Why Are Video Devices Becoming More Popular?

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StrategyDriven Online Marketing and Website Development Article | Why Are Video Devices Becoming More Popular?

Video is transforming business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-customer (B2C) communications. The critical technologies making this possible are lowering latency and enabling remote access to video content.

The DSLR compression gives videographers great-looking footage, but this can be limited in post-production workflows where chroma key or heavy color grading is required. An I/O device provides a solution.

Video Phones

Video phones, also called videoconferencing devices, allow two people to communicate by video and audio. They reduce travel costs, enable remote work and learning, and make meetings more personal.

They resemble traditional desk phones with an integrated camera, high-resolution screen, and web conferencing software. Some include a file-transfer capability, a whiteboard for sharing ideas, and a chat service between users.

Dedicated videophones were not popular when first introduced, but they remain attractive to businesses with larger budgets or needing high-quality audio and video. They are more expensive than laptops with integrated webcams, but the video quality is much better.

Mobile video viewing has become an essential trend for brands to consider when targeting Gen Z and millennial consumers. Smartphones are the primary device for viewing digital video content, and the number of smartphone video viewers is growing yearly. Choosing the correct video codec and optimizing the device like Neat will increase your success with these audiences.

Social Media Videos

Social media video platforms and apps allow users to create/upload, share, and watch videos. This will enable businesses to engage, educate, and connect with a large audience.

These platforms also encourage brands to produce short, snackable video content. These videos are designed specifically for these platforms and are meant to capture attention, share a message, and get viewers to act in a very brief period.

Additionally, 85% of Facebook videos are watched without sound, stressing the importance of visuals in communicating a message. This is a great way to reach consumers on mobile devices where audio may not be feasible.

Videos also provide a more personalized, authentic experience for consumers to interact with brands. This can lead to higher website traffic, engagement, and conversions. This makes social media video one of the most effective marketing tools for 2023.

Connected TVs

Connected TVs (CTV) are TV sets with internet connectivity that allow users to access online content and streaming services. They have larger screens than traditional TVs and can also be used to play video games. The growth of CTVs is driven by increasing global internet usage and rising demand for personalized content.

Consumers are also opting for streaming applications over expensive cable and satellite subscriptions. These platforms can be free or cost a monthly fee and offer ad-supported or premium programming. The popularity of these apps has led to cord-cutting, a trend where households cancel or do not sign up for cable and satellite subscriptions.

Major global players have a strong presence in the connected TV market. They provide smart TVs with built-in streaming capabilities, leveraging their brand recognition and distribution networks. Local players in each region also have a significant presence in the connected TV market, providing solutions that cater to specific customer needs and preferences.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality is a three-dimensional computer simulation that shuts out users’ physical surroundings to create a realistic experience. It’s often used to play games, but it’s also used by businesses to support sales, facilitate training, and communicate remotely. It’s also a powerful tool for healthcare and even the military to simulate confrontations and combat.

VR headsets can range from inexpensive shell devices that cover smartphones to immersive, wraparound displays with stereoscopic screens and haptic technology that lets users feel virtual images. These systems are often paired with binaural and spatial audio, enhancing the immersive experience.

The proliferation of video devices is fueled by ever-expanding connectivity, infrastructure virtualization, and technological innovation. Whether conducting business meetings via Zoom, navigating parking lots with backup cameras, or sweating through a workout in a connected fitness device, video has become an integral part of our digital lives. As 5G becomes a reality, it will deliver the speed and low latency needed to power next-generation video technologies like AR/VR.

A Deep Dive Into Blog Frameworks

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StrategyDriven Online Marketing and Website Development Article | A Deep Dive Into Blog Frameworks

Ever paused to wonder what makes your favorite blogs so engaging? Beyond the content, there’s a sophisticated foundation in play: a framework. This invisible scaffold not only holds content but dictates how it looks, feels, and interacts with readers.

With the right framework, a blog transforms from mere words on a page to an immersive experience, guiding readers through a beautifully choreographed dance of information.

Journey with us as we unpack the essential components of blog frameworks and peek at some standout blog page designs that exemplify their potential.

Core Components of a Blog Framework

  • Backend Structure: The heartbeat of every blog. This is where the mechanics take place. Just as the crew behind the scenes ensures a play is executed flawlessly, the backend ensures content is effectively created, stored, and disseminated.
  • Frontend Presentation: Your blog’s showcase window. It’s not just about presenting content, but how it’s presented. It covers the design, the feel, and the overall experience a reader has on your blog.
  • Integration Capabilities: The modern digital world thrives on connectivity. Your blog shouldn’t stand alone. Whether it’s enabling easy content sharing or diving deep into user analytics, integration tools bridge the gap between your content and the broader digital ecosystem.

Popular Blog Frameworks in Today’s Digital World

Frameworks are diverse, catering to different needs and skill levels. As we dive into some popular choices, let’s also explore some stellar blog design examples from each platform.

  • WordPress: Flexibility at its Best: A powerhouse in the blogging world, WordPress offers versatility. From news sites to personal journals, its adaptability is unmatched.
  • Blog Design Example: The New Yorker, TechCrunch, and Variety are just a few examples that showcase the flexibility of WordPress. They all have unique designs catered to their audience, made possible by WordPress’s versatile platform.
  • Ghost: Simplified and Focused Blogging: Ghost strips blogging back to its essence. With a minimalist vibe, it prioritizes content over fluff.
  • Blog Design Example: Blogs like Buffer’s and OpenAI’s research blog have used Ghost to present their content cleanly and elegantly, focusing on readability and user experience.
  • Jekyll: Static Site Generation for Tech-Savvy Bloggers: For those who prefer a hands-on approach, Jekyll delivers. It’s lean, fast, and puts you in the driver’s seat.
  • Blog Design Example: The GitHub blog is a notable example, running on a static site generator like Jekyll, exemplifying the control over content and design that Jekyll allows.
  • Medium: The Storyteller’s Platform: Medium has carved its niche as a space for thinkers, writers, and storytellers. Its clean design ensures readers stay focused on the content.
  • Blog Design Example: Signal v. Noise by Basecamp and personal blogs of influencers like Barack Obama illustrate Medium’s focus on the content itself.

Templates: A Closer Look

Templates are the unsung heroes in a blog’s design journey. They serve as:

The Role of Templates:

  • Website’s Appearance: They dictate the blog’s visual language, like how a building’s architecture dictates its style. Templates define everything from the layout to the color scheme used.
  • Consistency and Branding: A good template ensures a consistent experience for your readers, which is vital for branding.

Selecting the Right Template:

  • Content Alignment: The template should reflect the nature of the content. A photo-heavy blog might opt for a gallery-style template, while a journalistic blog might choose a more text-centric layout.
  • Audience Consideration: Understanding the audience’s preferences in terms of navigation, readability, and accessibility is key to choosing the right template.

Templates for a Blog Outline:

  • Tips for Choosing: Look for templates that offer customization options while still maintaining a balance with structured design.
  • Customization Tricks: Leveraging the template’s options to modify header styles, fonts, and color schemes can greatly enhance the individuality of a blog.

Making the Choice: Factors to Consider When Selecting a Blog Framework

  • Scalability: Can the blog framework grow with you? As your blog expands, it’s crucial that the platform can handle the increased demand and scale accordingly.
  • Design Freedom: A platform should be a canvas, allowing you to paint your vision. How customizable is the framework to suit your aesthetic preferences?
  • Community and Support: Blogging is a journey, and it helps to have fellow travelers. Does the platform boast a supportive community ready to assist, guide, and share?
  • Integration Ecosystem: The digital world is about seamless connections. Your platform should facilitate smooth integrations, be it with marketing tools, analytics, or other essential plugins.

In Summary

Choosing the right framework is akin to setting the stage for a performance. As you delve into blog outline tips, you’ll find that with a robust structure and captivating design, your content takes center stage, resonating with audiences and leaving a lasting impression. As you embark on this journey, remember: a strong foundation, enriched by a well-thought-out blog outline, makes for a memorable narrative. Happy blogging!

Outsourcing Manual Link Building Service for Your Business

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StrategyDriven Online Marketing and Website Development Article | Outsourcing Manual Link Building Service for Your Business

Are you embarking on the journey of optimizing your website for search engines? Then you’ve likely come across the term “link building”.

In the search engine optimization (SEO) landscape, link building is a crucial factor. And a manual link building service might just be the strategic advantage you need.

By outsourcing this service, you allow experts to build high-quality, relevant links to your site. This is a process that can boost your online visibility and credibility.

But how do you find the right service? We’ve got you. Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to find the right services.

Look For Experience and Expertise

First off, the provider’s experience and expertise in link building service are pivotal. Engage a service that has been in the SEO scene for a while.

Longevity often equates to a wealth of knowledge and proficiency. They will have developed the insight to recognize which strategies work and which don’t.

Next, evaluate their level of expertise. An adept service will have a team of SEO specialists who are skilled at building high-quality links. They will understand the nuanced differences between good and bad links.

Lastly, ask for case studies or client testimonials. These can provide real-world evidence of their capabilities. For example, a reputable service like LinkDaddy will have no problems sharing the successes they’ve had.

Remember, you’re not just hiring a service. You’re partnering with experts who will play a crucial role in boosting your online visibility. Make your choice wisely.

Consider the Outreach Method They Use

Link building outreach is the process of contacting webmasters and requesting them to link back to your site. It’s a vital aspect of manual link building.

Some providers use automated tools for this process, while others opt for a more personalized approach. The latter is generally more effective as it shows genuine interest in collaborating with other websites.

Ask the service about its outreach method and ensure it aligns with your brand values. You want to avoid any shady practices or spammy tactics. These could potentially harm your website’s reputation.

Gauge Their Transparency and Communication

Transparency and communication are critical when selecting a service. You should be kept in the loop about the strategies implemented. You should know the progress of your campaign and any challenges that may arise.

A reputable service will willingly share these details. This will demonstrate their commitment to transparency.

They’ll keep you updated with regular reports. They will explain the performance of the backlinks on your web pages. They will also inform you of the impact they’re having on your site’s SEO.

Furthermore, communication is key to a successful partnership. You want to work with a responsive service. They should be readily available to answer your queries.

Whether it’s through email, phone, or cloud-based collaboration tools, they should provide a platform for dialogue. This ensures that you’re never left guessing about the status of your link building campaign. You can make informed decisions that best suit your business.

Remember, an excellent service will treat your success as their own. They’ll go beyond simply adding links to web pages. They will strive to add value to your business through strategic SEO practices.

Assess Their Approach to Content

Quality, relevant content is the backbone of a successful link building strategy. A proficient service will understand the importance of this aspect. They will have a structured approach to it.

For instance, they might create unique, insightful content that aligns with your brand. They may also reach out to high-authority websites to publish this content with a backlink to your site. A backlink from a high-quality post on a high-authority domain can significantly boost your SEO.

Suppose they’re writing a blog post about the latest developments in cloud technology. They won’t merely discuss the topic in general terms. Instead, they’ll delve into specific issues. Maybe they’ll even discuss how cloud technology can enhance data security. They will ensure this content is linked back to your site, specifically to a page where you offer cloud services.

The idea is to create content that has real value for readers and is relevant to your industry and business. This strategy can help you build a robust link profile. It can boost your online visibility. It can establish your brand as an authority in the field.

Examine Their Pricing Structure

While your budget is a significant consideration, it’s crucial to remember that cheaper isn’t always better. Beware of services offering extremely low prices as this often translates to low-quality work. Instead, focus on understanding the value you’re getting for your investment.

Ask potential service providers to detail their pricing model. Do they charge per link, or is it a monthly retainer? What do their packages include, and what costs extra? Are there any hidden charges you should be aware of?

High-quality services often justify their fees by providing comprehensive packages. They not only include link building but also content creation, keyword research, and regular reporting. They might also offer to create videos, a now vital approach in today’s digital marketing landscape.

Remember to ensure the pricing aligns with the level of service you’re getting. You’re investing in the growth and visibility of your business. So it’s essential to find a service that provides excellent value for your investment.

Check Their Understanding of Your Industry

Understanding the intricacies of your industry is an essential quality in a link building service. This knowledge allows the service to target the most relevant sites. It helps them create meaningful content. It allows them to implement effective strategies tailored to your specific market.

When considering a service, inquire about their previous work in your industry. Have they worked with similar businesses? Do they understand the unique challenges and opportunities your industry presents?

A service that understands your industry can help you navigate the competitive digital landscape. They can ensure that the links they build are not just numerous, but also valuable and impactful.

Manual Link Building Service: A Strategic Advantage

A manual link building service can be a crucial strategic advantage to your business. It can help you establish online credibility and improve your SEO. But not all services are equal.

So carefully evaluate potential providers thoroughly. With the right partner by your side, you can achieve lasting success in the competitive online world.

Remember, success favors those who make informed decisions. Good luck!

Did you find this article helpful? If so, check out the rest of our site for more.

3 Key Developments in the Evolution of Online Business

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StrategyDriven Online Marketing and Website Development Article | 3 Key Developments in the Evolution of Online Business

The pace of innovation in business is rapid. Each year, new pieces of tech, applications, or software platforms help to improve how businesses operate and the services they can provide to consumers and clients. As IT processing power continues to improve at an almost exponential pace, businesses can harness this power to modernize their operations and make data-driven decisions with insights that could not be gained from human staff.

These are just two examples of how technology is driving the evolution of business. In this article, the focus is placed on businesses that operate online. In this growing sector of commerce, there have been some key developments in recent times. Read on to learn about three of them, with information on how these advances have helped the creation of new forms of online business or the evolution of existing ones.

1. The Transition to the Cloud

Millions of businesses have made the journey from using locally-held IT services (such as servers and key business applications) to moving them to the cloud. Today, it is estimated that 94% of all companies use cloud computing services as part of their IT infrastructure. This mass adoption of cloud computing has helped to create a growing sector of business for cloud service providers and industry experts who function as consultants and help organizations plan and manage their cloud operations.

One of the key benefits for businesses with cloud-based services is that they can be used to support remote and hybrid models of working. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, these new forms of working have become commonplace in business and remain after the worst effects of the virus seem to have passed. Cloud systems can be accessed from any computer that has internet access and the required login credentials. These applications effectively support remote working and ensure that businesses can achieve high levels of productivity without needing to rely on centralized physical premises.

2. Tech-Led Innovation in Online Casinos

The world of online casinos has enjoyed spectacular growth in the last decade, reaching a total market value of $23 billion in 2021. Today, gamers can enjoy the best casino games simply by logging on to sites from their smartphones at a time and location that suits them. The mass adoption of smartphones has helped to drive the online casino industry, and companies now ensure that sites are designed so that they can be enjoyed on smaller screens. In addition, the rollout of faster internet connections (in the form of fiber optic supplies) has allowed casinos to offer additional services that rely on high bandwidth. Commonly, online casinos now have video chat facilities, live dealer games, and immersive gaming environments that are increasingly hard to differentiate from traditional brick-and-mortar establishments.

3. Drop Shipping as a Low-Cost Entry Point Into E-Commerce

One of the easiest ways to enter the online marketplace is by creating a company that specializes in drop shipping. Put simply, this is a business model whereby the entrepreneur acts as an intermediary between the supplier and the customer. A drop shipping website is created to list the items for sale, and when an order is placed, it is fulfilled by the supplier. Today, the global market for drop shipping is worth close to $250 billion. Drop shipping does not require expensive start-up costs, warehouse facilities, or the need to purchase stock. As such, it provides an easy and effective low-cost method of entry into e-commerce for millions of young entrepreneurs without the need to visit commercial, financial lenders or crowdfund to start the business.

Our Top Website Plugins for Shopify Sites

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StrategyDriven Online Marketing and Website Development Article | Our Top Website Plugins for Shopify Sites

Being a Shopify agency London, we can bet that nobody else can tell you better about how versatile and powerful an eCommerce platform Shopify is. It is known for its flexibility and user-friendly interface. However, to truly maximise its potential and tailor it to your specific business needs, integrating the right plugins or apps is essential. Let’s discuss our handpicked selection of top website plugins for Shopify that can help small businesses thrive in the digital marketplace.

Oberlo: Streamline Your Dropshipping Business

Oberlo is a game-changer for dropshipping businesses. It seamlessly integrates with Shopify and allows you to import products directly from suppliers into your store. You can also automate order fulfilment, track inventory, and easily manage product listings.

Yotpo: Boost Customer Reviews and Loyalty

Yotpo is your go-to plugin for customer reviews and ratings. It enables you to collect and showcase product reviews, photos, and Q&A. Social integration and customisable widgets make it easy to build trust and engagement with your audience.

SEO Image Optimiser: Enhance Your SEO

Optimising images is crucial for SEO, and this plugin simplifies the process. It automatically adds alt tags to images, helping your products rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs) and improving accessibility.

Privy: Grow Your Email List

Privy is a robust email marketing tool that helps you capture and convert website visitors into subscribers. It offers a range of customisable pop-ups, banners, and automated email campaigns to drive conversions and boost sales.

Shogun Page Builder: Craft Stunning Pages

Take control of your store’s design with Shogun Page Builder. It enables you to create and customise landing pages, product pages, and blog posts without any coding. It is a must-have for businesses seeking a unique and visually appealing storefront.

ReferralCandy: Leverage the Power of Referral Marketing

Turn your customers into brand advocates with ReferralCandy. This plugin automates your referral program and rewards customers for referring friends and family. It is a cost-effective way to drive word-of-mouth marketing.

Loox: Maximise Social Proof

Loox is designed to enhance trust and credibility by showcasing customer-generated photos and reviews. It boosts conversion rates and encourages repeat purchases by providing authentic social proof.

Tidio Live Chat: Deliver Exceptional Customer Support

Real-time customer support is a game-changer for e-commerce. Tidio Live Chat allows you to engage with website visitors, answer questions, and resolve issues instantly. It is a valuable tool for improving customer satisfaction.

Plug in SEO: Optimize Your Store for Search Engines

SEO is vital for organic traffic. Plug in SEO simplifies on-page SEO optimisation by identifying issues and offering step-by-step instructions on how to fix them. The tool can be a valuable assistant for small businesses aiming to rank higher on Google.

Persistent Cart: Reduce Cart Abandonment

Persistent Cart helps combat cart abandonment by saving customers’ shopping carts across devices. The plugin ensures a seamless shopping experience and increases the chances of completing transactions.

Upsell Recommendations: Boost Sales with Personalization

Upsell Recommendations is your go-to plugin for increasing your average order value. It provides smart product recommendations based on customers’ browsing and purchase history. By suggesting complementary or upgraded products, you can drive additional sales effortlessly.

Order Printer: Streamline Your Order Processing

Order Printer simplifies order processing by allowing you to customise and print invoices, packing slips, and receipts. This plugin enhances the professionalism and efficiency of your order fulfilment process.

Tawk.to Live Chat: Enhance Customer Engagement

Exceptional customer service is paramount. Tawk.to Live Chat offers a free and versatile live chat solution that enables real-time customer support. Engage with visitors, answer queries, and address issues promptly.

Trust Badges and Seals: Build Trust and Credibility

Trust Badges and Seals is designed to increase customer trust during the checkout process. Display security badges, payment icons, and trust seals to reassure customers about the safety of their transactions.

EasySlide: Optimize Product Image Sliders

EasySlide empowers you to create captivating product image sliders for your store. Engage visitors with eye-catching visuals that highlight your products’ key features, resulting in increased conversions.

Sticky Add to Cart: Reduce Friction in the Buying Process

Reducing friction in the customer buying journey encourages quicker conversions. Sticky Add to Cart simplifies the purchasing journey by keeping the “Add to Cart” button prominently visible as visitors scroll down your product pages.

Store Locator: Aid Customers in Finding Physical Locations

For businesses with physical stores, the Store Locator plugin is indispensable. It allows customers to search for and find your brick-and-mortar locations effortlessly, enhancing the customer experience.

Back in Stock Alerts: Notify Customers When Products are Available

Back in Stock Alerts is a must for e-commerce stores with fluctuating inventory. It enables customers to subscribe to product alerts and receive notifications when items they desire are back in stock.

ROI Hunter: Optimize Your Advertising Campaigns

ROI Hunter simplifies the management of your advertising campaigns across various channels, including Facebook and Google Ads. The plugin provides in-depth analytics and insights to help you allocate your marketing budget effectively.

Countdown Cart: Create Urgency and Drive Sales

Countdown Cart introduces a sense of urgency to your store by displaying countdown timers for limited-time offers, flash sales, and discounts. This plugin is a powerful tool for boosting conversions and sales.

Bold Subscriptions: Drive Recurring Revenue with Subscriptions

Bold Subscriptions is your ticket to the world of recurring revenue. Whether you offer subscription boxes or simply want to enable customers to subscribe to your products, this plugin streamlines the process. It is perfect for businesses aiming to build a loyal customer base.

Aftership Returns Center: Simplify Returns Management

Returns can be a headache, but not with Aftership Returns Center. This plugin creates a user-friendly returns portal, automating the returns process and improving customer satisfaction. It is a game-changer for businesses seeking to offer hassle-free returns.

Smile.io: Foster Customer Loyalty with Rewards Programs

Smile.io allows you to set up and manage customer rewards and loyalty programs effortlessly. Encourage repeat purchases and customer engagement by offering points, discounts, or perks for loyal customers.

Omnisend Email Marketing: Elevate Your Email Campaigns

Omnisend Email Marketing is a robust email automation and marketing solution tailored for eCommerce. Send personalised email campaigns, automate cart abandonment emails, and build customer segments for targeted marketing.

HelpCenter: Create an Informative Knowledge Base

HelpCenter empowers you to build a comprehensive knowledge base or FAQ section for your online store. Providing answers to common customer queries enhances the shopping experience and reduces support requests.

Langify: Expand Your Global Reach

For businesses eyeing international markets, Langify is a must-have. The plugin allows you to translate your store into multiple languages and manage multilingual content with ease, catering to a broader audience.

Printful: Simplify Print-On-Demand Merchandise

Printful makes it easy to create and sell custom merchandise, including apparel, accessories, and more. Integrate Printful seamlessly with your Shopify store to offer print-on-demand products.

Growave: Combine Social Proof and Loyalty Programs

Growave combines social proof elements, such as reviews and wishlists, with loyalty programs and user-generated content. It helps you create an engaging and trust-building shopping environment.

Freshdesk: Provide Top-Notch Customer Support

If you are looking for a robust customer support solution, Freshdesk has you covered. Streamline your support operations, manage tickets, and deliver exceptional service, ensuring customer satisfaction.

ReConvert Post Purchase Upsell: Maximise Post-Purchase Opportunities

ReConvert Post Purchase Upsell focuses on upselling and cross-selling to customers after they’ve made a purchase. It’s an excellent way to increase your average order value and revenue.

Your Shopify store’s success depends on your ability to adapt and meet customer expectations. These top website plugins for Shopify can help small businesses enhance their e-commerce operations, boost sales, and create a memorable online shopping experience. As technology evolves and consumer behaviours change, stay equipped with the right plugin to ensure that your store remains competitive in the digital marketplace.