Category Archives: software

software

7 Best Scheduling Tools of 2024 (Tested and Confirmed)

Scheduling software is a tool that helps businesses and professionals manage their appointments, meetings, events, and tasks. Scheduling software can automate the process of creating, updating, and sending reminders for schedules, as well as sync with other platforms such as calendars, email, and social media. Scheduling software can also provide features such as online booking, invoicing, reporting, analytics, and customer feedback.

In this blog post, we will review some of the best scheduling software of 2024, based on their key features, pros and cons, pricing, and overall impressions. We will compare the following scheduling software:

Calendly

Calendly scheduling software

Calendly is a popular scheduling software that helps you book appointments and meetings with your clients, customers, or colleagues. It is designed to streamline the process of finding a suitable time and date for everyone, without the hassle of back-and-forth emails or phone calls. In this post, we will review the key features, pros and cons, pricing, and overall impressions of Calendly in 2024.

To use Calendly, you need to sign up for an account and connect your calendar. Then, you can create your events and share your scheduling link with others. You can either send them a link to your personal page, where they can see all your events, or a specific event link, where they can only see one type of event. When someone clicks on your link, they will see your availability in their time zone, and they can choose a time slot that works for them. They will also need to fill out a form with their name, email, and any other information you require. Once they confirm their booking, both of you will receive an email notification and a calendar invite. You can also integrate Calendly with other tools, such as Zoom, Stripe, Salesforce, or Mailchimp, to automate tasks like video conferencing, payment processing, lead generation, or email marketing.

Key Features

  • Calendly allows you to connect multiple calendars, such as Google, Outlook, or iCal, and sync your availability across them. You can also integrate video conferencing platforms, such as Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams, to automatically generate meeting links for your appointments.
  • Calendly lets you create different types of events, such as one-on-one meetings, group meetings, round-robin meetings, or collective meetings. You can customize the duration, availability, location, and buffer time for each event type. You can also add custom questions or surveys to collect information from your invitees before the meeting.
  • Calendly enables you to send automated email and SMS reminders and follow-ups to your invitees to reduce no-shows and increase engagement. You can also customize the branding and appearance of your Calendly page and notifications to match your business identity.
  • Calendly provides analytics and insights on your meeting performance, such as the number of scheduled meetings, cancellation rate, attendance rate, and feedback score. You can also export your data to CSV or integrate with other tools, such as Salesforce, HubSpot, or Zapier, to automate your workflows and track your conversions.

Pros

  • Calendly is easy to use and has an intuitive user interface. You can set up your account and start scheduling meetings in minutes.
  • Calendly offers a free plan that allows you to create unlimited one-on-one events and connect one calendar. It is ideal for solopreneurs or small businesses who need a simple scheduling solution.
  • Calendly has a variety of integrations that enhance its functionality and compatibility with other software and apps. You can connect Calendly with your favorite tools and streamline your scheduling workflow with no effort.
  • Calendly has a flexible pricing structure that scales with your needs. You can choose from three paid plans: Essentials ($8 per user per month), Professional ($12 per user per month), or Teams ($16 per user per month). You can also save 10% if you pay annually.

Cons

  • Calendly does not allow you to remove its branding from your page and notifications unless you upgrade to the Professional or Teams plan. This may affect your brand image and credibility with some customers or clients.
  • Calendly does not support recurring bookings or appointments. This may be inconvenient if you need to schedule regular meetings with the same people or groups.
  • Calendly does not have a native mobile app for iOS or Android. You can access Calendly through your mobile browser, but the experience may not be as smooth or responsive as on a desktop.

Pricing

Calendly has four pricing plans: Free, Standard, Teams and Enterprise.

The Free plan allows you to create one event type w/unlimited meetings and integrate with one calendar.
The Standard plan costs $10 per user per month and allows you to create unlimited event types and integrate with multiple calendars.
The Teams plan costs $16 per user per month and allows you to create unlimited event types and connect to Salesforce to flow meeting data into the CRM.
The Enterprise plan also include more features, integrations and advanced user provisioning.

Overall Impressions

Calendly is a powerful and reliable scheduling software that can help you save time and hassle when booking appointments and meetings. It has a range of features and integrations that make it suitable for different types of businesses and professionals. It also has a reasonable pricing model that offers value for money. However, it also has some limitations that may affect its usability and functionality for some users. Overall, Calendly is a great choice if you are looking for a simple and effective scheduling solution that works well with other tools and platforms.

Try Calendly

HoneyBook

Honeybook invoicing and scheduling

HoneyBook is an all-in-one client management platform that helps independent business owners and creative professionals streamline their workflows and get paid faster. In this blog post, I will review some of the key features, pros and cons, pricing and overall impressions of HoneyBook.

Key Features:

HoneyBook offers a range of features that make it easy to manage your clients and projects from start to finish. Some of the key features are:

  • Invoices, proposals and contracts: You can create and send professional invoices, proposals and contracts with your own branding and templates. You can also track the status of each document and get notified when your clients view, sign or pay them.
  • Online payments: You can accept online payments from your clients via credit card, bank transfer or PayPal. HoneyBook does not charge any additional fees for processing payments, only the standard transaction fees from your payment provider.
  • Scheduling: You can set up your availability and let your clients book appointments with you online. You can also sync your HoneyBook calendar with your Google Calendar or iCal to avoid double bookings.
  • Automations: You can automate repetitive tasks such as sending reminders, follow-ups, thank you notes and more. You can also create custom workflows for different types of projects and clients.
  • CRM: You can manage your contacts and leads in one place. You can also track your sales pipeline, revenue, expenses and profitability with HoneyBook’s reports and analytics.

Pros

  • Intuitive and user-friendly interface: HoneyBook has a simple and elegant design that makes it easy to navigate and use. You can access all the features from the dashboard or the sidebar menu.
  • Customizable and flexible: HoneyBook allows you to customize your documents, workflows, branding and more to suit your needs and preferences. You can also create multiple companies and switch between them easily.
  • Supportive community: HoneyBook has a vibrant community of users who share tips, advice, feedback and referrals. You can also join groups, events and webinars hosted by HoneyBook or other users.
  • Excellent customer service: HoneyBook provides responsive and helpful customer support via email, phone, chat or video call. You can also access a comprehensive knowledge base, blog, tutorials and FAQs on their website.

Cons

  • No free tier: HoneyBook does not offer a free plan or a free trial. You can only try it for seven days before committing to a paid plan.
  • Missing some CRM features: HoneyBook does not have some advanced CRM features such as email marketing, lead scoring, segmentation or integrations with other CRM tools.
  • Limited reporting metrics: HoneyBook’s reports and analytics are not very detailed or customizable. You can only see basic metrics such as revenue, expenses, bookings and pipeline.

Pricing

Honeybook pricing

HoneyBook offers three pricing plans: Starter, Essentials and Premium. The prices vary depending on whether you pay monthly or annually. Here is a breakdown of the pricing:

PlanMonthly PriceAnnual Price
Starter$19 ($1 for first two months)$16 ($8 for first year)
Essentials$39 ($1 for first two months)$32 ($16 for first year)
Premium$79 ($1 for first two months)$66 ($33 for first year)

All plans include unlimited clients, projects, invoices, payments, proposals, contracts and a client portal. The Essentials plan adds automations, a QuickBooks Online integration, up to two team members and expense management. The Premium plan adds unlimited team members, multiple companies, priority support, an onboarding specialist and a dedicated account manager.

Overall Impressions

HoneyBook is a great solution for independent business owners and creative professionals who need an all-in-one client management platform that is easy to use and affordable. It has many features that help you streamline your workflows, impress your clients and get paid faster. It also has a supportive community and excellent customer service.

However, HoneyBook is not perfect. It does not have a free plan or a free trial, so you have to pay to try it out. It also lacks some CRM features that could help you grow your business and reach more customers. It also has limited reporting metrics that could limit your insights into your performance.

Overall, I think HoneyBook is worth trying if you are looking for a simple and effective client management tool that can handle most of your needs. However, if you need more advanced CRM features or more detailed reporting metrics, you might want to look elsewhere.

Try HoneyBook

Zoho Bookings

Zoho bookings scheduler

Zoho Bookings is a cloud-based scheduling software that allows you to manage your appointments, staff, and resources online. It is designed for businesses that offer services such as consulting, coaching, training, and more. In this post, I will review some of the key features, pros and cons, pricing and overall impressions of Zoho Bookings.

Key Features:

  • Zoho Bookings integrates with Zoho CRM, Zoho Invoice, Zoho Mail, Zoho Meeting, and other Zoho apps, as well as Google Calendar, Outlook, and Zoom.
  • You can create multiple booking pages for different services, locations, and staff members, and customize them with your logo, colors, and images.
  • You can set your availability, working hours, buffer time, and cancellation policies for each service and staff member.
  • You can automate email and SMS reminders and confirmations for your clients and staff.
  • You can accept online payments from your clients via PayPal, Stripe, Razorpay, or Zoho Checkout.
  • You can track your bookings, revenue, and resource utilization with reports and analytics.

Pros

  • Zoho Bookings is easy to use and set up. You can create your booking pages in minutes and embed them on your website or social media platforms.
  • Zoho Bookings is flexible and customizable. You can tailor your booking pages to suit your business needs and preferences.
  • Zoho Bookings is affordable and scalable. You can choose from three plans: Free, Standard ($10 per month), and Professional ($20 per month). The Free plan allows you to create one booking page with up to five services and staff members. The Standard plan allows you to create six booking pages with unlimited services and staff members. The Professional plan allows you to create unlimited booking pages with unlimited services and staff members. You can also add more resources (such as rooms or equipment) for an additional fee.

Cons

  • Zoho Bookings does not support recurring bookings or group bookings. You can only book one-time appointments for individual clients.
  • Zoho Bookings does not have a native mobile app. You can only access it from a web browser on your mobile device.
  • Zoho Bookings does not have a live chat or phone support. You can only contact them via email or online forums.

Pricing

Zoho bookings pricing

Zoho Bookings offers flexible pricing plans that suit your needs and budget. You can choose from three plans: Free, Standard, and Professional. The Free plan lets you create one staff member, one service, and one booking page, and accept unlimited bookings for free. The Basic plan costs $6 per staff member per month and lets you create unlimited services, booking pages, and custom fields, as well as integrate with Zoho CRM, Zoho Invoice, and Zoho Analytics. The Premium plan costs $9 per staff member per month and adds features like recurring appointments, group bookings, buffer time, custom email templates, and more.

You can also try Zoho Bookings for free for 15 days and see how it works for you. No credit card required.

Overall Impressions

Zoho Bookings is a simple and effective solution for online scheduling. It is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that offer one-on-one services. It has a lot of integrations with other Zoho apps and third-party tools that can enhance your workflow and productivity. However, it lacks some features that may be important for some businesses, such as recurring bookings, group bookings, mobile app, and live support. If you are looking for a more advanced or specialized scheduling software, you may want to consider other options.

Try Zoho Bookings

HubSpot Meetings

HubSpot Meetings Scheduler

HubSpot Meetings is a tool that allows you to schedule meetings with your prospects and customers without the hassle of back-and-forth emails. It integrates with your calendar and lets you create personalized meeting links that you can share with anyone. In this post, I will review some of the key features, and overall impressions of HubSpot Meetings and how it can help you as part of the free AI tools for marketing.

Key Features:

  • Customizable meeting types: You can create different types of meetings, such as one-on-one, group, round robin or collective, and set the duration, availability and location of each one.
  • Calendar sync: HubSpot Meetings syncs with your Google or Office 365 calendar, so you can avoid double-booking and see your availability in real time.
  • Embeddable meeting scheduler: You can embed your meeting link on your website, landing page, email signature or social media profile, so your prospects and customers can easily book a meeting with you.
  • Automated reminders and follow-ups: HubSpot Meetings sends email and SMS reminders to your attendees before the meeting, and allows you to set up automated follow-up emails after the meeting.
  • CRM integration: HubSpot Meetings automatically logs the meeting details and attendees to your HubSpot CRM, so you can keep track of your interactions and follow up accordingly.

Pros

  • HubSpot Meetings saves you time and hassle by eliminating the need for manual scheduling and coordination.
  • HubSpot Meetings enhances your customer experience by providing a convenient and seamless way to book a meeting with you.
  • HubSpot Meetings helps you generate more leads and close more deals by increasing your conversion rate and reducing your no-show rate.

Cons

  • HubSpot Meetings requires a HubSpot account to use, which may not be suitable for everyone.
  • HubSpot Meetings may not integrate with some third-party apps or tools that you use for your business.
  • HubSpot Meetings may have some limitations or bugs depending on your browser, device or operating system.

Pricing

HubSpot Meetings is free for up to 15 meetings per month. If you want to have unlimited meetings, you need to upgrade to a paid plan. The pricing depends on the number of users and the features you need. You can check the pricing details here: https://www.hubspot.com/pricing/meetings

The good news is that Hubspot Meetings is completely free for unlimited users and unlimited meetings. You don’t need to pay anything to use this tool, as long as you have a Hubspot account. You can sign up for a free Hubspot account here.

However, if you want to access more advanced features, such as group meetings, round-robin meetings, or custom branding, you will need to upgrade to a paid Hubspot plan. The cheapest option is the Starter plan, which costs $50 per month and includes 1,000 contacts and other marketing and sales tools. The next option is the Professional plan, which costs $400 per month and includes 2,000 contacts and more advanced features. The most expensive option is the Enterprise plan, which costs $1,200 per month and includes 10,000 contacts and the most powerful features.

Overall Impressions

HubSpot Meetings is a powerful and easy-to-use tool that can help you streamline your meeting scheduling process and improve your sales efficiency. It has a lot of features and benefits that can make your life easier and your customers happier. However, it also has some drawbacks and limitations that you should be aware of before using it. I recommend that you try it out for yourself and see if it fits your needs and preferences.

Try HubSpot Meetings

Scheduly

Schedulely software

Scheduly is a cloud-based scheduling software that offers online booking, automated reminders, payment processing, and integrations with popular apps such as Zoom, Google Calendar, and Mailchimp. Scheduly is designed for small to medium-sized businesses and professionals who need a simple and efficient way to manage their schedules online.

Key features

  • Online booking: Users can create a custom booking page where their clients can view their availability and book appointments online. Users can also embed their booking page on their website or social media platforms.
  • Automated reminders: Users can set up email and SMS reminders for themselves and their clients to reduce no-shows and cancellations. Users can also customize the content and frequency of the reminders.
  • Payment processing: Users can accept online payments from their clients using Stripe or PayPal. Users can also create invoices and receipts for their clients and track their payment history.
  • Integrations: Users can integrate Schedule.ly with popular apps such as Zoom, Google Calendar, Mailchimp, Zapier, and more. This allows users to sync their schedules with other platforms and automate workflows.

Pros

  • Easy to use: Scheduly has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to create and manage schedules online. Users can also access Schedule.ly from any device using a web browser.
  • Affordable: Schedule.ly has a flexible pricing plan that starts from $9 per month for one user and unlimited bookings. Users can also try Schedule.ly for free for 14 days before subscribing.
  • Support: Schedule.ly provides 24/7 customer support via email, phone, and live chat. Users can also access a knowledge base and a blog for tips and tutorials.

Cons

  • Limited customization: Scheduly does not allow users to customize the look and feel of their booking page or reminders. Users can only choose from a few templates and colors.
  • Limited offline access: Schedule.ly requires an internet connection to function properly. Users cannot access or edit their schedules offline.
  • Limited reporting: Scheduly does not provide advanced reporting or analytics features. Users can only view basic statistics such as number of bookings, cancellations, revenue, etc.

Overall impression:

Scheduly is a good choice for users who need a simple and efficient cloud-based scheduling software that offers online booking, automated reminders, payment processing, and integrations with popular apps. Schedule.ly is easy to use, affordable, and provides 24/7 customer support. However,
Schedule.ly may not be suitable for users who need more customization, offline access, or reporting features.

Try Scheduly

Acuity Scheduling

Acuity Scheduling software

Acuity Scheduling is an online scheduling software that allows you to manage your appointments, accept payments, and communicate with your clients. It is designed to help you save time, reduce no-shows, and grow your business. In this post, I will review some of the key features, pros and cons, pricing, and overall impressions of Acuity Scheduling.

Key Features

  • Calendar syncing: You can sync your Acuity calendar with your personal or business calendar, such as Google Calendar, Outlook, iCloud, or Office 365. This way, you can avoid double-booking and see your availability at a glance.
  • Automated reminders: You can send automated email and text message reminders to your clients before their appointments. This can help you reduce no-shows and cancellations, as well as keep your clients informed and prepared.
  • Payment processing: You can integrate Acuity with popular payment processors, such as Stripe, Square, PayPal, or Braintree. You can also offer flexible payment options, such as prepayment, deposits, tipping, coupons, discounts, subscriptions, and packages.
  • Customization: You can customize your booking page to match your brand and style. You can also create custom intake forms, policies, terms and conditions, and confirmation messages. You can also set your own availability, time zones, locations, and appointment types.
  • Integration: You can integrate Acuity with other tools and platforms that you use for your business, such as Zoom, Mailchimp, Zapier, WordPress, Squarespace, Shopify, Facebook, Instagram, and more.

Pros

  • Acuity is easy to use and set up. You can create your account and start scheduling appointments in minutes.
  • Acuity is flexible and adaptable. You can customize it to suit your needs and preferences. You can also offer different types of appointments, such as virtual, in-person, group, or class.
  • Acuity is reliable and secure. You can trust that your data is safe and protected. You can also access your account from any device or browser.
  • Acuity is affordable and scalable. You can choose from different plans that fit your budget and business size. You can also upgrade or downgrade at any time.

Cons

  • Acuity may have some limitations or glitches depending on the features or integrations that you use. For example, some users have reported issues with calendar syncing or payment processing.
  • Acuity may not have all the features or integrations that you need for your business. For example, some users have requested more options for reporting or analytics.
  • Acuity may not be compatible with some devices or browsers. For example, some users have experienced problems with using Acuity on mobile devices or Safari browser.

Pricing

Acuity offers four pricing plans:

  • Freebie: This plan is free for one user and one calendar. It includes unlimited appointments and basic features such as calendar syncing and email reminders.
  • Emerging: This plan costs $15 per month for one user and one calendar. It includes all the features of the Freebie plan plus payment processing, text message reminders, Zoom integration, custom branding, intake forms, packages and gift certificates.
  • Growing: This plan costs $25 per month for up to six users and six calendars. It includes all the features of the Emerging plan plus recurring appointments, group booking options (classes), advanced reporting options (conversion tracking), SMS notifications (text feature), coupons & vouchers.
  • Powerhouse: This plan costs $50 per month for up to 36 users and 36 calendars. It includes all the features of the Growing plan plus priority support (phone support), multiple time zones per user (multiple time zones), HIPAA compliance (secure client data).

You can try any of the paid plans for free for seven days. You can also get a 10% discount if you pay annually.

Overall Impressions

Acuity Scheduling is a powerful and versatile online scheduling software that can help you streamline your booking process, improve your client communication, and increase your revenue. It has many features and integrations that can make your life easier and your business more efficient. It also has a friendly and helpful customer support team that can assist you with any questions or issues.

However, Acuity Scheduling may not be perfect for everyone. It may have some drawbacks or limitations depending on your specific needs or preferences. It may also require some trial and error to find the best settings or configurations for your business.

Therefore, I recommend that you do your own research before deciding to use Acuity Scheduling. You can read more reviews from other users online or try it out yourself for free for seven days.

Try Acuity Scheduling

Meetergo

Meetergo scheduling software

If you are looking for a simple and effective way to manage your meetings, you might want to check out Meetergo. It’s a cloud-based scheduling software that helps you plan, organize and track your meetings with ease. It has real-time scheduling capabilities, allowing users to book meetings instantly without the need for back-and-forth emails.

Key Features:

  • For Businesses:
    • Lead Qualification and CRM Sync: Real-time lead qualification ensures swift decision-making, and seamless CRM synchronization keeps your data up-to-date.
    • Automated Scheduling: Say farewell to email ping-pong. meetergo’s scheduling automation platform streamlines interactions, automates follow-ups, and offers one-click templates for a frictionless experience.
  • For Freelancers:
    • Effortless Calendar Management: Sync your calendar seamlessly, embed availability on your website, and automate follow-ups, empowering freelancers to focus on their work instead of managing appointments.
  • For Schools and Authorities:
    • Secure and Swift Scheduling: meetergo ensures hassle-free scheduling with robust security standards, offering buffer times, calendar synchronization, and GDPR compliance for peace of mind

Pros

  • Meetergo is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface.
  • Meetergo is affordable and offers a free plan for up to 10 meetings per month.
  • Meetergo is secure and compliant with GDPR and other data protection regulations.
  • Meetergo is flexible and customizable, allowing you to adjust the settings and features to suit your needs and preferences.

Cons

  • Meetergo does not support video conferencing or screen sharing, so you will need to use a separate tool for those functions.
  • Meetergo does not have a mobile app, so you will need to access it through a web browser on your phone or tablet.
  • Meetergo does not have advanced analytics or reporting features, so you will need to manually track and measure your meeting performance and outcomes.

Pricing

Meetergo offers four pricing plans:

  • Basic: Free up to 1 meetings per month, 1 connected calendar, unlimited participants, basic features
  • Essentials: 7€ per month, unlimited per month, up to 2 calendars, premium features
  • Growth: 13€ per month, unlimited meetings per month, up to 6 calendars, premium features
  • Teams: 25€, unlimited meetings per month, unlimited participants, premium features

Overall Impressions

Meetergo is a great tool for anyone who wants to simplify and streamline their meeting management process. It has a lot of useful features that help you plan, organize and track your meetings with ease. It is also affordable and secure, making it a good choice for small businesses and freelancers. However, if you need more advanced functions like video conferencing or analytics, you might want to look for other alternatives. Overall, Meetergo is a reliable and effective scheduling software that can help you save time and improve your meeting productivity.

Try Meetergo

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Disclosure: Please note that we may receive affiliate compensation for some of the links below, at no expense to you, should you decide to purchase a paid plan. This blog does not provide financial advice, it is purely for entertainment and fun.

software

Best Invoicing Software Management Services for SMBs in 2024

If you run a small business, you know how important it is to have a reliable and easy-to-use invoicing software. Invoicing software helps you create and send invoices, track payments, manage your cash flow, and more. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best one for your needs?

In this blog post, we will review some of the best invoicing software for small business billing in 2024. We will compare their key features, pros and cons, pricing, and overall impression. By the end of this post, you should have a clear idea of which invoicing software is right for you. Here are the invoicing software we will cover:

Zoho Invoice

Zoho Invoice

A Powerful and Affordable Invoicing Solution

If you are looking for a simple and effective way to create and manage invoices, Zoho Invoice might be the right choice for you. Zoho Invoice is a cloud-based invoicing software that helps you create professional invoices, track payments, send reminders, and automate recurring billing. In this post, we will review some of the key features, pros and cons, pricing and overall impression of Zoho Invoice in 2024.

Key Features:

  • Customizable invoice templates: You can choose from a variety of invoice templates or create your own with your logo, colors, and fonts. You can also add custom fields, attachments, notes, and terms and conditions to your invoices.
  • Online payment options: You can accept payments from your customers via credit cards, PayPal, Stripe, Authorize.Net, and other popular payment gateways. You can also enable partial payments, advance payments, and refunds.
  • Time tracking and expense management: You can track the time spent on projects and tasks and bill your clients accordingly. You can also record and categorize your expenses and attach receipts to your invoices.
  • Recurring invoices and subscriptions: You can create recurring invoices and subscriptions for your regular customers and automate the billing process. You can also set up reminders and thank-you notes to ensure timely payments.
  • Reports and analytics: You can generate various reports and insights on your invoicing performance, such as income and expense reports, tax reports, aging reports, payment history, and more. You can also export your data to Excel or PDF formats.

Pros:

  • Easy to use: Zoho Invoice has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to create and manage invoices. You can also access your data from any device with an internet connection.
  • Affordable: Zoho Invoice offers a free plan for up to 5 customers and 1 user. The paid plans start from $9 per month for up to 50 customers and 3 users. You can also get a 14-day free trial to test the features before you buy.
  • Integrations: Zoho Invoice integrates with other Zoho products, such as Zoho CRM, Zoho Books, Zoho Projects, and Zoho Inventory. It also integrates with third-party apps, such as Google Workspace, Zapier, Slack, Mailchimp, and more.
  • Support: Zoho Invoice provides 24/7 email and phone support, as well as online help guides, videos, webinars, and forums.

Cons:

  • Limited customization: Zoho Invoice does not allow you to customize the layout or design of your invoices beyond the templates provided. You also cannot add custom fields or calculations to your invoices.
  • Limited automation: Zoho Invoice does not support advanced automation features, such as workflows, triggers, or actions. You also cannot automate the creation of estimates or quotes from your invoices.
  • Limited tax options: Zoho Invoice does not support multiple tax rates or tax groups. You also cannot apply taxes based on the location of your customers or products.

Pricing:

Zoho Invoice Pricing

Zoho Invoice offers six pricing plans:

  • Free: $0 per month for up to 5 customers and 1 user
  • Standard: $10 per month for up to 50 customers and 3 users
  • Professional: $20 per month for up to 500 customers and 5 users
  • Premium $30 per month for unlimited customers and 10 users
  • Elite $100 per month for unlimited customers and 10 users
  • Ultimate $200 per month for unlimited customers and 15 users

Overall Impression:

Zoho Invoice is a powerful and affordable invoicing solution that can help you create and manage invoices with ease. It has a range of features that can suit the needs of small businesses and freelancers. However, it may not be the best option for larger businesses or those who need more customization or automation options. If you are looking for a simple and effective way to invoice your customers online, you should give Zoho Invoice a try.

FreshBooks

FreshBooks invoicing software

FreshBooks is one of the most popular invoicing software for small businesses. It helps you create and send professional invoices in minutes. You can also track your time, expenses, projects, estimates, and payments.

FreshBooks integrates with over 200 apps and services, such as PayPal, Stripe, Shopify, Mailchimp, Slack, and more. You can sync your data across devices and platforms, and access your account from anywhere. You can also collaborate with your team members and clients on projects and invoices.

FreshBooks offers a 30-day free trial for all its plans. The paid plans start from $15 per month and vary based on the number of clients you can bill. All plans include unlimited invoices, estimates, time tracking, expenses, projects, reports, and support.

Pros:

  • Easy to use and intuitive interface
  • Professional and customizable invoices
  • Time tracking and project management features
  • Multiple app integrations and collaboration tools

Cons:

  • Pricing is based on the number of clients
  • Some features are only available on higher plans

Pricing:

FreshBooks pricing

  • Lite: $8.5 per month for up to 5 clients
  • Plus: $15 per month for up to 50 clients
  • Premium: $27.5 per month for up to 500 clients
  • Select: Custom pricing for over 500 clients

Overall impression:

FreshBooks is a user-friendly and reliable invoicing software that suits most small businesses. It has a lot of features and integrations that make invoicing easy and efficient. However, it can get expensive if you have a lot of clients or need advanced features.

Invoice Ninja

Invoice Ninja Invoicing Software

Invoice Ninja is a powerful and flexible invoicing software that lets you create and send invoices, quotes, proposals, and more. You can customize your invoices with your logo, colors, fonts, and payment options. You can also automate recurring invoices, reminders, and thank-you notes.

Invoice Ninja integrates with over 40 payment gateways, including PayPal, Stripe, Authorize.Net, and Square. You can accept payments online or in person, and track them in real-time. You can also manage your expenses, projects, tasks, time tracking, and reports.

Invoice Ninja offers a free plan for up to 100 clients and unlimited invoices. The paid plans start from $10 per month and offer more features, such as custom invoice designs, white-labeling, client portal, and priority support.

Pros:

  • Free plan available
  • Customizable and professional invoices
  • Multiple payment options and integrations
  • Expense and project management features

Cons:

  • Learning curve may be steep for some users
  • Some features are only available on paid plans

Pricing:

Invoice Ninja Pricing
  • Free: $0 per year for up to 100 clients and unlimited invoices
  • Pro: $100 per year for up to 10 users and unlimited clients and invoices
  • Enterprise: $140 per year for up to 20 users and unlimited clients and invoices

Overall impression:

Invoice Ninja is a great choice for small businesses that need a versatile and feature-rich invoicing software. It offers a lot of customization and automation options, as well as integrations with popular payment gateways. However, it may take some time to get used to its interface and functionality.

Wave

Wave Invoicing

If you are looking for a simple and affordable way to create and send invoices, track payments, and manage your finances, you might want to consider Wave Invoicing Software. Wave is a cloud-based accounting software that offers a free plan for freelancers and small businesses, as well as paid plans for more advanced features. In this post, I will review Wave Invoicing Software in 2024, including its key features, pros and cons, pricing, and overall impression.

Key Features

Wave Invoicing Software has a number of features that make it easy to create and send professional invoices, such as:

  • Customizable invoice templates that you can brand with your logo, colors, and fonts
  • Automatic reminders and receipts for your clients
  • Recurring billing and subscription options for regular customers
  • Multiple payment methods, including credit cards, bank transfers, PayPal, and cash
  • Integration with Wave Accounting, Wave Receipts, and Wave Payroll for seamless bookkeeping
  • Mobile app that lets you create and send invoices on the go
  • Reports and dashboards that show you your income, expenses, taxes, and cash flow

Pros and Cons

Wave Invoicing Software has many advantages, but also some drawbacks. Here are some of the pros and cons of using Wave:

Pros:

  • It’s free for unlimited invoicing and unlimited customers
  • It’s easy to use and has a user-friendly interface
  • It’s cloud-based and accessible from any device
  • It’s secure and compliant with PCI-DSS standards
  • It has excellent customer support via email, chat, and phone

Cons:

  • It charges a transaction fee of 2.9% + 30¢ for credit card payments and 1% for bank transfers
  • It doesn’t have some advanced features like inventory management, time tracking, or project management
  • It doesn’t integrate with many third-party apps or platforms
  • It’s only available in 14 countries (US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium)

Pricing

Wave Invoicing Pricing

Wave Invoicing Software is free to use for unlimited invoicing and unlimited customers. However, if you want to accept online payments from your clients, you will have to pay a transaction fee of 2.9% + 30¢ for credit card payments and 1% for bank transfers. You can also upgrade to Wave Plus for $20/month or Wave Pro for $35/month to get additional features like bookkeeping services, payroll services, tax services, or dedicated account managers.

Overall Impression

Wave Invoicing Software is a great option for freelancers and small businesses who need a simple and affordable way to create and send invoices. It has a lot of features that make invoicing easy and convenient. However, it also has some limitations that might not suit everyone’s needs. If you are looking for more advanced features or integrations, or if you operate in a country that is not supported by Wave, you might want to look for other alternatives.

QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks Online is one of the most popular cloud-based accounting software for small and medium-sized businesses. It offers a range of features to help you manage your income, expenses, invoices, payments, taxes, reports and more. But is it the best option for your business in 2024? Here are some of the key features, pros and cons, pricing and overall impression of QuickBooks Online.

Key Features:

  • QuickBooks Online lets you access your accounting data from any device with an internet connection. You can also use the mobile app to track mileage, capture receipts, send invoices and more.
  • QuickBooks Online integrates with over 800 third-party apps, such as Shopify, PayPal, Stripe, Square, Mailchimp and more. You can also connect your bank and credit card accounts to automatically import and categorize transactions.
  • QuickBooks Online has a variety of plans to suit different business needs. You can choose from Simple Start, Essentials, Plus or Advanced. Each plan offers different features, such as inventory tracking, project profitability, time tracking, bill management and more.
  • QuickBooks Online has a powerful reporting feature that lets you customize and generate reports on your financial performance, cash flow, sales, expenses, taxes and more. You can also export your reports to Excel or PDF formats.
  • QuickBooks Online has a dedicated support team that is available 24/7 via phone, chat or email. You can also access the online community, help center and video tutorials for additional guidance.

Pros:

  • QuickBooks Online is easy to use and set up. You can get started in minutes and navigate the intuitive dashboard and menus.
  • QuickBooks Online is scalable and flexible. You can upgrade or downgrade your plan at any time and add or remove users as needed.
  • QuickBooks Online is secure and reliable. Your data is encrypted and backed up in the cloud. You can also set up permissions and roles to control who can access your data.
  • QuickBooks Online is updated regularly with new features and improvements. You can also benefit from the latest tax laws and regulations.

Cons:

  • QuickBooks Online can be expensive compared to some of its competitors. The plans range from $25 to $180 per month, plus $10 per user per month. You may also need to pay extra for some add-ons and integrations.
  • QuickBooks Online can be slow and buggy at times. Some users have reported issues with loading times, syncing errors, duplicate transactions and more.
  • QuickBooks Online can be overwhelming for some users. There are many features and options to choose from, which can make it hard to find what you need or customize it to your preferences.

Pricing:

QuickBooks Online Pricing

QuickBooks Online offers four plans: Simple Start ($15/month), Essentials ($30/month), Plus ($45/month) and Advanced ($100/month). Each plan includes one user, unlimited invoices and estimates, income and expense tracking, sales tax tracking, receipt capture and mileage tracking. You can add more users for $10 per user per month.

The main differences between the plans are:

  • Simple Start: Suitable for freelancers and sole proprietors who need basic accounting features.
  • Essentials: Suitable for small businesses who need more features such as bill management, time tracking and multiple currencies.
  • Plus: Suitable for medium-sized businesses who need more features such as inventory tracking, project profitability and budgeting.
  • Advanced: Suitable for large businesses who need more features such as custom fields, workflows, batch invoicing and dedicated account manager.

You can try any plan for free for 30 days. You can also save up to 50% off if you sign up for an annual subscription.

Overall Impression:

QuickBooks Online is a powerful and versatile accounting software that can help you manage your business finances with ease. It has a lot of features and integrations that can streamline your workflows and automate your tasks. However, it can also be pricey, complex and glitchy at times. Therefore, you should weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding if it is worth it for your business in 2024.

Xero

Xero financial software management

If you are looking for a cloud-based invoicing software that can help you manage your cash flow, track your expenses, and send professional invoices to your clients, you might want to consider Xero. Xero is one of the most popular invoicing software in the market, with over 2 million subscribers worldwide. In this post, I will review some of the key features, pros and cons, pricing and overall impression of Xero invoicing software in 2024.

Key Features

Xero offers a range of features that can help you streamline your invoicing process and save time and money. Some of the key features are:

  • Customizable invoice templates: You can choose from a variety of invoice templates that suit your brand and business needs. You can also add your logo, payment terms, discounts, and other details to your invoices.
  • Online payment options: You can accept payments from your clients via credit card, PayPal, Stripe, or other online payment methods. You can also set up automatic reminders and late fees to encourage timely payments.
  • Invoice tracking and reporting: You can track the status of your invoices, such as sent, viewed, paid, or overdue. You can also generate reports on your invoice performance, such as revenue, outstanding balances, payment trends, and more.
  • Expense management: You can easily record and categorize your expenses, such as travel, supplies, utilities, etc. You can also attach receipts and bills to your expenses and claim them as tax deductions.
  • Integration with other apps: You can integrate Xero with over 800 apps that can enhance your invoicing workflow, such as CRM, inventory, project management, accounting, and more.

Pros

  • Easy to use: Xero has a user-friendly interface that is intuitive and easy to navigate. You can access your invoices from any device, anywhere, anytime.
  • Affordable: Xero has a flexible pricing plan that starts from $11 per month for up to 20 invoices. You can also try Xero for free for 30 days before committing to a subscription.
  • Secure: Xero uses encryption and multiple layers of security to protect your data and transactions. You can also set up permissions and roles for different users in your team.
  • Support: Xero provides 24/7 customer support via phone, email, chat, or social media. You can also access online resources such as tutorials, webinars, blogs, and forums.

cons

  • Limited customization: Xero has a limited number of invoice templates that you can customize. You might need to use a third-party app or service if you want more advanced customization options.
  • Limited offline access: Xero is a cloud-based software that requires an internet connection to function. You might not be able to access or edit your invoices if you are offline or have a poor connection.
  • Additional fees: Xero charges extra fees for some features and services, such as online payment processing, payroll, bank feeds, etc. You might need to pay more than the base price depending on your usage and needs.

Pricing

Xero financial software management pricing

Xero has three pricing plans that you can choose from depending on the size and nature of your business. The plans are:

  • Starter: $25 per month for up to 20 invoices, 5 bills, unlimited bank reconciliations, and 1 user
  • Standard: $40 per month for unlimited invoices, bills, bank reconciliations, and users
  • Premium: $54 per month for unlimited invoices, bills, bank reconciliations, users, plus multi-currency accounting and payroll for up to 10 employees

You can also add extra features and services to your plan for an additional fee.

Overall Impression

Xero is a powerful and reliable invoicing software that can help you manage your cash flow and grow your business. It has a range of features that can suit different business needs and preferences. It is also easy to use, affordable, secure, and supported by a dedicated team. However, it also has some limitations that might affect your user experience and satisfaction. Therefore, I recommend that you weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding if Xero is the right invoicing software for you.

Sage Intacct 

SAGE INTACCT Financial Management Software

If you are looking for a cloud-based invoicing software that can handle complex billing scenarios, Intacct might be the right choice for you. Intacct is a powerful and flexible software that can automate your invoicing process, streamline your workflows, and integrate with other systems. Here are some of the key features, pros and cons, pricing and overall impression of Intacct invoicing software in 2024.

Key Features:

  • Intacct supports multiple billing models, such as subscription, usage-based, milestone, project-based, and more. You can create custom invoices with your own branding, terms, and conditions.
  • Intacct allows you to track and manage your receivables, collections, and payments in real time. You can also set up automated reminders, late fees, and discounts to improve your cash flow.
  • Intacct integrates with other applications, such as CRM, ERP, payroll, and accounting software. You can sync your data across different systems and eliminate manual data entry and errors.
  • Intacct provides you with comprehensive reports and dashboards that show you the performance of your invoicing process. You can also create custom reports and analytics to gain deeper insights into your business.

Pros:

  • Intacct is a scalable and secure software that can handle large volumes of transactions and data. It is compliant with various standards and regulations, such as GAAP, IFRS, PCI DSS, SOC 1, and SOC 2.
  • Intacct is a user-friendly and customizable software that allows you to tailor it to your specific needs and preferences. You can configure your workflows, rules, templates, fields, and more.
  • Intacct offers excellent customer support and training options. You can access online help, videos, webinars, forums, and knowledge base. You can also contact the support team via phone, email, or chat.

Cons:

  • Intacct is a relatively expensive software compared to some of its competitors. The pricing depends on the number of users, modules, transactions, and features you need. You may also need to pay extra for implementation, integration, and customization services.
  • Intacct may have a steep learning curve for some users who are not familiar with its interface and functionality. You may need to invest some time and resources to get the most out of it.
  • Intacct may not have all the features or integrations that you need for your specific business scenario. You may need to use third-party add-ons or custom solutions to fill the gaps.

Pricing:

Intacct does not disclose its pricing on its website. You need to contact the sales team for a quote based on your requirements. However, according to some online sources, the average price range of Intacct is between $400 and $800 per user per month.

Overall Impression:

Intacct is a robust and versatile invoicing software that can handle complex billing scenarios and integrate with other systems. It is suitable for medium to large businesses that need a high level of automation, flexibility, and security. However, it is also a costly and complex software that may require some training and customization to fit your needs.

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Disclosure: Please note that we may receive affiliate compensation for some of the links below, at no expense to you, should you decide to purchase a paid plan. This blog does not provide financial advice, it is purely for entertainment and fun.

Applications, Social Media

How to Make Money On TikTok in 2024

TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with over 2 billion downloads and 1 billion monthly active users. If you are a content creator, influencer, or entrepreneur, you might be wondering how you can monetize your TikTok account and earn money from your videos. In this blog post, we will share some tips and strategies on how to make money on TikTok in 2024.

There are several ways to make money on TikTok, depending on your goals, niche, and audience. Here are some of the most common and effective methods:

TikTok Creator Fund:

The TikTok Creator Fund is a program that allows eligible creators to earn money from their videos on the platform. The fund was launched in July 2020 with an initial $200 million and has since grown to over $1 billion. The fund aims to support diverse and creative content on TikTok and reward the creators for their efforts and engagement. To apply for the fund, creators need to meet certain criteria, such as having at least 10,000 followers, 10,000 video views in the last 30 days, and being 18 years or older. The amount of money that creators can earn from the fund depends on various factors, such as the number of views, the level of engagement, and the quality of the content.

UPDATE: TikTok is ending its $2 billion creator fund

Sponsored posts:

This is when a brand pays you to promote their product or service in your TikTok video. You can charge a fee based on your number of followers, views, engagement, and niche. To find sponsors, you can either reach out to them directly or join an influencer marketing platform that connects you with relevant brands.

Affiliate marketing:

TikTok affiliate marketing is a strategy that involves promoting products or services on TikTok and earning commissions for each sale or action. TikTok affiliate marketing can be a lucrative way to monetize your TikTok account, but it requires some planning and creativity. Here are some tips on how to get started with TikTok affiliate marketing:

  • Choose a niche that matches your TikTok content and audience. You want to promote products or services that are relevant and useful to your followers, and that align with your personal brand and style.
  • Find affiliate programs or networks that offer products or services in your niche. You can use platforms like ShareASale, ClickBank, or Amazon Associates to find affiliate offers, or you can reach out to brands directly and ask if they have an affiliate program.
  • Create engaging and authentic TikTok videos that showcase the benefits and features of the products or services you are promoting. You can use hashtags, captions, stickers, filters, and music to make your videos more appealing and catchy.
  • Include a clear call to action in your videos, such as “Swipe up to buy”, “Click the link in my bio”, or “Use my code for a discount”. You want to make it easy for your viewers to take the next step and purchase the product or service you are recommending.
  • Track and optimize your performance. You can use analytics tools like Google Analytics, Bitly, or TikTok’s own dashboard to measure your traffic, conversions, and commissions. You can also test different products, offers, videos, and strategies to see what works best for your TikTok affiliate marketing campaign.
Tiktok Live Shopping

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Live streaming:

TikTok Live Streaming is a feature that allows users to broadcast live videos to their followers and interact with them in real time. Live streaming can be used for various purposes, such as showcasing talents, sharing opinions, hosting events, or promoting products. To start a live stream, users need to have at least 1,000 followers, comply with the community guidelines and terms of service and be at least 16 years old. Live streaming can help users grow their audience, earn gifts from fans, and monetize their content.

Managing multiple social media platforms can be time-consuming and overwhelming. That’s why you need a social media management tool that can help you plan, create, publish, monitor, and analyze your social media content. Whether you are a small business owner, a marketer, or an influencer, you will find a tool that suits your needs and budget. Read more: https://technologer.net/best-social-media-management-tools

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Selling Merchandise:

This is when you sell your own products or services to your followers, such as clothing, accessories, ebooks, courses, coaching, etc. You can create your own online store or use a third-party platform like Shopify or Teespring. You can also use TikTok’s Shop Now feature, which allows you to link your products directly from your video.

Some of the benefits of selling TikTok merchandise are:

  • It can increase brand awareness and loyalty among your followers.
  • It can help you express your personality and style through your products.
  • It can provide a source of passive income that does not depend on views or likes.
  • It can give you an opportunity to collaborate with other creators or brands.

If you are interested in selling TikTok merchandise, you will need to consider some factors such as:

  • What kind of products do you want to sell and how do they relate to your content?
  • How will you design, produce, and ship your products?
  • How will you promote your products and drive traffic to your store?
  • How will you handle customer service and feedback?

Selling TikTok merchandise can be a rewarding and fun way to grow your online presence and business. However, it also requires planning, research, and dedication. You should always follow the TikTok community guidelines and respect the intellectual property rights of others when creating and selling your merchandise.

Donations:

This is when you ask your followers to support your content creation by sending you money via PayPal, Venmo, Patreon, or other platforms. You can also use TikTok’s Donation Stickers feature, which lets you add a sticker to your video that prompts viewers to donate to a charity of your choice.

Users can buy virtual coins with real money and use them to send gifts to their favorite creators or to support various campaigns. TikTok then converts the gifts into diamonds, which can be exchanged for cash by the creators or donated to charities. This way, TikTok enables its users to show appreciation and support for the content they enjoy or the causes they care about.

Tiktok Donations

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Ads:

This is when you earn money from displaying ads on your TikTok videos. You can join TikTok’s Creator Fund, which pays you based on the number of views and engagement of your videos. To be eligible for the Creator Fund, you need to have at least 10,000 followers, 10,000 views in the last 30 days, and be at least 18 years old. You can also use other ad networks like Google Adsense or Mediavine to monetize your TikTok website or blog.

These are some of the best ways to make money on TikTok in 2024. However, before you start monetizing your account, you need to focus on creating high-quality content that attracts and engages your target audience. You also need to follow the TikTok community guidelines and terms of service, and avoid any content that is illegal, harmful, hateful, or misleading. By doing so, you can build a loyal fan base and a profitable business on TikTok.

Offering consulting or coaching services:

If you have expertise in a particular area, you can offer consulting or coaching services to your followers. For example, if you’re a fitness expert, you could offer personal training sessions.

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No matter which method you choose, the key to making money on TikTok is to create engaging and popular content. Your videos should be well-edited, informative, and entertaining. You should also be consistent with posting new videos.

Here are some additional tips for making money on TikTok:

  • Identify your niche: What are you passionate about? What do you know a lot about? Once you know your niche, you can start creating content that is relevant to your target audience.
  • Use trending hashtags: Trending hashtags are a great way to get your videos seen by more people. When you use trending hashtags, your videos will show up in the search results for those hashtags.
  • Collaborate with other creators: Collaborating with other creators is a great way to cross-promote your content and reach a new audience.
  • Promote your TikTok account on other social media platforms: Share your TikTok videos on your other social media accounts, such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. This will help you to reach a wider audience.

Making money on TikTok takes time and effort, but it is possible. By following the tips above, you can increase your chances of success.

Applications, Social Media

How to Grow Your Instagram Followers (Ultimate Guide)

Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with over 1.5 billion monthly active users. If you want to grow your brand, business, or personal profile on Instagram, you need to have a solid strategy and follow some best practices. In this blog post, we will share with you some tips and tricks on how to grow your Instagram and followers in 2023.

Optimize your profile

Your profile is the first thing that potential followers see when they visit your page. Make sure you have a clear and catchy bio, a high-quality profile picture, and a link to your website or other social media accounts. You can also use keywords and hashtags that are relevant to your niche and audience.

Create engaging content

Content is king on Instagram, and you need to post consistently and creatively to attract and retain followers. You can use different types of content, such as photos, videos, reels, stories, and live streams, to showcase your personality, products, services, or values. You can also use captions, stickers, filters, and emojis to add some fun and flair to your posts.

Use hashtags and geotags

Hashtags and geotags are powerful tools to increase your reach and visibility on Instagram. Hashtags are words or phrases that start with a # sign and describe the topic or theme of your post. Geotags are locations that you can add to your post to show where you are or where you took the photo or video. You can use up to 30 hashtags and one geotag per post, and you should choose them wisely based on your niche, audience, and goals, preferably 2-4 general hashtags like # trending, viral, reels and reelsfeed alongside some targeted and more specific ones.

Interact with your audience

One of the best ways to grow your Instagram and followers is to engage with your existing and potential followers. You can do this by liking, commenting, sharing, and saving their posts, as well as replying to their messages and comments. You can also ask questions, create polls, quizzes, or challenges, or host giveaways or contests to encourage more interaction and feedback.

Collaborate with others

Another effective strategy to grow your Instagram and followers is to collaborate with other influencers, brands, or users in your niche or industry. You can do this by tagging them in your posts, mentioning them in your stories, or featuring them in your IGTV or live streams. You can also do shoutouts, takeovers, or cross-promotions to expose your account to their followers and vice versa.

Managing multiple social media platforms can be time-consuming and overwhelming. That’s why you need a social media management tool that can help you plan, create, publish, monitor, and analyze your social media content. Whether you are a small business owner, a marketer, or an influencer, you will find a tool that suits your needs and budget. Read more: https://technologer.net/best-social-media-management-tools

Instagram features

How to create engaging content?

Engaging content is content that captures the attention and interest of your audience, and makes them want to interact with you and your brand. Engaging content can help you grow your Instagram and followers, as well as increase your brand awareness, loyalty, and conversions. But how do you create engaging content? Here are some tips and tricks to help you out.

  • Know your audience: The first step to creating engaging content is to know who you are creating it for. You need to understand your target audience, their needs, preferences, pain points, and goals. You can use tools like Instagram Insights, surveys, or polls to get more insights into your audience’s demographics, behaviors, and interests.
  • Define your goals: The second step to creating engaging content is to define what you want to achieve with it. You need to have a clear and specific goal for each piece of content, such as increasing your reach, engagement, followers, sales, or traffic. You also need to have a way to measure your results, such as using analytics, tracking codes, or feedback forms.
  • Choose the right format: The third step to creating engaging content is to choose the right format for your message and goal. Instagram offers a variety of formats for you to choose from, such as photos, videos, reels, stories, IGTV, and live streams. You should experiment with different formats and see what works best for your audience and niche.
  • Be creative and original: The fourth step to creating engaging content is to be creative and original. You need to stand out from the crowd and offer something unique and valuable to your audience. You can do this by using your own voice, style, and personality, as well as adding some humor, emotion, or storytelling to your content.
  • Add value and call to action: The fifth step to creating engaging content is to add value and call to action to your content. You need to provide useful information, tips, advice, or solutions to your audience’s problems or needs. You also need to encourage them to take action after consuming your content, such as liking, commenting, sharing, saving, following, or visiting your website.

Some examples of call to action are:

  • “Tap the link in bio for more details”
  • “Swipe up to shop now”
  • “Tag a friend who needs this”
  • “Share your thoughts in the comments”
  • “Follow us for more tips”
Instagram analytics

How to check Instagram analytics?

Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with over 2 billion monthly active users. If you are a business owner, influencer, or content creator, you might want to know how your posts and stories are performing on Instagram. That’s where Instagram analytics come in handy.

Instagram analytics are the data and insights that show you how your audience is engaging with your content, what kind of content they like, and how you can improve your Instagram strategy. In this blog post, we will show you how to check Instagram analytics in 2023, using the latest features and tools available on the platform.

Step 1: Switch to a professional account

To access Instagram analytics, you need to have a professional account. This can be either a business account or a creator account, depending on your goals and needs. A business account is suitable for brands, organizations, and online shops, while a creator account is designed for influencers, artists, and public figures.

To switch to a professional account, go to your profile and tap on the menu icon in the top right corner. Then, tap on Settings > Account > Switch to Professional Account. You will be asked to choose between a business account or a creator account, and then to select a category for your profile. You will also need to connect your Instagram account to a Facebook page if you haven’t done so already.

Step 2: Go to the Insights tab

Once you have a professional account, you can access Instagram analytics by going to the Insights tab on your profile. Here, you will see an overview of your account performance, including your reach, impressions, profile visits, website clicks, email clicks, and call clicks. You can also see how many followers you gained or lost in the past week, and what are the top locations, age ranges, genders, and active times of your audience.

Step 3: Explore the Content, Activity, and Audience sections

The Insights tab has three main sections: Content, Activity, and Audience. Each section provides you with different metrics and insights about your Instagram posts and stories.

  • Content: This section shows you how your posts and stories are performing in terms of engagement, reach, impressions, saves, shares, comments, and likes. You can filter by time period (7 days or 30 days), content type (photos, videos, carousel posts, stories), or interaction type (likes, comments, etc.). You can also tap on each post or story to see more detailed analytics.
  • Activity: This section shows you how your account is driving traffic and actions on Instagram. You can see how many people visited your profile, clicked on your website link, called you, emailed you, or got directions to your location. You can also see how many people discovered your account through different sources, such as hashtags, explore page, home feed, or other accounts.
  • Audience: This section shows you who your followers are and how they interact with your content. You can see the demographics of your audience, such as their location, age range, gender, and language. You can also see when they are most active on Instagram by day and by hour. You can use this information to optimize your posting schedule and target your content to the right audience.
Instagram Reels

Step 4: Use additional tools and features

Besides the Insights tab on your profile, there are some other tools and features that can help you check Instagram analytics in 2023. Some of them are:

  • Reels Insights: Reels are short-form videos that you can create and share on Instagram. To see how your reels are performing, go to the Reels tab on your profile and tap on the menu icon on each reel. You will see metrics such as plays, likes, comments, saves, shares, and reach.
  • Live Insights: Live is a feature that allows you to broadcast live video to your followers. To see how your live videos are performing, go to the Live tab on your profile and tap on the menu icon on each live video. You will see metrics such as viewership peak, comments, shares,
    and reach.
  • Guides Insights: Guides are a feature that allows you to curate and share collections of posts,
    products, or places on Instagram. To see how your guides are performing, go to the Guides tab on your profile and tap on the menu icon on each guide. You will see metrics such as views,
    saves, and shares.
  • Shopping Insights: Shopping is a feature that allows you to sell products directly on Instagram.
    To see how your shopping posts and stories are performing, go to the Shop tab on your profile and tap on the menu icon on each post or story. You will see metrics such as product views,
    product clicks, and product purchases.

Conclusion

Instagram analytics are essential for understanding your audience and improving your Instagram strategy. By using the tools and features mentioned above, you can check Instagram and optimize your content for maximum engagement and growth. Happy Instagramming!

Social Media, software

Best Social Media Management Tools of 2024 (Top Expert Choices)

Social media is a powerful way to connect with your audience, grow your brand, and increase your sales. But managing multiple social media platforms can be time-consuming and overwhelming. That’s why you need a social media management tool that can help you plan, create, publish, monitor, and analyze your social media content.

Whether you are a small business owner, a marketer, or an influencer, you will find a tool that suits your needs and budget.

Here are the top 9 social media management tools and software in 2024:

Hootsuite

Hootsuit Social Media Management

Hootsuite is one of the most popular and widely used social media management tools in the market. It allows you to manage multiple social networks, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, and more, from one dashboard. You can schedule posts, monitor mentions, track analytics, run ads, collaborate with your team, and access various integrations and apps. Hootsuite also offers online courses and certifications to help you master social media marketing.

Key Features

  • Wide Integration: Hootsuite allows you to connect up to 35 social networks, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok and more.
  • Create and Schedule: posts in advance using the intuitive dashboard, calendar or mobile app. You can also use the content library to store and reuse your media assets.
  • Monitor: your social media performance using the analytics tools, which provide insights on metrics such as reach, engagement, sentiment and conversions. You can also create custom reports and dashboards to share with your team or clients.
  • Manage: your online reputation and customer service using the inbox feature, which lets you respond to messages, comments and mentions from all your connected platforms in one place. You can also assign tasks, tag conversations and use templates to streamline your workflow.
  • Collaborate: with your team members using the team management feature, which allows you to assign roles, permissions and workflows. You can also chat with your team members using the internal messaging feature.

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Pros:

  • Comprehensive and versatile tool that can help you manage multiple aspects of your social media strategy.
  • Simple and intuitive interface
  • Supports many social networks and integrations
  • Offers free plan and reasonable pricing options
  • Provides free online courses and resources to help you learn and improve your skills
  • Provides excellent customer service.

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Cons:

  • Limited features on free plan
  • Does not support ads or advanced analytics
  • Some integrations require additional fees, especially if you need to connect more than 10 social networks or have a large team
  • It can also be overwhelming for beginners or users who only need basic features

Plans and Pricing

Hootsuit Social Media Pricing

Hootsuite offers four plans: Free, Professional, Team and Business:

  • Free plan: allows you to connect up to 3 social networks and manage up to 30 scheduled posts.
  • Professional plan: costs $29 per month and allows you to connect up to 10 social networks and manage up to 100 scheduled posts.
  • Team plan: costs $129 per month and allows you to connect up to 20 social networks and manage up to 200 scheduled posts. It also includes team management and analytics features.
  • Business Plan: costs $599 per month and allows you to connect up to 35 social networks and manage unlimited scheduled posts. It also includes advanced features such as inbox, custom reports and integrations.

Overall Conclusion

Hootsuite is a powerful and reliable tool that can help you optimize your social media presence and reach your goals. It is suitable for users who need to manage multiple platforms, create engaging content, monitor their performance and collaborate with their team. However, it may not be the best option for users who have a limited budget, prefer a simpler tool or only need to focus on one or two platforms.

Crowdfire

crowdfire social media management

Crowdfire helps you create, schedule and optimize your content across various platforms. It also provides analytics, insights and recommendations to improve your social media performance.

Key Features

  • Content Studio: A feature that allows you to discover, curate and create engaging content for your audience. You can also use the AI-powered Smart Writer to generate captions, hashtags and keywords for your posts.
  • Post Scheduler: A feature that lets you plan and schedule your posts in advance for optimal times and frequencies. You can also use the Best Time feature to automatically find the best time to post for each platform.
  • Social Inbox: A feature that enables you to manage all your social media interactions in one place. You can reply, like, comment and share messages from your followers and fans across different platforms.
  • Analytics and Reports: TA feature that helps you measure and analyze your social media performance and growth. You can also generate and export custom reports for your clients or stakeholders.
  • Smart Recommendations: A feature that gives you personalized suggestions and tips to improve your social media strategy and reach. You can also use the Competitor Analysis feature to compare your performance with your competitors.

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Pros:

  • Supports multiple platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok and more
  • Offers a free plan that allows you to connect up to 3 social accounts and schedule up to 10 posts per account per month
  • User-friendly interface and a mobile app that makes it easy to use on the go
  • Integrates with various tools and services, such as Canva, Unsplash, Shopify, WordPress, Medium and more

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Cons:

  • The free plan has limited features and functionality compared to the paid plans
  • Paid plans can be expensive for some users, especially if they need to manage multiple social accounts or clients
  • customer support can be slow or unresponsive at times, according to some user reviews.

Plans and Pricing

crowdfire social media management pricing

Crowdfire has four plans: Free, Plus, Premium and VIP:

  • Free plan: allows you to connect up to 3 social accounts and schedule up to 10 posts per account per month. It also gives you access to basic features, such as Content Studio, Post Scheduler and Analytics.
  • Plus plan: costs $9.99 per month or $7.48 per month if billed annually. It allows you to connect up to 5 social accounts and schedule up to 100 posts per account per month. It also gives you access to advanced features, such as Social Inbox, Smart Recommendations and Competitor Analysis.
  • Premium plan: costs $49.99 per month or $37.48 per month if billed annually. It allows you to connect up to 10 social accounts and schedule up to 1000 posts per account per month. It also gives you access to premium features, such as Team Members, Custom Reports and White Label Reports.
  • VIP: costs $99.99 per month or $74.98 per month if billed annually. It allows you to connect up to 25 social accounts and schedule unlimited posts per account per month. It also gives you access to VIP features, such as Priority Support, Dedicated Account Manager and Custom Training.

Overall Conclusion

Crowdfire is a powerful and versatile social media management tool that can help you create, schedule and optimize your content across various platforms. It also provides analytics, insights and recommendations to improve your social media performance. However, it can also be expensive for some users, especially if they need to manage multiple social accounts or clients. Therefore, it is advisable to compare the features, pros and cons, plans and pricing of Crowdfire with other similar tools before making a decision.

Sendible

Sendible social media management software

Sendible Social is a powerful tool for managing social media campaigns in 2024. It allows you to create, schedule, and monitor content across multiple platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and more. You can also track the performance of your posts, engage with your audience, and generate reports to measure your impact.

Key Features

  • Drag-and-drop content calendar that lets you plan and preview your posts in advance
  • A smart queue feature that automatically optimizes your posting times based on your audience’s behavior
  • Content library that stores your images, videos, and templates for easy access
  • Social inbox that consolidates all your messages and comments from different platforms in one place
  • Social listening tool that monitors relevant keywords, hashtags, and mentions across the web
  • Collaboration feature that enables you to work with your team members and clients on projects
  • White-label feature that allows you to customize your dashboard and reports with your own branding

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Pros:

  • Supports a wide range of platforms and integrations
  • User-friendly interface and a responsive customer support
  • Offers advanced analytics and reporting tools
  • Fexible pricing structure that suits different needs and budgets

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Cons:

  • Limited number of posts per month for some plans
  • Does not support some features such as stories, reels, or live videos for some platforms
  • May experience some glitches or delays in syncing with some platforms

Plans and Pricing

Sendible social media management pricing

There are 4 plans and pricing of Sendible Social:

  • Starter: $29 per month for 1 user, 12 services, and 100 posts per month
  • Traction: $89 per month for 3 users, 48 services, and 500 posts per month
  • Growth: $240 per month for 7 users, 105 services, and 1,000 posts per month
  • Large: $750 per month for 12 users, 192 services, and 2,000 posts per month

You can also opt for a custom plan if you need more users, services, or posts.

Overall Conclusion

Sendible Social is a great tool for managing your social media presence in 2024. It can help you save time, increase engagement, and grow your brand awareness. However, it may not be the best fit for everyone depending on your goals, preferences, and budget. You can try it out for free for 14 days to see if it works for you.

eClincher

eClincher is a social media management tool that helps you manage multiple accounts, schedule posts, monitor analytics, and engage with your audience. Some of the key features of eClincher in 2024 are:

Key Features

  • Smart Inbox: A unified inbox that lets you see and respond to all your messages, comments, mentions, and reviews across different platforms in one place.
  • Auto Post: A feature that automatically publishes your content at the best times based on your audience’s behavior and preferences.
  • Live Social Feeds: A feature that allows you to view and interact with live streams from Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.
  • Influencer Discovery: A feature that helps you find and connect with influencers in your niche who can amplify your brand’s reach and credibility.
  • Social Listening: A feature that tracks and analyzes what people are saying about your brand, competitors, and industry on social media.

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Pros:

  • Supports a wide range of platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok, Reddit, and more
  • Offers a free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • User-friendly interface and a responsive customer support team.

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Cons:

  • Can be expensive compared to some other tools, especially for larger teams or agencies
  • Does not have a native mobile app, only a web app that can be accessed on mobile devices
  • Does not integrate with some popular tools like WordPress, Shopify, or Mailchimp

Plans and Pricing

eclincher social media management pricing

The 4 plans and pricing of eClincher:

  • Basic plan: $59 per month for one user and 10 social profiles
  • Premier plan: $119 per month for three users and 20 social profiles
  • Agency plan: $219 per month for six users and 40 social profiles
  • Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing for larger teams or agencies with more than 40 social profiles

Overall Conclusion

Overall, eClincher is a powerful and versatile social media management tool that can help you grow your online presence and reach your marketing goals. However, it may not be the best fit for everyone depending on their budget, needs, and preferences. Therefore, it is advisable to try out the free trial and compare it with other options before making a final decision.

Planable

Planable social media management

Planable helps you collaborate and publish content across multiple platforms. It allows you to preview how your posts will look like on different channels, get feedback from your team and clients, and schedule your posts in advance. Some of the key features of Planable in 2024 are:

Key Features

  • Drag-and-drop interface that lets you easily design and edit your posts
  • Smart content calendar that syncs with your social media accounts and shows you the best times to post
  • Content library that stores all your assets and templates in one place
  • Workflow automation feature that streamlines your approval process and notifies you of any changes or comments
  • Performance dashboard that tracks your engagement, reach and conversions across all your channels

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Pros:

  • Saves you time and hassle by eliminating the need for multiple tools and apps
  • Improves your collaboration and communication with your team and clients
  • Enhances your creativity and quality by allowing you to see how your posts will look like before publishing
  • Supports a wide range of social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest and TikTok

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Cons:

  • Might be expensive for small businesses or freelancers, as it charges per workspace rather than per user
  • Does not offer advanced analytics or reporting features, such as sentiment analysis or competitor benchmarking
  • Does not integrate with other popular tools, such as Canva, Mailchimp or WordPress

Plans and Pricing

Planable social media management pricing

Planable offers three plans for different needs and budgets,Starter, Premium and Enterprise:

  • Starter plan: costs $39 per month and allows you to manage up to 3 workspaces, 10 social media pages and 3 users.
  • Premium plan: costs $99 per month and allows you to manage up to 10 workspaces, 30 social media pages and 7 users.
  • Enterprise Plan: is customized for large teams and agencies, and offers unlimited workspaces, social media pages and users, as well as dedicated support and training.

Overall Conclusion

Planable is a great tool for social media management that can help you create, collaborate and publish content more efficiently and effectively. It is ideal for medium to large businesses or agencies that need a simple and intuitive solution for their social media needs. However, it may not be suitable for small businesses or freelancers who need more flexibility or functionality from their tool.

Buffer

Buffer Social Media Management

Buffer is another popular and user-friendly social media management tool that lets you schedule posts, analyze performance, and engage with your audience across various social networks. You can create a content calendar, optimize your posting times, collaborate with your team, reply to comments and messages, and access insights and reports. Buffer also has a separate tool called Buffer Publish for creating and publishing stories, reels, and videos on Instagram.

Key Features

  • User-friendly interface that lets you drag and drop your posts on a calendar, preview how they will look on each platform, and edit them easily. You can also use Buffer’s browser extension or mobile app to share content from anywhere on the web.
  • Create and schedule posts for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest and more. You can also use Buffer to reply to comments and messages, monitor mentions and hashtags, and track your performance with analytics.
  • Integration with many other tools and apps, such as Canva, Unsplash, Feedly, WordPress, Shopify and more. You can use these integrations to create stunning visuals, find relevant content, optimize your SEO, and boost your sales.

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Pros:

  • Great tool for anyone who wants to save time and effort in managing their social media presence
  • Create consistent and engaging content, reach your audience at the best times, and measure your results
  • Friendly and helpful customer support team that is available 24/7 via email or chat
  • They also have a blog, a podcast, a newsletter, and a community where you can find tips, insights, and inspiration for your social media strategy

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Cons:

  • Does not support some features or platforms that other tools do, such as stories, reels, or TikTok
  • Some limitations in terms of customization, automation, or collaboration. For instance, you cannot create different post types for different platforms, set up recurring posts, or assign tasks to team members

Plans and Pricing

Buffer Social Media Pricing

Buffer offers a variety of plans and pricing options to suit your needs and budget:

  • Free plan: lets you manage up to 3 social accounts and schedule up to 10 posts per account.
  • Pro plan: costs $15 per month and lets you manage up to 8 social accounts and schedule up to 100 posts per account
  • Premium plan: costs $65 per month and lets you manage up to 8 social accounts and schedule up to 2,000 posts per account.
  • Business Plan: costs $99 per month and lets you manage up to 25 social accounts and schedule up to 2,000 posts per account.

All plans come with a 14-day free trial.

Overall Conclusion

Buffer is a reliable and easy-to-use social media management tool that can help you grow your online presence and reach your goals. It has many features and integrations that make it a versatile and powerful tool. However, it also has some limitations that may not suit everyone’s needs or preferences. Therefore, we recommend that you try out Buffer for yourself and see if it works for you.

Agorapulse

AgoraPulse social media management

Agorapulse is a another awesome tool that helps you to manage your social media accounts, monitor your online reputation, and engage with your audience. Some of the key features of Agorapulse in 2024 are:

Key Features

  • Unified inbox that lets you see and reply to all your messages, comments, mentions, and reviews across different platforms in one place.
  • Social listening tool that tracks keywords, hashtags, and competitors on social media and alerts you when someone mentions your brand or products.
  • Content calendar that helps you to plan, schedule, and publish your posts across multiple platforms and accounts.
  • Social media analytics tool that provides you with insights into your performance, reach, engagement, and sentiment on social media.
  • Team collaboration tool that allows you to assign tasks, approve posts, and communicate with your team members.

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Pros:

  • Supports a wide range of platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest
  • Offers a free plan for up to 3 social profiles and 1 user, as well as affordable plans for small businesses and agencies
  • User-friendly interface and a mobile app that makes it easy to use on any device
  • Integrates with other tools such as Canva, Dropbox, Google Drive, Zapier, and more

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Cons:

  • Does not support some features such as live streaming, stories, reels, or shop tabs on some platforms
  • Limited number of reports and metrics compared to some other tools
  • May experience some bugs or glitches occasionally.

Plans and Pricing

AgoraPulse social media management pricing

There are 4 plans and pricing for Agorapulse:

  • Free plan: $0 per month for up to 3 social profiles and 1 user.
  • Pro: $79 per month for up to 10 social profiles and 2 users.
  • Premium plan: $159 per month for up to 25 social profiles and 4 users.
  • Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing for more than 25 social profiles and more than 4 users.

Overall Conclusion

Agorapulse is a reliable and versatile social media management tool that can help you to grow your online presence, connect with your audience, and achieve your goals. It is suitable for individuals, small businesses, and agencies who want to simplify their social media workflow and optimize their results.

Rebrandly

Rebrandly social media management

Rebrandly is also a great tool to create, manage and track branded links for your online campaigns. With Rebrandly, you can customize your links with your own domain name, logo and keywords, and use them across different platforms and channels. Rebrandly also provides analytics and insights on how your links are performing, such as clicks, conversions, referrals and more.

Key Features

  • Link branding: You can use your own domain name and logo to create branded links that reflect your identity and message.
  • Link management: You can organize your links into folders, tags and campaigns, and edit or delete them at any time.
  • Link tracking: You can monitor the performance of your links in real-time, and see detailed reports on clicks, conversions, referrals, geolocation and more.
  • Link integration: You can integrate Rebrandly with various tools and platforms, such as WordPress, Shopify, Mailchimp, Facebook, Twitter and more.

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Pros:

  • Easy to use and set up, with a user-friendly interface and a free plan available
  • Allows you to create branded links that are more memorable, trustworthy and engaging than generic ones
  • Helps you improve your SEO and online visibility, as branded links can boost your click-through rate and social shares

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Cons:

  • Not very flexible or customizable, as you have to use one of their predefined domains or buy your own domain through them
  • Not very affordable or scalable, as their paid plans are quite expensive and have limited features and link quotas
  • Not very secure or reliable, as their links are not encrypted or protected from phishing or malware.

Plans and Pricing

Rebrandly social media management pricing

Rebrandly offers four plans for different needs and budgets:

  • Free plan: You can create up to 500 branded links with 5 custom domains and track up to 5,000 clicks per month.
  • Starter: You can create up to 5,000 branded links with 25 custom domains and track up to 25,000 clicks per month. This plan costs $29 per month or $290 per year.
  • Pro: You can create up to 25,000 branded links with 50 custom domains and track up to 150,000 clicks per month. This plan costs $69 per month or $690 per year.
  • Premium: You can create up to 150,000 branded links with 100 custom domains and track up to 1 million clicks per month. This plan costs $499 per month or $4,990 per year.

Overall Conclusion

Rebrandly is a useful tool for creating and managing branded links for your social media campaigns. However, it may not be the best option for everyone, as it has some drawbacks in terms of flexibility, affordability and security. You should weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding whether to use Rebrandly or not.

Sprout Social

Sprout Social helps businesses and organizations to create, manage and measure their online presence. Some of the key features of Sprout Social:

Key Features

  • Unified inbox that allows you to monitor and respond to messages from multiple social platforms in one place.
  • Smart content calendar that helps you plan, schedule and publish your posts across different channels and optimize them for each audience.
  • Powerful analytics dashboard that provides insights into your social performance, audience behavior and trends.
  • Collaboration hub that enables you to work with your team members, assign tasks, share feedback and approve content.
  • Social listening tool that helps you monitor and analyze conversations about your brand, industry and competitors.

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Pros:

  • User-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate and use
  • Integrates with various social platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest and YouTube
  • Offers a variety of features and tools that cater to different needs and goals of social media marketing
  • Provides reliable customer support and regular updates.

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Cons:

  • Can be expensive for small businesses and nonprofits, as it charges per user per month
  • Does not support some niche platforms, such as TikTok, Snapchat and Reddit
  • May have some limitations in terms of customization and flexibility

Plans and Pricing

Sprout Social offers four plans: Standard, Professional, Advanced and Enterprise:

The pricing ranges from $99 to $249 per user per month, depending on the plan and the number of features included. You can also request a custom quote for the Enterprise plan if you have more than 10 users or need more advanced features.

Overall Conclusion

Sprout Social is a comprehensive and robust social media management tool that can help you grow your online presence, engage your audience and achieve your goals. It is suitable for businesses and organizations of different sizes and industries that want to streamline their social media marketing efforts.

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Disclosure: Please note that we may receive affiliate compensation for some of the links below, at no expense to you, should you decide to purchase a paid plan. This blog does not provide financial advice, it is purely for entertainment and fun.

AI, software

Best Live Chat Software of 2024 (Top Expert Choices)

Live chat software is a must-have tool for any online business that wants to provide fast and personalized customer service. Live chat software allows you to interact with your website visitors in real time, answer their questions, solve their problems, and guide them through the sales funnel. Live chat software can also help you collect feedback, generate leads, increase conversions, and boost customer loyalty.

But with so many live chat software options available in the market, how do you choose the best one for your business? In this blog post, we will compare and contrast the top ten live chat software of 2024, based on their features, benefits, drawbacks, pricing, and such. We will also give you our overall impressions and recommendations for each one.

Here are the best live chat software of 2024:

Zendesk Chat

Zendesk AI chat

Zendesk is a leading provider of customer service software and sales CRM solutions. One of their products is Zendesk Chat, a live chat software that enables businesses to deliver fast, personalized, and secure support over their customers’ favorite channels.

Zendesk Chat is a simple and elegant solution that integrates seamlessly with Zendesk Support, a leading customer service platform. Zendesk Chat allows you to provide proactive and reactive support to your website visitors, using triggers, pre-chat forms, offline messages, and chatbots. Zendesk Chat also offers a variety of features to optimize your live chat performance, such as chat routing, queue management, chat tags, chat ratings, visitor tracking, CRM integration, and more. Zendesk Chat offers a free plan for one agent and unlimited chats, and a paid plan starting from $14 per agent per month for more features and support.

Zendesk Chat offers a range of features that make it a powerful and flexible solution for customer service. Some of the key features are:

Key Features

  • AI and intelligent responses: Zendesk Chat leverages artificial intelligence and chatbots to automate repetitive customer requests, provide instant answers, and route conversations to the right agents. Zendesk Chat also uses sentiment analysis to identify unhappy customers and prioritize them for faster resolution.
  • Proactive messages: Zendesk Chat allows businesses to initiate targeted and customer behavior-driven chats, such as offering discounts, asking for feedback, or providing assistance. Proactive messages can increase engagement, conversion, and satisfaction rates.
  • Unified omnichannel solution: Zendesk Chat is part of Zendesk’s omnichannel solution, which means businesses can manage all their customer interactions across multiple channels, such as email, phone, social media, messaging apps, and self-service portals. Zendesk’s omnichannel solution provides a seamless and consistent customer experience across all touchpoints.
  • Prewritten responses: Zendesk Chat enables agents to use prewritten responses or macros to save time and ensure consistent quality. Agents can also create their own macros or use the ones provided by Zendesk.
  • Chatbots: Zendesk Chat integrates with various chatbot platforms, such as AlphaChat, to provide advanced conversational AI capabilities. Chatbots can handle simple queries, collect information, qualify leads, book appointments, process payments, and more.

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Pros:

  • Easy to set up and use: Zendesk Chat is easy to install and configure on any website or mobile app. It also has a user-friendly interface that agents can learn quickly.
  • Scalable and reliable: Zendesk Chat can handle high volumes of traffic and conversations without compromising performance or security. It also has a 99.9% uptime guarantee and 24/7 support.
  • Customizable and integrable: Zendesk Chat can be customized to match any brand identity or website design. It also integrates with many other tools and platforms, such as CRM systems, analytics tools, messaging apps, etc.
  • Affordable and flexible: Zendesk Chat has a competitive pricing structure that offers different plans for different needs and budgets. It also has a 14-day free trial that allows businesses to test the software before committing.

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Cons:

  • Limited reporting and analytics: Zendesk Chat’s reporting and analytics features are not very comprehensive or detailed. They only provide basic metrics, such as chat volume, satisfaction ratings, response times, etc. Businesses that need more advanced insights may need to use third-party tools or integrations.
  • No video or voice chat: Zendesk Chat does not support video or voice chat, which may limit its effectiveness for some use cases or customer preferences. Businesses that need video or voice chat may need to use other solutions or integrations.

Plans and Pricing

Zendesk AI chat pricing

Zendesk Chat has four pricing plans: Lite, Team, Professional, and Enterprise.

  • Lite plan: free for one agent and offers unlimited chats, chat ratings, file sending, etc.
  • Team plan: costs $19 per agent per month (billed annually) and adds features such as triggers, pre-chat forms, operating hours, etc.
  • Professional plan: costs $55 per agent per month (billed annually) and adds features such as chatbots (powered by Answer Bot), conversion tracking, roles and permissions, etc.
  • Enterprise plan: costs $115 per agent per month (billed annually) and adds features such as skills-based routing, real-time monitoring, widget unbranding, etc.

Overall Conclusion

Zendesk Chat is a powerful and flexible solution for customer service that can help businesses provide fast, personalized, and secure support over their customers’ favorite channels. It has many features that make it easy to use, scalable, reliable, customizable, integrable, affordable, and flexible. It also has some drawbacks that may limit its suitability for some use cases or customer preferences, such as limited reporting and analytics, and no video or voice chat. However, these drawbacks can be overcome by using other tools or integrations. Overall, Zendesk Chat is a great option for businesses that want to improve
their customer service and satisfaction with live chat software.

HubSpot Live Chat

HubSpot Live Chat

HubSpot is a comprehensive and integrated marketing platform that includes live chat and chatbots as part of its suite of tools. HubSpot allows you to create custom chatbots for different purposes, such as booking meetings, qualifying leads, providing support, collecting feedback, and more. You can also connect HubSpot with various platforms and tools, such as WordPress, Shopify, Gmail, Slack, Zapier, and more. HubSpot offers a free plan for unlimited chats and contacts, and a paid plan starting from $50 per month for more features and support.

HubSpot Live Chat is part of HubSpot’s free CRM platform, which also includes email marketing, forms, landing pages, and more.

Key Features

  • Conversations: This is the main tool that allows you to create and manage your live chat and chatbot conversations. You can use Conversations to design your chatbot flows, set up your chat widget, assign chats to agents or teams, monitor your chat performance, and more.
  • Contacts: This is the tool that allows you to store and manage your contact information. You can use Contacts to view your chat history, segment your contacts based on their attributes or behavior, enroll them in email campaigns or workflows, and more.
  • Marketing Hub: This is the tool that allows you to create and execute your marketing campaigns. You can use Marketing Hub to create landing pages, forms, emails, blogs, social media posts, ads, and more.
  • Sales Hub: This is the tool that allows you to manage your sales pipeline and close more deals. You can use Sales Hub to create deals, tasks, quotes, proposals, contracts, invoices, and more.
  • Service Hub: This is the tool that allows you to provide exceptional customer service and support. You can use Service Hub to create tickets, knowledge base articles, feedback surveys, reports, and more.
  • Operations Hub: This is the tool that allows you to streamline your business operations and processes. You can use Operations Hub to sync your data across different platforms and tools, automate your workflows and tasks, create custom objects and properties, and more.

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Pros:

  • Free and easy to use. You can get started with HubSpot Live Chat in minutes, without any coding or technical skills.
  • Easy to use drag-and-drop interface to create chatbots
  • Supports multiple languages and devices
  • Provides comprehensive analytics and reports
  • Allows you to manage your entire marketing funnel from one place
  • CRM features, such as contact management, segmentation, and reporting.
  • Offers a lot of customization options, such as changing the color, style, and position of the chat widget, adding your logo and images, and creating personalized messages and greetings.

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Cons:

  • Limited functionality compared to some other live chat software.
  • Requires some technical knowledge to set up integrations
  • Does not offer voice or video call features
  • May be costly for large teams or enterprises
  • Can be slow or buggy at times, especially when dealing with high volumes of traffic or complex chatbot flows.
  • Some issues with the chat widget not loading properly or disappearing from the website.

Plans and Pricing

HubSpot Live Chat Pricing

HubSpot Live Chat is free for up to 1 million contacts and unlimited chats. However, if you want to access more advanced features, such as chatbot templates, chat routing, chat targeting, and chat reports, you will need to upgrade to one of HubSpot’s paid plans.

  • Free: for unlimited chats and contacts contacts up to 1 million.
  • Paid: starts from $18 per month for the Starter plan to $800 per month for the Professional plan and offers access to more advanced features, such as chatbot templates, chat routing, chat targeting, and chat reports,

You can also get a 14-day free trial of any of the paid plans.

Overall Conclusion

HubSpot Live Chat is a good option for small to medium-sized businesses that want a simple and affordable live chat software that integrates well with HubSpot’s CRM platform. It can help you improve your customer service, increase your conversions, and grow your business. However, if you are looking for a more robust and feature-rich live chat software that can handle more complex scenarios and integrations, you might want to look elsewhere.

LiveAgent

LiveAgent Chat

LiveAgent is a cloud-based customer service software that helps businesses provide fast and efficient support to their customers. LiveAgent offers a range of features, such as live chat, email, phone, social media, knowledge base, and ticketing system, that enable agents to handle multiple channels from a single dashboard. LiveAgent also boasts a powerful automation system that can streamline workflows, assign tickets, send notifications, and more.

Key Features

  • Live chat: allows agents to chat with website visitors in real time, using pre-defined messages, canned responses, chat buttons, and chat widgets. Live chat can increase customer satisfaction, conversions, and retention rates.
  • Email: can integrate with any email provider and manage all incoming and outgoing emails from a unified inbox. Agents can use templates, attachments, signatures, and rich text formatting to personalize their responses.
  • Phone: can provide a virtual call center solution that lets agents make and receive calls from anywhere. Agents can use call recording, voicemail, IVR, call routing, and call transfers to handle phone inquiries efficiently.
  • Social media: can connect with popular social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Viber, and monitor and respond to customer messages and comments from a single interface.
  • Knowledge base: can help agents create and maintain a self-service portal that contains FAQs, articles, guides, videos, and other useful resources for customers. Agents can also use feedback and ratings to improve the quality of their content.
  • Ticketing system: can track and manage all customer requests from different channels in a centralized ticketing system. Agents can use tags, filters, statuses, priorities, SLAs, and custom fields to organize and prioritize their tickets.

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Pros:

  • Easy to set up and use, with a user-friendly interface and intuitive navigation.
  • Offers a comprehensive set of features that can cover all aspects of customer service.
  • Flexible pricing model that can suit different budgets and needs.
  • High customer satisfaction rating and positive reviews from users.

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Cons:

  • May have some compatibility issues with some browsers and devices.
  • May have some occasional bugs and glitches that affect its performance.
  • May have some limitations in terms of customization and integration with third-party tools.
  • May have some delays in customer support response times.

Plans and Pricing

LiveAgent Pricing

LiveAgent offers four pricing plans: Free, Ticket, Ticket + Chat, and All-Inclusive:

  • Free: This plan includes email ticketing, contact forms, forums, knowledge base, iPhone/Android app, and 7-day ticket history.
  • Ticket: This plan costs $15 per agent per month and adds unlimited ticket history, automation rules, SLAs, time tracking, reports, gamification, API access.
  • Ticket + Chat: This plan costs $29 per agent per month and adds live chat functionality
  • All-Inclusive: $39 per agent per month and adds phone support functionality.

LiveAgent also offers a 14-day free trial for all plans.

Overall Conclusion

LiveAgent is a robust and reliable customer service software that can help businesses deliver fast and effective support to their customers across multiple channels. LiveAgent has a comprehensive feature set that can meet the needs of various industries and scenarios. LiveAgent has a reasonable pricing model that can fit different budgets and requirements. LiveAgent has a high customer satisfaction rating and positive feedback from users.

LiveAgent is a great choice for businesses that are looking for an all-in-one customer service solution that can improve their customer experience and loyalty.

Tidio

Tidio Live chat

Tidio is a customer service software that combines live chat, chatbots, and helpdesk features to provide excellent online communication for e-commerce and small businesses. In this blog post, I will review some of the key features, pros and cons, pricing and overall impressions of Tidio.

Tidio offers a variety of features to help you engage, support, and convert your website visitors. Some of the main features are:

Key Features

  • Live Chat: You can track your visitors in real time, see what pages they are browsing, and offer personalized assistance through the live chat widget. You can also use canned responses, pre-chat surveys, and multilingual support to improve your response time and customer satisfaction.
  • Chatbots: You can use 35+ pre-defined chatbot templates or create your own custom bots to automate your lead generation, cart recovery, product recommendation, and customer service. You can also integrate your chatbots with other platforms such as Shopify, WordPress, Mailchimp, and more.
  • Helpdesk: You can manage all your channels (email, WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, and live chat) in one place with Tidio Multichannel. You can also turn conversations into tickets, assign them to the right team members, set priorities, add notes, and tags. You can also monitor your team’s performance with analytics and reports.

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Pros:

  • Easy installation and customization: You can install Tidio on any website platform in less than 5 minutes. You can also customize the look and feel of the live chat widget to match your brand’s colors and style.
  • AI-powered communication: You can use Tidio’s conversational AI to solve up to 70% of customer problems without human intervention. You can also use chatbots to increase your conversions and sales by offering relevant offers and discounts.
  • Free plan available: You can start using Tidio for free with up to 3 chat operators, unlimited chats, chatbots, and email integration. You can also upgrade to paid plans for more features and benefits.

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Cons:

  • Limited integrations: Tidio does not integrate with some popular tools such as Zapier, HubSpot, Salesforce, and Google Analytics. This may limit your ability to sync your data and workflows across different platforms.
  • No video or voice chat: Tidio does not support video or voice chat features. This may affect your ability to provide more personal and engaging communication with your customers.
  • No mobile app: Tidio does not have a mobile app for iOS or Android devices. This may affect your ability to access and manage your chats on the go.

Plans and Pricing

Tidio Live Chat Pricing

Tidio offers four pricing plans: Free, Communicator, Chatbots, and Tidio+. You can also get a 20% discount if you pay annually. Here is a summary of what each plan includes:

  • Free: Up to 3 chat operators, unlimited chats, chatbots, email integration for up to 100 contacts.
  • Communicator: Everything in Free plus unlimited chat operators, live typing preview, visitor list. This plan costs $18 per month and allows you to have unlimited contacts. You also get access to advanced features such as multilingual chatbots, omnichannel communication, live typing preview, message sneak peek, visitor information widget, email marketing campaigns, automation triggers, custom branding removal option (for an additional $10 per month), priority support (for an additional $10 per month), multiple operators (for an additional $10 per month per operator), operator groups (for an additional $10 per month), roles & permissions (for an additional $10 per month), custom domain (for an additional $10 per month), SSL encryption (for an additional $10 per month), GDPR compliance (for an additional $10 per month), data export (for an additional $10 per month), data deletion (for an additional $10 per month), and data retention (for an additional $10 per month).
  • Chatbots: Everything in Free plus unlimited chatbots, advanced bot triggers. This plan costs $25 per seat and allows you to create unlimited chatbots and have unlimited contacts. You also get access to all the features of the Free and Communicator plans, plus chatbot analytics, chatbot templates, chatbot scenarios, chatbot editor, and chatbot integrations.
  • Starter: Everything in Communicator and Chatbots plus custom limits for operators and bots ($29 per month)

You can also try any of the paid plans for free for 7 days before you decide to upgrade.

Overall Conclusion

Tidio is a powerful and easy-to-use customer service software that can help you improve your online communication with your customers. It offers a range of features such as live chat, chatbots, helpdesk, multichannel support, analytics, and more. It also has a generous free plan that you can use to test its functionality and benefits.

However, Tidio also has some limitations such as limited integrations, no video or voice chat, no mobile app that you should be aware of before choosing it as your customer service software. You should also compare its pricing and features with other alternatives in the market to find the best fit for your business needs.

Chatbot

Chatbot live chat

Chatbot is a live chat software that allows you to create and customize chatbots for your website, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and other platforms. Chatbot lets you design conversational flows with drag-and-drop interface, use pre-built templates or code your own logic, integrate with various tools and services, and analyze the performance of your chatbots.

Key Features

  • Easy to use and flexible chatbot builder
  • Multiple channels support
  • Rich media and interactive elements
  • AI and natural language processing
  • Webhooks and API
  • Custom variables and attributes
  • User segmentation and targeting
  • Reports and analytics

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Pros:

  • Affordable and offers a free plan for up to 1000 chats per month
  • User-friendly and intuitive
  • It has a lot of integrations and plugins
  • Responsive and helpful support team

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Cons:

  • Some limitations in terms of customization and functionality
  • It may not be suitable for complex or advanced chatbot scenarios
  • It may require some coding skills for certain features

Plans and Pricing

Chatbot live chat pricing

The pricing of Chatbot is based on the number of chats per month. It has four plans:

  • Starter: $52 per month, up to 1000 chats per month, unlimited chatbots, advanced features
  • Team: $142 per month, up to 5000 chats per month, unlimited chatbots, premium features
  • Business: $424 per month, up to 25000 chats per month, unlimited chatbots, premium features
  • Enterprise: custom pricing, unlimited chats per month, unlimited chatbots, enterprise features

Overall Conclusion

Overall, Chatbot is a good option for small and medium businesses that want to create simple and effective chatbots for their websites and social media platforms. It is easy to set up and use, has a lot of integrations and features, and has a reasonable pricing. However, it may not be the best choice for large or complex chatbot projects that require more customization and functionality.

LiveChat

LiveChat is a cloud-based platform that allows businesses to communicate with their customers and prospects through live chat, chatbots, email, social media and phone. LiveChat Software aims to help businesses improve customer satisfaction, increase conversions and generate more sales.

LiveChat offers a range of features that enable businesses to provide personalized and efficient customer service and sales support. Some of the key features are:

Key Features

  • Live chat: Businesses can connect with their website visitors in real-time, answer their questions, provide product recommendations and guide them through the purchase process. Live chat can also be integrated with other channels such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Apple Business Chat and SMS.
  • Chatbots: Businesses can use chatbots to automate repetitive tasks, provide instant answers, qualify leads and collect feedback. Chatbots can be customized with various templates, scenarios and integrations. LiveChat Software also offers a built-in chatbot builder that allows users to create their own chatbots without coding.
  • Email: Businesses can use email to follow up with their customers and prospects, send newsletters, promotions and updates. Email can be integrated with live chat and chatbots to create a seamless customer journey. LiveChat Software also offers a built-in email marketing tool that allows users to create and send email campaigns.
  • Social media: Businesses can use social media to reach out to their audience, build brand awareness and generate leads. Social media can be integrated with live chat and chatbots to provide consistent customer service across different platforms. LiveChat Software supports Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
  • Phone: Businesses can use phone to provide voice support to their customers and prospects. Phone can be integrated with live chat and chatbots to offer a smooth transition from text to voice. LiveChat Software also offers a built-in call center software that allows users to make and receive calls from within the platform.

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Pros:

  • Easy to use: LiveChat has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to set up, customize and manage. Users can access the platform from any device and browser. LiveChat Software also offers a mobile app that allows users to chat with customers on the go.
  • Flexible and scalable: LiveChat Software can adapt to any business size, industry and goal. Users can choose from different plans, features and integrations that suit their needs and budget. LiveChat Software can also handle high volumes of traffic and chats without compromising speed or quality.
  • Powerful and reliable: LiveChat Software has a robust infrastructure that ensures high security, availability and performance. Users can rely on LiveChat Software to deliver fast and reliable customer service and sales support. LiveChat Software also offers 24/7 customer support via chat, email and phone

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Cons:

  • Expensive: LiveChat is not the cheapest option in the market. Users have to pay a monthly or annual fee based on the number of agents, features and integrations they need. The pricing starts from $16 per agent per month for the Starter plan and goes up to $149 per agent per month for the Enterprise plan.
  • Limited customization: LiveChat Software does not offer much flexibility in terms of customization. Users have to use the predefined templates, scenarios and integrations that are available in the platform. Users cannot modify the code or design of the chat widget, chatbot or email campaign.
  • Learning curve: LiveChat Software has a lot of features and functionalities that users have to learn how to use effectively. Users may need some time and training to master the platform and optimize their customer service and sales results.

Plans and Pricing

LiveChat

LiveChat offers four pricing plans that vary in terms of features, integrations and support. The pricing is based on the number of agents who can log in to the platform simultaneously. The plans are:

  • Starter: $20 per agent per month (billed annually) or $24 per agent per month (billed monthly). This plan includes basic features such as unlimited chats, chat history, ticketing system, data security, basic widget customization and 60+ integrations.
  • Team: $41 per agent per month (billed annually) or $49 per agent per month (billed monthly). This plan includes everything in the Starter plan plus advanced features such as unlimited chatbots, full widget customization, reports and analytics, agent groups, roles and permissions, work scheduler and 130+ integrations.
  • Business: $59 per agent per month (billed annually) or $69 per agent per month (billed monthly). This plan includes everything in the Team plan plus premium features such as unlimited email campaigns, call center software, staff monitoring, chat routing, chat tags, chat surveys and 170+ integrations.
  • Enterprise: $149 per agent per month (billed annually) or $179 per agent per month (billed monthly). This plan includes everything in the Business plan plus exclusive features such as dedicated account manager, product training, custom reporting, custom integrations, single sign-on and service level agreement.

Users can also opt for a 14-day free trial to test the platform before committing to a paid plan.

Overall Conclusion

LiveChat is a powerful and reliable platform that can help businesses improve their customer service and sales performance. LiveChat Software offers a range of features that enable businesses to communicate with their customers and prospects through multiple channels and provide personalized and efficient support. LiveChat Software is easy to use, flexible and scalable, but it is also expensive, limited in customization and requires some learning. LiveChat Software is suitable for businesses that are looking for a comprehensive and professional solution for their customer service and sales needs.

Olark

Olark live chat

Olark is a live chat software that allows businesses to communicate with their website visitors in real time. It is designed to help increase conversions, improve customer service, and generate feedback

Key Features

  • Customization options: You can customize the appearance, behavior, and language of the chat widget to match your brand and website. You can also create targeted chat rules based on various criteria, such as page URL, visitor location, time on site, etc. This way, you can initiate chats with the most relevant visitors and offer personalized assistance.
  • Integration with various tools and platforms, such as WordPress, Shopify, Mailchimp, Salesforce, HubSpot, and more. You can easily connect Olark with your existing systems and sync data across them. For example, you can capture leads from chats and send them to your CRM or email marketing tool. You can also use Olark’s API to create custom integrations with your own applications.
  • Analytics and reporting features that help you measure the performance and impact of your live chat. You can track metrics such as chat volume, response time, satisfaction ratings, conversion rates, etc. You can also access transcripts of all your chats and export them for further analysis. Additionally, you can use Olark’s feedback feature to collect feedback from your visitors after each chat session.

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Pros:

  • Easy to set up and use. You just need to copy and paste a code snippet into your website’s HTML.
  • Offers a free plan for up to 20 chats per month and a 14-day trial for the paid plans.
  • Friendly and responsive customer support team that is available via chat, email, or phone.
  • Robust knowledge base and a community forum where you can find answers to common questions and tips from other users.

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Cons:

  • Does not offer video or voice chat options, which some visitors may prefer over text chat.
  • Does not have a mobile app for agents to chat with visitors on the go. However, it does have a mobile-optimized web interface that works on any device.
  • Does not have a built-in chatbot feature that can automate responses and handle simple queries. However, you can use third-party chatbot integrations with Olark.

Plans and Pricing

Olark live chat pricing

The pricing of Olark depends on the number of agents you need and the billing cycle you choose. You can pay monthly, annually, or biennially:

  • Monthly: This plan costs $29 per agent per month.
  • Annually: costs $15 per agent per month (billed as $180 per agent per year).
  • Biennially costs $12 per agent per month (billed as $288 per agent per two years).

You can also add extra features such as co-browsing, GDPR compliance, or HIPAA compliance for an additional fee.

Overall Conclusion

Overall, Olark is a reliable and affordable live chat software that can help you boost your online sales and customer satisfaction. It has a lot of customization and integration options that make it suitable for different types of businesses and websites. It also has a solid analytics and feedback system that can help you improve your chat strategy and performance. If you are looking for a simple and effective way to connect with your website visitors in real time, you should give Olark a try.

Drift

Drift live chat

Drift is a conversational platform that integrates chat, email, and video to provide personalized experiences for customers throughout their journey. Drift aims to help sales and marketing teams generate more pipeline, increase target account pipeline, create more expansion pipeline, and increase productivity per rep. In this blog post, we will review some of the key features, pros and cons, pricing and overall impressions of Drift live chat software.

Key Features

  • AI-powered chatbots that can qualify leads, book meetings, answer FAQs, and route conversations to the right reps 24/7.
  • Intel and Audiences that can identify website visitors and their intent, and deliver hyper-targeted website experiences based on their behavior, industry, location, etc.
  • Conversational Landing Pages (CLPs) that can replace traditional forms with real-time conversations and capture more leads.
  • Email campaign automation that can send personalized messages to prospects based on their actions and interests, and track their engagement.
  • Video messaging that can create and share personalized videos with prospects via chat or email, and measure their impact.

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Pros:

  • Easy to set up and use, with a user-friendly interface and intuitive workflows.
  • Helps to increase conversion rates, engagement, and customer satisfaction by providing timely and relevant responses to prospects and customers.
  • Integrates with various tools and platforms such as Salesforce, HubSpot, Slack, Zoom, etc., to streamline the sales and marketing processes.
  • Offers a variety of resources and support options such as documentation, webinars, podcasts, community forums, etc., to help users get the most out of the software.

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Cons:

  • Can be expensive for some users, especially if they need advanced features or a large number of contacts or seats.
  • Can sometimes have technical issues or bugs that affect its performance or functionality.
  • Can have a steep learning curve for some users who are not familiar with conversational marketing or AI-powered chatbots.

Plans and Pricing

Drift pricing

Drift offers four pricing plans: Free, Premium, Advanced, and Enterprise:

  • Free: includes one seat, 100 contacts, basic chatbot functionality, email signatures, video messaging, etc.
  • Premium: starts at $2,500 per month and includes 10 seats, 2,500 contacts, advanced chatbot functionality, Intel & Audiences, Conversational Landing Pages (CLPs), etc.
  • Advanced: ןncludes 25 seats, 25,000 contacts, email campaign automation, account-based marketing (ABM), etc.
  • Enterprise: is customized based on the user’s needs and includes unlimited seats and contacts, dedicated customer success manager (CSM), custom integrations, etc.

Overall Conclusion

Drift is a powerful and innovative conversational platform that can help sales and marketing teams connect with prospects and customers in a more human and personalized way. Drift can help increase lead generation, conversion rates, customer loyalty, and revenue by providing fast and relevant responses to customer queries. Drift can also help optimize the sales and marketing processes by automating tasks such as lead qualification, meeting scheduling, email follow-ups, etc. Drift is suitable for businesses of all sizes and industries that want to leverage conversational marketing and AI-powered chatbots to grow their business.

Userlike

Userlike live chat

Userlike is a software that allows you to chat with your website visitors and customers in real time. It is designed to help you provide better customer service, increase conversions, and build trust with your audience

Key Features

  • Offers a variety of chat widgets that you can customize to match your website design and branding. You can also choose from different chat modes, such as proactive, reactive, or hybrid, depending on how you want to initiate conversations with your visitors.
  • Integrates with many popular tools and platforms, such as WordPress, Shopify, Slack, Mailchimp, Salesforce, and more. You can also use Userlike’s API and webhooks to connect with your own systems and workflows.
  • Provides a dashboard where you can manage your chat agents, monitor your chat performance, and access analytics and reports. You can also use the dashboard to create chatbots, set up automated messages, and configure chat rules and triggers.
  • Supports multiple languages, emojis, file sharing, video calls, co-browsing, and screen sharing. You can also use Userlike’s mobile app to chat with your visitors on the go.

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Pros:

  • Easy to set up and use. You can install it on your website with a simple code snippet or a plugin. You can also use Userlike’s live chat tester to preview how your chat widget will look and behave on your website.
  • Flexible and scalable. You can adjust your chat settings and features according to your needs and preferences. You can also upgrade or downgrade your plan at any time.
  • Secure and compliant. Userlike uses SSL encryption to protect your data and communications. Userlike also complies with GDPR and other data protection regulations.

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Cons:

  • Pricing is based on the number of chat agents and chat slots you need. This means that if you have a large team or a high volume of chats, you may need to pay more than other solutions that offer unlimited agents or chats.
  • Chatbots are limited in functionality and customization. You can only create simple chatbots that follow predefined scripts and scenarios. You cannot use natural language processing or machine learning to make your chatbots more intelligent and conversational.
  • Support is not available 24/7. You can only contact Userlike’s support team via email or phone during their business hours. You cannot use live chat or other channels to get instant help.

Plans and Pricing

Userlike live chat pricing

Userlike offers four plans: Free, Team, Corporate, and Business:

  • Free: allows you to have one chat agent, one chat widget, one chat slot, and 20 chats per month.
  • Team: This plan costs €29 per month and allows you to have three chat agents, three chat widgets, unlimited chat slots, and unlimited chats per month.
  • Corporate: This plan costs €99 per month and allows you to have five chat agents, five chat widgets, unlimited chat slots, unlimited chats per month, plus additional features such as video calls, co-browsing, screen sharing, integrations, analytics, and chatbots.
  • Flex: This plan costs €299 per month and allows you to have 10 chat agents, 10 chat widgets, unlimited chat slots, unlimited chats per month, plus all the features of the Corporate plan.

Overall Conclusion

Userlike is a software that can help you improve your customer service and engagement with your website visitors and customers. It offers a range of features and integrations that can suit different needs and goals. However, it also has some drawbacks that may affect your budget, functionality, and support options. Therefore, I recommend that you try Userlike’s free plan or free trial before deciding if it is the right solution for you.

Intercom

Intercom live chat

Intercom is a popular live chat software that allows businesses to communicate with their customers and prospects in real time. In this blog post, I will review some of the key features, pros and cons, pricing and overall impressions of Intercom.

Intercom offers a range of features to help businesses engage with their audience, such as:

Key Features

  • Customizable chat widgets that can be embedded on any website or app
  • Automated messages and bots that can qualify leads, book meetings, provide support and more
  • Segmentation and targeting tools that can deliver personalized messages based on user behavior and attributes
  • Conversation management and reporting tools that can help teams collaborate and optimize their performance
  • Integration with other platforms and tools such as Slack, Salesforce, Shopify, Mailchimp and more

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Pros:

  • Easy to set up and use, with a user-friendly interface and intuitive workflows
  • Flexible and scalable, with plans and features that can suit different business needs and goals
  • Powerful and versatile, with a rich set of features and integrations that can cover various use cases and scenarios
  • Reliable and secure, with a high uptime and compliance with data protection standards

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Cons:

  • Expensive, with a relatively high pricing compared to some competitors
  • Complex, with a steep learning curve and a need for technical skills to customize some aspects of the software
  • Limited, with some features and integrations that are only available for higher-tier plans or require additional fees

Plans and Pricing

Intercom live chat pricing

Intercom has four main plans: Start, Grow, Accelerate and Scale. The pricing depends on the number of active users (people who have interacted with the chat widget in the last 90 days) and the features included in each plan.

  • Starter plan: starts from $79 per month (up to 100 active users)
  • Premium plan: starts from $999 per month (up to 10,000 active users).

There are also add-ons for advanced features such as product tours, chatbots, custom bots and more.

Overall Conclusion

Intercom is a powerful and comprehensive live chat software that can help businesses improve their customer communication and engagement. It offers a lot of features and integrations that can cater to different needs and goals. However, it is also a pricey and complex software that may not be suitable for everyone. Therefore, it is important to evaluate your business requirements and budget before choosing Intercom as your live chat solution.

What is Live Chat Software?

Live chat software is a tool that allows you to communicate with your website visitors in real time. It enables you to answer their questions, provide support, and increase conversions. Live chat software can also help you collect feedback, generate leads, and improve customer satisfaction.

Live chat software typically consists of two components: a chat widget that appears on your website, and a dashboard where you can manage your conversations and settings. Some live chat software also integrates with other platforms, such as email, social media, CRM, or helpdesk.

Live chat software can benefit your business in many ways. Here are some of the advantages of using live chat software:

  • It can increase your sales and revenue by reducing cart abandonment, upselling products, and providing personalized recommendations.
  • It can improve your customer service by reducing response time, resolving issues faster, and creating a positive impression.
  • It can enhance your customer loyalty by building trust, rapport, and long-term relationships.
  • It can boost your website performance by reducing bounce rate, increasing engagement, and optimizing SEO.

Live chat software is a powerful and versatile tool that can help you grow your business online. If you want to learn more about live chat software, you can contact us today for a free demo.

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Disclosure: Please note that we may receive affiliate compensation for some of the links below, at no expense to you, should you decide to purchase a paid plan. This blog does not provide financial advice, it is purely for entertainment and fun.

software

Best Online Course Platforms of 2023 (The Best Options)

Online courses are a great way to learn new skills, expand your knowledge, and earn some income. But how do you choose the best online course platform for your needs? There are many options available, each with its own features, benefits, and drawbacks. In this blog post, we will compare some of the most popular online course platforms in 2023 and help you decide which one is right for you.

What are online course platforms?

Online course platforms are software tools that allow you to create, host, sell, and deliver online courses to your students. They typically provide features such as:

  • Course creation: You can upload your course content, such as videos, audio, text, images, quizzes, etc., and organize it into modules and lessons.
  • Course hosting: You can store your course content on the platform’s servers and access it from anywhere.
  • Course delivery: You can enroll students in your courses, track their progress, communicate with them, and award them certificates of completion.
  • Course marketing: You can promote your courses to potential students, using features such as landing pages, coupons, email campaigns, etc.
  • Course monetization: You can set your own prices for your courses, accept payments from various methods, and manage your revenue.

Some online course platforms also offer additional features, such as:

  • Course analytics: You can measure the performance of your courses, such as enrollment rates, completion rates, revenue, feedback, etc.
  • Course community: You can create a community of learners around your courses, using features such as forums, groups, chats, etc.
  • Course integrations: You can connect your courses with other tools and services, such as email marketing software, CRM software, payment gateways, etc.

How to choose the best online course platform for you?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to online course platforms. The best online course platform for you depends on various factors, such as:

  • Your goals: What are you trying to achieve with your online courses? Do you want to teach a hobby or a professional skill? Do you want to generate passive income or build a personal brand?
  • Your audience: Who are your target students? What are their needs and preferences? How do they like to learn and interact?
  • Your budget: How much are you willing to invest in creating and selling your online courses? How much do you expect to earn from them?
  • Your skills: How comfortable are you with using technology and software? How much time and effort are you willing to spend on learning and managing your online course platform?

To help you narrow down your options, we have selected some of the best online course platforms in 2023 based on their popularity, features, pricing, and reviews. We will compare them based on four main criteria:

  • Ease of use: How easy is it to create and manage your online courses on the platform?
  • Customization: How much control do you have over the design and functionality of your online courses and website?
  • Support: How reliable and helpful is the platform’s customer service and technical support?
  • Value for money: How affordable is the platform’s pricing plan compared to its features and benefits?

Here are the 8 best online course platforms in 2023:

Learnworlds

Learnworlds online courses

Learnworlds is an online course platform that allows you to create, sell and deliver your own courses. It has been around since 2014 and has grown to become one of the most popular choices for course creators.

Learnworlds offers a range of features that make it easy to create and manage your online courses:

Key Features

  • A drag-and-drop course builder that lets you design your course structure, add content, quizzes, assignments, certificates and more.
  • A powerful site builder that lets you customize your course website, landing pages, sales pages and checkout pages with your own branding and style.
  • A built-in video editor that lets you upload, edit and enhance your videos with interactive elements, such as questions, polls, buttons and overlays.
  • A gamification system that lets you reward your learners with points, badges, leaderboards and certificates to increase engagement and retention.
  • A community feature that lets you create a social network for your learners, where they can interact with each other, share their progress and feedback, and access live events and webinars.
  • A marketing toolkit that lets you promote your courses with email campaigns, coupons, affiliates, SEO tools and integrations with popular platforms like Facebook, Google Analytics and Zapier.
  • A learning analytics dashboard that lets you track and measure your course performance, learner behavior, completion rates, revenue and more.

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Pros:

  • Easy to use and has a user-friendly interface that guides you through the course creation process.
  • Offers a lot of flexibility and customization options for your courses and website. You can create any type of course you want, from simple video courses to complex interactive courses.
  • Strong focus on learner engagement and retention. It provides various features to make your courses more interactive, fun and social.
  • Reliable customer support team that is available 24/7 via email, chat and phone. They also offer a comprehensive knowledge base, video tutorials and webinars to help you get started and solve any issues.

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Cons:

  • Can be expensive compared to some of the other online course platforms. The cheapest plan starts at $29 per month (billed annually) and has some limitations on the number of courses, users and features. The most popular plan costs $99 per month (billed annually) and gives you access to most of the features. The highest plan costs $299 per month (billed annually) and gives you access to all the features plus a dedicated account manager.
  • Does not offer a free plan or a free trial. You can only test the platform for 30 days with a money-back guarantee. This means that you have to pay upfront before you can see if it suits your needs.
  • Does not have a native mobile app for learners. They can only access your courses through a mobile-responsive website or a web app. This can affect the user experience and accessibility of your courses on mobile devices.

Plans and Pricing

Learnworlds online courses pricing

Learnworlds offers four plans for course creators: Starter, Pro Trainer, Learning Center and High Volume & Corporate. Here is a summary of what each plan includes:

Starter: $29 per month (billed annually) or $39 per month (billed monthly)

  • 1 admin
  • Unlimited paid courses
  • Unlimited students
  • Custom domain
  • 4 payment gateways
  • Coupons
  • Email notifications
  • Basic integrations

Pro Trainer: $99 per month (billed annually) or $129 per month (billed monthly)

  • Everything in Starter plus:
  • 5 admins
  • Unlimited courses
  • Customizable checkout page
  • Subscriptions
  • Installments
  • Memberships
  • Bundles
  • Blog
  • Affiliate management
  • Zapier integration
  • Advanced integrations

Learning Center: $299 per month (billed annually) or $399 per month (billed monthly)

  • Everything in Pro Trainer plus:
  • 20 admins
  • White-labeling
  • Interactive video
  • Copyright protection
  • School community
  • Custom iOS & Android app (extra cost)
  • Premium integrations

High Volume & Corporate: Custom pricing

  • Everything in Learning Center plus:
  • Unlimited admins
  • Dedicated account manager
  • Priority support
  • Custom development

Overall Impressions

Learnworlds is a powerful online course platform that offers a lot of features and flexibility for course creators. It is ideal for anyone who wants to create engaging and interactive courses that stand out from the crowd. It is also suitable for anyone who wants to create a professional and branded course website and landing pages. However, Learnworlds can be pricey and may not fit everyone’s budget. It also does not have a free plan or a free trial, which can be a drawback for some people. Overall, Learnworlds is a great option for course creators who are looking for a high-quality and feature-rich online course platform in 2023.

Skool

Skool online courses

Online learning has become more popular and accessible than ever, thanks to platforms like Skool. Skool is a web-based service that allows anyone to create and join courses on various topics, from languages to coding to art:

Key Features

  • Offers a variety of courses for different levels and interests, taught by qualified instructors or experts in their fields. You can browse the catalog by category, rating, difficulty, or popularity.
  • Lets you create your own courses using its easy-to-use editor. You can upload videos, audio, images, text, quizzes, assignments, and more. You can also set your own price, schedule, and enrollment limit for your courses.
  • Social aspect that allows you to interact with other learners and instructors. You can join live sessions, chat rooms, forums, and groups. You can also share your progress, feedback, and achievements with others.
  • Uses artificial intelligence (AI) to personalize your learning experience. It recommends courses based on your preferences, goals, and performance. It also adapts the content and pace of the courses to suit your needs and level.

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Pros:

  • Convenient, flexible, affordable, and engaging
  • Learn at your own pace and place
  • Choose from a wide range of courses, and connect with a global community of learners and instructors.

–

Cons:

  • Requires a stable internet connection and a compatible device to access the platform
  • May not provide the same level of quality, accreditation, or support as some traditional or offline courses
  • May also pose some challenges for self-motivated and disciplined learning

Plans and Pricing

Skool online courses pricing

Skool has three plans for learners, Basic, Premium, and Unlimited:

  • The Basic plan is free and allows you to access up to 10 courses per month.
  • The Premium plan costs $9.99 per month and gives you unlimited access to all courses and features.
  • The Unlimited plan costs $99.99 per year and offers the same benefits as the Premium plan plus some exclusive perks such as discounts, certificates, and priority support.

Skool also has two plans for instructors: Starter and Pro.

  • The Starter plan is free and lets you create up to 5 courses with up to 50 students each.
  • The Pro plan costs $19.99 per month and allows you to create unlimited courses with unlimited students. You also get to keep 90% of the revenue from your courses (after deducting payment processing fees).

Overall Impressions

Skool is a great platform for online learning that offers a lot of value for both learners and instructors. It has a user-friendly interface, a diverse catalog of courses, a supportive community, and a smart learning system. It is suitable for anyone who wants to learn something new or share their knowledge with others.

Skool is not perfect though. It still has some room for improvement in terms of quality assurance, technical support, accessibility, and recognition. It may not be able to replace or replicate some aspects of traditional or offline learning. It may also require some self-discipline and motivation from the users.

Overall, Skool is one of the leading online learning platforms in 2023 that offers a lot of benefits for both learners and instructors. It is convenient, flexible, affordable, and engaging. However, it also has some limitations and challenges that users should be aware of. If you are interested in trying out Skool, you can sign up for a free account or a trial period.

Podia

Podia online courses

If you are an online creator looking for a platform to sell your digital products, courses, memberships, or webinars, you might have heard of Podia. Podia is a popular online platform that allows you to create, host, and sell your content without any technical hassle. But is it worth it in 2023?

Key Features

  • Easy and intuitive interface: Podia has a simple and user-friendly interface that lets you create and customize your storefront, products, and pages with ease. You can use drag-and-drop elements, pre-made templates, or code your own design. You can also preview your changes in real-time and see how they look on different devices.
  • Unlimited everything: Podia does not limit you on the number of products, customers, sales, or bandwidth you can have. You can create and sell as many digital products, courses, memberships, or webinars as you want, without worrying about any extra fees or charges.
  • Powerful marketing tools: Podia has a built-in email marketing tool that lets you send newsletters, broadcasts, and automated campaigns to your subscribers. You can also create landing pages, sales pages, thank-you pages, and upsell pages to boost your conversions. Podia also integrates with popular tools like Zapier, Mailchimp, ConvertKit, Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, and more.
  • Excellent customer support: Podia has a friendly and responsive customer support team that is available 24/7 via email or live chat. They also have a comprehensive knowledge base, blog, podcast, and video tutorials to help you get started and grow your online business.
  • No transaction fees: Podia does not charge you any transaction fees on your sales. You only pay the monthly or annual subscription fee for the plan you choose. You can also use your own domain name and branding for your storefront and products.

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Pros:

  • Easy to use and set up. You don’t need any technical skills or experience to create and sell your content on Podia.
  • Offers unlimited everything. You can create and sell as many products as you want, without any restrictions or extra fees.
  • Powerful marketing tools. You can use Podia’s email marketing tool, landing pages, upsell pages, and integrations to grow your audience and sales.
  • Excellent customer support. You can get help from Podia’s support team anytime via email or live chat. They are friendly, helpful, and fast.
  • Does not charge transaction fees. You keep 100% of your revenue from your sales on Podia.

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Cons:

  • Does not have a free plan or a free trial. You have to pay for a monthly or annual subscription to use Podia.
  • Does not have a native app for mobile devices. You can access Podia’s website on your smartphone or tablet, but it is not optimized for mobile viewing or creation.
  • Does not have advanced features for course creation. You can create courses on Podia using videos, audio files, PDFs, quizzes, and downloads, but you cannot add interactive elements like assignments, certificates, or progress tracking.
  • Does not have a community feature for memberships. You can create memberships on Podia using posts, comments, and messages, but you cannot create forums or groups for your members.

Plans and Pricing

Podia online courses pricing

Podia has two plans to choose from: Mover and Shaker. Here is a comparison of the features and prices of each plan:

FeatureMoverShaker
Price (monthly)$39$79
Price (annual)$390$790
Products (digital downloads, courses)UnlimitedUnlimited
CustomersUnlimitedUnlimited
SalesUnlimitedUnlimited
BandwidthUnlimitedUnlimited
Email marketingUnlimitedUnlimited
MessagingUnlimitedUnlimited
MembershipsUnlimitedUnlimited
WebinarsUnlimitedUnlimited
Custom domainYesYes
Embeddable buy buttonsYesYes
Affiliate marketingNoYes
Third-party integrationsNoYes
Free migrationNoYes

As you can see, the main differences between the two plans are the availability of affiliate marketing, third-party integrations, and free migration. If you want to use these features, you will have to opt for the Shaker plan. Otherwise, the Mover plan should be enough for most online creators.

Overall Impressions

Podia is a great platform for online creators who want to sell their digital products, courses, memberships, or webinars. It is easy to use, offers unlimited everything, has powerful marketing tools, and does not charge transaction fees. It also has excellent customer support and a loyal community of users.

However, Podia is not perfect. It does not have a free plan or a free trial, does not have a native app for mobile devices, does not have advanced features for course creation, and does not have a community feature for memberships. It also has a relatively high price compared to some of its competitors.

Therefore, Podia is best suited for online creators who are looking for a simple and reliable platform to sell their content, without needing too much customization or functionality. If you are one of them, you can sign up for Podia here and start creating and selling your content today.

Mighty Networks

Mighty Networks online courses

Mighty Networks is a platform that allows you to create and manage your own online community, courses, events, memberships, and content. It aims to help you build a loyal and engaged audience around your niche, passion, or expertise. But is it the right choice for you?

Mighty Networks offers a variety of features to help you create and grow your online community. Some of the main ones are:

Key Features

  • Customizable branding: You can choose your own domain name, logo, colors, fonts, and layout for your network. You can also create sub-groups within your network for different topics, interests, or levels of access.
  • Mobile app: You can access your network from any device using the Mighty Networks app, which is available for iOS and Android. You can also create your own branded app for your network with the Mighty Pro plan.
  • Courses and events: You can create and sell online courses and events within your network. You can use video, audio, text, quizzes, polls, and assignments to deliver your content. You can also set up recurring payments, coupons, bundles, and memberships for your courses and events.
  • Content creation: You can create and share various types of content with your network members, such as articles, podcasts, videos, polls, questions, and more. You can also enable comments, reactions, and notifications to encourage engagement and feedback.
  • Analytics and insights: You can track and measure the performance of your network using the analytics dashboard. You can see metrics such as members, activity, revenue, retention, engagement, and growth. You can also use the insights feature to discover trends, patterns, and opportunities within your network.

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Pros:

  • Easy to use: Mighty Networks has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to set up and manage your network. You don’t need any coding or design skills to create a professional-looking network
  • All-in-one platform: Mighty Networks allows you to host everything in one place: your community, courses, events, content, and payments. You don’t need to integrate with multiple tools or platforms to run your online business
  • Flexible and scalable: Mighty Networks gives you the freedom and control to customize your network according to your needs and goals. You can also expand your network as you grow by adding more features, members, or sub-groups
  • Supportive community: Mighty Networks has a supportive community of creators who are willing to share their experiences, tips, and best practices. You can also join the Mighty Hosts Network, which is a network for network hosts where you can learn from experts, get feedback, and access exclusive resources.

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Cons:

  • Limited integrations: Mighty Networks does not integrate with many third-party tools or platforms that you may want to use for your online business. For example, you cannot integrate with email marketing services like Mailchimp or ConvertKit or with webinar platforms like Zoom or WebinarJam.
  • High pricing: Mighty Networks can be quite expensive compared to other online community platforms. The cheapest plan starts at $28 per month (billed annually) and only allows you to have up to 100 members. The most expensive plan costs $999 per month (billed annually) and allows you to have unlimited members and features.
  • No free trial: Mighty Networks does not offer a free trial for any of its plans. You can only test the platform by creating a free network with limited features and members.

Plans and Pricing

Mighty Networks online courses pricing

Mighty Networks offers four plans for different levels of needs and budgets:

  • Free: This plan allows you to create a free network with up to 10 members. You can access basic features such as branding, content creation, and analytics. However, you cannot sell courses or events, create sub-groups, or use custom domains.
  • Creator: This plan costs $28 per month (billed annually) or $35 per month (billed monthly). It allows you to have up to 100 members and access more features such as courses, events,
    sub-groups, and custom domains. You can also sell courses and events with a 5% transaction fee.
  • Business: This plan costs $98 per month (billed annually) or $125 per month (billed monthly). It allows you to have up to 1000 members and access all the features of the Creator plan plus more such as memberships, bundles, coupons, and branded app. You can also sell courses and events
    with a 3% transaction fee.
  • Mighty Pro: This plan costs $999 per month (billed annually) or $1250 per month (billed monthly). It allows you to have unlimited members and access all the features of the Business plan plus more such as multiple networks, custom app store listing, and dedicated account manager. You can also sell courses and events with a 2% transaction fee.

Overall Impressions

Mighty Networks is a powerful and versatile platform for online community builders who want to create and monetize their own network. It offers a lot of features and benefits that can help you attract and engage your audience. However, it also has some limitations and drawbacks that may not suit everyone’s needs and preferences. Therefore, you should weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding to use Mighty Networks for your online business.

Thinkific

Thinkific online courses

Thinkific is one of the most popular online course platforms in 2023. It has over 50,000 course creators who have sold more than $650 million worth of courses. Thinkific offers a powerful and user-friendly platform that allows you to create and sell high-quality online courses with ease.

Key Features

  • Drag-and-drop course builder
  • Unlimited courses and students
  • Custom domain name
  • Full branding control
  • Multiple content types
  • Quizzes and surveys
  • Certificates of completion
  • Student progress tracking
  • Email notifications
  • Coupons and promotions
  • Payment plans and subscriptions
  • Affiliate marketing
  • Zapier integration
  • Advanced analytics
  • Data exports
  • SSL security

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Pros:

  • Easy to use and intuitive interface
  • Flexible and customizable design options
  • No transaction fees on any plan
  • Free plan available for up to 3 courses
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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Cons:

  • Limited community features
  • No live chat or phone support
  • No built-in email marketing tools

Plans and Pricing

Thinkific online courses pricing

Thinkific offers four pricing plans:

  • Free: $0/month for up to 3 courses
  • Basic: $49/month for unlimited courses
  • Pro: $99/month for unlimited courses plus advanced features
  • Premier: $499/month for unlimited courses plus priority support

You can save 20% if you pay annually. Thinkific also offers a 30-day free trial for all plans.

Overall Conclusion

Thinkific is a great online course platform for beginners and experts alike. It offers a simple and powerful way to create and sell professional online courses without any technical hassle. It also has a generous free plan and a reasonable pricing structure that lets you keep all your revenue.

Kajabi

Kajabi online courses

Kajabi is another leading online course platform in 2023. It has over 40,000 course creators who have generated more than $1.5 billion in sales. Kajabi is an all-in-one platform that allows you to create, market, and sell online courses and memberships with ease.

Key Features

  • Drag-and-drop course builder
  • Unlimited courses and students
  • Custom domain name
  • Full branding control
  • Multiple content types
  • Quizzes and assessments
  • Certificates of completion
  • Student progress tracking
  • Email notifications
  • Coupons and discounts
  • Payment plans and subscriptions
  • Affiliate marketing
  • Zapier integration
  • Advanced analytics
  • Data exports
  • SSL security

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Pros:

  • Comprehensive and integrated platform
  • Beautiful and responsive design options
  • Powerful and built-in marketing tools
  • 24/7 live chat and phone support

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Cons:

  • Expensive pricing plans
  • No free plan or trial available
  • Limited customization options

Plans and Pricing

Kajabi online courses pricing

Kajabi offers three pricing plans:

  • Basic: $149/month for up to 3 products and 10,000 contacts
  • Growth: $199/month for up to 15 products and 25,000 contacts
  • Pro: $399/month for up to 100 products and 100,000 contacts

You can save 20% if you pay annually. Kajabi does not offer a free plan or a free trial, but it does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Overall Conclusion

Kajabi is a premium online course platform for serious course creators who want to scale their online business. It offers a comprehensive and integrated solution that covers everything from course creation to marketing and sales. It also has a high-quality customer service and support team.

Teachable

teachable online courses

Teachable is another popular online course platform in 2023. It has over 100,000 course creators who have sold more than $500 million worth of courses. Teachable offers a simple and user-friendly platform that allows you to create and sell online courses with ease.

Key Features

  • Drag-and-drop course builder
  • Unlimited courses and students
  • Custom domain name
  • Full branding control
  • Multiple content types
  • Quizzes and feedback forms
  • Certificates of completion
  • Student progress tracking
  • Email notifications
  • Coupons and promotions
  • Payment plans and subscriptions
  • Affiliate marketing
  • Zapier integration
  • Basic analytics
  • Data exports
  • SSL security

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Pros:

  • Easy to use and intuitive interface
  • Flexible and customizable design options
  • No technical skills required
  • Free plan available for up to 10 students

–

Cons:

  • Transaction fees on lower plans
  • Limited community features
  • No live chat or phone support

Plans and Pricing

teachable online courses pricing

Teachable offers four pricing plans:

  • Free: $0/month for up to 10 students
  • Basic: $39/month for unlimited students plus 5% transaction fees
  • Pro: $119/month for unlimited students plus no transaction fees
  • Business: $299/month for unlimited students plus priority support

You can save 20% if you pay annually. Teachable also offers a 14-day free trial for all plans.

Overall Conclusion

Teachable is a great online course platform for beginners and hobbyists who want to create and sell online courses without any technical hassle. It offers a simple and user-friendly way to create and sell online courses with minimal investment. It also has a generous free plan and a reasonable pricing structure that lets you grow your revenue.

Best Online Learning Platforms

Online learning has become more popular and accessible than ever, thanks to the advances in technology and the changing needs of learners. Whether you want to learn a new skill, earn a degree, or pursue a hobby, there is an online platform that can cater to your goals and preferences. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best one for you? Here are some of the factors to consider when comparing different online learning platforms:

  • Content quality and variety: You want to learn from high-quality courses that are relevant, engaging, and up-to-date. You also want to have a wide range of topics and levels to choose from, so you can find something that suits your interests and needs.
  • Instructor expertise and feedback: You want to learn from instructors who are experts in their fields and who can provide clear explanations, examples, and guidance. You also want to receive timely and constructive feedback on your progress and performance, so you can improve your skills and knowledge.
  • Platform features and usability: You want to use a platform that is easy to navigate, user-friendly, and compatible with your devices. You also want to have access to features that enhance your learning experience, such as interactive quizzes, live sessions, peer collaboration, certificates, etc.
  • Price and value: You want to get the best value for your money, so you need to compare the prices and benefits of different platforms. You also need to consider your budget and how much you are willing to invest in your learning.

Based on these criteria, here are some of the best online learning platforms in 2023 that you can check out:

  • Coursera:🥇 is one of the most popular and reputable online learning platforms, offering thousands of courses from top universities and organizations around the world. You can learn anything from data science and business to arts and humanities, at various levels and formats. You can also earn certificates and degrees from accredited institutions, as well as professional certificates that can boost your career prospects.
  • Udemy:🥈is another leading online learning platform, with over 150,000 courses on a wide range of topics. You can learn from instructors who are passionate and experienced in their fields, and who create their own courses based on their expertise and insights. You can also access courses anytime, anywhere, and at your own pace, with lifetime access and updates.
  • Skillshare:🥉is an online learning community that focuses on creative skills, such as design, photography, writing, etc. You can learn from thousands of classes taught by experts and professionals in their fields, as well as from other learners who share their projects and feedback. You can also join live classes, workshops, and challenges that can help you hone your skills and network with others.
  • edX: is a nonprofit online learning platform that partners with over 160 universities and organizations around the world. You can access high-quality courses on subjects such as computer science, engineering, humanities, etc., as well as microcredentials and degrees that are recognized by employers and academic institutions. You can also learn at your own pace or follow a structured schedule, depending on your preferences.
  • Khan Academy: is a free online learning platform that aims to provide a world-class education for anyone, anywhere. You can learn from over 10,000 videos and exercises on subjects such as math, science, history, etc., as well as test prep for exams such as SAT, GMAT, etc. You can also track your progress and earn badges and points as you learn.

Here’s hoping this post finds you safe, healthy, and ready to take on distance and/or online learning with all your might! Good luck and best wishes for your future endeavors.

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Disclosure: Please note that we may receive affiliate compensation for some of the links below, at no expense to you, should you decide to purchase a paid plan. This blog does not provide financial advice, it is purely for entertainment and fun.

Cybersecurity, software

Best VPN Services Of 2024 (Top Providers Tested)

If you’re looking for a way to protect your online privacy and access geo-restricted content, you might be interested in using a VPN service. A VPN, or virtual private network, encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in another location, making it appear as if you’re browsing from there. This can help you avoid censorship, surveillance, and hackers, as well as unlock streaming services and websites that are not available in your region.

There are hundreds of VPN providers on the market, each with different features, performance, and prices. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve tested and reviewed some of the most popular VPN services of 2024 and ranked them based on their security, speed, ease of use, compatibility, customer support, and value for money. Here are our top picks for the best VPN services of 2024:

NordVPN

NordVPN

The best overall VPN service

NordVPN is our top choice for the best VPN service in 2024. It offers a range of features and benefits for its users. In this post, we will review NordVPN and see what it has to offer, as well as its pros and cons, plans and pricing, and overall conclusion.

Key Features

  • Uses over 5400 servers in 59 countries, which means you can access any content you want from anywhere in the world. You can also switch between servers as many times as you want, without any limits or extra fees.
  • Advanced encryption and security protocols to protect your data and online activity from hackers, ISPs, governments, and other third parties. You can choose from OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, WireGuard, or NordLynx protocols, depending on your needs and preferences.
  • Offers some unique features that enhance your online security and privacy, such as:

CyberSec: This feature blocks malicious websites, ads, and trackers, and protects you from malware and phishing attacks.

Double VPN: This feature routes your traffic through two VPN servers instead of one, adding an extra layer of encryption and anonymity.

Onion Over VPN: This feature combines the benefits of VPN and Tor network, allowing you to access onion sites with ease and security.

Kill Switch: This feature automatically disconnects your internet connection if your VPN connection drops, preventing any data leaks or exposure.

Split Tunneling: This feature lets you choose which apps or websites to route through the VPN and which ones to access directly.

Like any other VPN service, NordVPN has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the pros and cons of NordVPN:

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Pros:

  • Very fast performance
  • High level of security and privacy
  • Wide range of features and options
  • Easy to use interface and apps
  • 24/7 customer support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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Cons:

  • Some servers may be slow or crowded
  • Some features may not work on all devices or platforms
  • Some users may experience connection issues or bugs

Plans and Pricing

NordVPN Pricing

NordVPN offers four different plans for its users, depending on the length of subscription. The longer you subscribe, the more you save. Here are the current prices of NordVPN plans:

  • Standard plan: $4.99 per month (39% off)
  • Plus plan: $5.99 per month (43% off)
  • Complete plan: $6.99 per month (57% off)

All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try NordVPN risk-free. You can also pay with various methods, such as credit cards, PayPal, cryptocurrencies, or other online payment platforms.

Overall Conclusion

NordVPN is a great choice for anyone who wants a secure, fast, and versatile VPN service. It offers a lot of features and benefits for its users, as well as a reasonable price and a generous refund policy. Whether you want to stream, torrent, browse, or work online, NordVPN can help you do it safely and smoothly.

If you are interested in trying NordVPN for yourself, you can visit their website and sign up for a plan that suits your needs. You can also use our exclusive coupon code to get an extra discount on your purchase.

CyberGhost

CyberGhost

The best VPN security suite

CyberGhost VPN is our top choice for the best security suit with over 6800 servers in 91 countries. It offers top-notch privacy and security for all your devices, whether you use Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, or other platforms. You can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously with one subscription and enjoy unlimited bandwidth and traffic.

Key Features

  • Strong encryption: CyberGhost VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption and various VPN protocols (such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard) to protect your data and hide your IP address from prying eyes.
  • No logs policy: CyberGhost VPN does not track, share, or sell your data. It is based in Romania, which has strong privacy laws and is outside the jurisdiction of the 14 Eyes alliance.
  • Large server fleet: CyberGhost VPN has a huge network of servers across the world, which allows you to access geo-restricted content and bypass censorship. You can also choose from specialized servers for streaming, gaming, torrenting, and more.
  • Fast speeds: CyberGhost VPN delivers high-speed VPN connections with its 10 Gbps servers and optimized protocols. You can stream live sports, download large files, and play online games without buffering or lagging.

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Pros:

  • Money-back guarantee: CyberGhost VPN offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee for its long-term plans and a 14-day money-back guarantee for its monthly plan. You can try it risk-free and get a full refund if you are not satisfied
  • 24/7 support: CyberGhost VPN has a friendly and helpful customer support team that is available around the clock via live chat or email. You can also find useful guides and FAQs on its website

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Cons:

  • Inconsistent performance: Our tests indicated that CyberGhost VPN does not work well with certain platforms or websites, such as Netflix US or BBC iPlayer. The speed and reliability of the servers may also vary depending on your location and time of day
  • Limited configuration options: CyberGhost VPN does not offer much customization for advanced users who want to tweak their settings or use their own DNS servers. It also does not support split tunneling or port forwarding features
  • Expensive monthly plan: CyberGhost VPN has a high price for its monthly plan ($12.99 per month), which is not very competitive compared to other VPN services. However, you can save a lot if you opt for its long-term plans

Plans and Pricing

CyberGhost Pricing

CyberGhost VPN has four plans to choose from:

  • Monthly plans cost $12.99 per month.
  • Six-month plans cost $6.99 per month (billed $41.94 every 6 months).
  • 2-year plan costs $2.11 per month (billed $56.97 every 2 years).
  • 3-year plan costs $1.99 per month (billed $77.61 every 3 years).

You can pay with credit cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, or other cryptocurrencies. You can also get a free trial for 24 hours if you download the app from its website.

Overall Conclusion

CyberGhost VPN is a solid choice for anyone who wants a fast, secure, and anonymous VPN service with a large server network and a generous money-back guarantee. It has some minor drawbacks, such as inconsistent performance and limited configuration options, but they are not deal-breakers for most users. If you are looking for a reliable VPN service that works well with most devices and platforms, you should give CyberGhost VPN a try.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

The best VPN privacy suite

ExpressVPN offers a perfect balance of speed, security, reliability, and features. It has over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, which means you can access any content you want from anywhere in the world. It also supports all major platforms and devices, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more.

Key Features

  • Uses AES-256 encryption, the same standard used by the US government and military, to protect your data from prying eyes. It also has a strict no-logs policy, which means it doesn’t collect or store any information about your online activity or identity. It also offers features like split tunneling, kill switch, DNS leak protection, and TrustedServer technology to ensure your privacy and security at all times. It also supports multiple VPN protocols, such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, and Lightway. Additionally, ExpressVPN has a kill switch feature that prevents your traffic from being exposed if your VPN connection drops.
  • One of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, delivering consistent and smooth performance across all servers. It can easily unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more. It also supports P2P file sharing and torrenting on all servers. Plus, it has a 24/7 live chat support team that can help you with any issues or questions you might have.
  • Split tunneling: This feature allows you to choose which apps or devices use the VPN connection and which ones use your regular internet connection. This can help you optimize your bandwidth usage and access local and foreign websites simultaneously.
  • Unlimited devices: ExpressVPN lets you connect up to five devices simultaneously with one account. However, you can also install ExpressVPN on your router, which will protect all the devices connected to your network with one VPN connection.
  • Email deliverability: You can ensure that your emails reach your subscribers’ inboxes and avoid spam filters with HubSpot’s email health score. This feature gives you feedback on your email reputation and best practices to improve it. You can also use HubSpot’s own domain to send emails or connect your own domain for more branding control.

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Pros:

  • Fast and reliable performance
  • Strong encryption and security features
  • Wide server network and device compatibility
  • Excellent customer support
  • Unblocks most streaming services
  • Supports P2P and torrenting

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Cons:

  • Pricey compared to some competitors
  • No built-in ad blocker or malware protection
  • No dedicated IP option
  • Limited business usage

Plans and Pricing

ExpressVPN Pricing

ExpressVPN has three pricing plans, but as with most VPN companies, the only difference between the plans is the length of commitment:

  • Monthly plans cost $12.95 each month
  • Six-month plans costs $59.95 ($9.99 per month)
  • 12-month plan which is the BEST VALUE, costs $80 ($6.67 per month) and comes with three extra months for free.

All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which means you can try ExpressVPN risk-free for a month and get a full refund if you are not satisfied.

Overall Conclusion

ExpressVPN is a premium VPN service that offers fast speeds, strong security, and a large server network. It is easy to use and works well with most devices and platforms. It can also unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Go, and more.

ExpressVPN is not the cheapest VPN service out there, but it offers excellent value for money due to its impressive features and capabilities. If you are looking for a professional and reliable VPN service that can protect your online privacy and security, ExpressVPN is a great choice.

Surfshark

Surfshark

Surfshark is a relatively new VPN service that has gained popularity among users who value privacy, security and speed. In this post, we will review some of the key features, pros and cons, plans and pricing and overall conclusion of Surfshark VPN.

Key Features

  • Secure and encrypted connection using AES-256-GCM encryption and various protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2 and Shadowsocks.
  • Large server network with over 3,200 servers in 100 locations across 65 countries.
  • Supports unlimited simultaneous connections on multiple devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Fire TV, routers and more.
  • Unlimited devices: ExpressVPN lets you connect up to five devices simultaneously with one account. However, you can also install ExpressVPN on your router, which will protect all the devices connected to your network with one VPN connection.
  • No-logs policy that ensures your online activity is not tracked or stored by the provider or third parties.
  • Excellent streaming performance and can unblock popular platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video and more.
  • Extra features such as CleanWeb (ad and malware blocker), Whitelister (split tunneling), MultiHop (double VPN), Camouflage Mode (obfuscation) and NoBorders Mode (anti-censorship).

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Pros:

  • fast speeds on most servers, especially when using the WireGuard protocol.
  • Affordable pricing plan with a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • User-friendly interface and a smooth user experience on all platforms.
  • Responsive and helpful live-chat support available 24/7.

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Cons:

  • Some issues with the kill switch feature that may fail to protect your traffic in case of a VPN connection drop.
  • Weak social media presence and a lack of transparency about its ownership and location.
  • Inconsistent torrenting performance on some servers.

Plans and Pricing

Surfshark offers three subscription plans in 2024:

  • Monthly plans costs $10.99 per month
  • Yearly plan costs $3.49 per month (billed $48.84 every 12 months) with a 77% discount and +2 months for free
  • Biennial plan costs $2.29 per month (billed $59.54 every 24 months). 79% discount and +2 months for free

All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and access to all features and servers.

Overall Conclusion

Surfshark is a great VPN service that offers a lot of value for money. It has impressive features, fast speeds, unlimited connections and excellent streaming capabilities. It also has a strong privacy and security policy that protects your online activity from prying eyes. However, it also has some drawbacks such as a faulty kill switch, a low-profile company background and variable torrenting speeds. Overall, we recommend Surfshark for anyone looking for a reliable, cheap and easy-to-use VPN service.

IPVanish

IPVanish

You might have heard of IPVanish, it is one of the most popular VPN providers in the market, with over 1,600 servers in 75+ countries. But is it really as good as it claims to be?

Key Features

  • Unlimited bandwidth, data and server switching, which means you can enjoy streaming, downloading and browsing without any restrictions or interruptions.
  • Supports multiple protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec and PPTP, so you can choose the best option for your needs and preferences.
  • Strict no-logs policy, which means it does not collect or store any of your online activity or personal information. This ensures your privacy and security online.
  • Kill switch feature, which automatically disconnects your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This prevents your IP address and location from being exposed to third parties.
  • Allows you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously with one account, which is more than most VPN providers offer. You can also use IPVanish VPN on various platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Fire TV and routers.

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Pros:

  • Large network of servers in different countries, which gives you access to geo-restricted content and websites from anywhere in the world
  • Fast and consistent speeds, which makes it ideal for streaming HD videos and gaming online
  • User-friendly interface and easy-to-use apps, which makes it suitable for beginners and advanced users alike
  • 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial, which gives you enough time to test the service and decide if it meets your expectations

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Cons:

  • Based in the US, which is part of the Five Eyes alliance. This means it could be subject to government surveillance and data requests from law enforcement agencies
  • Does not have a live chat support option, which means you have to rely on email or phone support for any issues or queries. The response time can vary depending on the volume of requests
  • Does not work well with Netflix and other streaming services that use anti-VPN measures. You might encounter errors or buffering issues when trying to access these platforms

Plans and Pricing

IPVanish Pricing

IPVanish VPN offers three plans: monthly, quarterly and yearly

  • Monthly plans cost $11.99 per month.
  • Yearly plans costs $53.99 ($4.50 per month)
  • 2-Year plan costs $79.99 every 12 months ($3.33 per month).

All plans come with the same features and benefits. You can pay for IPVanish VPN using various methods, including credit cards, PayPal, cryptocurrencies and gift cards. You can also cancel your subscription at any time without any penalties.

Overall Conclusion

IPVanish VPN is a solid choice for anyone looking for a fast, reliable and secure VPN service. It has a lot of features that make it stand out from other VPN providers, such as unlimited bandwidth, data and server switching, multiple protocols, no-logs policy, kill switch feature and 10 simultaneous connections.

However, IPVanish VPN also has some drawbacks that might deter some users, such as being based in the US, not having live chat support and not working well with Netflix and other streaming services.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal needs and preferences. If you value speed, privacy and flexibility over anything else, IPVanish VPN might be a good option for you. If you are more concerned about location, customer service and streaming compatibility, you might want to look elsewhere.

We hope this review helped you learn more about IPVanish VPN and its pros and cons. If you want to try it out for yourself, you can sign up for a free trial or a money-back guarantee and see how it works for you.

StrongVPN

StrongVPN

StrongVPN is a US-based VPN provider that has been in the industry since 2005. It has over 950 servers in 30 countries and 59 cities, covering most regions of the world. It also allows up to 12 simultaneous connections on multiple devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, and more.

Key Features

  • Speed: One of the main selling points of StrongVPN is its speed. It uses WireGuard as its default protocol, which is known for its high performance and low latency
  • Supports other protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec, and SSTP. In our tests, we found that StrongVPN delivered fast and consistent speeds on most servers, especially in North America and Europe. It also had no issues with streaming Netflix US, UK, Canada, Japan, and other popular libraries. It also supports torrenting and P2P on all servers.
  • Security and privacy: It uses AES 256-bit encryption, which is the industry standard for data protection.
  • Kill switch feature that prevents your IP address from being exposed if the VPN connection drops. 
  • DNS leak protection and IPv6 leak protection to ensure your online anonymity. 
  • Strict no-logs policy that states that it does not collect or store any information about your online activity or personal data. However, it does require your email address and payment information to create an account.

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Pros:

  • A unique bonus for its customers: 250GB of cloud storage from SugarSync. This is a great feature for backing up your files, photos, videos, and more. You can access your cloud storage from any device and sync it with your VPN connection. This adds an extra layer of security and convenience to your online experience.

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Cons:

  • Small server network compared to other VPNs. It does not have servers in countries with strict internet censorship like China or Russia. It also does not have servers in Africa or South America. This may limit your options for accessing geo-restricted content or bypassing firewalls.
  • Outdated user interface. The apps are easy to use but they look dated and lack some advanced features like split tunneling or custom DNS settings. The website is also not very informative or user-friendly. It does not have a live chat support option or a FAQ section. You can only contact customer support via email or phone.

Plans and Pricing

StrongVPN Pricing

StrongVPN has two major pricing plans:

  • Monthly plans cost $11.99 each month.
  • 12-month plan which is the BEST VALUE, costs $47.69 ($3.97 per month).

Overall Conclusion

StrongVPN is a decent VPN service that offers fast speeds, Netflix unblocking, torrenting support, and a generous cloud storage bonus. It also has strong security and privacy features and a no-logs policy. However, it has a small server network, an outdated user interface, and a high price tag. It may not be the best choice for users who want more options, features, and value for their money.

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield claims o be the “world’s fastest VPN” and offering over 3,200 servers in 80+ countries. But is it really worth your money and trust?

Key Features

  • Military-grade encryption: Hotspot Shield VPN uses AES-256 encryption to protect your online data and privacy from hackers, ISPs, and government surveillance
  • Hydra protocol: Hotspot Shield VPN has developed its own proprietary protocol called Hydra, which is optimized for speed, security, and performance. Hydra claims to deliver speeds more than 2x faster than the competition over long distances.
  • Global internet access: Hotspot Shield VPN allows you to access geo-restricted content and streaming services from around the world, such as Netflix, YouTube, Prime, Disney+, and more. It also offers 35+ city-level servers for more precise location selection.
  • Privacy you can trust: Hotspot Shield VPN does not log or track your VPN browsing activity in any way that can be associated to you. It also blocks 57 million malware and phishing sites a day with its WebRTC blocker and malware protection features.
  • 24/7 live tech support: Hotspot Shield VPN provides premium members with round-the-clock customer support via live chat and email. You can also find helpful guides and FAQs on their website.

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Pros:

  • Fast and reliable speeds on most servers
  • Easy to use interface and apps for various devices
  • Unblocks most popular streaming services
  • Offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee
  • Supports up to 5 simultaneous connections

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Cons:

  • Based in the US, which is a member of the Five Eyes alliance
  • Some servers may not work well with Netflix or other streaming services
  • Does not support advanced features like kill switch, split tunneling, or custom DNS
  • Does not accept anonymous payment methods like cryptocurrencies

Plans and Pricing

Hotspot Shield Pricing

Hotspot Shield VPN offers four different plans to suit your needs and budget:

  • Free plan: This plan gives you access to one US server and 500 MB of data per day. It also comes with ads and limited customer support.
  • Premium plan: This plan costs $7.99 per month and gives you access to all servers and features. Optimized for Fortnite, Roblox, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ & more. It also comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
  • Premium Family: This plan costs $11.99 per month (billed $143.88 every year) and gives you access via 25 devices to all servers and features. It also comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Overall Conclusion

Hotspot Shield VPN is a solid choice for anyone looking for a fast, secure, and easy-to-use VPN service. It offers a wide range of servers, unblocks most streaming services, and provides good customer support. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as its US jurisdiction, lack of advanced features, and high monthly price. If you are looking for a more privacy-focused or feature-rich VPN service, you may want to look elsewhere.

If you are interested in trying out Hotspot Shield VPN for yourself, you can download it from their website or app store.

PureVPN

PureVPN

PureVPN is one of the oldest and most popular VPN providers in the market, with over 6,500 servers in 140+ countries.

Key Features

  • Supports multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec, SSTP, and PPTP. You can choose the best protocol for your needs and switch between them easily.
  • Proprietary protocol called StealthVPN, which is designed to bypass VPN blocks and censorship in authoritarian regimes.
  • Kill switch feature that automatically disconnects your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This prevents your IP address and online activity from being exposed.
  • Split your traffic between the VPN and your regular internet connection. This can help you optimize your speed and access local services while staying protected.
  • Dedicated IP feature that lets you get a unique IP address that is not shared with other users. This can improve your security and access to certain websites and services that require a static IP.
  • DNS leak protection feature that prevents your DNS requests from being leaked to your ISP or third parties. This ensures that your online privacy is intact.
  • Malware protection feature that blocks malicious websites and ads from infecting your device. This can enhance your online security and browsing experience.
  • DDoS protection feature that protects you from distributed denial-of-service attacks that can disrupt your internet connection and online activity.
  • NAT firewall feature that adds an extra layer of security to your VPN connection. It blocks unwanted incoming traffic and prevents hackers from accessing your device.

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Pros:

  • Fast and reliable speeds on most of its servers. You can enjoy smooth streaming, gaming, and downloading with minimal buffering and lag
  • Large and diverse server network that covers 140+ countries and regions. You can access geo-restricted content and services from anywhere in the world
  • User-friendly and intuitive interface that makes it easy to use and customize. You can adjust the settings according to your preferences and needs
  • 24/7 live chat support that is responsive and helpful. You can get in touch with the customer service team anytime you have an issue or question
  • 31-day money-back guarantee that allows you to try the service risk-free. You can get a full refund if you are not satisfied with the service within the first month

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Cons:

  • Does not have a strict no-logs policy. It keeps some logs of your connection time, bandwidth usage, and IP address for troubleshooting purposes. However, it does not log your browsing history or online activity
  • Does not support WireGuard, which is a new and advanced VPN protocol that offers faster speeds and better security than other protocols
  • Does not have a free trial option. You have to pay for a subscription plan to use the service

Plans and Pricing

PureVPN Pricing

PureVPN offers three subscription plans: monthly, yearly, and biennially.

  • Standard plan costs 3.74 per month.
  • Plus plan costs $69.84 per year ($5.82 per month).
  • Max plan costs $89.88 for two years ($7.49 per month).
  • The longer the plan, the more you save.

All plans come with unlimited bandwidth, data, and server switching. You can also connect up to 10 devices simultaneously with one account. You can pay with credit cards, PayPal, cryptocurrencies, or other payment methods.

Overall Conclusion

PureVPN is a reliable and affordable VPN service that offers fast speeds, strong security, and a wide range of features. It has a large and diverse server network that covers 140+ countries and regions. It also has a user-friendly interface and a 24/7 live chat support.

However, PureVPN does not have a strict no-logs policy and does not support WireGuard protocol. It also does not have a free trial option.

If you are looking for a VPN service that offers value for money and versatility, you might want to give PureVPN a try. You can take advantage of its 31-day money-back guarantee and see if it suits your needs.

TunnelBear VPN

TunnelBear VPN

TunnelBear is a popular VPN service that offers a simple and user-friendly interface, strong encryption and a global network of servers.

Key Features

  • GhostBear feature, which disguises your VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic to bypass censorship and VPN blocking.
  • AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard for securing online traffic.
  • Kill switch feature called VigilantBear, which blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
  • Split tunneling feature called SplitBear, which allows you to choose which apps or websites use the VPN and which don’t.
  • No-logs policy, which means it does not collect or store any information about your online activity or personal data.

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Pros:

  • Easy to install and use, with a cute and intuitive design that appeals to beginners and casual users
  • Free plan with 500 MB of data per month, which is enough for occasional browsing or testing the service
  • Supports up to five simultaneous connections on different devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS and Linux
  • Good customer support team that responds quickly and professionally via email or live chat.

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Cons:

  • Not very fast compared to other VPN services, especially on long-distance servers or during peak hours
  • Does not work well with Netflix or other streaming services, as it has a limited number of servers and IP addresses that are often blocked by these platforms
  • Does not offer advanced features or customization options for more experienced or demanding users, such as port forwarding, dedicated IP addresses or DNS leak protection
  • Based in Canada, which is part of the Five Eyes alliance, a group of countries that share intelligence and surveillance data.

Plans and Pricing

TunnelBear VPN Pricing

TunnelBear offers three plans: Free, Unlimited and Teams:

  • Free Plan gives you 500 MB of data per month and access to all servers except Australia, New Zealand and India.
  • Unlimited plan gives you unlimited data and access to all servers. It costs $3.33 per month if you pay annually ($39.99 per year) or $9.99 per month if you pay monthly.
  • Teams plan gives you unlimited data and access to all servers for up to five members. It costs $5.75 per member per month if you pay annually ($69 per year) or $10.99 per member per month if you pay monthly.

Overall Conclusion

TunnelBear is a reliable and user-friendly VPN service that offers strong encryption, a no-logs policy and a global network of servers. It is ideal for beginners and casual users who want to protect their online privacy and security with minimal hassle. However, it is not the best choice for speed, streaming or advanced features. If you are looking for a faster, more versatile or more customizable VPN service, you may want to look elsewhere.

Proton VPN

Proton VPN

Proton VPN is a Swiss-based VPN service that offers high-speed, secure, and private internet access.

Key Features

  • Secure Core architecture that routes your traffic through multiple servers before leaving its network, making it harder for attackers to trace your IP address or match your browsing activity
  • Strict no-logs policy and uses only the highest-strength encryption to protect your internet traffic.
  • NetShield feature that blocks ads, malware, and trackers from following you online.
  • VPN Accelerator feature that can boost your VPN speeds by over 400% by overcoming CPU limitations and using advanced networking techniques.
  • Stealth feature that can bypass censorship and VPN blocking by making your VPN traffic look like regular traffic.
  • Tor over VPN feature that allows you to access Onion sites without installing the Tor browser.
  • Supports up to 10 simultaneous connections, P2P file sharing, split tunneling, kill switch, DNS leak protection, and WireGuard protocol.

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Pros:

  • Free version that does not have ads or bandwidth limits
  • Open-source and audited apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chromebook, and Android TV
  • Unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer
  • Based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws and is outside the jurisdiction of the 14 Eyes alliance

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Cons:

  • Higher-than-average prices compared to other VPN services
  • Relatively small server network with only 1,500 servers in 60 countries
  • Does not have live chat support or phone support; only email support and a knowledge base are available
  • The interface is not very user-friendly or intuitive; some features are hidden or hard to find

Plans and Pricing

Proton VPN Pricing

Proton VPN has four plans: Free, Basic, Plus, and Visionary:

  • Monthly plan costs $9.99 per month (billed annually) and allows you to use two devices and access servers in all countries.
  • Yearly plan costs $5.99 per month (billed annually) and allows you to use five devices and access all features except for the Visionary features.
  • 2-Year plan costs $4.99 per month (billed Biennially) and allows you to use 10 devices and access all features.

All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Overall Conclusion

Proton VPN is a solid choice for anyone who values security, privacy, and freedom online. It has some unique and advanced features that can protect you from network-based attacks, censorship, and surveillance. It also has a generous free version that does not compromise on quality or performance. However, Proton VPN is not very cheap or easy to use; it may not be suitable for beginners or budget-conscious users. It also has some limitations in terms of server network size and customer support. Overall, I would recommend Proton VPN to anyone who is looking for a reliable and trustworthy VPN service with excellent security features.

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Why you need a VPN and how to choose the right one?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a technology that allows you to create a secure connection to another network over the internet. VPNs can help you protect your online privacy and anonymity by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address from third parties. VPNs can also help you access region-restricted websites and streaming services by changing your apparent location. Here are some of the benefits of using a VPN:

  • Bypass geographic restrictions: Some websites and online services are only available in certain countries or regions. For example, Netflix offers different content libraries depending on where you are. With a VPN, you can connect to a server in another country and access the content that is normally blocked for you.
  • Protect yourself on public Wi-Fi: When you use public Wi-Fi networks, such as those in cafes, airports, or hotels, you expose your online activity to anyone who might be snooping on the network. Hackers and cybercriminals can intercept your data and steal your personal information, passwords, credit card details, and more. A VPN encrypts your data and prevents anyone from seeing what you do online.
  • Gain some online anonymity: Your IP address is a unique identifier that reveals your location and internet service provider. Websites and online services can use your IP address to track your online behavior, preferences, interests, and more. A VPN masks your IP address and replaces it with one from the VPN server. This makes it harder for anyone to identify you or monitor your online activity.

There are many VPN providers that offer different features and prices. You should choose a VPN that suits your needs and budget. Some of the factors to consider when choosing a VPN are:

  • Speed: A VPN can affect your internet speed, depending on the encryption level, server location, and network congestion. You should look for a VPN that offers fast and consistent performance without compromising your security.
  • Security: A VPN should use strong encryption protocols and techniques to protect your data from hackers and government agencies. You should also look for a VPN that has a kill switch feature, which automatically disconnects you from the internet if the VPN connection drops. This prevents your data from being exposed in case of a VPN failure.
  • Privacy: A VPN should respect your privacy and not collect or share your personal data with third parties. You should look for a VPN that has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not store or monitor any information about your online activity or identity.
  • Ease of use: A VPN should be easy to install and use on any device you own. You should look for a VPN that has user-friendly apps and interfaces for different platforms, such as Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, etc. You should also look for a VPN that allows you to switch between servers and locations easily.

A VPN is a useful tool that can enhance your online experience and security. However, it is not a magic bullet that can solve all your online problems. You should still use common sense and good practices when browsing the web, such as using strong passwords, avoiding suspicious links and downloads, updating your software regularly, etc.

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Disclosure: Please note that we may receive affiliate compensation for some of the links below, at no expense to you, should you decide to purchase a paid plan. This blog does not provide financial advice, it is purely for entertainment and fun.

Shopping, software

Best Ecommerce Platforms of 2024 (Approved By Pros)

E-commerce is a booming industry that allows entrepreneurs to sell their products and services online. However, not all e-commerce platforms are created equal. Some offer more features, flexibility, and scalability than others. In this post, we will compare and contrast some of the best e-commerce platforms in 2024:

Nexcess

Nexcess store builder

Nexcess is a leading provider of web hosting and e-commerce solutions for online businesses. In this post, we will review their e-commerce platform, which is designed to help you launch and grow your online store with ease and efficiency. We will cover the key features, pros and cons, plans and pricing, and overall conclusion of Nexcess e-commerce platform.

Nexcess e-commerce platform offers a range of features to help you create and manage your online store:

Key Features

  • StoreBuilder: This is a tool that helps you build your ecommerce site in minutes, without any coding or design skills. You just answer a few questions about your business and StoreBuilder will create a customized and optimized site for you.
  • Auto Scaling: This is a feature that automatically adjusts your server resources based on your traffic and sales volume. You don’t have to worry about downtime or slow performance during peak periods or promotions.
  • Managed Magento: This is a service that enhances your Magento site with advanced caching, security, and performance features. You also get access to exclusive Magento extensions, themes, and tools, as well as dedicated support and consulting from Nexcess team.
  • Cloud Accelerator: This is a feature that boosts your site speed and performance by leveraging the power of cloud computing. You can choose from various cloud providers, such as AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure, and enjoy faster loading times and better user experience.

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Pros:

  • Easy to use and set up, thanks to StoreBuilder and the intuitive dashboard
  • Scalable and flexible, thanks to auto scaling and cloud accelerator features
  • Compatible with popular ecommerce platforms, such as WooCommerce and Magento, and offers managed services for them
  • Secure and reliable, thanks to daily backups, SSL certificates, malware scanning, firewall protection, and 24/7 monitoring
  • Excellent customer support and service, with phone, chat, email, ticket, and knowledge base options.

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Cons:

  • More expensive than some of its competitors, especially for higher-tier plans
  • Limited customization options for StoreBuilder sites, such as themes and layouts
  • Does not offer a free trial or a money-back guarantee for its services.

Plans and Pricing

Nexcess Woocommerce pricing

Nexcess e-commerce platform has different plans and pricing options depending on the type of e-commerce platform you choose. Here are the current plans and prices for WooCommerce and Magento:

Woocommerce:

  • – Starter: $21 per month for 1 store, 30 GB storage, 3 TB bandwidth
    – Starter+: $43 per month for 2 stores, 45 GB storage, 4 TB bandwidth
    – Creator: $47 for 3 months/ then $87 per month for 3 stores, 60 GB storage, 5 TB bandwidth
    – Merchant: $73 for 3 months/ then $164 per month for 5 stores, 100 GB storage, 5 TB bandwidth
    – Standard: $147 for 3 months/ then $328 per month for 10 stores, 300 GB storage, 5 TB bandwidth
    – Growth: $270 for 3 months/ then $602 per month for 20 stores, 500 GB storage, 10 TB bandwidth
    – Enterprise: $492 for 3 months/ then $1095 per month for 30 stores, 800 GB storage, 10 TB bandwidth

Magento:

  • – XS: $37 for 3 months/ then $62 per month for 11 sites, 50 GB storage
    – S: $68 for 3 months/ then $114 per month for 16 sites, 75 GB storage
    – M: $116 for 3 months/ then $194 per month for 21 sites, 125 GB storage
    – L: $195 for 3 months/ then $325 per month 31 sites, 400 GB storage
    – XL: $352 for 3 months/ then $588 per month 41 sites, 600 GB storage
    – XXL: $542 for 3 months/ then $904 per month 51 sites, 800 GB storage

Overall Conclusion

Nexcess e-commerce platform is a great choice for online businesses that want a fast, secure, scalable, and easy-to-use solution for their e-commerce sites. It offers a variety of features and services to suit different needs and budgets. It also supports popular e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce and Magento. However, it also has some drawbacks that may deter some customers from choosing it. It is more expensive than some of its competitors. It has limited customization options for StoreBuilder sites. It does not offer a free trial or a money-back guarantee. Therefore, you should weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding if Nexcess ecommerce platform is right for you.

Shopify

Shopify store builder

Shopify is surely one of the most popular and widely used e-commerce platforms in the world. It allows anyone to create and run an online store with ease and efficiency:

Key Features

  • Themes and templates to customize your store’s appearance and functionality. You can also use the Shopify app store to add more features and integrations to your store.
  • Secure and reliable hosting service for your store, with unlimited bandwidth and storage. You also get a free SSL certificate and a custom domain name for your store.
  • Multiple payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more. You can also accept payments in different currencies and languages, and set up taxes and shipping rates accordingly.
  • Powerful dashboard and analytics tool that lets you monitor and manage your store’s performance, sales, inventory, customers, marketing, and more. You can also use Shopify’s built-in SEO and marketing tools to optimize your store’s visibility and reach more customers.
  • Dedicated customer support team that is available 24/7 via phone, email, chat, or social media. You can also access a wealth of resources and tutorials on the Shopify website and community forums.

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Pros:

  • Scalable and flexible, allowing you to grow your store as your business grows. You can also switch between different plans and features as per your needs
  • Easy to use and set up, even for beginners. You don’t need any coding or design skills to create a professional-looking store
  • Compatible with many third-party apps and services that can enhance your store’s functionality and performance. You can also integrate your store with other platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, eBay, etc.
  • Offers a 14-day free trial that lets you test out the platform before committing to a plan

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Cons:

  • Charges transaction fees for every sale you make on your store, unless you use Shopify Payments as your payment gateway. This can add up to your costs over time
  • Limited customization options for some aspects of your store, such as the checkout page or the URL structure. You may need to hire a developer or use an app to make more changes to your store.
  • Plans and pricing can be expensive for some users, especially if you need more advanced features or apps for your store.

Plans and Pricing

Shopify store builder pricing

Shopify offers four main plans for its users:

  • Basic Shopify plan ($29/month annually billed)
  • Shopify plan: ($79/month annually billed)
  • Advanced Shopify plan: ($299/month annually billed)
  • Shopify Plus plan: (Starting at $2,000 USD/month):
    • – Each plan comes with different features and benefits, such as:
    • – Number of products and staff accounts you can have on your store
    • – Amount of storage space and bandwidth you can use for your store
    • – Access to professional reports and analytics tools
    • – Access to advanced features like gift cards, discount codes, abandoned cart recovery, etc.
    • – Transaction fees charged by Shopify for each sale
    • – Access to priority customer support

Shopify is a powerful and user-friendly e-commerce platform that can help you create and run a successful online store. It has many features and benefits that can suit different types of businesses and customers. However, it also has some drawbacks that you should consider before choosing it as your e-commerce solution. Ultimately, the best way to decide if Shopify is right for you is to try it out yourself and see how it works for you.

Ecwid

Ecwid online store

Ecwid is a cloud-based e-commerce platform that allows you to create and manage an online store on any website, social media platform, or marketplace. It is designed to be easy to use, flexible, and scalable for small and medium-sized businesses.

Key Features

  • Drag-and-drop store builder that lets you customize your store’s layout, design, and functionality without coding.
  • Wide Integration with over 50 payment gateways, including PayPal, Stripe, Square, and Apple Pay. It also supports multiple currencies and languages, as well as tax and shipping calculations.
  • Sell on multiple channels, such as Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, eBay, Google Shopping, and more. You can manage all your orders and inventory from one dashboard.
  • Marketing tools to help you promote your store and increase conversions. These include SEO optimization, email marketing, coupons and discounts, abandoned cart recovery, product reviews, and loyalty programs.
  • Inventory management system that syncs your products across all your sales channels and notifies you of low stock levels and orders.
  • Analytics dashboard that tracks your store’s performance and provides insights into your sales, traffic, conversion rates, and customer behavior.
  • Mobile app that lets you manage your store on the go. You can also create a mobile-friendly store that adapts to any device and screen size.

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Pros:

  • Easy to set up and use. You can create a store in minutes and embed it on any website with a few clicks
  • Affordable and transparent. It has a free plan that lets you sell up to 10 products and access basic features. The paid plans start from $15 per month and offer more advanced features and unlimited products. There are no transaction fees or hidden costs
  • Secure and reliable. It uses SSL encryption to protect your data and transactions. It also has a 99.9% uptime guarantee and 24/7 customer support

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Cons:

  • Some limitations in terms of customization and functionality. For example, you cannot edit the HTML or CSS code of your store or access the API. You also cannot create custom product options or variations
  • May not be suitable for large or complex stores that require more control and flexibility. For example, you cannot create multiple stores under one account or manage different user roles and permissions
  • May not integrate with some third-party apps or services that you need for your store. For example, you cannot use Shopify apps or WooCommerce plugins with Ecwid

Plans and Pricing

Ecwid pricing

Ecwid has four plans to choose from:

  • Free plan($0/month billed annually)
  • Venture plan ($15/month billed annually)
  • Business plan($29/month billed annually)
  • Unlimited plan ($82.5/month billed annually)

All plans include the following features:

  • Drag-and-drop store builder
  • Mobile app and responsive storefront
  • Multiple payment options
  • Automatic tax and shipping calculation
  • Marketing tools
  • Inventory management
  • Analytics dashboard
  • SSL security
  • 24/7 customer support

The higher plans also include the following features:

  • Custom domain name
  • Product variations
  • Digital products
  • Product filters
  • Abandoned cart recovery
  • Wholesale pricing
  • Priority support

Overall Conclusion

Ecwid is a great option for anyone who wants to start or grow an online business without hassle or high costs. It offers a user-friendly interface, a wide range of features, and a flexible integration with various platforms. However, it also has some drawbacks that may affect your store’s customization, functionality, or performance. Therefore, you should weigh the pros and cons carefully before choosing Ecwid as your e-commerce platform.

BigCommerce

BigCommerce ecommerce

BigCommerce is a leading e-commerce platform, powering over 60,000 online stores worldwide. The platform offers a comprehensive set of features for online merchants:

Key Features

  • Drag-and-drop website builder that allows you to create and customize your store without coding.
  • Range of themes and templates that are responsive, SEO-friendly, and optimized for conversions.
  • Powerful product catalog management system that supports unlimited products, variants, options, categories, and filters.
  • Flexible checkout system that supports multiple payment gateways, currencies, languages, and tax rates.
  • Robust order management system that integrates with popular shipping carriers, inventory systems, and fulfillment services.
  • Built-in marketing suite that includes tools for email marketing, SEO, social media, coupons, discounts, loyalty programs, and more.
  • comprehensive analytics dashboard that provides insights into your store’s performance, traffic, sales, customers, and more.
  • Dedicated app store that offers hundreds of integrations with third-party services and tools for various functions and features.

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Pros:

  • Cloud-based platform that provides high security, reliability, scalability, and speed for your store.
  • Fully hosted platform that takes care of the technical aspects of running your store, such as hosting, maintenance, updates, backups, and SSL certificates
  • User-friendly platform that offers a simple and intuitive interface for managing your store and products
  • Flexible platform that allows you to customize your store’s design and functionality with code or apps
  • Feature-rich platform that offers everything you need to start and grow your online business

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Cons:

  • Relatively expensive platform that charges higher fees than some of its competitors
  • Closed-source platform that limits your control over the core code and functionality of your store
  • Complex platform that may require some technical skills or assistance to set up and optimize your store.
  • May not suit every type of business or industry due to its specific features and limitations.

Plans and Pricing

BigCommerce ecommerce pricing

BigCommerce offers four plans for online merchants:

  • Standard plan: ($29/month)
  • Plus plan: ($79/month)
  • Pro plan: ($299/month)
  • Enterprise plan (custom pricing)

Each plan comes with different features and benefits depending on your store’s size and needs. Some of the main differences between the plans are:

  • The number of staff accounts you can create for your store (from 2 to unlimited).
  • The amount of storage space you can use for your store (from 1 GB to unlimited).
  • The number of API calls you can make per hour (from 20K to 400K).
  • The availability of advanced features such as abandoned cart recovery, customer groups and segmentation, faceted search, Google customer reviews, custom SSL certificates, etc.

Additionally, BigCommerce charges a transaction fee of 0% on all plans except Enterprise. However, it also imposes an annual sales threshold on each plan (from $50K to $400K), which means you have to upgrade your plan if you exceed the limit.

Overall Conclusion

BigCommerce is a powerful and reliable e-commerce platform that offers a lot of features and benefits for online merchants. However, it also has some drawbacks and limitations that may not suit every business or budget. Therefore, it is important to evaluate your needs and goals before choosing BigCommerce as your e-commerce solution. You can also try BigCommerce for free for 15 days to see if it meets your expectations.

Hostinger

Hostinger website builder

If you are looking for a reliable and affordable platform to start or grow your online store, you might want to consider Hostinger E-commerce. Hostinger is one of the leading web hosting providers in the world, and in 2023, they launched their own e-commerce solution that integrates seamlessly with their hosting plan

Hostinger E-commerce is a fully hosted platform that lets you create and manage your online store without any coding or technical skills. You can choose from hundreds of professional and mobile-friendly templates, customize them with your own logo, colors, fonts, and images, and add your products and categories with ease. You can also use the drag-and-drop builder to create landing pages, product pages, and checkout pages that suit your brand and style.

Hostinger E-commerce also comes with a range of features that help you sell more and grow your business:

Key Features

  • Powerful dashboard that gives you an overview of your sales, orders, inventory, customers, and marketing campaigns.
  • Built-in SEO tool that helps you optimize your store for search engines and rank higher on Google.
  • Marketing suite that includes email marketing, social media integration, coupons, discounts, upsells, cross-sells, and more.
  • Secure payment gateway that supports multiple currencies and payment methods, including PayPal, Stripe, credit cards, and more.
  • Shipping calculator that automatically calculates the best shipping rates and options for your customers based on their location and preferences.
  • Tax calculator that automatically applies the correct tax rates and rules for your customers based on their location and preferences.
  • Live chat tool that lets you communicate with your customers in real time and answer their questions and concerns.
  • Customer loyalty program that rewards your customers for repeat purchases and referrals.
  • Multilingual feature that lets you translate your store into multiple languages and reach a global audience.

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Pros:

  • Very affordable compared to other platforms. You can get started for as low as $1.99 per month for the Starter plan, which includes hosting for one website, 10 GB of disk space, 100 GB of bandwidth, a free SSL certificate, a free domain name for one year, and unlimited products. The other plans are also reasonably priced and offer more features and resources
  • Easy to use and set up. You can create your store in minutes with the help of the intuitive interface and the helpful tutorials and guides. You don’t need any coding or technical skills to run your store
  • Fast and reliable. Hostinger uses cloud-based servers that are optimized for speed and performance. Your store will load quickly and smoothly on any device and browser. Hostinger also offers a 99.9% uptime guarantee and 24/7 customer support.

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Cons:

  • Relatively new in the market and may not have all the features and integrations that some other platforms have. For example, Hostinger E-commerce does not support dropshipping or multi-vendor marketplaces. You may also need to use third-party apps or plugins to add some functionality to your store.
  • Not very flexible or customizable. You can only use the templates and themes that Hostinger provides, which may not suit your specific needs or preferences. You also have limited control over the design and layout of your store. You cannot access or modify the code or the backend of your store.

Plans and Pricing

Hostinger plans and pricing

Hostinger E-commerce offers four plans to choose from: Starter, Premium, Business, and Enterprise:

  • Single: $1.99 per month
    • Hosting for one website
    • 50 GB of disk space
    • 100 GB of bandwidth
    • Free SSL certificate
    • Free domain name for one year
    • Unlimited products
    • SEO tool
    • Marketing suite
    • Payment gateway
    • Shipping calculator
    • Tax calculator
    • Live chat tool
  • Premium: $2.99 per month
    • Everything in Starter plus:
    • Hosting for 100 websites
    • 100 GB disk space
    • Unlimited bandwidth
    • Free CDN (content delivery network)
    • Customer loyalty program
    • Multilingual feature
  • Business: $3.99 per month
    • Everything in Premium plus:
    • 200 GB disk space
    • Daily backups
    • Priority support
    • Custom domain email accounts
  • Cloud: $9.99 per month
    • Everything in Business plus:
    • Hosting for 300 websites
    • 200 GB disk space
    • Dedicated account manager
    • Custom solutions and integrations
    • Advanced security and performance

Overall Conclusion

Hostinger E-commerce is a great option for anyone who wants to start or grow their online store without breaking the bank. It offers a lot of features and benefits for a low price, and it is very easy to use and manage. However, it may not be the best choice for those who need more flexibility, customization, or functionality for their store. You may want to compare Hostinger E-commerce with other platforms before making your final decision.

Square Online

Square Online

Square Online is a platform that allows you to create and manage your own online store, without any coding or design skills. It is powered by Square, a company that provides payment processing and other business tools for small and medium-sized businesses.

Key Features

  • Variety of templates and themes to choose from, or you can start from scratch and customize your site with drag-and-drop tools.
  • Sell physical and digital products, services, subscriptions, donations, and more. You can also integrate with third-party apps and platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, Google Shopping, Mailchimp, etc.
  • Accept payments online with Square or other payment gateways, such as PayPal, Stripe, etc. You can also offer local pickup and delivery options, as well as shipping labels and tracking.
  • Manage your inventory, orders, customers, marketing, analytics, and more from one dashboard. You can also sync your online and offline sales with Square POS.
  • Access 24/7 customer support via phone, email, or chat. You can also access a community forum and a help center with articles and videos.

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Pros:

  • Easy to use and set up. You can launch your online store in minutes, without any technical skills or coding
  • Affordable and transparent. You can start for free and pay only when you make a sale. There are no hidden fees or long-term contracts
  • Flexible and scalable. You can sell anything you want, anywhere you want. You can also grow your business with advanced features and integrations

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Cons:

  • Limited in customization and functionality. You may not be able to achieve the exact look and feel you want for your site. You may also encounter some limitations in terms of features and integrations
  • Dependent on Square. If you want to use Square Online, you have to use Square as your payment processor. This may not be ideal for some businesses or customers who prefer other options
  • Competitive and crowded. You may face a lot of competition from other online sellers who use the same platform. You may also have to deal with some issues such as downtime or glitches

Plans and Pricing

Square Online has three plans to choose from:

  • Free plan: $0 per month + 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction. This plan includes unlimited products, free SSL certificate, SEO tools, inventory management, order management, coupons, gift cards, etc.
  • Pluse plan: $29 per month + 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction. This plan includes everything in the Free plan plus customer accounts, advanced shipping options, discounts on shipping labels, Facebook ads integration, etc.
  • Premium plan: $79 per month + 2.6% + 30¢ per transaction. This plan includes everything in the Plus plan plus lower transaction fees, priority phone support, real-time shipping rates from major carriers, etc.

All plans include unlimited products, SSL security, SEO tools, inventory management,

Overall Conclusion

Square Online is a great option for anyone who wants to start or grow their online business quickly and easily. It offers a lot of features and benefits for a reasonable price. However, it may not be the best choice for everyone who wants more control and customization over their site. It may also not be the most reliable or secure platform in the market. Therefore, it is important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if Square Online is right for you.

Squarespace

Squarespace ecommerce builder

Squarespace is one of the most popular platforms for creating and managing online stores. But how does it compare to other e-commerce solutions?

Squarespace E-commerce offers a range of features to help you create a beautiful and functional online store. Some of the main features are:

Key Features

  • Drag-and-drop website builder with hundreds of templates and customization options.
  • Integrated shopping cart and checkout system with secure payment processing.
  • Inventory management and order fulfillment tools
  • Marketing and analytics tools to help you grow your audience and sales
  • Customer accounts and loyalty programs
  • Integration with third-party apps and services such as Mailchimp, Stripe, PayPal, Shopify, etc.

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Pros:

  • Easy to use and set up, no coding required
  • Beautiful and responsive design that works on any device
  • All-in-one solution that includes hosting, domain, SSL certificate, etc
  • Reliable and fast performance with 99.98% uptime
  • 24/7 customer support via email, live chat and phone

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Cons:

  • Limited customization and flexibility compared to other platforms
  • Higher price than some competitors
  • Transaction fees for some plans
  • No native support for digital products or subscriptions

Plans and Pricing

Squarespace ecommerce pricing

Squarespace E-commerce has four plans to choose from, depending on your needs and budget:

  • Personal plan:$16/month or $192/year. This plan is suitable for small websites or blogs that want to sell a few products. It includes unlimited storage and bandwidth, free custom domain, SSL security, SEO tools, basic website metrics, mobile optimization and 3% transaction fees.
  • Business plan: $23/month or $276/year. This plan is ideal for small businesses that want to sell more products and services. It includes everything in the Personal plan plus professional email from Google Workspace, advanced website analytics, promotional pop-ups and banners, fully integrated e-commerce features, 2% transaction fees and $100 Google Ads credit.
  • Basic Commerce plan: $27/month or $324/year. This plan is designed for growing online stores that want more e-commerce tools and capabilities. It includes everything in the Business plan plus customer accounts, checkout on your own domain, powerful e-commerce analytics, inventory, orders, tax and coupons management, label printing via ShipStation and no transaction fees.
  • Advanced Commerce plan: $49/month or $588/year. This plan is perfect for large online stores that want the best e-commerce features and performance. It includes everything in the Basic Commerce plan plus abandoned cart recovery, real-time carrier shipping rates, automatic discounts, gift cards, advanced shipping options, APIs for orders and inventory and limited availability labels.

Overall Conclusion

Squarespace E-commerce is a great option for anyone who wants to create a stunning and professional online store without much hassle. It offers a lot of features and benefits that can help you sell your products and services online. However, it also has some limitations and drawbacks that may not suit everyone’s needs and preferences. Therefore, we recommend that you try out the free 14-day trial before committing to a plan. You can also compare Squarespace E-commerce with other e-commerce platforms to see which one works best for you.

How to Choose an E-commerce Platform

If you are planning to start an online business, one of the most important decisions you need to make is choosing an e-commerce platform. An e-commerce platform is a software application that allows you to create, manage and run your online store. There are many factors to consider when choosing an e-commerce platform, such as:

  • The features and functionality you need for your products and services
  • The cost and scalability of the platform
  • The ease of use and customization of the platform
  • The security and reliability of the platform
  • The customer support and community of the platform

To help you choose the best e-commerce platform for your business, you should do some research and compare different options. You can also read reviews and testimonials from other users, or try out free trials or demos of the platforms. Some of the most popular e-commerce platforms in the market are:

  • Shopify: A cloud-based platform that offers a variety of features and templates for different types of businesses. Shopify is easy to set up and use, and has a large app store and a helpful support team.
  • WooCommerce: A plugin that turns your WordPress website into an online store. WooCommerce is flexible and customizable, and has a huge community of developers and users. WooCommerce is free to use, but you need to pay for hosting, domain name and extensions.
  • Magento: An open-source platform that offers a high level of control and customization for your online store. Magento is powerful and scalable, and has a wide range of features and integrations. Magento is suitable for large and complex businesses, but requires technical skills and resources to maintain.

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Disclosure: Please note that we may receive affiliate compensation for some of the links below, at no expense to you, should you decide to purchase a paid plan. This blog does not provide financial advice, it is purely for entertainment and fun.

AI, software

11 Best AI Writing Software of 2024 (Tested and Reviewed)

AI writing tools are software applications that use artificial intelligence to assist writers in creating, editing, and optimizing their content. AI writing tools can help writers save time, improve their writing quality, and generate new ideas. In this post, we will review some of the best AI writing tools in 2024 and compare their features, plans, benefits, and drawbacks.

But how do you choose the best AI writing tool for your needs? There are many factors to consider, such as the features, pricing, languages, templates, and models of each tool. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve created a list of leading AI writing tools in 2024. Check it out below:

Jasper

Jasper AI Features

Writing is a creative and complex process that requires skill, practice and inspiration. However, sometimes writers face challenges such as writer’s block, lack of feedback, poor grammar or spelling, or difficulty organizing their ideas. That’s where Jasper Writing Software comes in.

Jasper Writing Software is a web-based application that aims to help writers of all levels and genres to improve their writing and achieve their goals. Jasper Writing Software offers a range of features that can assist writers in various aspects of their writing process, such as:

  • Generating ideas: Jasper Writing Software can suggest topics, titles, prompts, characters, settings and plots based on the writer’s preferences and genre. The writer can also use Jasper Writing Software to brainstorm and outline their story using mind maps, timelines and charts.
  • Writing and editing: Jasper Writing Software can provide real-time feedback on the writer’s grammar, spelling, punctuation, style, tone and readability. The writer can also use Jasper Writing Software to check for plagiarism, clichés, redundancies and inconsistencies. Jasper Writing Software can also suggest synonyms, antonyms, definitions and examples for any word or phrase.
  • Publishing and marketing: Jasper Writing Software can help the writer to format their manuscript according to the standards of different publishers and platforms. The writer can also use Jasper Writing Software to create a cover design, a blurb, a bio and a query letter. Jasper Writing Software can also help the writer to find suitable agents, editors, reviewers and readers for their work.

Jasper is constantly updating and improving its features based on the feedback and suggestions of its users. Some of the plans for 2024 include:

  • Adding more genres and sub-genres to the idea generator
  • Integrating with popular writing platforms such as Medium, Wattpad and WordPress
  • Providing more options for customization and personalization of the user interface
  • Offering more resources and tutorials on writing techniques and best practices
  • Creating a community forum where users can share their work and get feedback from other writers

Key features:

  • Supports over 25 languages and 50+ content types
  • Allows users to choose from different writing modes and templates
  • Provides a simple and intuitive interface and a chrome extension
  • Integrates with various platforms and tools, such as Shopify, WordPress, Mailchimp, and Canva
Jasper AI plans and pricing

Plans:

  • Starter plan: $24/month for 20k words per month
  • Boss mode: $49/month for minimum 50K words per month plus advanced features
  • Business: For growing teams and businesses

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Pros:

  • Highly efficient and productive
  • Generates engaging and persuasive
    content
  • Helps users improve their writing skills
  • Enables data-driven and personalized
    writing
  • More humanoid content
  • 50+ AI template
  • Streamlines the writing process by
    helping you develop titles, keywords, and inspiration for content
  • Much better for long-form AI content
  • Tools for repurposing existing content
  • Better keyword-rich offering, SEO-ranked content production and more
  • Plagiarism checker tool

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Cons:

  • Requires internet connection
  • Comes with a subscription fee
  • May generate repetitive or generic content
  • May not capture the user’s unique voice or
    style

Jasper is a useful tool that can enhance the writing experience and outcome of any writer. However, it is not a magic solution that can guarantee success or satisfaction. The writer still needs to put in the effort, dedication and passion into their work. Jasper Writing Software is a guide, not a master.

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Copy.ai

copy.ai features

Copy.ai is a writing software that uses artificial intelligence to help you create engaging and original content for various purposes. Whether you need to write a catchy slogan, a captivating blog post, a persuasive sales copy, or a creative story, Copy.ai can assist you with its powerful and intuitive tools.

Key features:

  • Copy.ai offers a wide range of templates for different types of writing, such as headlines, slogans, captions, summaries, introductions, bullet points, emails, landing pages, ads, stories, and more. You can also create your own custom templates or use the blank canvas mode to start from scratch.
  • Copy.ai uses natural language processing and deep learning to generate high-quality and relevant content based on your input. You can provide keywords, phrases, sentences, or even images as prompts, and Copy.ai will generate multiple variations for you to choose from or edit further.
  • Copy.ai allows you to collaborate with other writers or clients in real-time. You can share your projects, invite feedback, make comments, and track changes easily. You can also export your content to various formats, such as PDF, Word, HTML, or Markdown.
  • Copy.ai integrates with popular platforms and tools, such as WordPress, Shopify, Mailchimp, Zapier, Slack, and more. You can use Copy.ai to create and publish content directly from these platforms without switching tabs or apps.
copy.ai plans and pricing

Plans:

  • Copy.ai offers three plans for different needs and budgets: Free, Pro, and Enterprise.
  • The starter plan is free and gives you access to all the templates and features of Copy.ai. However, you are limited to 10 projects and 100 words per output. This plan is ideal for casual users or those who want to try out Copy.ai before upgrading.
  • The Pro plan costs $36 per month or $432 per year and gives you unlimited projects and words per output. You also get priority support and access to exclusive features and templates. This plan is suitable for professional writers or marketers who need more flexibility and creativity.
  • The Enterprise plan is customized based on your needs and goals. You get all the benefits of the Pro plan plus dedicated account management, custom integrations, advanced security, and training. This plan is designed for large businesses or agencies who want to scale their content creation with Copy.ai.

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Pros:

  • Easy to use and requires no technical skills or prior experience. You can start creating content in minutes with simple prompts and intuitive tools.
  • Fast and reliable. You can generate multiple variations of content in seconds and choose the best one for your purpose. You can also edit or refine your content as much as you want until you are satisfied.
  • Creative and original. You can explore different angles, tones, styles, and formats of writing with Copy.ai. You can also use images as prompts to generate visual content or inspire your writing.
  • Helpful and supportive. You can get tips and suggestions from Copy.ai on how to improve your writing or overcome writer’s block. You can also join the community of Copy.ai users and learn from their feedback and experiences.

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Cons:

  • You still need to review and edit your content before publishing or using it. You also need to ensure that your content is ethical, accurate, and compliant with the laws and regulations of your industry or niche.
  • Sometimes it may generate irrelevant or inaccurate content that does not match your input or expectations. You may also encounter technical issues or bugs that affect your user experience or output quality.
  • Not cheap. Although the Starter plan is free, it has limited functionality and output quality. The Pro plan is affordable for most users but may still be too expensive for some. The Enterprise plan is costly but may be worth it for large-scale projects or businesses.

Copy.ai is a writing software that uses artificial intelligence to help you create engaging and original content for various purposes. It has many features, templates, integrations, and plans to suit different needs and budgets. It also has some pros and cons that you should consider before using it.

Copy.ai is not a magic solution that will write everything for you. It is a tool that will assist you in your writing process and enhance your creativity and productivity. You still need to use your own judgment and skills to create high-quality and effective content.

Writesonic

Writesonic AI web

Writesonic is a powerful AI writing assistant that helps you create high-quality content for your blogs, websites, ads, social media, and more. It’s like having a professional writer on your team, without the hassle and cost of hiring one.

Writesonic uses advanced natural language generation (NLG) technology to generate content that is original, engaging, and optimized for your audience and goals. You can choose from a variety of templates and tools to write anything from blog posts and landing pages to product descriptions and ad copy.

key features:

  • AI Writer: This tool allows you to create long-form content such as articles, essays, reports, and ebooks with minimal input. You just need to provide a few keywords or a headline, and Writesonic will generate a draft for you. You can then edit, refine, and publish your content using the Sonic Editor, an enhanced version of Google Docs.
  • Paraphraser: This tool helps you rewrite any text in your own words, without changing its meaning or tone. You can use it to avoid plagiarism, improve readability, or simplify complex sentences.
  • Expander: This tool helps you add more details and information to your text, making it more informative and engaging. You can use it to elaborate on your points, provide examples, or explain concepts.
  • Shortener: This tool helps you reduce the length of your text, making it more concise and clear. You can use it to trim unnecessary words, remove redundancies, or summarize your main ideas.
  • Landing Pages: This tool helps you create high-converting landing page copy with minimal input. You just need to provide your product name, description, and benefits, and Writesonic will generate a catchy headline, subheadings, bullet points, and a call to action for you.
  • Product Descriptions: This tool helps you create captivating product descriptions that highlight the features and benefits of your products. You just need to provide your product name, category, and some keywords, and Writesonic will generate a unique and persuasive description for you.
  • Ad Copy: This tool helps you create effective ad copy for various platforms such as Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. You just need to provide your product name, description, target audience, and goal, and Writesonic will generate a catchy headline, body text, and call to action for you.
Writesonic plans and pricing

Plans:

Writesonic offers different plans for different needs and budgets. You can start with a free plan that gives you 10 credits per month to try out some of the tools. You can then upgrade to a paid plan that gives you more credits and features. The paid plans are:

  • Premium: This plan costs $29 per month or $290 per year and gives you 75 credits per month. You can use these credits to access all the tools except the AI Writer.
  • Superior: This plan costs $99 per month or $990 per year and gives you 300 credits per month. You can use these credits to access all the tools including the AI Writer.
  • Ultimate: This plan costs $249 per month or $2490 per year and gives you 1000 credits per month. You can use these credits to access all the tools including the AI Writer. You also get priority support and custom integrations.

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Pros:

  • It saves you time and money by generating high-quality content in minutes.
  • It helps you improve your writing skills by providing feedback and suggestions.
  • It supports multiple languages and formats for different purposes and platforms.
  • It integrates with popular tools such as WordPress, Shopify, Zapier, Mailchimp, and more.

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Cons:

  • It may not always produce perfect content that matches your tone and style.
  • It may require some editing and proofreading before publishing.
  • It may not be able to handle complex or niche topics that require domain expertise or research.

In conclusion, Writesonic is a great AI writing assistant that can help you create high-quality content for your blogs, websites, ads, social media, and more. It has a variety of features and tools that cater to different needs and goals. It also offers different plans that suit different budgets. However, it may not be able to replace human writers completely, as it may still need some human input and supervision. Therefore, it is best used as a complement rather than a substitute for human writing.

Rytr

Rytr AI Writing

Rytr is one of the best AI writing assistants in the market today. It helps you create high-quality content for various use cases, such as blogs, emails, ad copies, social media posts, and more. In this blog post, we will review Rytr software in 2024, including its key features, plans, pros and cons.

Rytr software is powered by GPT-3, one of the most advanced natural language generation models in the world. It can generate catchy, original, and high-converting copies in popular tones and languages in just a few seconds. You just need to pick a use case, enter some context, and boom…your copy is ready!

key features:

  • SEO analyzer: Rytr helps you find optimal keywords and create a well-written content brief for your blog posts. It also provides suggestions on how to improve your SEO score and rank higher on search engines.
  • Grammar checker: Rytr checks your grammar and spelling errors and offers corrections and suggestions. You can also customize your writing style and preferences to suit your audience and brand voice.
  • Tone selector: Rytr lets you choose from over 20 different tones for your content, such as friendly, professional, witty, humorous, persuasive, etc. You can also mix and match different tones to create unique and engaging content.
  • Language translator: Rytr can translate your content into over 100 languages with high accuracy and fluency. You can also use Rytr to write content in different languages from scratch.
  • Content templates: Rytr offers over 50 content templates for various use cases, such as blog intros, headlines, slogans, product descriptions, testimonials, etc. You can also create your own custom templates and save them for future use.
  • Content manager: Rytr provides a powerful and intuitive dashboard where you can manage all your content projects. You can organize your content by folders, tags, categories, etc. You can also edit, preview, export, and share your content with others.

Plans and Pricing:

Rytr offers two plans for its users: Premium and Saver.

The Unlimited plan costs $29 per month and gives you unlimited access to all the features of Rytr software. You can generate unlimited content with no character limit or restriction on use cases. You also get priority support and access to exclusive features and updates.

The Saver plan costs $9 per month and gives you limited access to some of the features of Rytr software. You can generate up to 25,000 characters per month with a limit of 5 use cases per month. You also get standard support and access to basic features.

You can also try Rytr software for free with no credit card required. You can generate up to 5,000 characters per month with a limit of 3 use cases per month.

Rytr AI Features

Pros and Cons of Rytr Software

Rytr software has many advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before using it. Here are some of the pros and cons of Rytr software:

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Pros:

  • Easy to use and saves you a lot of time and effort in content creation.
  • Affordable and offers great value for money compared to other AI writing tools.
  • Versatile and can handle various types of content for different purposes and platforms.
  • Reliable and produces high-quality content that is original, relevant, and engaging.
  • Constantly improving and adding new features and updates based on user feedback.

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Cons:

  • Not perfect and may sometimes generate errors or inaccuracies that need human editing or verification.
  • May not be able to capture the nuances or emotions of human writing that are essential for some types of content.
  • May not be able to handle complex or technical topics that require domain expertise or research.
  • May not be able to generate unique or creative content that stands out from the crowd or goes viral.

Conclusion

Rytr software is one of the best AI writing assistants in the market today that can help you create high-quality content for various use cases. It has many features, plans, pros and cons that you should consider before using it. If you are looking for a fast, easy, affordable, and reliable way to write content that converts, you should give Rytr software a try!

Reword

Reword.co AI writing tool

Reword is a web-based tool that helps you rewrite any text in seconds. Whether you want to improve your writing, avoid plagiarism, or generate new content.

key features:

  • Automatic paraphrasing: Reword uses advanced natural language processing algorithms to rewrite any text in a different way, while preserving the meaning and tone of the original.
  • Customization options: You can adjust the level of rewriting, the vocabulary, and the style of the output text according to your preferences and needs.
  • Quality check: Reword.co also provides feedback on the quality of the rewritten text, such as grammar, readability, and uniqueness scores.
  • Multiple languages: Reword.co supports 10 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Polish, Turkish, and Arabic.

Plans and Pricing:

Reword offers two plans for its users: Premium and Saver.

The Grow plan costs $38 per month and gives you unlimited access to all the features of Reword’s software for up to 3 projects. You can create or optimize up to 40 articles every month with 5 writer seats and collaborative writing.

The Pro plan costs $64 per month and gives you unlimited access to all the features of Reword’s software for up to 100 projects with unlimited writer seats and unlimited use of all features.

You can also try Reword for free with no credit card required for one unlimited project for 14 days of trial.

Reword.co plans and pricing

Pros and Cons

Reword has some pros and cons that you should consider before using it:

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Pros:

  • It is fast and easy to use. You just need to paste or type your text and click on the “Reword” button to get a new version of your text in seconds
  • It is versatile and flexible. You can use Reword.co for various purposes, such as academic writing, content creation, SEO optimization, or personal use
  • It is affordable and secure. Reword.co offers a free plan with limited features and a premium plan with unlimited features for $9.99 per month. You can also cancel your subscription at any time. Reword.co also respects your privacy and does not store or share your texts

–

Cons:

  • It may sometimes produce texts that are not accurate, natural, or coherent enough. You should always proofread and edit the output texts before using them for any serious purpose
  • It can help you rewrite existing texts, but it cannot create original content from scratch. You still need to do your own research and analysis to produce high-quality texts

Conclusion

Reword is a useful tool that can help you rewrite any text in seconds. However, it is not a magic solution that can replace human writing skills. You should use Reword.co as a helper, not as a replacement for your own writing efforts.

TextCortex AI

TextCortex AI

TextCortex AI is an AI writing platform that aims to help writers create engaging and effective content. It uses natural language processing and deep learning to analyze text and generate suggestions for improvement.

key features:

  • Grammar checker: It can check grammar, spelling, punctuation, and readability of your text.
  • Content management: It can generate catchy headlines, summaries, and introductions for your articles.
  • Tone Changer: It can rewrite sentences to make them more clear, concise, and persuasive.
  • Content Assistant: It can suggest relevant keywords, hashtags, and images for your content.
  • Content templates: It offers over 60+ AI writing content templates for various use cases.
  • Content Optimization: It can optimize your content for SEO and social media.

Plans and Pricing:

TextCortex AI writing

The Pro plan costs $19.99 per month, for individuals and businesses who create content regularly. It gives you unlimited creations up to 200 words at a time and access to more features, such as creation and translation in 25+ languages, summarizer, tone changer, etc. with translation support in 25+ languages.

The Business plan costs $49 per month and gives you unlimited creations. It gives you unlimited creations up to 300 words at a time and access to all the features, such as ZenoChat web search feature, unlimited customizable AI personas, 80+ AI writing templates, etc.

You can also try TextCortex AI software for free with no credit card required. You can generate up to 10 Creations per day with access to some of their core features such as ZenoChat, rewriting, rephrasing, email writer, etc..

You can also get a money-back guarantee for 5 days for the Pro and Business plans. You can also get discounts for team plans and referrals.

Pros and Cons

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Pros:

  • Easy to use and integrates with popular writing tools like WordPress, Medium, and Google Docs.
  • Fast and reliable, and can handle large volumes of text.
  • Customizable and allows you to adjust the tone, style, and voice of your content
  • Affordable and offers a free trial and various plans to suit your needs

–

Cons:

  • Not a substitute for human creativity and judgment. You still need to review and edit your content before publishing it.
  • It may not always capture the nuances and context of your topic. You may need to provide more information or feedback to get better results
  • It may not work well for some types of content, such as fiction, poetry, or academic writing

Conclusion

TextCortex AI is a great tool for anyone who needs to create content quickly and easily. It can help you generate high-quality texts for various purposes and platforms with minimal effort. It can also help you improve your writing skills by giving you suggestions and feedback. It has a user-friendly interface and a reasonable pricing structure.

Overall, TextCortex is one of the best AI writing tools on the market today. It offers a comprehensive set of features that can help you create any type of content you need. It is fast, reliable, affordable, and creative. It is a must-have tool for content creators, marketers, students, professionals, and anyone who wants to write better.

Shortly

Shortly AI

Shortly is an AI writing software that can help you write long-form content with ease. Shortly can write blog posts, articles, stories, essays, reports and more. Shortly can also help you research, outline, expand and finish your content. Shortly uses cutting-edge AI technology to generate original and engaging content that flows naturally. Shortly has a minimalist and distraction-free interface that lets you enter your topic, keywords or prompt and get instant results. You can also use commands, shortcuts and suggestions to control Shortly. Shortly offers a free trial and a monthly subscription plan of $65 a month.

Key features:

  • You can write blog posts, social media captions, landing pages, emails, and more with Shortly AI.
  • You can use the “write with me” mode to get suggestions as you type, or the “write for me” mode to let Shortly AI write the whole paragraph for you.
  • You can also use the “rewrite with me” mode to improve your existing content, or the “rewrite for me” mode to let Shortly AI rewrite it completely.
  • You can access a library of templates and examples for different types of content and niches.
  • You can integrate Shortly AI with WordPress, Shopify, Google Docs, and other platforms.

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Pros:

  • Can save you time and effort by generating high-quality content in minutes.
  • Can help you overcome writer’s block and generate new ideas for your content.
  • Can help you optimize your content for SEO and readability.
  • Can help you write in a natural and engaging tone that suits your audience and brand.

–

Cons:

  • Not a replacement for human writers. You still need to edit and proofread your content before publishing it.
  • May not always understand your context or intent. You need to provide clear and specific keywords or ideas for Shortly AI to work well.
  • May not always generate original or unique content. You need to check your content for plagiarism and avoid using copyrighted material.

Overall, Shortly AI is a powerful and convenient tool that can help you write faster and better. However, you should not rely on it entirely and use it as a supplement to your own writing skills and creativity. If you want to try it out, you can sign up for a free trial or a paid plan on their website.

Wordtune

Wordtune AI

Wordtune is an AI writing software that can help you improve your writing skills. Wordtune can rewrite,
rephrase, simplify, clarify, strengthen and polish your sentences. Wordtune can also help you find the right words, expressions, synonyms, antonyms and examples for your writing. Wordtune uses sophisticated AI algorithms to analyze your context and intent and generate the best possible alternatives.

Key Features

Some of the key features of Wordtune are:

  • Rewrite: It can rewrite any sentence in different ways, while keeping the original meaning and intent.
  • Tone: It can change the tone of your writing from casual to formal, or vice versa, depending on your needs.
  • Expand: It can add more details and information to your sentences, making them more informative and engaging.
  • Shorten: It can reduce the length of your sentences, making them more concise and direct.
  • Smart Paste: It can integrate any text you copy from another source into your own writing, while adapting it to your style and tone.

Wordtune has a free version that offers basic rewriting and tone features. It also has a premium version that unlocks more advanced features such as expand, shorten and smart paste. The premium version costs $9.99 per month or $119.88 per year.

Wordtune is a useful tool for anyone who wants to improve their writing skills and express themselves better. It can help you with various types of writing tasks, such as emails, essays, articles, social media posts and more. It can also help you learn from its suggestions and become a better writer over time.

Wordtune is available as a Chrome extension, a Microsoft Edge addon, a web app and a mobile app. You can try it for free by creating an account with your Google, Apple or Facebook account.

Frase.io

Frase AI content writing.

FRASE.IO – If you are looking for a tool to help you create engaging and SEO-friendly content, you might want to check out www.frase.io. Frase is a platform that uses artificial intelligence to analyze your topic, research relevant sources, and generate content outlines and summaries.

Key Features:

Here are some of the key features of Frase:

  • Content creation tool that allows you to write faster and better with the help of AI. You can enter a topic or a keyword and Frase will generate a content brief with suggested headings, questions, statistics, and sources.
  • Optimize your existing content for SEO and readability. Frase will analyze your content and provide suggestions on how to improve it based on your target keywords and audience intent.
  • Content intelligence tool that helps you monitor and analyze your competitors’ content strategy. You can see what topics, keywords, and questions they are ranking for and how you can outrank them.

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Pros:

  • Powerful and easy-to-use tool that can save you time and effort in creating high-quality content
  • It can help you generate content ideas, research relevant information, and optimize your content for SEO and user engagement.
  • Integrates with popular platforms like WordPress, HubSpot, Mailchimp, and Zapier, so you can streamline your content workflow.

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Cons:

  • Not a fully automated content generator
  • You still need to write your own content and edit it for accuracy, clarity, and style
  • Has some limitations in terms of language support and customization
  • It currently only supports English and Spanish languages
  • It does not allow you to customize the tone, voice, or format of the generated content.

Black Friday deal: 30% off of Frase for Life

Plans and pricing

Frase has three plans to choose from: Basic ($44.99/month), Growth ($114.99/month), and Team ($449.99/month). The main differences between the plans are the number of users, documents, topics, and integrations. You can also try Frase for free for 14 days with no credit card required.

Overall offering:

Frase is a great tool for anyone who wants to create engaging and SEO-friendly content with the help of AI. It can help you improve your content quality, productivity, and performance.

GetGenie

GetGenie SEO AI For WordPress

GetGenie – If you are looking for a WordPress plugin that can help you with content creation and SEO optimization, you might want to check out GetGenie.ai. This plugin is powered by artificial intelligence and offers a range of features and templates to make your life easier. Here are some of the key features, pros and cons, and overall offering of GetGenie.ai.

Key Features

  • GenieChat: A conversational AI chatbot that lets you chat with 22+ different personalities, such as marketing expert, dating coach, financial advisor, personal trainer, etc. You can use GenieChat to get ideas, advice, feedback, or just have fun.
  • SEO Mode: A feature that helps you research and analyze keywords, competitors, and content for SEO. You can also optimize your content with a predictive AI score and NLP-based keywords.
  • Content Templates: A collection of 30+ templates for various types of content, such as blog posts, product descriptions, social media copies, meta descriptions, etc. You can generate content with AI by using these templates or create your own custom ones.

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Pros:

  • Versatile and powerful plugin that can replace 10+ apps for you with its AI magic
  • Easy to use and integrates seamlessly with WordPress. You can access all the features from your WordPress dashboard
  • Affordable and offers a 14-day money-back guarantee.

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Cons:

  • Still in development and may have some bugs or limitations
  • You may need to edit or regenerate the output sometimes
  • May not be able to generate high-quality content for every niche or topic
  • You may need to do some research or use your own creativity to improve the content

Overall Offering:

GetGenie.ai is a WordPress AI SuperApp for Content & SEO that can help you save time and money, boost your traffic and conversions, and grow your online presence. It is a great tool for bloggers, marketers, entrepreneurs, and anyone who needs content and SEO assistance. You can try it for free or purchase it from their website.

Grammarly

Grammarly

Grammarly is a popular AI writing tool that helps writers check and improve their grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style. Grammarly can also suggest synonyms, tone adjustments, clarity enhancements, and plagiarism detection. Grammarly can be used as a browser extension, a web app, a desktop app, a mobile app, or a Microsoft Word add-in.

Key Features

Grammarly has several features that can help you with different aspects of your writing:

  • Grammar and spelling checker: Grammarly can detect and correct common grammar and spelling errors in your text. It can also explain the rules behind each suggestion so you can learn from your mistakes.
  • Tone detector: Grammarly can analyze your tone and suggest ways to make it more appropriate for your audience and purpose. For example, it can tell you if your tone is too formal, informal, casual, confident, friendly, etc.
  • Clarity and conciseness: Grammarly can help you make your writing more clear and concise by removing unnecessary words, splitting long sentences, and rearranging sentence structure.
  • Plagiarism checker: Grammarly can compare your text to billions of web pages and academic papers and alert you if any part of your text is unoriginal. It can also help you cite your sources correctly.
  • Vocabulary enhancement: Grammarly can suggest synonyms and alternative words to make your writing more varied and interesting. It can also help you avoid word repetition and clichés.
  • Writing goals: Grammarly can help you set and achieve specific writing goals based on your audience, domain, tone, and intent. For example, you can choose to write for a general, academic, business, or creative audience.

Pros and Cons
Grammarly has many advantages as a writing tool, but it also has some limitations:

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Pros:

  • Easy to use and compatible with most devices and platforms.
  • You can use Grammarly as a browser extension, a desktop app, a web editor, or an add-on for Microsoft Word and Outlook.
  • Accurate and reliable. Grammarly can catch most grammar and spelling errors and provide helpful suggestions to improve your writing quality.
  • Customizable and flexible. You can adjust Grammarly’s settings to suit your preferences and needs. You can also choose between American, British, Canadian, or Australian English.
  • Educational and informative. Grammarly can help you learn new words, rules, and tips to enhance your writing skills. You can also access Grammarly’s blog, handbook, and weekly reports for more resources.

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Cons:

  • May not understand the context or nuances of your writing. It may also miss some errors or make inappropriate suggestions. You should always review Grammarly’s feedback and use your own judgment before applying any changes.
  • Not completely free. Grammarly has a free version that offers basic grammar and spelling checks, but you need to upgrade to the premium or business plan to access all the features. The premium plan costs $12 per month (billed annually). The business plan costs $15 per member per month (billed annually).
  • It does not support advanced formatting. Grammarly does not preserve the formatting of your original document when you upload it to the web editor. It also does not support tables, images, footnotes, or other complex elements.

Grammarly is a powerful and popular online grammar checker that can help you with various aspects of your writing. It has many features that can enhance your grammar, spelling, tone, clarity, vocabulary, originality, and more. However, it also has some drawbacks that you should be aware of before using it. Grammarly is not a replacement for a human editor or proofreader. It is a tool that can assist you in improving your writing quality and skills.

If you want to try Grammarly for yourself, you can sign up for a free account here. You can also check out Grammarly’s website for more information about its features, plans, pricing, support, etc.

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What is ChatGPT

ChatGPT is a conversational language model developed by OpenAI. It is based on the GPT-3 (Generative Pretrained Transformer 3) architecture, which is a state-of-the-art natural language processing model that has been trained on a massive amount of data.

The ChatGPT model is specifically designed to generate human-like responses to text inputs, making it useful for applications such as chatbots and virtual assistants. Unlike some other language models, ChatGPT is able to maintain context and coherence across multiple turns in a conversation, allowing it to generate more natural and coherent responses.

One of the key features of ChatGPT is its ability to generate responses in a variety of different styles and tones. For example, it can generate responses that are formal and polite, casual and friendly, or even sarcastic and humorous. This makes it well-suited for use in a wide range of applications, from customer service and support to social media and entertainment.

The newer version and more advanced engine of ChatGPT is the latest and greatest ChatGPT4 that you can read about here.

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Disclosure: Please note that we may receive affiliate compensation for some of the links below, at no expense to you, should you decide to purchase a paid plan. This blog does not provide financial advice, it is purely for entertainment and fun.

software, Tech

Microsoft Announces an Update to Bing Which Integrates ChatGPT Models into it

Microsoft announces It’s new iteration of AI-powered Bing homepage that enables its users to ask, explore and have conversations with the latest and greatest  technology of OpenAI’s engine model which it calls: Your new Co-pilot to the web.

To those who still haven’t heard, ChatGPT is a conversational language model developed by a company called OpenAI. It uses a state-of-the-art natural language processing model that has been trained on a massive amount of data and designed to generate human-like responses to text inputs in variety of styles and different human tones., making it useful for applications such as chatbots and virtual assistants.

Link to try the new Bing Experience HERE, click !

Microsoft is only providing access to a limited version of the new Bing conversation experiences for now. In the future, however, you will be able to use the browser and AI conversations to their full potential.

New features include more accurate search rankings, more added-value content for your search queries, and a chatbot that will act as a smart assistant.

In the demo, we’ve seen many interesting examples of how the Open AI chatbot integrates with Bing and answers questions submitted by users

bing-demo-openAI

But the company has added some ready-to-use cases to explore as well:

Things like:

  • Write a rhythming poem
  • How to create a three course menu.
  • How to get fit.
  • Help create a quiz.
  • Help in writing a code.
  • Write a rhyming poem or essay.
  • Creating an itinerary for  a party.
  • Search for a fast big car

And more..

Bing-chatgpt-usecases

With the new and improved Bing, powered by AI and wrapped in a Microsoft-developed safety system called Prometheus, users can join a waitlist that hopefully extends its availability and use in the coming weeks. The new and improved Bing is available in limited preview mode for desktops only today.

Highlights from Bing and Microsoft Edge's February 2023 Event

 

Hardware, software

Apple WWDC 2022 Announcements: Macbook Air, 13-Inch Macbook Pro With M2, iOS 16, WatchOS 9 And MacOS Ventura

CUPERTINO, Calif.– Apple held its 33rd annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on Monday morning Pacific time, unveiling updates to its iOS, WatchOS, MacOS, and iPadOS, alongside new hardware releases in the form of Macbook laptops. Apple kicked off its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) with a handful of new operating system announcements, as well as two new MacBook offerings, powered by the Cupertino-based tech giants latest internal silicon, M2. As usual, Apple’s WWDC 2022 was packed to the brim with a little bit of everything, from Apples flagship iPhone operating system, iOS 16, and its latest 5nm chip, the M2, to the new hardware putting all of it into your hands – in this case, the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro 13.

WWDC 2022 - June 6 | Apple

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Apple today unveiled the fully-redesigned MacBook Air and updated 13-inch MacBook Pro, both powered by a new M2 chip–one that takes M1s groundbreaking performance and capabilities further. With industry-leading energy efficiency, a unified memory architecture, and customized technologies, this new chip brings even more performance and capabilities to Apple’s most popular Mac laptops: the MacBook Air and the 13-inch MacBook Pro. While it was not quite the big reveal as the MacBook Air M2, Apple has refreshed the 13-inch MacBook Pro lineup to incorporate a new CPU, too.

The 13″ MacBook Pro which comes integrated with the latest M2, promising 20 hours of battery time, maxing out at 24GB RAM and 2TB of storage, coming this month starting at $1,299

The new 2022 Macbook Pro with M2 chip
Macbook Pro with M2 chip

The new MacBook Air comes equipped with an all-new M2 chip, Apple’s latest iteration of the silicon, which is an upgrade over the capabilities found in the M1 chip, boasts a thinner 11.3mm body, non-wedge design in four colors, silver, space grey, midnight and starlight, 13.6″ 13.6” Liquid Retina display, 500 nits with a notch, MagSafe and fast charging power, alongside a 1080p camera on the top. This one comes later this month starting at $1,199.

The new 2022 Macbook Air with M2 chip
Macbook Air with M2 chip

Apple also announced iPadOS 16, which features all of the updates that are coming with iOS 16, a new Weather app, and powerful multitasking capabilities for desktop. Like iOS 16 and iPadOS 15, all of iOS 16s new features are coming to iPads running WatchOS. Like iOS 16, watchOS 9 will bring with it a new Siri homescreen–a glowing sphere at the bottom–and notifications receive a sleek new revamp.

With the next watchOS update to macOS, you will get all sorts of new watch faces, such as a moon cycle, a religious calendar, and a new animated wallpaper. Key features in watchOS 9 are four new watch faces, new fitness features, more extensive sleep tracking, AFib history, and a new medicine app coming to both the iPhone and the Apple Watch.

Events, software

Everything Apple announced at the WWDC 2021 Keynote

Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference officially kicked off with the main opening keynote event for WWDC 2021, featuring tons of new software updates we’ve been waiting for.

WWDC 2021 — June 7 | Apple

iOS 15

iOS 15 is packed with new features that help you connect with others, be more present and in the moment, explore the world, and use powerful intelligence to do more with iPhone than ever before.

Coming this fall

FaceTime

  • Spatial Audio coming
  • Voice isolation
  • Wide Spectrum
  • Portrait Mode
  • FaceTime links, including with Android and Windows users
  • SharePlay – Watch and listen together with friends, share screen and more

Notifications

Quickly catch up with a helpful collection of your notifications delivered daily, based on a schedule you set. The summary is intelligently ordered by priority, with the most relevant notifications at the top.

Live Text, Focus, Maps, Photos

Maps: Immersive walking instructions with step-by-step directions you can view in augmented reality.

Live Text: Live Text sophistically unlocks rich and useful information inside your images, so you can make a call, send an email, or look up directions with just a tap on the inserted text in a photo

Photos: Memories introduces a new interactive interface, along with new Memory mixes that let you personalize the look and feel of your story and include a song and vibe to match.

Focus: Focus helps you stay in the “zone” when you need to concentrate on something. Choose a Focus that allows only the notifications you want to show up — free of any distraction. You have aa choice to pick from a list of suggested Focus options or create your very own.

iPadOS

iPad enables you to do so much, so easily. iPadOS 15 takes this versatility further, making it easier to get things done, find and organize information, and make iPad even more capable.

Coming this fall

  • Multitasking – The iPad screen is great for working with multiple apps, taking your productivity to a whole new level. And now with iPadOS 15, multitasking is a lot more easier to discover, use, and view.
  • Widgets – Now you can place widgets alongside the Apple apps on your iPad, and  take full advantage of the iPad canvas.
  • App library – The App Library will automatically organize your apps into helpful categories like Productivity and Games, for quick access.
  • Notes – Notes goes system-wide with Quick Note, a fast and easy way to get to a note no matter what you’re doing. Add @mention, #tags and more.
  • Translate – The Translate app is now available on iPadOS. System-wide translation lets you translate text anywhere on your device.
  • Swift Playground – Swift Playgrounds brings a new level of productivity to iPad, and now its capabilities go even further. Learn code, build real apps with Swift UI, and see your ideas come to life on the App Store.

 

watchOS 8

watchOS 8 helps you stay connected, active, and healthy like never before. Share your favorite memories with the enhanced Photos app. Put more fun into your texts. Find new ways to center yourself and be present. And that’s just the start.

Coming this fall

  • Photos & Portrait watch face: Put your favorite photos of friends and family front and center in your watch face, to give the people you care about a lot more attention; now with a dynamic, multilayered effect.
  • Health – The Breathe feature has been refreshed with new graphics and visualizations alongside new tips that help you focus, center, and connect as you breathe.
  • Fitness – New guest trainer and Artist Spotlight

 

macOS Monterey

  • SharePlay – Keep FaceTime conversations going as you watch TV shows and movies, listen to music, or share your screen with SharePlay.
  • Shortcuts – Pre-built shortcuts to get the word done, faster
  • Safari – The new tab bar design takes up less space on the page and takes on the color of the site you’re on. More menu, enables you the access to powerful Safari features .
  • Universal control – A single keyboard and mouse or trackpad now work seamlessly between your Mac, iPad and other Apple devices. You can even drag and drop content from one Mac to the other device.
  • AirPlay to Mac – The power of AirPlay comes to Mac. You will be able to share, play, or present content from another Apple device to the big, screen. You can also mirror or extend your display to enhance productivity.
  • Shortcuts – Automate the things you do most often. Save time by turning something that would take multiple steps into just one.

 

 

 

 

Applications

8 Best Home Cleaning Apps for Android & iOS Everyone Must Try

What’s one way to make your home more pleasant while reducing the stress and headache of getting it done? Why not try one of the cleaning apps from this round-up The Cleaning Services Group developed to help singles, families and friends make an unpleasant task more manageable?!

Keeping your home clean makes a difference with everything from comfort and organization through to health and safety. 2020 has been defined as a year where we look at our environments very differently with an unprecedented global public health crisis leading many people to spend weeks and even months in lockdown inside their homes. Keeping our homes clean is more important than ever before yet it’s possibly even harder than in pre-coronavirus times.

Taking steps to prioritize, simplify and even enjoy cleaning is possible with the apps in this round-up. Still not sure? Well, ESparkBiz says there are many positive impacts to introducing cleaning apps into your routine. They said, “There is no doubt about the concept of on-demand house cleaning app[s] which has changed the whole perspective of digital innovation, by providing the users with a solution to the most common problem of their lives.” With proof of concept, it’s time to check out the full list of apps selected for their:

  • Ease-of-use
  • Overall ratings
  • User friendliness
  • Opt-in for extra users
  • Customizability

Spick & Span: The Ultimate Cleaning App Shortlist

 

1.   OurHome

This app is a gamified task system that will get every family involved in the chores. An organized interface means you can individually allocate responsibilities as well as assign To Do’s for today or tomorrow. It’s not just cleaning either — this is a comprehensive points system that covers everything you need to get done including exercise prioritization, taking the dog for a walk, and sorting the laundry.

Available for Android and Apple users.

2.   Done

Take your life beyond cleaning with this simple habit tracker that will improve more than just your dusty shelves! This colourful system creates tracking building blocks based on a motivational system that encourages progress and healthy routines all while letting you know when you’ve hit a streak and built a success chain.

Available for Apple users.

3.   Homey

Built upon principles of accountability and positive achievement with goals, this app is a great incentivizer for teaching kids about accountability. It’s also a great starting point for helping kids learn about money in the framework of motivation to meet targets like making their bed as well as understanding allowances.

Available for Android and Apple users.

4.   Unfilth Your Habitat

Make your cleaning about incremental completion so you can just get on with chores bit by bit rather than slog out marathon cleaning sessions. This app is definitely for users with a sense of humour who appreciate foul-mouthed prompts with a side of cleaning challenges to motivate you to get both gunk and germs gone!

Available for Android and Apple users.

5.   Tody

To help users keep up with home cleaning, this app works as a smart assistant so every resident can live comfortably without ever feeling guilty about getting behind on vacuuming, mopping and everything in between. Rather than battle overwhelm, Tody can be tailored to the user, is adaptable to your house size and uses a rating indicator system to track when you need to clean.

Available for Android and Apple users.

6.   Labour of Love

Couples and families are rewarded for getting through their chores and keeping their spaces pleasant in a collaborative way that uses appreciation to positively reinforce progress. The idea is to ‘marry’ users so that everyone feels valued for the tasks that are assigned to them as well as allowing them to log the errands they already complete in the day-to-day.

Available for Apple users.

7.   HomeRoutines

Reduce the monotony of repetitive tasks with this app that’s all about celebrating the

routine of mundane jobs with gold stars. As the name says, users can divide chores

between residents with frequency and time-related reminders serving as a catch-all

for a huge range of domestic life administration such as school drop-off, grocery

shopping and paying bills.

Available for Apple users.

8.   Clean My House

This intuitive app is built around supportive schedules you can custom-build for your family life including cleaning, errands and all of your important tasks. The personalization encourages all family members to get involved while reminders ensure nothing is missed and you can plan out an entire week without ever running out of milk, forgetting to pay a bill, or missing laundry day!

Available for Android users.

 

Read on for the full infographic that shares more details about each of the apps so you can make your life easier and mitigate any cranky moods around cleaning in your household all while making your surroundings more hygienic and pleasant whether you’re studying, learning or relaxing.

 

Home Cleaning Apps to Try in 2020 (Infographic)
Internet, software

Download Managers: How to manage Internet Content Transfers

Download managers are a great way to manage content transfers from the Internet. Very useful, always, in the current era of increased traffic by telework, tele-study and leisure consumption imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, its use is advisable to improve transfers.

It allows you to take full advantage of the performance that the Internet connection you have contracted allows, whether you have a faster fiber optic connection or an ADSL. Although the acceleration of transfers is its strong point, download managers have other advantages as they allow you to automate transfers, schedule them, resume them, and generally better manage and administer content. In this article we are going to review the operation of the software and offer a  few existing free options.

How download managers work

These types of applications use mirror websites ( multiple mirrors ) with similar to speed up the download or automatically choose between several servers that have the file available, opting for the one that offers better stability and performance.

Another important point is its ability to resume deliberately paused downloads or interrupted by server or line error without losing the part of the files that had been downloaded until then. Additionally, it prevents an unfinished download from being corrupted if there is an accidental disconnection.

They also allow us to automate and schedule downloads or uploads at the time that interests us most, usually outside of the working day or at night when the networks are less saturated, in addition to downloading a large number of files at the same time prioritizing performance over those We are more interested in or limit the download speed so as not to saturate the connection and allow us to use the equipment in functions such as navigation

Other added benefits of download managers is file type management and more accurate information on transfer speed and download times. Some applications integrate antivirus for malware checking or a viewer for video and audio preview.

Download managers for browsers

This type of software has enough performance, administration and control advantages to keep a dedicated application installed. But if you think that you will only use it in these times of confinement due to traffic congestion, you can start without having to install independent applications by activating some of the existing plugins for the main web browsers, such as:

1. DownThemAll (Firefox)

It is the manager that we like the most for the Mozilla web browser and one of the best absolute integrators you can find. Its integration with Mozilla is perfect and it is even integrated in the Firefox download menu. It is capable of detecting all the media links on a web page (with the corresponding filters), automatically downloading at high speed and allowing them to be summarized.

2. Video Download Helper (Firefox and Chrome)

Ideal if you are looking for a program for occasional video downloads on the web. It does not work with some YouTube videos as it usually happens with these managers.

Chrono Download Manager (Chrome). Exclusive to the Google browser, it integrates very well with the interface and use of its download system. Includes the “Chrono Sniffer” function that detects all links, images, audio and video on a web page.

3. Fruumo Download Manager

Without as much integration as the previous one, it does its job as a manager in the Google browser with an intuitive interface. Very simple, but download, pause and resume downloads like the rest.

4. EagleGet

Without the power of the installable version, you can integrate it into Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer and Opera.

ALSO READ: Bollywood Box Office Collections and Verdict Report

Independent download managers

For those who want to keep browsers as clean as possible and the most complete options in download managers, independent applications are the ones that work best. We leave you some of the most interesting:

1. JDownloader

One of the most used especially when we work with direct download services and multiple files. An open source platform written in Java with a lot of plugins to use with the options of the previous ones, such as the separation in packages to allow to pause and continue the downloads individually.

It has captcha recognition, allowing batches of downloads without user intervention. In addition to Windows, it has versions for Linux and Mac. If you use many direct download servers, it’s a reference.

2. FlashGet

A classic download manager that has been with us for nearly 20 years and that promises to speed up transfers “between 6 and 10 times”. It includes the general characteristics of a download manager including virus checking. You can download from websites, from FTP and even .torrent files although in this case it is always better to use a dedicated P2P client.

To start a download, simply drag the download link into a small window that acts as a minimal interface. An interface that could use an update, although for many it is still the best in the industry. It also has a portable application.

3. Free Download Manager

Another good download manager (free alternative to the well-known Internet Download Manager) that can also be used in a portable version on all your Windows devices without the need for installation.

Like the previous download managers, it increases the download speed by dividing the file into pieces and connecting from various mirror sites, it allows you to resume and schedule downloads, a video and audio viewer before the download is finished, and a long etc. It includes the HTML Spider function that allows you to download entire websites.

4. EagleGet

Simple and efficient, it promises to increase the download speed by up to six times what it would take for simple direct download from a web browser.

It is multilanguage, has pause and resume capabilities, day and time programming, integrity checker, malware checker and even video format converter.

5. BitComet

You probably know it more as a client for BitTorrent, but it also includes support for HTTP and FTP protocols, which allows it to act as download managers.

 

Please let us know if you ever used any download manager, and which of the ones is your top most favorite.

software

Why It’s Important To Update Your Windows Drivers

What are Device Drivers?

Device Drivers are programs that help your PC to communicate with various hardware components connected to it. Along with your hardware devices like printer, webcam, etc, your software programs like Word, Excel, games also need a proper and updated driver for smooth functioning.

Outdated Drivers can make your system sluggish and result in noticeable performance degradation issues. Updating device drivers from time to time will solve most of the issues, but automatic updating is what we need.

This blog will help you in understanding the importance of updated drivers and when you should update them.

Why Do I Need To Update My Windows Drivers?

Broken or outdated drivers can prevent system programs and applications from working, result in error messages and can cause frequent system crashing issues or can simply degrade its overall performance.

If you want your system to work in good operating conditions, you should always ensure that your device drivers are updated, this will also save you from falling into any potential problems. Neglecting driver updates is something that should not be missed at any cost.

But do we need to update all our drivers?

Well, the answer is No. If your drivers are not outdated, don’t fix them. We always hear, regular updating is crucial to fill any stability and security voids, but there are few hidden exceptions to it.

The Golden Rule is: If particular hardware is functioning properly, then there is no need of updating as it might result in some compatibility issues.
Common Issues Caused by Broken Device Drivers:
Most system issues and complications are caused by broken drivers. The most prominent and annoying ones are:

1. Monitor Display and Screen Crashing Issues

There is nothing more frustrating than staring at a blank PC screen. One of the most common causes of the blue screen is device drivers that are severely broken and outdated.

2. Inability to Detect Your Windows USB Mouse

Outdated drivers can handicap the basic functionality of your PC, and mouse recognition is one of them. If your system is working on broken drivers it might not be able to recognize your mouse and display a “not detected” error.

3. Webcam Problems

The webcam is a crucial element that supports amazing video chat and video calling experience on various platforms. A dysfunctional webcam can result in highly annoying circumstances especially when you need it for some important work.

The best way to handle such issues is to ensure that all your webcam drivers are updated from time to time. Picking the Best Driver Updater Software will imperil your PC webcam and will also support its vital functioning.

4. Another Important Reason, Why is It Important to Update Device Drivers

Broken drivers can result in security loopholes making it vulnerable to malicious software and cybercriminals. Therefore, security updates are released from time to time to patch these voids.

A system running on updated device drivers is the safest to use. It saves you from disastrous levels of damages both at the business and personal front.

Reduced gaming speed can be another issue associated with broker Windows drivers.

So, now that we are well aware that updated drivers are important for your PC’s optimal functioning, let’s walk through some of the methods on how you can update and fix driver issues.

How to Update Windows Driver?

1. Check for Windows Update

Although Windows keeps updating most of the software regularly, there are many instances where you have to install and update the latest Driver manually. To do so, follow the simple steps as mentioned below.

  • Open the “Settings’ ‘ tab, and choose Select “Update & Security”. Next click on “ Windows Update”.
  • From the displayed window, click on the updates option.

2. Use Device Manager to Update Device Drivers

This is the following activity from point number 1, if you are unable to find any update requirements, then you can manually update your Windows driver using Device Manager.

  • Open Device Manager
  • Right, click on the driver you wish to upgrade and then choose “Update Driver Option”.
  • From the displayed options click on “ Search automatically for updated driver software”.
  • If the latest version is available, your Device Manager will automatically do it. However, if no results are found, you may directly download one from the Manufacturer’s website.

However, using the Manufacturer’s support website for checking driver updates can be a tedious and time-consuming activity. We would recommend you to use a good driver updater tool that will automatically check and update all your broken drivers

3. Use Driver Updater Software

Driver Updater tools offer the easiest and the most effective ways to enjoy optimal system performance. These tools will automatically scan and update all your broken Windows drivers within seconds.

Wrapping up

When it comes to maximizing system performance, choose wisely and smartly. Updating outdated drivers is always a good choice, but doing it manually may not be the smartest thing to do.

Choose a good Windows driver Updater for hassle-free working and enhanced PC performance.

Design, software

How Augmented Reality Is Being Used in Home Decor

Augmented reality or AR is growing at a compound annual growth of 24.4% and is predicted to be worth $950 million by the end of next year. This technology may seem futuristic, but in reality it’s being used in a variety of different markets. From construction to maintenance, AR is able to solve problems and make processes faster and easier. 

One unlikely candidate for this type of technology is the home decor and renovation sector. While a home remodel might not strike you as a space to integrate digital content with the real world, there are many innovative apps that are doing just that. 

Augmented reality apps allow you to do a variety of things, from see how furniture will look in your apartment to test out paint colors to measure the room and create a floorplan. These AR apps make the process quick, easy and attainable to anyone not just contractors and interior designers. 

 

How Do These AR Apps Work in Your Home?

Each app has a different set of directions based on its intent, but in general they can be figured out in a few steps. First you’ll be selecting the feature you want. This could be a new sink for the kitchen or a rug for the living room. Some apps allow you to choose specific products you can buy and others give you generic items to test out.

Once the product is chosen, you’ll scan the room with the camera on your phone. This will give the AR software an idea of the original space. Often times the app will direct you to scan the floor so it can gauge the depth of the room. 

When the room is scanned, you’ll be able to view how your feature looks in the home. You can adjust its size and position to how you would normally have it and see if it will fit in the space. 

animation of augmented reality in home decor

 

7 AR Apps You Can Try in Your Home

Not all AR apps are the same. They each have a different specialty. To help you decide which is best for your home, ApartmentGuide has a list of seven augmented reality apps for the home. 

Build.com

This is an app made for remodeling the home. It specializes in home appliances and allows you to experiment with different finishes and styles. 

magicplan

This AR app will help you measure how many square feet you have in your home. This is helpful when renovating or viewing a new home. It will create a floorplan so that you know exactly how much space you have to work with.

Graham & Brown

This company lets you visualize a new paint color or wallpaper on your wall without sampling it yourself. This app will also estimate how much wallpaper or paint you’ll need to complete the projects which save you money and time. 

ColorSnap

ColorSnap is perfect for those painting a room. It allows you to conceptualize a color palette and will also suggest complementary colors to try. 

DecorMatters

This app is made for redecorating your space. It allows you to view home furniture, decorations and art from popular stores like IKEA, Target, Overstock, WestElm, Crate&Barrel, Living Spaces and Ashley. 

roOomy

If you want to stage a room, roOomy allows you to create a custom design. This app is targeted towary homebuyers, renters and real estate agents.

Housecraft

This app allows you to see furniture in a space, but only provides generic furniture. This works well for people who don’t want to be pressured into purchasing anything right away. 

Cryptocurrency, software

HP and ExpressVPN’s New Partnership and What it Means

Introduction

When you shop for a new laptop or PC, it’s uncommon to see them bundled with some sort of anti-virus software. For example, if I go on to Best Buy and look at the newest laptops, Best Buy tends to throw in a 12-month subscription to Webroot, an anti-virus program.

Most of the time these offers go unused, as Windows Defender offers enough virus protection for most. HP knows this, and they want to go in a different direction, according to their new press release for their new Spectre laptop, the Spectre x360 13.

HP’s New Laptop and Partnership

The press release listed feature after feature, upgrade after upgrade, but the new security improvements are what caught my eye. A way to turn off the webcam, a dedicated mute button for the microphone, an optional, built-in privacy screen: all of these promised as new improvements for the new Spectre.

However, one announcement overshadowed everything else, and that was HP partnering with ExpressVPN, currently one of the more popular VPNs available on the market.

It’s not often that a VPN company partners with a tech company, so the announcement was a pleasant surprise. The partnership brings some benefits to users of the new Spectre as well.

First off, ExpressVPN will be preinstalled on the new Spectre 13, saving users from having to download it themselves. Along with this preinstallation, users will receive a free 30-day trial to the VPN, allowing them to use the VPN before locking themselves into a monthly/yearly subscription.

This may not sound all that special; after all, what good a 30-day trial to a VPN will do? Well, it can do quite a bit, especially if you’re using your laptop in public areas (coffee shops, libraries, universities, etc.).

VPNs keep your data encrypted while on a public network, so any cybercriminal or hacker hoping to steal your information will be unable to.

HP and ExpressVPN’s partnership highlights a growing need for better security in the tech industry, and it seems these two companies are attempting to pave the way for this to take place, though it’s impossible to tell if it will work.

But what’s the harm in this promotional move? Nothing. In fact, ExpressVPN claims that more partnerships will be announced in the next few months, solidifying the growing focus the tech industry is shifting towards.

Conclusion

While HP’s new Spectre 13 won’t be released until sometime in mid-October, HP was kind enough to provide us with more than enough information about the new laptop. Furthermore, the new partnership with ExpressVPN will not only help secure users who may need it but will also spread awareness about the ways in which they can stay secure.

If you’re curious about VPNs, there are plenty of helpful guides to show you how they work. If you’re also interested in the new Spectre, feel free to check out the press release and keep an eye on HP’s website for when the Spectre releases.

software

Bitdefender BOX: An Easy Way to Keep All Your Smart Devices Secure

It’s the age of being smart. Not only in our thinking, but our devices have also become smart and have made our lives more convenient. However, with technology has come the fear of being intruded upon. Yes, there are many individuals who are waiting to hack your devices and unfortunately, you do not have anything major to stop them with. This is until you decide to invest your money in a Bitdefender BOX, which provides security to your smart devices. Below, we discuss how it does that.

 

Finds out weak points

First and foremost, Bitdefender BOX finds out how vulnerable your devices are and tells you how to remove those vulnerabilities. As a reputed IoT security solution Bitdefender BOX uses data from online sources to yield you this information.

Prevents attacks and stops exploitation

The Bitdefender BOX knows from where an intrusion can happen and it tell you what those weak points are. It also protects you against repeated forceful entry to access your passwords. There could be unlimited attempts to attack you but this device limits them. This means that once the ceiling of forced attacks is reached the box would halt automated probing.

Finds out anomalies

Bitdefender BOX will continually analyze your smart devices. When it notices any kind of suspicious activity it promptly notifies you about it. This in no way would affect the way your system is going to operate.

Blocks websites

With the assistance of a  free IoT scanner the Bitdefender BOX can also let you know which websites are prone to be infected by malware. So if you are planning to open any of the websites, the device would let you know and save you from getting your device infected.

Identification of phishing attempts

The Bitdefender BOX has a whole list of malicious links that it keeps for reference. It doesn’t matter which device you are working on. If you have reached a link which is a copy of the original link the BOX would detect and block its usage immediately. This way you know that your devices remain stay safe no matter what happens.

Protects your data

Sometimes you log in to websites which ask for your personal details. However, not all such websites are reliable and unknowingly you can give them the chance to take advantage of your data. Bitdefender BOX knows if the website can be trusted with this data or not and informs you so that you can stop yourself from making a huge mistake.

Takes care of all your devices

It is not as if the BOX would take care only of your laptop or computer. Whatever smart devices you have in your home will fall under the care of this device, and this means you get peace of mind, which is unbeatable. What’s more, if someone else comes to your home and uses his device with your Wi-Fi then he or she also receives the Bitdefender protection.

Conclusion

Bitdefender BOX is your all in one tool to keep all your smart devices working properly. In today’s time when hackers are just waiting to enter your system, you can use the BOX to keep them away. Plus you can also get the benefit of parental control which means that your children do not watch anything that they should not. With this device around you do not have to worry about buying antivirus software. It knows from where unwanted access requests can come from, and notifies you well in advance thus keeping the devices safe and data protected.

 

General, Hardware, software

Apple’s Fascinating 43-Year Journey From Small Project To $1 Trillion in Valuation

Is there any more fascinating success story in the world of tech than that of Apple Inc.? What began as a small project in the back of Steve Jobs’ parents’ garage has turned into the first trillion dollar company in the world.

It all started with Apple I, the first Apple product released by Jobs and Apple’s co-founder Steve Wozniak in 1976. Following the success of Apple’s first two personal computers – Apple I and Apple II – the company went public in 1980, and its founders became multi-millionaires overnight.

The 1980s saw the debut of the first personal computer with a graphical user interface (GUI), named Lisa, as well as the release of the Macintosh computer.

What followed, however, was a series of setbacks for Apple, including Jobs’ resignation in 1985. If you want to know what happened next on Apple’s journey to $1 trillion, take a look at the comprehensive infographic below by The Watchstrap.co detailing the success story of the biggest tech company in the world.

 

software

The Masters of NoSQL Group: Redis vs MongoDB

MongoDB and Redis are totally different NoSQL databases. They each have different performance capabilities and the Application Programming Interfaces are both different.

The two have gained massive following for being among the most popular solutions for data storage. The key point is that both technologies deliver superior performance through a simple structural interface.

The superiority of each database solution lies in the unique needs of each development team. We are quite sure that most teams will boast of how grander their choice is than the other. Well, here comes the kicker; Redis and MongoDB are both awesome.

In case you don’t take my words, here are facts to base my argument. The distinctive user cases are what exemplify each database solution over the other.

User Case One: Storage of Session Cache

Redis uses flexible data storage technique similar to python dictionary or a hash. Storing its data in main memory makes Redis an extremely fast database technology. Where teams want to store and access temporary data on the fly, Redis becomes the appropriate tool.

MongoDB uses schema-free data storage procedure similar to JSON documents. The storage here can only be accessed through MongoDB’s query language which has a striking resemblance with SQL.

Session caching involves a computer user setting up memory unit that stores session caching for site visitors. Session caching data is only meant to be temporary. In most cases, the cached storage will hold pages and items that website visitors have clicked for 24 hours.

In this case, Redis is the best choice. Mainly because such data is temporary and when there comes its needs; it should be assessed quickly and with a faster technology solution.

The fast response time and simple lightweight structure of Redis makes it an exemplary solution for hot data.

User Case Two: Scaling

Redis is limited growth by the amount of RAM in a system. But MongoDB would easily support multi-threading. In case you plan to scale up in future; it is advisable to use MongoDB because it supports multiple scaling methods. It is however possible to scale up database software using Redis but the process is more complex and capital intensive. When it comes to MongoDB, the process is quite simple and concise.

Hence, you can easily notice the clarity of the different ways that the Redis Vs MongoDB user cases fit various needs.

User Case three: Query Flexibility

MongoDB remains to be the most effective data storage solution for querying data in a variety of ways. The schema –structure for data storage offers the user a flexible for data storage in a variety of ways. In fact, you do not even have to create table fields.

MongoDB also comes with a set of querying tools that gives users the best opportunity to query data in different ways.

User Case four: Performance

The performance of Redis is unrivaled. A user needs the fastest data storage solution and when it comes to choosing speed and reliability over other user cases.  Redis provides unmatched support for performance.

However, the speed of MongoDB is also good. But the gap between performance of both Redis and MongoDB is unmatched.  

Conclusion

Now that you are armed with familiarity of different user cases for each data storage solution; you can easily make an informed decision on the best solution for your software needs.

 

 

software

4 Signs That It’s Time To Upgrade Your CAD Software

In any business that focuses on design as part of a project, CAD software is often very important. Once you have been using the same piece of software for a while, it can be easy to ignore the fact that another package could be better suited to your needs.

The truth is that CAD software in 2019 is very advanced and it is likely that the package that you are using isn’t aiding your design as much as it could be. Here, we are going to look at some of the signs that might indicate that you need to upgrade your CAD software. Keep reading to find out more.

You Have High Scrap Costs

One of the biggest signs that you need to upgrade your CAD software package is the fact that your scrap costs are too high. When you constantly need to scrap projects because of errors in the design, this could be down to the CAD software package that you are using. If this is the case, you might want to invest in a more accurate package that aids your design rather than hinders it.

You Don’t Have 3D Design View

Did you know that the latest CAD software packages offer 3D design? When you can design in 3D, you are more likely to find issues early on and so you can have a more accurate design. A 3D view can be very helpful for many different types of projects so make sure to upgrade your CAD software package if you find that yours doesn’t offer this.

You Have Some Spare Project Cash

If you have some spare cash for your next project, then you might want to use that to upgrade your CAD software package. You might not notice the issues at first, but once you replace your software, you will see that you should have been using the latest version before now. Of course, you can also download CAD software free trials from websites such as Altium. This will give you the chance to try it out and make sure that it is right for your business.

Things Are Taking Longer Than They Should

The final sign that it might be time to upgrade your CAD design software package is that your projects are taking longer than they should. If you find that you are wasting both time and money waiting for your software to respond or save a file, then you need to think about upgrading it. Once you have your upgraded version, you will notice the difference in how long things take.

Final Verdict

In any company, it is advised that you have the latest software to ensure your projects are completed as well as they can. If you use a CAD system, then you should make sure that you are taking advantage of the latest technology that aids design. Replace your CAD software today and you’ll notice the difference in no time at all.

Real Estate, software

How Augmented Reality is Transforming the Construction Industry

The building and construction industry has started appreciating the benefits of technology. Though it has taken quite some time, the construction industry is prepared to capitalize on technological advances just like any other industry.

The construction industry is now going paperless. Big blueprints, plans, and endless forms are being done away with. Construction workers and foremen are becoming familiar with the use of smartphones and tablets.

Construction records and data are now being stored on hard drives, cloud, and servers. The entire industry is becoming paperless. This technological advancement has taken years before being incorporated into the construction industry. In fact, the construction processes and systems had remained unchanged right from the 1940s.

Currently, things such as automation, mobile computing, cloud-based data analytics, and artificial intelligence are being used. These components are not only boosting margins but also driving efficiency. Besides, there is the use of drones to gather information from areas inaccessible to humans.

Augmented reality is expected to really change the construction industry. This is possible if only construction companies embrace it.

Augmented Reality

AR (Augmented Reality) has some close relationship with Virtual reality. Augmented reality is becoming more and more useful in offering solution to daily activities. It is evident in surgical procedures and social media filters.

Augmented reality takes up the virtual world elements and integrates them to the real world. As a result, it enhances everything you feel, hear and see. Augmented reality is aimed at enhancing our real world. It adds touch feedback, sounds, and graphics into the natural world.

How does it work?

Augmented Reality works in three technologies which are:

Simultaneous Localization and Mapping( SLAM)

SLAM is focused on solving complicated Augmented Reality simulation problems. It is neither a specific software nor an algorithm. It is a group of algorithms which solves both localization mapping and simultaneous problems.

Recognition Based

This is also referred to as Marker-based Augmented Reality. Here cameras are used to discover objects or visual markers, for instance, NFT makers and QR codes to reveal an overlay whenever a device identifies a marker. It makes use of cameras to differentiate a natural project from a marker. This gives the user a chance to assess all the object’s details.

Location-based

Location-based is also referred to as markerless. It uses an accelerometer, velocity meter, and digital compass to offer data in relation to augmented reality visualizations and location which are activated by the inputs. This Augmented reality technology is becoming more popular now that it can be used right from your smartphone. It is used in searching nearby services and mapping directions.

Augmented reality applications in the Construction industry

There are many ways in which Augmented reality will be applied in the construction industry. Below are the ways through which this technology will benefit the construction industry:

Accuracy

Accuracy is very crucial in construction activities. First of all, accuracy saves money and time. Augmented reality is going to provide exact measurements and specific details in construction plans. Engineers, Architects and project managers are to get the needed data for better speed and accuracy.

Saves time and money

Time and money are important in construction. AR is expected to save not only time but also money. It will curb any need for brand new architectural plans, that indeed is time-consuming and expensive. This technology, allows you to modify virtual plans and 3D models prior to construction.

Project management

Augmented reality does not condole any guesswork. This technology will do away with manual drawings and records. It is expected to deliver accurate images and create whole spaces. Not only planning but also managing projects are to become a time saving and efficient.

Design Analysis

AR is going to induce accuracy in design analysis. Architects and other construction professionals will go through a project to correct possible errors. No guesswork will be carried out. Thorough inspections are going to be carried out in the finished building to get rid of any simple mistake.

Actual Construction

Construction processes are bound to take the least time possible. A construction expert can access a project’s virtual model easily. The smooth flow of construction processes is expected to make companies save money and time.

Construction safety

Safety is very important during construction. Workers at the construction site need to be protected at all costs. This is a mandate that is going to be quite easy with the application of Augmented reality technologies. Augmented reality emphasizes on equipment training effectiveness to ensure safety is upheld during construction. Besides, AR is to ensure instant access to every worker at the construction site.

Change is inevitable

It is evident that important changes are set to be incorporated in the construction industry. The industry is to undergo a great revamp. Augmented reality is arguably one of the things at the center of the revamp. The use of tablets and smartphones in construction is going to become popular.

Applications, Mobile

8 Apps to Make Moving Abroad Easier

When you move to a new country, it’s all too easy to become overwhelmed by your ever-growing to-do list. This list includes a curated list of eight handy apps designed to help you learn the language, get around, stay safe and make friends in your new home.

Apps can be a great way to build up your language skills by helping you develop vocabulary, grammar and conversational abilities. Offering nearly 150 languages, Tandem is a great option for intermediate-level speakers who want to practice talking with native speakers in a judgement-free environment.

Mobile apps can be a real lifesaver when it comes to navigating around your new hometown. Handy alternatives to Google Maps include Waze and Moovit. If you intend to use public transport a lot, then Moovit: Public Transit is an absolute must-have as it uses real-time information to help you plan your bus, subway, rail or bike trip in many locations throughout the world.

In addition to knowing your way around, it’s also very important to know how to look out for yourself. Help yourself stay safe and alert by downloading a personal safety app. One of our favourites is TripWhistle which enables users to quickly contact local emergency service phone numbers anywhere in the world. 

For many expats, the most difficult part of moving abroad is making new friends. Fortunately, there are plenty of apps designed to connect you with people in your area. One of the most popular is Meetup, which allows you to form groups and plan fun outings with people in your area who share similar interests.

If you would like to learn more about the best apps for travelling and/or moving abroad, take a look at this super informative infographic guide from the team at Hansen & Company.

Read the infographic below to learn more.

 

software

Review: What Makes EaseUS the Best Hard Drive Recovery Software For Us

Is all your data lost from your hard drive? Are you looking for the best software that will help you recover all the files that you need? Is it getting hard for you to select the best hard drive recovery software? We know that you want the best services and it is getting tough for you. There is no need to select any random software when you have the EaseUS hard drive recovery software available. You must have been wondering why is it the best, right? Here we have some of the features you will find in EaseUS:

Fastest recovery

EaseUS hard drive recovery software provides the fastest recovery for all the data you want to recover from your hard drive. We all know how hard it is to recover this data, mainly because of the very long process. However, with EaseUS hard drive recovery software, you won’t have to deal with those issues. It will recover the data in a very short time to assure you will get it right back onto your computer device.

Amazing scanning services

EaseUS has the best scanning services available for you. There are two special scanning services available.

  1. The biggest attraction of the EaseUS recovery is the superficial scanning service feature. If you have a limited time, you can quickly conduct a superficial survey and have all the data recovered for you.
  2. However, if the files you wanted are not scanned with the superficial scanning option, fret not because deep scanning services are also available. They will help you recover the files in no time, to assure you won’t lose anything in the process. Once you have found all the data, you can stop the scanning process and recover the files immediately back.

Device and data support

The biggest attraction of the EaseUS hard drive recovery software is that it works with pretty much all devices you can think of. It means that you can easily recover any of your files, whether it’s a PC, a smartphone or even just a memory card; recovering your data is easy and fast. You will not have to deal yourself with any confusions, and it will help you in managing the process in the best possible way. You will not have to deal with any possible issue whatsoever, while working to recover your valuable data.

For your own computer or smartphone sake, be sure to install the hard  drive recovery as soon as you can. It will save you the time to wait for recovering the data and will manage the process effectively as possible. The use is very simple and it’s easy to recover all the data that you want, and without the hassle of dealing with problems. Managing the process properly will assure that you’ll recover your data and get the lost files. In fact, with EaseUS you won’t be losing files, it has everything you want to make your data safe.

General, software

3 Tips for Beginners to Capture More Impressive Business Photos

Hiring a professional photographer is the best way to capture impressive photos for your business – but it may not always be feasible. If you’re on a tight budget, you may not be able to afford the services of a photographer, but you will still need impressive business photos nonetheless.

The good news is that there is no reason why you can’t capture impressive photos yourself. Assuming you have a decent digital camera or smartphone, all you need to do is follow a few simple tips:

Make sure there is lots of soft light

Light will play an important part in how your photos turn out, and for business photos it is normally best if there is lots of light that is diffused so that it evenly illuminates the subject.

One good way to use natural light to snap impressive business photos is to position the subject near a large open window. Alternatively, you could look into rigging various types of DIY lighting solutions if you have the time and resources.

If you’re photographing outdoors, you may want to try to time your session to take place during the golden hour – i.e. the hour right after dawn, or right before sunset. The lighting conditions during that period are particularly good, and will help you snap really impressive photos.

Try to use the rule of thirds as a guide

To come up with business photos that have a better visual impact, you should try using the rule of thirds as a guide. It is easy enough to use, and you just need to turn on the grid feature on your camera and then line up the subject and other elements based on the gridlines and intersection points.

The rule of thirds will help you to place the subject slightly off-center and make it stand out more. On top of that, the other elements should be spaced out more evenly, making the photo look more balanced.

Get close or fill the frame

It can help to get close to the subject of your business photos, as it will reveal more details that may not have been visible otherwise. As a rule, you should always move yourself physically closer rather than using the ‘zoom’ feature – as it could affect the image quality.

In some cases, you may even want to fill the frame completely with the subject of your photo. The business photo that you end up with will look very interesting if you do, and it will make the subject the undivided focus of attention.

Be sure to snap lots of photos, and then go over them later. If you need you can use various tools to help you manage and organize your photos, such as Movavi Photo Manager for example.

By applying the tips listed above, you should notice a big improvement in the photos that you snap. Admittedly, they may not match the photos that a professional would be able to capture, but they should look good enough that you can use them for your business.

The more you practice using each tip and the more experience you acquire, the better you’ll get. That is the key to being able to capture truly impressive photos, and it could even turn into an enjoyable hobby for you to pursue.

Mobile, software

5 Best Ways To Fix Battery Drain on Android

The battery draining issue is one common problem that every user faces no matter if you are using a laptop, smartphone or any other device. While the device battery performance is significantly improved when it comes to today’s smartphone devices still they are not immune from draining issue completely. Here, we have discussed top 5 fixes to deal with fast battery draining issue on your Android device.

Restart Your Device 

Try this simple yet one of the most effective steps to instantly fix the battery draining issue on your device. Here, rebooting your device will help you close all unnecessary background apps & services that are causing the battery drain. Further, it will also help you fix other issues to boost your device performance.

Use Built-In Battery Optimization Feature

Knowing the fact that you may perform numerous tasks simultaneously on your Android device that may affect your battery life, your device manufacturer has offered a built-in battery optimization feature. Using this feature, you can manage and optimize your battery usage by individual or all apps in one go. This effective feature helps you manage battery usage in an optimized manner by different apps by reducing their consumption. To access this feature on your device, go to Settings > Battery and here click on menu (three vertical dots) in the upper right corner.

Now select “Battery Optimization” option. It will open a new window, here select “All Apps” option from drop-down menu. It will help you optimize battery usage by different apps instantly. To manage battery usage by individual apps, you can sift through different apps under “App usage since full charge” option. Here, you can look for those apps that are consuming a lot of device battery and optimize them instantly. In addition to built-in battery optimization feature, you can also use best Android cleaner & optimization apps to boost your device and battery performance.

Force Problematic Apps to Stop

This is more intense step, but it can help you fix apps that are causing problem on your device. You can use this feature to block usage of any app temporarily. Here, swiping apps closed doesn’t save battery as they may run in the background continuously. To completely turn off any problem app, including its background services, you can consider using force stop option. It will work like a “hard reboot” for an app. To force stop any app on your device simply go to your device’s Settings App and select Apps & Notifications > App Info option. Here, you will find all apps on your device simply select the app that you want to force stop and press “Force Stop” button.

It will instantly stop that app from consuming any device resources. To start this stopped app, open it as usual. If the issue persists, you can uninstall and reinstall the app again. Remember, force stop option isn’t available for all apps and stopping essential apps or services could affect your device performance negatively. Or your device won’t work correctly.

Uninstall Problem App

This is another extreme step, but it will help you fix the battery draining problem effectively. When you have certain app/s on your device that is consuming lot of device resources including battery then you can consider it uninstalling & reinstalling it to fix the problem. To identify that app, you need to keep tab on app usage in real-time and battery draining percentage simultaneously. Once you identified the battery-hungry app/s, you can consider uninstalling them. To uninstall any app on your device, go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > App Info. Here, scroll down to find that app, select it and press on Uninstall button. Later, you can reinstall these apps from the Google Play Store. Remember, you may not uninstall pre-install apps. In that case, you can Disable them.

Update Software

If you are running your device on old software then there are high chances that it is the possible reason behind battery draining issue. Here, with each software update you not only get bug fixes, security patches and other security features but it also helps you improve your device’s overall performance. To update your device, you can install all the updates that your manufacturer sends you at regular intervals or you can do it manually. To update software manually, go to Settings > System > Software Update. Here, it will look for all available updates and help you install them.

While there is a long list of tips & tricks to help you improve your device battery performance here we have discussed 5 effective steps to do so. If you know more such fixes, then feel free to comment below.

Metadata: The battery draining issue is a common problem with any smartphone device including Android. Here, we have discussed ways to deal with this problem in an effective way to boost your device performance.

Applications

8 Great Home Improvement Apps to Help You Do it Yourself

Taking on a home improvement project whatever the size is exciting but it can also be daunting, require research and/or hard work to get it completed. Sometimes depending on the size of the work, you might have to engage the services of contractors so it’s more work to source reliable people for that. Research is where everything starts when it comes to the project so that’s your first step. The guys at Senator Windows have put together this infographic which outlines some useful apps that you can download to your phone or tablet which might help you along the way of your home improvement project. Check it out below!

 

software

Recover Lost Data From Your Hard Drive – Here’s How To Do It The Right Way

Ever since the birth of digital files, data loss has been a consistent threat to all computer users regardless of operating systems and devices. Assuming you use your laptop to write and save important work-related files or documents, the problem instantly gets worse as you will have to redo everything again. Losing your favorite songs, movies, of personal photos does not seem like a big deal, but the disappearance of official documents will bring headache for sure. Despite the availability of numerous preventive software which may help avoid data loss from malware attacks or data theft, there are still three other baffling culprits to worry about: hardware damage, operating system failure, and user error.

Hardware Damage

When it comes to data loss due to hardware damage, users need to take a look at various components inside their laptops (or computers). The first component to check for damages is hard drive, the actual piece of hardware that functions as data storage device. It can be tricky since some damages are not visible from the outer casing as the real issue is possibly concealed underneath some metal plates. Another crucial component is the wiring, so make sure you don’t see any alarming situations such as frayed or cut cables; the odds are small for such damage since the laptop would refuse to start-up to begin with, and therefore it is impossible to tell if there is any missing data. 

Recovery method: hard drive damage can be difficult to deal with. Recovering lost data may require you to connect the hard drive to another laptop and search for missing files using free data recovery software. In worst case scenario, the data is irrecoverable and the hard drive is no longer usable.

Operating System Failure

Operating system failure is another major and in fact frequent issue. Unwillingness to update and inclination to install software from suspicious websites can ruin the operating system to the point where it fails to read data properly. You can still turn on the laptop as usual, but compromised operating system may prevent you from accessing saved data in the hard drive.

Recovery method: Performing a fresh install takes a lot of time, especially since you must also install multiple programs in addition to the operating system itself. System recovery may help, but there is no guarantee the procedure is successfully executed in the end. As long as you saved your files to a different partition (not the partition where the failed operating system was installed), chances are the data is intact.

User Error

Even if your laptop is perfectly in working order, data loss can happen because of user errors. Accidental deletion or keystroke combinations may send unintentional commands to erase files. The previous two issues can happen partly due to user error as well.

Recovery method: You can download and install data recovery software free of charge, at least for first attempt. Run the software in accordance to the instruction, search for the missing files, and see if they are indeed recoverable. Make sure you download the software from reputable sources.

General, software

7 Simple Steps to Improve Profitability

When it comes to managing a business, ensuring that your company retains a certain amount of profit margin ought to be among your top priorities. Of course, every business model is different and the level of profitability that you will achieve is largely dependent on the scale and structure of your operation. However that isn’t to say that business owners shouldn’t take every step possible to try and achieve the maximum profit levels that they can. This guide presents some suggested simple steps to improve profitability.

Sure you’ve worked on your branding, created an attractive website and developed a strong digital marketing strategy but improving profitability runs far deeper than just external promotions.

Make Clear, Actionable Goals for Your Profit Strategy

You will struggle to improve your business’s success and profits if you just try and proceed with the vague notion that you want to improve your profits but do not quantify your aims. Establish challenging, but realistic goals as to how much you wish to increase your profits by, and by which date. Once you have outlined this high level detail, you can work backwards, creating an action plan of what tasks you are going to undertake in order to work towards your profitability goals, and the deadlines for each task. Assign project groups to different parts of the plan, and hold review meetings at regular intervals to assess how you are progressing towards your goals.

Remove Unprofitable Products and Services From Your Offering

Not every product that you sell is going to fly off the shelves or be a cash cow. Of course, some products may see mediocre sales figures yet they are necessary in order to offer the full product range to customers and match the competitors offering. That’s understandable. However there may be products and services in your offering they are really struggling and which may even be losing money. Assess your range and cut out those items which are not performing.

For instance, you may offer a particular item to your customers, but the amount of sales the product sees is abysmal whereas the minimum order quantity is incredibly high and so you wind up losing money. Sometimes factors like this can slip through the cracks and that is why it is worthwhile to conduct a full range analysis.

Improve the Ways You Target Customers

Without customers, your business cannot exist. Without customers, you have no sales and therefore no profits and as such this is a critical piece of the pie. However, are you being strategic enough in your approach to customer outreach? Have you considered sending your potential clients video messages? This is something that will attract their attention and pique their interest.

Are you working hard to develop a strategic and smart action plan on specific demographics, or are you casting a wide net, sending salesmen out all over the place and hoping for the best? Not only does not having an effective outreach strategy affect your profits, it can also result in additional, unnecessary costs.

Assess Your Client Relations

If applicable, review the way in which you work with your clients and customers – particularly where payments are concerned. If you are operating a B2B business then you may find that some of the businesses that you work with engage in payment terms that you are simply not happy about – i.e. they want to pay 30, 60 or 90 days after the receipt of goods.

Sure you don’t want to turn down customers and sales but this is no good for your cash flow and can result in wasted resources when your account is consistently chasing up payments. Insist upon the terms that you are comfortable with. For instance, consider requesting that customers pay 50% of the invoices due upfront. If they want your services, they will have to adapt accordingly.

Reduce Costs

Assess your outgoings and ensure that you are not overpaying in any particular area. This means assessing your overheads and ensuring that you are not paying for anything unnecessary, as well as reviewing your expenditure at the back end with your suppliers. Consider automating some of your processes to make your work day smoother. This includes, using e-procurement software to keep track of all purchases. Employing a strategic procurement team aids you in being certain that you are consistently getting the best value raw materials and supplies in the market.

If you haven’t assessed your supply base in a while then maybe it could be time. Perhaps you have been buying a material from one particular source for several years, however the Supplier’s competitor sells the same item for a fraction of the cost. Alternatively, perhaps you consume so much volume of an item that you are able to shift production overseas to a lower cost country and enjoy better economies of scale. You could improve your profit margins significantly by sourcing strategically.

Assess Your Processes and Workflows

You should always strive to run an efficient business, but when you’re busy, or your company is large scale, it is easy for things to fall through the cracks. This is why it is worth taking the time to sit down and analyze all of the processes and workflows within your business.

Could it be possible that there are steps within your processes that add costs but no value? Maybe some activities are completely unnecessary and there are savings to be achieved by cutting them out.

Ensure You Have an Excellent Customer Service Proposition

If you want to encourage repeat, long term custom then you need to ensure that buying from you is a painless, straightforward process for your customers. Consider using CRM software to ensure that management of your sales team and customers is organised and you have clear visibility on processed. Work hard to reduce barriers to entry and any headaches that may surround your company’s re-order processes. A happy customer is a loyal one.  

Applications

The Impact of IoT on Mobile App Development

The Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming ever more prevalent in day-to-day life, with countless new devices being interconnected every day. IoT is set to influence the manufacturing of hardware and software heavily, with mobile app developers among those who will probably need to amend existing practices to account for the growth of IoT.

This infographic from ERS IT Solutions predicts some of the ways in which IoT is likely to influence the development of mobile apps. We will probably see a lot more apps copying the premise of Hive, which allows users to control their home heating from their smartphone. Indeed, many new apps will be created with universal connectivity and adaptability at their core. Apps which cannot connect to smart objects could become obsolete.

Companies could soon seek specialist IoT app developers in favour of those who are adept across numerous platforms, so app developers could be left with little choice but to adapt and hone their skill sets. See what other ways IoT looks set to impact on app development in the infographic below.

Internet, software

How to Recover Your Lost Data?

More and more often we find ourselves thinking about where we saved a specific file or folder. After all, between the PC, laptop, smartphone, tablet, and so many other gadgets, it’s easy to forget. However, even though this might be a pain, the truth is that the worst thing that can happen is that you figure out where you saved that file or folder and when you try to access it, it’s just not there. So, what happened to this file or folder? You just need it back at all costs.

The truth is that when you’re using a PC or a Mac, the first thing you need to do is to open the Recycle Bin or the Trash, respectively. And now, you suddenly discover that it’s not there. Your work is all gone. So, don’t get in despair right away. There are always solutions, and one of the best software to recover deleted files is EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free.

Simply put, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free is a very easy to use free data recovery software that helps you retrieve all those deleted files from different drives. You can now recover deleted files from your PC, Mac, laptop, but also from your SD cards, USB, digital camera, among so many others. And for free.

In order to recover deleted files, the first thing that you need to do is to install EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free on your computer or Mac. They have a different version for each operating system, which is really great. So, just download the free data recovery software, install it, and run it.

The first thing that you’ll be asked to do is to select where you lost your data. In case it was on your laptop, just click the Local Disk. In case you can’t find it on a USB drive or an SD card, just make sure that you already have it connected to your computer and that you select it. Then, just press Quick Scan. This feature will probably allow you to recover deleted files. However, in case it doesn’t, you still have the option to use the Deep Scan. However, please notice that this will take a lot longer. Even though, you can always pause it and resume later.

One of the best things about the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free is the fact that you can easily import and export the scanning results.

At last, when you get a list with all the files and folders that this free data recovery software was able to find, you can simply move them to your hard drive again. One thing that might be useful is to preview them before you recover them to make sure they are the files and folders that you’re looking for.

As you can see, there is nothing to be afraid of when you just notice that you deleted some files or folders by mistake or that you lost them when you needed to format your computer or laptop. With EaseUS EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free, you will be able to recover deleted files with ease. In addition, this free data recovery system works very well for both Windows and Mac operating systems.

software

One Easy Way To Recover Lost Data

Have you ever accidentally deleted something that you didn’t mean to? Maybe your computer crashed with all your valuable data on it? There is a hope in getting it back. Data recovery software can help you recover your lost data. You can find any of your deleted or lost data super easily through EaseUS. They offer quick, easy, and reliable service for all of that. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

You’re not figuring it out on your own

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard provides you with instructions to guide you through finding your lost or deleted files. This program can recover files from not only your computer, but also your phone, hard drive, digital camera, USB, SSD, etc. It’s very easy to use, as they don’t leave you to figure it out on your own; the easy, step by step instructions will help you find your files. They’re confident that you will get all your possibly lost files back using their state of the art software.

It’s all free and it’s powerful

All of their services are completely free to download and can work for recovering files from your memory card, USB, or other digital device. They can recover files from formatting, accidental or sudden deletion, hard drive corruption, system crash, improper operation, volume loss, virus attack including ransomware or malware, or any other potential loss. You can trust their free and reliable service to find your lost files, no matter how lost they may seem. The step by step instructions also make it easy for you to recover the lost files.

It’s super easy

They make it easy for you to find your deleted files. Their recovery software will guide you through what to do to locate and save your lost files. Their system is safe, reliable, and guides you each step at the time through the process. This ensures not only your safety, but also ensures you save valuable time. They strive to be clear and concise in their instructions and successful in your recovery of your files.

Flexible and Saves you time

Since this is a software you download and use when you have the time available, it is flexible for your schedule. It’ll also save you some of your precious time by making it quick and easy to recover your lost data. Why waste your precious time sifting through trash folders in search of your, seemingly, long lost files. This software strives to be efficient and exact, offering a basic scan to track down literally all of your lost data.

If you’re concerned about potential lost data, EaseUS totally has your back. They’re easy, reliable, and safe while allowing you more time to focus on more important things. They will help you access your lost files easily. Using this software, will walk you easily and quickly through the steps to find your lost files on whatever system you either deleted, crashed, or whatever reason you lost your files.

Applications, Mobile

How Smartphones Changed In-Store Shopping

When online retail first became popular it was very much its own entity. Bricks and mortar retailers may have feared it but it was a separate thing. Back then, very few would ever have envisaged how big a role the internet would play in offline retail.

As this infographic from The CUBE outlines, more and more retail sales are being influenced by mobile devices. Many of you will likely be part of the 53% of retail sales that were influenced by a mobile device in 2016. You may have seen a product in a store and done a quick Google on your phone to find out a little more information. Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you will buy the product online and you may just want to get a little more information on the product before buying it in-store.

Therefore, retailers shouldn’t worry about the increasing use of mobile phones in-store. Their use can often help persuade a customer to buy a product in your store! Find out more information in the infographic.

Applications

11 Best Meal Planning and Nutrition Apps

 

We all go through periods of eating healthily but it’s so easy to fall into familiar traps. After a long day, the last thing you want to be doing is slaving over the stove or spending time thinking about what you’re going to cook for dinner. You will often just decide to grab something quick or get takeaway for convenience.

The aim of this infographic from Lakeshore Convention Centre is to make healthy eating a little bit easier with the use of apps. The apps plan meals for you, give advice on nutrition, and count calories throughout the day.

There is a great selection of apps available so it might be worth your while to download a few of them to see if they help you out. Most of them are free so you have nothing to lose (except the pounds!) Find out more about the apps in the infographic below.

 

software

7 Photoshop Tricks Every Beginner Should Know

 

If you are serious about online marketing, basic design skills are a must. Whether you want to make a few quick adjustments to a photo before posting on Facebook, or need to change a banner ad for your new campaign, Photoshop is the undisputed king of design software that will let you create virtually any look you want.

Photoshop is so comprehensive that it can be overwhelming to the beginner. With the ability to do just about anything, where do you start?

We suggest starting with the basics. Here are seven basic Photoshop skills you will use again and again as a marketing professional.

Using Layers

Layers let you move, arrange and edit objects and/or text independently. This vital feature is a super time saver. Knowing how to create, delete, group and merge layers lets you easily edit and repurpose your photos and other digital files.

Straighten a Picture

Using your own photos keeps you safe from copyright issues. However, it’s easy to snap a photo only to discover that it’s out of kilter. You can salvage crooked pictures in a flash with Photoshop’s ruler tool, once you know how.

Create Adjustment Layers

Sometimes you need to play with your design a bit before you come up with the right look. However, you might not want to lose the original. Instead of creating a lot of confusing duplicate layers, Photoshop lets you easily create an adjustment layer that lets you apply an effect, and toggle back and forth between options with a click of the mouse.

Remove Spots and Blemishes

Little imperfections such as pimples or stains can ruin the impact of what you’re trying to sell. It should come as no surprise that Photoshop has a tool you can use to make those annoying blemishes disappear. You can learn how to use it in two minutes or less.

Remove Red From Eyes

Sure, you might have stayed awake all night setting up your latest funnel, but there’s no reason to look like it. Just reach for Photoshop’s red-eye tool, and you can banish those flash photo demon eyes forever in about three clicks.

Isolate an Object

If you design ads, web pages or virtually any other piece of marketing material, you will often want to place an object over a different background, or eliminate the background altogether. There are a number of ways to do this. Some take hours, others only minutes. Needless to say, the sooner you learn the quick solutions, the better.

Apply an Effect to an Object or Text

Photoshop offers a wonderful array of effects you can use to spice up any object or text in your design, including drop shadow, bevel, glow, and many more. Adding them is almost too easy — once you know how, you may need to hold yourself back from going overboard!

Get Started Learning Photoshop

Check out the slideshow below for step-by-step instructions on how to do all of the basic Photoshop skills in this article.

 

 

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Author Bio: Rocco Lungariello is a Marketing and Social Media Content Creator at New Horizons. He has been generating content surrounding the IT Industry for more than four years.

Applications

Top Application Security Threats That Can Put You At a Higher Risk

 

Malware threats are on the rise, while phishing scams remain persistent — and effective — ways for cybercriminals to hack corporate systems. But the biggest risk to your organization? Applications.

Consider that more than 111 billion lines of new software code will be written this year, much of it used by Web-facing mobile and desktop apps. The result? A rapidly increasing attack surface that regularly produces new vulnerabilities. Add threats from existing, open-source code — a recent flaw in the Apache Struts 2 framework put companies around the world at risk of Java injection attacks — and it’s no wonder that 42 percent of mature DevOps organizations now perform app security analysis at every stage of the software cycle.

What does this mean for your company? With Web- and cloud-based apps quickly becoming the foundation of IT, it’s worth understanding the top applications security threats and learning how to counter them.

Test Case

While threats from outside actors make for sensational news stores and often top the list of corporate worry, app risks actually start closer to home. Why? Because many companies hold back when it comes to testing. Instead of giving dev teams time to fully break, fix and break apps again, software is rushed into production, putting it at risk of compromise. Bottom line? Hackers attack whatever, wherever, whenever. Timid testing isn’t enough.

Down and Out

Your apps are also at risk of DDoS and SQL injection attacks. When it comes to SQL, the problem stems from permissible commands: While the “SELECT” query is commonly used to make password and username database requests, many companies forget to block access to other SQL commands. The result? Sixty percent of Web apps are vulnerable. Lock down code and restrict permissions to reduce your risk.

DDoS, meanwhile, often feels like an attack that can’t be stopped, especially since attackers can now leverage IoT devices to deliver terabytes of traffic and quickly debilitate apps. It’s not hopeless, however — new tools can detect sudden access request spikes, shut down IP addresses and notify admins ASAP.

Scripts, Stocks and Sessions

Also on the top app threats radar are cross-site scripting (XSS) worries, stock API permissions and session hijacking. To cut off XSS, limit the type of Web scripts that can be loaded by specific apps. To combat stock APIs, use extra encryption and build in code delays to reduce the efficacy of automated hacking tools. Limiting session hijacking, meanwhile, demands the use of random session IDs that are always encrypted.

Last but not least are zero-day attacks. Limit your risk by leveraging more in-house code, building in extra security and, if necessary, pulling the app to fix critical issues.

App threats are on the rise. Reduce your risk by learning more about the top threats to your Web- and cloud-based applications, and taking steps to safeguard critical data.

 

 

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Author bio: Nori De Jesus is Global Director of Marketing at Column Information Security. De Jesus brings more than 20 years of experience as an advent marketer and business strategist working with software manufacturers and launching proprietary software solutions into the market. With expertise in BPM and case management B2B marketing, she focuses on innovation and making a difference by maintaining agility as the technology climate continues to shift. De Jesus is an evangelist in educating buyers through their technology-purchasing journey via content and research.

Applications, Social Media

WhatsApp on Mac or Windows: Another Milestone Achieved

WhatsApp is a free to use, cross-platform instant messaging application for the smartphones introduced in 2009 by former employees of Yahoo. It is used to make voice calls, sending text messages, video calls and sharing images, videos, audio files, voice notes, phone contacts, gif files and user location to other users by using the internet on your smartphone. You can either use it for personal chats or sharing media and apps with your loved ones, or it can also be used for business purposes.

 

Key features of WhatsApp:

  • Simple Messaging: You can chat or send messages for free to anyone in your contact list located anywhere in the world for free and avoid SMS charges.
  • Voice and Video calls: By using WhatsApp, you can make video calls to your family and friends for free even if they are located in other countries.
  • Share photos and videos: You can capture beautiful and memorable moments in your phone and share them with your loved ones instantly with the help of WhatsApp.
  • Group Chats: You can make various groups including your favorite people, maximum 50 people in one group to chat with them. This feature is very profitable for business as many people join different groups and share their products.
  • Secure Environment: WhatsApp uses end to end encryption, which makes it safe to chat and share stuff on WhatsApp because that message will stay between only you and the person you are talking to. Even WhatsApp can’t read or listen to your conversations.

WhatsApp now available for PC and Mac

For any business, handling it on the Mobile phone can be inconvenient at times, especially for the people who work on their computers at the same time as well. So, WhatsApp has launched a desktop version of WhatsApp for your Mac or Windows PC. So, Windows users should not get upset about the fact that they don’t have to use WhatsApp only on the small screen of their phones only, but now, they can use their Qwerty PC Keyboard and the big screen for using WhatsApp.

How to Download and Use WhatsApp on your Mac or Windows PC:

The Supported versions of WhatsApp on Pc are:

  • Windows 8 and Higher (32-bit version)
  • Windows 8 and Higher (64-bit version)
  • MAC OS X 10.9 and higher

There are few easy steps you need to follow to get WhatsApp working on your MAC or windows PC. Let us discuss them now:

  • Open https://www.whatsapp.com/download/ from your Pc webpage and download Desktop version of WhatsApp.
  • Install WhatsApp on your Pc once the download is finished.
  • Open WhatsApp so that you can scan the QR code from your phone to get both the devices connected.
  • Open WhatsApp in your phone and click on the settings icon under WhatsApp Web to scan the QR code on Desktop version.
  • Once both the devices are connected, you are good to use WhatsApp on your PC.

Users must keep in mind while using WhatsApp on their PC that your phone should always be on and connected to Wi-Fi as well.

WhatsApp has been the favorite of everyone for a while now, and the company is always trying to make its feature list and usability better to make it more loved by users. And, by launching the desktop version of it, the company has put another milestone in its long run. This Step will sure be going to keep WhatsApp as number one app and the most loved one for a long time now.

 

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Author Bio: Pankaj Jangir is a Website Designer and Developer. He makes websites from where users can download their own videos and photos from FB.

Applications

Native Vs Hybrid – Demystifying the Technology Dilemma

 

All businesses face a common dilemma while deciding on mobile app development: should they choose native apps or hybrid apps. If you too are undecided about your choice, here are tips to help you decide what suits your needs best- Native Mobile Application Development or Hybrid App development.  First, you need to understand the difference between the two types of apps, unravel the mystery that surrounds these two names.

The two principle technologies used for app development are the Android and the iOS. Both these systems work with the latest hand held devices that now dominate this world. The app you develop needs to work across all platforms to meet this shift in focus. Multi-platform apps development is challenging, and at the same time it brings opportunities to develop more and more creative and impressive products.

A native app is defined as smart phone or tablet application that is developed for specific and fixed operating systems.  Such native apps have numerous advantages. They are fast and refined apps that promise great performance.  This makes these apps very suited to permanent or long term functions such as games. Users find these native apps familiar and easy to use as they are accustomed to navigate similar apps. The ability these apps have of working along with other functionalities of on the device is an added advantage. These apps are readily accessible to a target audience. What is even more interesting and advantageous is that these apps do not depend on the internet to be accessed.

On the other hand, hybrid apps are those that built on the native apps or depend on them. They are not device specific and can be distributed across platforms very fast without the need to develop them separately for the two OS. These apps are developed using cross compatible technology and ride piggy back on native apps. This makes developing such apps fast and easy. However, you will need a developer familiar with web programming to develop a hybrid app.  The cost of developing hybrid apps is considerably lower since they are not built from scratch. It also requires a single language for coding it.

Now take a look at the limitations of native and hybrid apps. As far as native apps are concerned, the limitations include high cost and the need of various expert developers with specific skills to complete the task. As for hybrid apps, they cannot provide the ease of handling and familiarity that native apps provide users. This drawback impacts the number of users interested in using them. Hybrid apps lack some of the features available exclusively to native apps. Hybrids as fall short in efficiency and they have higher chance of rejection at app stores in case of mistakes.

Select native or hybrid apps depending on your requirements and future plans for your app. Native mobile application development is appropriate for future functionalities; hybrid for more basic apps.

 

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Author Bio: EliteMobApp.com is a USA based leading mobile app development company offering native and hybrid mobile applications at affordable rates.

 

Applications

Top Trends to Watch Out For in Mobile Application Development in 2017

 

ComScore report says that the number of mobile users surpassed the number of desktop users’ way back in 2014. Gartner predicts that by 2017, more than 268 billion downloads will generate $77 billion worth of revenue. The ever increasing numbers of smartphones all over the world has also led to a surge in the number of app that people download and use. Currently, Google Play houses over 2.2 million apps while the Apple Store has around 2 million apps .

As times change and technology evolves, mobile apps evolve too. Today, apps are not solely built for smartphones alone – wearables, connected homes, smart cars and other IoT enabled devices are also a part of the mix. 2017 presents a huge opportunity for businesses to develop innovative apps and see their business grow.

Here are some of the key mobile application development trends to look out for in 2017:

Location based services

Location based services (LBS) will continue to evolve as the facilities such as GPS becomes more and more available on all the mobile devices. There are a number of places where LBS can be implemented and put to good use, such as indoor mapping, location-specific payment portal, retail offers, security features, navigation, travel and tourism and more. The Beacon technology is also becoming increasingly popular in these cases.

Augmented reality integration

Integration of Augmented reality into utility apps will be another major development in 2017. Initially these kinds of apps were viewed as too gimmicky or promotional. But today, AR tools can be used to make apps more useful and productive. For example, recognition of words and phrases can be made use of in messenger apps. If someone sends a video etc. The actionable item should pop up automatically. Other options include social media syncing, location tracking, product links etc.

Android instant apps

The Instant Apps feature was recently announced by Google. It enables the Android apps run instantly. These apps need not be downloaded and then used. You can run them just with a single tap. The run as you need concept is certainly something to watch out for in 2017.

Embedded AI

To explain this, imagine, looking at a picture that changes dynamically as your mood changes. Enabling machine learning and AI into their apps is quite an interesting feature that app developers are looking forward to.

IoT app integrations

The IoT is rapidly seeping into our lives and more and more smart and connected devices are emerging every day. For developers, this involves the use of mobile platforms and enterprise backend infrastructures that can communicate and share data with a diverse set of devices The key here is data analysis and the data itself that must be stored and accessed efficiently.

Application security

Application security is another major factor that developers will work on in 2017. With the ever-increasing connected devices and the sensitivity of the data that is shared, security becomes a priority for mobile application development.

Above all, providing users with a superior user experience will always be the prime focus of mobile application development – always.

 

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Author Bio: EliteMobApp.com is a USA based leading Mobile application development company which offer all type of native, hybrid and cross platform mobile apps development.

Applications, General

Guide To Developing A Successful Mobile App For Your Business

 

It’s no surprise that every business, large or small is building mobile apps and looking to cash in big way. Developing mobile apps for your business puts you on common grounds for competing in the new mobile market place. All customers today look for products and services today via their cell phones. The idea to get your customers to notice your app and for that you need the right approach to mobile apps development. You need the right mobile strategy in place – from day one.

Mobile apps development

The very first step is to look for mobile app development services to create a mobile application. Finding the right developer could be tricky. Find a developer with the right skills and experience so that he understands the exact requirements. Check regularly and monitor the progress of your mobile application. Discuss your scope of work and also define the milestones for completion. Discuss your budget and chalk out the most important features and make sure that the app is thoroughly tested for functionality and user experience before it is launched.

App approval and submission

The next step is to prepare your app for submission to the major app stores and approval. For this purpose, make sure that you understand the app submission guidelines and policies. Both Apple and Android have a set of guidelines and checklists for app submission and approval. Take your time to review and understand their policies. Make sure that your app complies with the maximum size requirements and other criteria outlined by the app stores. Failure to comply with the app submission guidelines will result in unnecessary delays.

App store optimization

App stores have their own way of ranking the apps in the search results. The higher your app ranks in the app stores, the better are its chances for getting downloaded. Increased visibility directly translates to more traffic and greater downloads. Hence, optimizing your app is essential. Simple changes such as including your strongest keywords in the description and using the right images and icons can greatly help improve its visibility. It’s also important to use the keywords in the title. Make sure that the keywords you select are relevant for your target audience. Secondly, place a link from your website and take advantage of your customer’s natural affinity to your website and drive them to download your app too. Furthermore, include a download link for your mobile app on your website too.

There’s no denying that we live in a mobile world and at least 80% of our potential customers are looking for our businesses via mobile phones. Especially, if you are a small business, a mobile app or a mobile presence can give the initial boost to your business and help build a strong brand in the long term. With the right strategy in place for going mobile, you can easily capture the initial mobile customers and see a significant growth in your business in the initial phases.

 

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Author Bio: Elite Infoworld is a leading mobile application development company which offering android & iphone mobile application development services aא affordable rates.

Applications, Mobile

Mobile App Development Future with HTML5

 

In the past few years, the use of mobile devices increased drastically. The usage of smartphones and tablets became a trend among the worldwide users. According to the survey of a reputed marketing company, there are over 2 billion smart device users in the world. This increase is nearly 13% more than the last year. This is a clear indication that we are moving toward the increasingly mobile future without any doubt. With the immersive use of mobile devices, the need of seamlessly coded mobile applications also increased. And HTML5 is the best way to create mobile applications in the current technology world.

The HTML5 gives the app developers ability to work in a single code base to deploy the mobile application across different platforms like Android, Windows, iOS, Blackberry, OSX, and the web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer.

I have seen many developers getting frustrated while creating interactive content for the desktop and mobile devices. To satisfy the high industry demands, the shifting towards the use of HTML5 has become more essential than before. The future of mobile app development may well be in the hands of HTML5 with the consideration of the needed penetrating applications.

Why the need for a mobile app development?

By 2019, it is expected to reach the number of over 5 billion users of mobile devices which are currently of 4.61 billion. And since 2012 passed, the number of mobile devices is nearly matching with the number of users in the world. It means that it will be difficult to find an individual who is not using a mobile device and so, the need of mobile app development increased a lot.

This scenario makes more necessary for the mobile application developers to deliver more complex applications which work on different types of devices faster and better.

The use of mobile devices across the business enterprises opens the way for the app developers to create apps which work on desktop as well as on mobile devices.

These reasons and the features the HTML5 have, the use of it for the mobile app development is becoming high in popularity.

How HTML5 is beneficial?

Why only HTML or why HTML5 is preferable than other coding techniques? This question comes in the mind of a lot of people. The main reason of using HTML5 is, it is specifically designed to work across multiple and major platforms including mobile Operating Systems and web browsers. The mobile user can install the web application as an icon on any device screen if it is made using HTML5. This means if you are searching on the web through a mobile device and you find something that you want to store on the home screen of your device, then you can create an app icon which directs that web page.

html5-171876_640

Why application developers love HTML5?

As a survey made on over 3000 developers across ASIA, UK, and the USA, it is seen that more than 60% of developers are using HTML5 now for developing apps. And almost over 150 Fortune 500 companies has accepted HTML5. Comparing to other coding technologies to build the web or native apps, the HTML5 has a growth rate of 20% which is strongest among all.

HTML5 is loved across the worldwide developers due to its familiarity. It saves project development work and also decreases the overall cost of the app deployment.

Another strong reason is that the HTML5 has open standard support. It enables the application developers to design according to the need of the mobile devices, different platforms, operating systems, and form factors of the application. HTML5 allows them to deliver potentially rich content which does not rely on the Operating System or the device type. This makes it more loveable than native. Even the JavaScript programmers are shifting towards HTML5 these days.

Future of mobile app development with HTML5

Though it does not rely on the device type or OS, the HTML5 still be known as a desktop language in the future world of the mobile devices. For the mobile app developers, it is needed to run where the football is going, not where it has already been. HTML5 need to be more associated with the device hardware to make a true competition with the native application development.

But, as the business administrators, as well as normal users, are shifting towards the web browsers Mozilla and Google Chrome from the Internet Explorer which both have a full HTML5 support and the future is with the growth of Windows 10 usage and acceptance, the power of HTML5 is surely will be in full use for the business enterprises and other regular mobile device users.

 

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Author Bio: Mandip is a graduate in Information and Technology. He is a passionate blogger, SEO Specialist, and a Software Developer. He loves to write on technology, SEO, Internet Tips and Tricks. Currently he blogs at Best On Internet. You can also get in touch with him on Google Plus, Facebook and Twitter.

software

PRODUCT REVIEW: Kernel for PST Repair Tool

2 Comments

 

A Personal Folders file (.pst) is an Outlook data file that in general stores the messages and other items on your computer. In fact, this is the most common file in which information in MS Outlook is saved by home users or in small organizations. The key point to note is that as a .pst file is kept on your computer, it is not subject to mailbox size limits on the mail server. Therefore, by performing a simple act of removing items to a .pst file, it gets easier for you to free up the storage space in the mailbox. But just like any other file format, these .pst files also get corrupt in various circumstances.

There are all sorts of reasons why an Outlook PST file can become corrupt, and whenever such unwanted incidents happen; it stops working. If you work within any size business that depends upon MS Outlook, chances are you will need the services of a PST repair tool.

However, we are aware of the fact that most of the organizations depend on MS Outlook for email, calendaring, tasks, contacts. In fact, it won’t be wrong to say that MS Outlook is often the heart and soul of a business. But the real matter of concern is its fragility and it can be a real big nightmare when it breaks. Outlook PST files can become corrupt and may even turn inaccessible due to different reasons. But once the outlook PST file gets corrupt then what happens. There is always a high possibility where your entire communication or work routines come to a sudden halt.

Fortunately, plenty of tools are out there that can help in keeping the integrity of that data file intact. Which ones are the most reliable and safe to use? If you or your organization relies on Outlook, then there is only one tool that I am going to talk about could save your day and time – Kernel for Outlook PST Repair.

Kernel for Outlook PST Repair

Kernel for Outlook PST Repair provide effortless PST file recovery solution when the MS Outlook PST file gets corrupted, damaged, or accidently deleted. All it takes is just a few minutes to recover and retrieve all the required data files like Notes, scheduled tasks, Calendar entries, Journal, appointments, etc. The software is very well integrated with several innovative functionalities and options that further assists in the successful recovery of the corrupt PST files from the scenarios such as abrupt shutdown of a system, MS Outlook crashes, virus attack and registry error and etc. Let us look and understand what it has more to offer:

INTERACTIVE INTERFACE

One you download and install the software, the welcome interface automatically displays the dialog box which is the handy interface to upload corrupted or inaccessible Outlook PST files. In the same dialog box, you could also view the placement of Search feature, which turn out to be very handy in situations when you are not exactly aware of the location of PST file and searching for the required PST file is taking too much time.

source-file-selection

You just require to select the folder where you want to search for the required PST file, and after selecting the required drive, click the Search button.

INSTANT RECOVERY OF MULTIPLE FILES

Situations do arise where you have to deal with multiple PST file corruption. Using this software, dealing with such circumstances also get easier. In the “Source File Selection” dialog box, you can add multiple PST files, and then subsequently select Repair Multiple File(s) option for repairing multiple PST files. In just a fraction of few seconds, you can add various Outlook PST files and perform the required email recovery operation.

“Select Output Type” DIALOG BOX TO SAVE RECOVERED FILE IN VARIOUS FORMATS

The software also offers various options to restore the recovered PST files.

select-output-type

The following list divides the saving alternatives on the basis of applications and quantity of files processed.

  • Single File Options – PST file (MS Outlook), DBX file (Outlook Express), and MBOX file.
  • Multiple File Options- EML file, TXT file, MSG file, RTF file, MHTML file, HTML file and PDF file
  • Email Servers – GroupWise, Microsoft Exchange Server, IBM Domino (Lotus Domino), and Office 365.
  • Web Based Email Clients – Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, Outlook.com, Google Apps,,Live.com, iCloud, and company IMAP account

FILTRATION OPTION

The software is also well embedded with inbuilt filter. This functionality is of great help and provide the liberty to save the restored file what you want through various email filters (From, To, Subject, Item Type, Folder Name and Date Range).

select-filter

There is an option of adding prefix to the Store Name, if you enable this option and type the required prefix in the Store name prefix text box, then the recovered Store name will appear with the provided prefix in Outlook.

FILE SPLITTING OPTION

Just in case, you are wondering of how to deal with large sized PST file, then there is an additional option to trim large-size PST file upon crossing the specified limit using Split Option. This software even provides you to opt PST Split option up to 5 GB to reduce the resultant PST File in size.

manage-recovered-pst

GENERATING FILE ANALYSIS REPORT

This software has been integrated with the facility to showcase the graphical File Analysis Reports showing the logs of four different parameters. The point to be noted is these reports are generated only after adding and repairing the PST files. To view the reports, click the required report name in the bottom of the Task Pane, after repairing the PST file. The reports can be generated on the basis of following attributes:

  • Total item types
  • Mail flow density by date
  • Mail flow density by senders
  • Interaction between users

PREREQUISITES

This software has been programmed in such a manner that it can be installed on all versions of Windows Platform, including Windows (10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000, 98, NT and 95) and Windows Server (2012, 2008 R2, 2008, 2003 R2, 2003). In fact, the software can successfully repair all versions of Outlook PST files plus Outlook 2016.

For those who wants to get familiar with the working of the software before purchasing its licensed version can even download its trial version. The free trial version is embedded with an option to restore first 25 items from each folder of PST file.

CONCLUSION

The software is very advance and very easy to operate. What makes it more ideal choice for performing an effective PST file recovery operation is its ability to provide 100% error-free recovery solution in almost any situation without altering the actual properties of your data files. Moreover, the software comes with 30-day money back guarantee, and so if you are not completely satisfied with the results then you may make a refund request.

 

Applications, software

Best DIY Tools For Creating Apps

 

Creating a mobile app has never been easier. You don’t have to wait for months and spend a ton of cash on developers to have your app made just the way you wanted. This is especially important for those on a tight budget, as developers often charge by the hour and costs can pile up faster than you’d imagine. Fortunately, nowadays you can make a professional-looking app without actually having any coding experience yourself, thanks to various mobile app makers available online.

Now, you might be wondering what exactly are mobile app makers? To put it simply, they represent online platforms who offer development services for making mobile apps. What makes them special is the fact that they are designed to be used by individuals who have absolutely no prior coding experience. They are packed full with all the standard features a mobile app might need, such as:

  • Location-based services
  • Social network services
  • Push notifications
  • Specific seller-oriented features
  • Multiple paying options
  • Diverse templates
  • Rich customization options

What sets mobile app makers apart from the traditional app development practices is the cost efficiency. Most start-ups find it difficult to invest hundreds and even thousands of dollars into app development. This may even deter some entrepreneurs from making the experience mobile in the first place, which may save some money in the beginning, but ultimately, limit the business in the long run. This is why mobile app makers are an excellent choice for those on a tight budget. Although they could never replace seasoned developers, I tried to pick out the top six mobile app makers available at the time of writing this article.

1.      AppInstitute

AppInstitute has won quite a few startup awards and is currently the main mobile app maker in the United Kingdom. It’s the number one choice for local businesses due to its excellent e-commerce features, coupled with customizable menus, catalogs and an easy to use content manager. It also has rich booking options, which aren’t restricted only on managing appointments, but also provides the user with video events and other engaging content. The price varies depending on whether you’re looking for a monthly or a yearly subscription, with the starting package costing $8.00 per month, or $6.00 when billed annually.

appinstitute

2.      Como DIY

This app maker boosts its success with over 1 million apps powered by its platform and clients such as Coca-Cola, Burger King, and even BMW. Flashy names aside, this company provides a long list of features, including appointment scheduling, e-commerce integration, event planning and management, user reviews and even a loyalty card feature. That’s why Como is the preferred app maker of choice for restaurants, galleries, and other event-oriented establishments. There are seven available templates which can further be combined with six navigation styles. Payment plans only include a monthly, yearly or a bi-yearly subscriptions which cost $57, $48 and $41 respectfully.

como-diy

3.      GoodBarber

GoodBarber is a platform which offers the most advanced app making features available for both Android and IOS. Users can control every single detail of their app and for those who don’t, there are numerous templates available coupled with over 350 gorgeous icons and little over 600 different Google Fonts. What makes it unique is the instant visual feedback users experience when adjusting the parameters. Although it does not have an integrated online store, users do have the option of adding Shopify, Amazon or Etsy. The pricing starts at $16 for the standard package, $32 for the full and $48 for the advanced plan.

goodbarber

4.      ShoutEm

This app maker presents itself as a very refined and elegant product. It features a complete content managing system, resourceful tools for engagement and different monetization options. What makes ShoutEm great is the seamless integration with the existing sources such as Foursquare, WordPress, social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter and even Soundcloud. It also supports mobile advertising, which allows the user to regain some of the finances spent on ShoutEm. It’s not the cheapest provider available, with the price starting at $19.90 a month for the Basic plan. If you wish to publish directly to the Android or Apple stores, then you need to get the Advanced, $49.00 per month plan.

shoutem

5.      AppMachine

This easy-to-use platform aims to automate the building process by importing everything the app might use from sites such as Facebook and Twitter and even your RSS feeds. The creators had the idea to use the various aspects of the platform as it were made of Lego bricks, which directly translates into the app making experience. Using the drag-and-drop interface, users move and organize the features as building blocks. These include anything ranging from pictures, videos to online stores and links to social networks. Users have a complete control of the layout with customizable icons, colors, fonts and navigation paths. Currently, they are offering a $49 Plus and a $69 Pro plan. Fortunately, there are two bundles available, one at $99 per month and the other at $300.

appmachine

6.      Appery.io

The last contender on our list is Appery.io, a leading cloud-based platform for the fast development of mobile apps. The fact that it’s cloud-based means that nothing needs to be downloaded or installed in order to make the app. Not only that but most app makers which are focused only on iOS and Android devices, Appery.io users can also make apps for Windows Phones. Its drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to use even for the most inexperienced users. That said, Appery.io boasts a massive catalog of plugins available for both the inexperienced and advances users and it supports creating custom plugins and sharing them with the community. You can use the platform for free or pay $180 for the premium service.

appery

In Conclusion

As you can see, making a mobile app without any programming experience is possible. The platforms are all graphic in design, some using the drag-and-drop interface while the others use simple check-box type, on-off switches. Most of them are pretty straight-forward to use and if you have any issues, the app makers offer video and graphic tutorials and excellent customer support. You don’t need to worry about hiring expensive programmers in order to have a professional-looking app that reflects your business.

 

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john

By John Stone

Author bio: John Stone is a business consultant and web entrepreneur.  Through years of experience, he became a devout believer in the notion that form should always follow function and that developing the ability to think outside of the box is a prerequisite of being a successful entrepreneur. He currently advises companies about Web Design in Sydney. You can get in touch with him on Twitter.

 

software

REVIEW: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Pro 10.5 Tool

1 Comment

 

The file recovery software is the most reliable tool for recovering lost files in your hard drive. The data recovery tool enables everyone to retrieve lost data quickly and safely in all storage devices. Besides, the data recovery software is affordable and works well with all storage devices.

Benefits of EaseUS data recovery wizard pro 10.5

The file recovery software’s greatest advantage is the ability to be accommodated by all storage devices, and to recover all forms of lost files quickly and without corrupting them. With file recovery software, you will retrieve all records lost through formatting, deleting, damaged hard drive, loss of partitions, and attack by a virus, raw partitioning, crashing of the OS and other human errors.

The data recovery tool enables you to recover lost data in all storage devices, such as mobile phone, memory card, hard drive, music player, USB device among others.  Additionally, the file recovery software allows you to cover all file types that you want to restore. Such files include; audio, email, graphics, document, video and others.

The data recovery tool is multipurpose software to recover hard drive partitions which have been formatted by mistake, deleted files and recovering from the raw hard disk. The file recovery software can retrieve data from deleted, formatted, lost and hidden partitions. Besides, it is quick and easy to recover all files which you had stored in different storage media but accidentally deleted emptied your recycle bin. Finally, you can retrieve any data that is inaccessible, hidden and totally corrupted using the data recovery tool. The file enables you to recover corrupted data resulting from damage to the file system, loss of partition, raw partitioning, and raw hard drive.

How to recover lost data with the file recovery software:

The file recovery software is user-friendly and requires no prior experience to use. Besides, it has three simple data recovery steps.  No previous experience required as you get a guide on the user interface.

DataRecovery

Step 1: File recovery software launch

To quickly restore any lost data, you need to download the data recovery tool on your device and start it.

Step 2: File Scanning

After launching the file recovery software, specify all file types you intend to recover and scan. Scanning gives you a preview of the recoverable files to ensure you recover the right files and safely.

Third step: Recovering files

You can now press the recover button after choosing the files you want to recover. It is easy, quick and no overwriting of data.

Download link

http://download.easeus.com/trial/drw_trial.exe

Conclusion

The data recovery software has a user-friendly interface with clear steps of recovering data. Also, lost data is recovered 100% safely in various storage devices without overwriting the original data.  Additionally, the software gives you a preview of the files you want to recover before scanning. Previewing of files ensures you specify the files you want to recover.  Finally, the data recovery software has a bootable media which solves bootable problems of your system, if your files have secondary data damage.

Data Loss and Recovery

Data Loss and Recovery. An infographic by the team at Secure Data Recovery Services

Applications, Real Estate

10 Apps to Help with Home Renovation

 

Thinking of doing some home renovation soon? Well check out this infographic from HalfPrice before you do. It contains some great apps that will make whatever home renovation you’re doing a little bit easier. Many of them are free as well so you can download them to see if they can help you.

We understand how much work is involved in a home renovation project and often the thought of a long project can put you off even beginning. Maybe you’re thinking of renovating a room but you’re not sure if it will look good when you’re done. Why not check out Houzz for some inspiration? You can look at other designs in peoples’ homes and maybe it will give you the inspiration you need to get going. We hope you find something useful in the infographic.

Applications, Mobile

10 Apps Every Small Business Owner Should Have

2 Comments

 

Business ownership is no walk in the park. You have to manage every single aspect of the company, from finance to human resources and project management. It entails a massive amount of responsibility and requires vast amounts of time, as well as an ability to cope with several competing tasks simultaneously.

If you’re running a small business, it is a good idea to draw upon all the help you can get, and one way of doing this is to stock up your smartphone with a series of excellent apps that should be part of every business owner’s collection. There are apps to help with employee communication, project management, time management, task organisation and payroll, to name just a few aspects of running a business. Some of the best apps we’ve come across include My Minutes, which keeps track of your progress for certain tasks and also allows you to set minimum and maximum time constraints; as well as IFTTT, which enables you to use one app to automatically program activity in another. How’s that for killing two birds with one stone?

This infographic from All Finance Tax profiles 10 apps that will certainly provide great benefit to anyone who owns a small business. Check out the full list below.

Applications

10 Disaster Apps That Could Save Your Life

 

As a society, we are becoming more and more dependent on our smartphones with each passing day. With millions of apps being created and downloaded every year, our app expectations have also increased.

Whether it’s a social media app or messaging app, these apps allow us to contact our friends and family more rapidly than ever before. Although most apps we download are for work or for fun, lifesaving apps are becoming progressively more popular.

With the vast amount of calamities that take place worldwide, from mass shootings to natural disasters, it’s important that fast and effective methods of communication technologies are developed. Luckily, in 2016, app developers are creating specialised apps to meet our needs.

Communication apps have improved both our personal and family safety. These inspired apps help us in the event of an emergency. Some can even track natural disasters before they occur. For example, ‘’Disaster Alert’’ – which was designed by the Pacific Disaster Centre – gives mobile access to multi-hazard monitoring of (and early warning for) active hazards worldwide.

‘’Life360’’ allows you and your chosen contacts to create a private network. In the event of an emergency, one tap of a button will notify your friends/family of your current location and inform them if you are safe. For all the details, let’s check out this infographic from Nature’s Water which outlines 10 of the top disaster apps. Let’s take a look!

 

Applications, Wearables

Top Wearable Android Watches of 2016

 

As like with the smartwatches, the software experience is nearly identical from one Android Wear to another. So, I turned to the most subjective features which make a top wearable Android watch to stand out from the rest. Though all of the Android wearable watches do the same thing basically for most of the times and with equal quality, they need to be ranked, weighed, and presented for your approval and support. Read ahead to check the Top Wearable Android Watches of 2016 and choose the most suitable for you.

1)    Moto 360 (2nd Gen) from Motorola

moto360

After its first launch, the original Moto 360 was the top rated Android Wear watch around for some time. And in my research, it is also placed at the top place. Going to the latest version (2nd generation), the Moto 360 has a Snapdragon 400 processor, a bigger battery than the original one and comes in different sizes to fit on the wrists of more people’s wrists.

It has the refreshed processing package, a customizable design and added lugs. Basic price starts at $299.99 and as you go with an increase in customization, the price also increases.

Specifications:

46-mm variant:

  • 512Mb RAM
  • 4GB Storage
  • 400mAh battery
  • 56-inch IPS LCD display with 263ppi
  • 2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor

47-mm variant:

  • 512Mb RAM
  • 4GB Storage
  • 300mAh battery
  • 37-inch IPS LCD display with 233ppi
  • 2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor

2)    Huawei Watch

huawei-watch

In 2015, the Huawei watch was introduced and it did many things right on the first try. It is one of the most attractive Android wear watches in the market with easily replaceable straps and a battery with the long life cycle.

It has a price range from $349 to $799 depending on the variety of styles and colors. It is the nearest arrival of the Moto 360 Android wear watch.

Specifications:

  • 512MB RAM
  • 4GB Storage
  • 300mAh battery
  • 4-inch AMOLED displays with 286ppi
  • 2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor

3)    LG Watch Urbane

LG-Urban

The LG Urbane is a more female-friendly watch than men. Its high-end styling is a bit dressier than sporty. Any variant you choose either gold or silver, the fully round bezel is surely eye and light catching.

Currently, you can get it for just around $250 on Amazon and eBay. If you want a luxury style, then you can go for the 23k gold version worth $1200 which is called Watch Urbane Luxe.

Specifications:

  • 512MB RAM
  • 4GB Storage
  • 410mAh battery
  • 3-inch P-OLED displays with 245ppi
  • 2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor

4)    ASUS ZenWatch 2

asus-zenwatch

After the original ASUS ZenWatch being the best Android wear watch for some time in the market, the company has brought the latest model with a little different philosophy. From going out of tradition, the latest ASUS ZenWatch 2 comes in a square display. It is a little powerhouse on your wrist.

For the basic model of ASUS ZenWatch 2, you need to spend only $129.99 on Amazon. You can choose from a 1.45-inch model or a larger 1.63-inch model whichever suits your wrists.

Specifications:

WI502Q (18mm) model:

  • 512MB RAM
  • 4GB Storage
  • 300mAh battery
  • 45-inch AMOLED display with 273ppi
  • 2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor

WI501Q (22mm) model:

  • 512MB RAM
  • 4GB Storage
  • 400mAh battery
  • 63-inch AMOLED display with 278ppi
  • 2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor

5)    TAG Heuer Connected – Luxury Watch

img_attuned_to_your_touch

TAG Heuer Connected has changed the market of the Android Wear Watches. The Connected model from Tag Heuer is inspired from the company’s Carrera watch. It comes in seven different color options and made with a grade 2 titanium.

If you are a fan of luxury watches, then most probably you will love this watch. You can purchase the Tag Heuer Connected for $1500 from the company’s website. After wearing it for two years, you can get the more traditional TAG Heuer Carrera watch by paying additional $1500 only. It is enough to give you a long lasting alternative.

Specifications:

  • 1GB RAM
  • 4GB Storage
  • 410mAh battery
  • 5-inch transflective LTPS LCD display with 240ppi
  • 6GHz dual-core 1.5-inch transflective LTPS LCD display

Conclusion

Choosing the best Android Wear watch from the above list is really a difficult task. It is really hard to keep track about the best because all of them are doing pretty well in their areas. The most accountable preference could be the size and the price of a particular watch for you. I have rounded up with the top wearable Android watches, now it depends on you to choose the right from this filtered list according to your budget and needs. Good Luck!

 

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Author’s Bio: Mandip is a graduate in Information and Technology. He is a passionate blogger, SEO Specialist, and a Software Developer. He loves to write on technology, SEO, Internet Tips and Tricks. Currently he blogs at Best On Internet.

Applications, Mobile

This is How Uber Exactly Works & More Interesting Stuff!

 

You don’t call a cab anymore, you call an Uber. The taxi giant has taken the world by storm since its inception in 2009. Started as just another start-up, Uber has now become a synonym for taxi or cabs across the globe.

However, the fascinating part is that it doesn’t even own any taxis that run on the streets under its name.

Uber is basically a mobile application that connects passengers with drivers for here. Let’s try to find out how the app works

  • Requesting a cab: A passenger installs the Uber app on his smartphone and can request for a cab at any time through this app. A passenger has the option to either ride instantly or to schedule the ride for later.
  • Matching: As soon as the passenger makes the request, a notification is sent to a driver who is free and is in the near vicinity. The driver has the option to accept or reject the ride. If the driver accepts the ride, Uber sends the passenger’s details to the driver and the driver’s details to the passenger. The driver then reaches the location of the passenger, picks him up and drops him off at his destination. If, on the other hand, the driver rejects the ride then the notification is sent to another driver who is also in the nearby area.
  • Ride & Tracking: Customers/Passengers can track the cab when it is on its way to pick them up and the ETA is also showed to the passengers on the app screen. The meter starts as soon as the passenger sits in the cab and can be tracked by the passenger as well.
  • Payment: Once the ride gets over, the passenger makes the payment in cash or via online wallets, whichever he prefers.
  • Rating: After the ride, the passenger has the option of rating a driver. Ratings allow other people to know and trust the driver before booking a cab.

To know more about Uber, check out the fun facts filled infographic developed by Unboxing Deals below.

Uber Story