an anonymous network of websites that are not indexed by search engines. These websites require specific software and credentials to access.

Pricing

CVV shops often sell credit card information for a fraction of the card’s actual value. If a website is offering credit card information at unusually low prices, it may be a CVV shop.

Payment Methods

CVV shops may offer payment methods that are difficult to trace, such as Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. This makes it harder for authorities to track down the fraudsters.

How to Protect Yourself from Credit Card Fraud

There are various ways to protect yourself from credit card fraud, including:

Keeping your credit card information secure and not sharing it with others.
Monitoring your credit card statements regularly for unauthorized transactions.
Using strong and unique passwords for your online accounts.
Being cautious of phishing scams and not clicking on suspicious links or emails.
Contacting your bank immediately if you suspect credit card fraud.

Conclusion

Credit card fraud is a serious issue that can have significant financial consequences. Understanding the different types of credit card fraud and signs to look out for can help you identify potential fraud early. By being aware of the signs of a CVV shop and taking steps to protect your credit card information, you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of credit card fraud.

business

Towards a Sustainable Future: The Importance of Biobased and Eco-Friendly Packaging

Published

4 days ago

March 24, 2023

abdullah hussain tanoli

Table of Contents

The importance of sustainable packaging has been increasingly recognized in recent years, as businesses and consumers alike seek to reduce their environmental impact. One approach to achieving this goal is through the use of biobased packaging, which is a type of eco-friendly packaging made from renewable resources.

Biobased packaging

Biobased packaging refers to packaging materials that are derived from biomass, which includes a wide range of organic matter such as plants, trees, and agricultural waste. This is in contrast to traditional packaging materials such as plastic, which are made from non-renewable resources such as oil and gas. Biobased packaging can be made from a variety of materials, including bioplastics, paper, and cardboard.

One of the benefits of biobased packaging is that it is biodegradable, meaning that it can break down naturally in the environment. This is in contrast to traditional packaging materials, which can take hundreds of years to decompose and can contribute to pollution and litter. Biobased packaging also often requires less energy to produce than traditional packaging, as it is made from renewable resources that require less processing.

In addition to being biodegradable, biobased packaging can also be compostable, meaning that it can break down into organic matter that can be used as fertilizer. This can help to reduce waste and support sustainable agriculture. Some biobased packaging materials are also recyclable, meaning that they can be reused to create new products.

One example of biobased packaging material is a bioplastic, which is a type of plastic made from renewable resources such as cornstarch or sugarcane. Bioplastics can be used to make a wide range of products, including food packaging, bags, and utensils. They are biodegradable and compostable, making them a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastic.

Another example of biobased packaging is paper-based packaging, which is made from renewable resources such as trees. Paper-based packaging can be recycled and is biodegradable, making it a more eco-friendly option than plastic. In addition, paper-based packaging can often be produced using less energy than plastic packaging, as it requires less processing.

Eco-friendly packaging

Eco-friendly packaging is another term that is often used to describe sustainable packaging. Eco-friendly packaging can refer to a range of packaging materials and practices that are designed to have a minimal impact on the environment. This can include biobased packaging, but can also include other sustainable packaging practices such as using recycled materials or reducing packaging waste.

One example of eco-friendly packaging is minimal packaging, which involves reducing the amount of packaging used for a product. This can help to reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of the packaging. Another example is reusable packaging, which involves designing packaging that can be used multiple times, reducing the need for single-use packaging.

While biobased packaging and eco-friendly packaging have many benefits, there are also some challenges associated with their use. One challenge is the cost of producing these types of packaging, which can be higher than traditional packaging materials. However, as demand for sustainable packaging increases and production processes become more efficient, the cost of biobased packaging is likely to decrease.

Another challenge is the availability of biobased packaging materials. While there are a growing number of companies producing biobased packaging, the availability of these materials can still be limited. This can make it difficult for businesses to switch to sustainable packaging options.

Despite these challenges, the use of sustainable packaging is an important step towards reducing our environmental impact and creating a more sustainable future.
By choosing biobased packaging and eco-friendly packaging options, businesses and consumers can help to support sustainable practices and reduce waste.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sustainable packaging is becoming increasingly important as we seek to reduce our environmental impact. Biobased packaging is one type of sustainable packaging that is made from renewable resources and can be biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable. Bioplastics and paper-based packaging are examples of biobased packaging materials, while minimal packaging and reusable packaging are examples of eco-friendly packaging practices.

As we move towards a more sustainable future, it is important for businesses and consumers to consider the environmental impact of the products they use and the packaging they choose. By choosing biobased and eco-friendly packaging options, we can help to reduce our impact on the environment and support sustainable practices. While there are challenges associated with the use of these types of packaging, the benefits are clear and the demand for sustainable packaging is only likely to increase in the years to come.

In addition to choosing sustainable packaging, there are many other steps that businesses and consumers can take to reduce their environmental impact. These can include reducing energy consumption, using renewable energy sources, and minimizing waste. By working together and taking these steps, we can create a more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.

business

Which Types of Software Does Your Company Need?

Published

5 days ago

March 22, 2023

abdullah hussain tanoli

Table of Contents

Workspace digitalization will undoubtedly continue to grow. Business opportunities are unlimited since the internet connects the right applicants with the right employers all over the world.

However, any good idea needs a solid implementation strategy. Specifically, the need to communicate effectively and to share knowledge seamlessly grows.

Thankfully, the market is ever-expanding. When there is a global need, solutions always emerge. Digitalization is rapidly expanding to affect all fields, including communication, task scheduling and administration, file sharing, and so on.

While this is good news, it also poses a conundrum: which tools to pick and which ones to avoid?

With so many options available, it is essential to decide the exact tools your business needs.

Here are our top picks.

Call Center Automation

Call center automation is definitely a good idea, as it can be deployed for various processes, including:

Automation
Empowering employees
Connecting with customers
Driving continual improvement

The finest of call center automation tools come with conversational AI capabilities and deliver unified RPA. Both factors are critical, as they help businesses optimize processes and streamline procedures with ease.

A pro tip would be to use speech analytics for your call center. Speech analytics is the process of decoding audio recordings and using that information for advanced business intelligence. It has multiple uses and is certain to improve your business’ contact center performance.

For streamlining manual tasks, consider VoIP protocols, IVR systems and ACD systems.

VoIP protocols (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a method for the delivery of voice communications and multimedia sessions over IP networks. It has been around for a while and pretty much all businesses have used it at some point.

IVR (Interactive Voice Response) systems allow customers to interact with a computer-operated phone system through the use of voice and DTMF tones input via a keypad.

ACD (Automated Call Distribution) systems are telephony devices that answer and distribute incoming calls to a specific group of terminals or agents. Typically, ACDs deploy a voice menu to direct callers based on the caller’s selection.

Dispatch Software

Using dispatch software is always a good idea as it enhances logistics operations dramatically. It is a type of field service management software and its main purpose is to assist businesses in managing and automating their dispatch operations.

Dispatch software combines multiple functionalities such as client information, scheduling, dispatching, employee productivity, and automated billing and invoicing, to name a few.

Performance Management Software

Performance management is the process entailing communication and feedback between managers and employees. Its main goal is to uphold the company’s strategic goals.

There are five steps in the performance management cycle, as follows:

Planning — communicating goals
Monitoring — monitoring employee performance
Developing — using insights obtained during the monitoring phase to improve employee performance
Rating — performance appraisal
Rewarding — rewarding good performance

Updated performance management software can streamline these otherwise complex steps, so it’s important to choose wisely. Also, keep in mind that new tech can only help if you have a strategic vision — automating random processes won’t do much to improve your performance management procedures.

eLearning and Gamification

Learning is one of the most desired benefits for new recruits. If you focus on adopting an innovative strategy in this area, you may lead by example.

Gamification and other eLearning options are rather popular these days, so you should definitely consider them.

What is gamification?

As the term portends, it is the application of game elements in other contexts. In the context of eLearning, gamification focuses on certain game elements that can boost training. The three main standards of the approach are meaningfulness, conditioning, and communication. Gamification specifically targets the extrinsic motivation of the learner (in plain words: external rewards).

Typical elements of gamification are points, badges and leaderboards. Points identify progress, nadges display achievements, and leaderboards are used for ranking.

Additional elements (optional) include progress bars, incentives, rewards for the milestones achieved, a narrative, feedback and interactive elements.

Beyond gamification, you may want to consider augmented reality (AR) learning. Once reserved for musings of science fiction writers, AR has gone a long way to reach its present status. Even when we can’t see it, AR technology is all around us.

Augmented reality is a synthesis of the real world and computer-generated environments. AR apps interact with users, offering a rewarding user experience.

As AR apps overlap with other technologies, it’s not unusual for students to be able to use social media to send messages while learning.

Knowledge Management System

Knowledge management systems are yet to earn their rightful place and there’s no doubt that will happen eventually. The current state of knowledge management and sharing is far from optimal but it’s still better than not doing anything. Conventional methods can document only ca. 20% of organizational knowledge.

It’s no rocket science that offering learning opportunities is simpler than managing knowledge, specifically in the case of large organizations.

Modern knowledge management systems bring together technology, organizational processes, and learners. Information is stored in a central location, meaning it’s easily accessible anywhere, anytime.

Project Management Tools

When it comes to project management tools, options are close to endless.

There are so many apps that it’s impossible to compare them all. Thankfully, clients usually go for popular choices, so you may start there until you learn the ropes and come across a better solution.

Typically, businesses need to combine project management tools with communication tools and file management tools, for obvious reasons.

Pick the apps that integrate with others and focus on the following points: file sharing, task conversion, visualization, and unified inbox.

Keeping Track of New Tech

Considered here are some of the must-have apps, which we’re hoping you’ll find helpful. Additional ideas may come to mind but stick to simplicity.

Alas, it’s too easy to get lost in the variety, and not all software solutions are necessarily good solutions.

Since workplace digitalization is a trend that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, it’s perfectly valid to turn to other businesses for advice.

New tools keep popping up all the time and they make a point of including new trends. Keep an eye on the offer and adjust away.

business

All You Need to Know About the Crypto Tax Calculator

Published

6 days ago

March 21, 2023

abdullah hussain tanoli

Table of Contents

Introduction

Cryptocurrency taxes can confuse many people, especially those new to crypto. With so many cryptocurrencies available and the value constantly fluctuating, it can take time to calculate the exact amount of taxes owed. This is where the crypto tax calculator comes into play. In this blog post, we will explore what a crypto tax calculator is, how it works, and why it is essential for cryptocurrency investors.

What is a Crypto Tax Calculator?

A crypto tax calculator is designed to help cryptocurrency investors accurately calculate their tax liabilities. It analyzes the transactions on various cryptocurrency exchanges and summarizes the taxes owed. These calculators typically utilize an Application Programming Interface (API) to retrieve transaction data from cryptocurrency exchanges, including the date of purchase, the amount spent, the price of the cryptocurrency at the time of purchase, and the date of sale. Once this data is collected, the calculator calculates the tax liability.

How Does a Crypto Tax Calculator Work?

Crypto tax calculators work by taking all of the data collected from the API and processing it through a complex algorithm. The algorithm considers various factors, such as each cryptocurrency’s purchase price, sale price, and holding period. The tax calculator then uses this data to calculate each transaction’s capital gains or losses.

Capital gains are the profit made when selling a cryptocurrency for more than it was purchased for, while capital losses occur when selling a cryptocurrency for less than it was purchased for. Once the calculator has calculated the capital gains or losses for each transaction, it then calculates the total tax liability for the investor based on their tax bracket and the tax laws in their country.

Why is a Crypto Tax Calculator Essential?

Crypto tax calculators are essential for several reasons:

Accuracy

Calculating cryptocurrency taxes can be highly complicated, especially for those who have made numerous trades. A crypto tax calculator eliminates the possibility of human error, ensuring that the tax liability is calculated accurately.

Time-Saving

Calculating taxes manually can be a time-consuming process. A crypto tax calculator simplifies the process and saves investors time by automatically generating a tax report.

Cost-Effective

Hiring a tax professional to calculate your crypto taxes can be costly. A crypto tax calculator eliminates the need for a tax professional, saving investors money.

Compliance

Using a crypto tax calculator, investors can ensure that they comply with tax laws in their country. Failure to comply with tax laws can result in penalties and fines.

How to Choose the Right Crypto Tax Calculator

Choosing the right crypto tax calculator can be overwhelming, given the many options available. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a crypto tax calculator:

Accuracy

Accuracy is the most crucial factor when choosing a crypto tax calculator. Ensure that your calculator is accurate and current with the latest tax laws.

User-Friendly

A user-friendly interface is essential when choosing a crypto tax calculator. The software should be easy to navigate, and the instructions should be clear and concise.

Integration

Ensure that the crypto tax calculator you choose can integrate with the cryptocurrency exchanges you use. The more exchanges the calculator supports, the better.

Customer Support

Choose a crypto tax calculator that offers excellent customer support. The support team should be easily accessible and able to answer any questions you have.

Conclusion

A crypto tax calculator is an essential tool for cryptocurrency investors. It simplifies calculating taxes and helps investors comply with tax laws. Using a crypto tax calculator, investors can take control of their tax liabilities and make informed decisions about their cryptocurrency investments.