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What Blockchain Investors Look for in a Startup

Posted: 21 May 2019 01:00 PM PDT

Despite the rising prevalence of blockchain in today's world, it still isn't enough to push blockchain at the forefront of investment. More startup companies are turning to outside funding in order to gain the money they need to run their digital business.

Unfortunately for them, it's not that easy to ask investors to fund a blockchain startup. This is what blockchain investors look for in a startup before they decide to take the plunge.

Real innovation

Blockchain may be an innovation all in itself, but that isn't enough for investors who want real innovation from an individual company.

Real innovation, in this case, can be defined as something new and unique that a company has managed to come up with using current or upcoming technology. Blockchain is a technology that can potentially contribute to the modernization of our businesses and our economy. And it's involving very fast.

Based on this statement, it would seem like investors are the ones not having enough projects to invest in. If entrepreneurs can focus more on developing their blockchain-capable businesses more, they will be able to attract investors who are specifically looking for something new created out of blockchain technology.

Tech connectivity

Investors are not interested in using blockchain in isolation. They are interested in seeing how blockchain can be used in relation to other technology, such as artificial intelligence, for instance.

Although both have remained as standalone technologies in the last decade, more and more academics have been trying to combine the two. The convergence of blockchain and artificial intelligence could lead to several benefits in various sectors, including healthcare and finance, the two sectors that see the most identity fraud cases in recent years.

With blockchain and AI integrated together, companies in these sectors can create an encrypted method of storing sensitive data that can then be securely unlocked using the knowledge and sophistication of AI.

This is just one example of the way blockchain can be used to improve existing technology and even create an entirely new technology altogether.

Useful solutions

Investors are also interested in a startup that can suggest and develop useful blockchain solutions that even the mainstream public can accept and adapt.

Many companies use the word blockchain as a buzzword in order to entice investors, which is why many investors tend to avoid those. These investors prefer companies or projects building something with the core value that comes from a set of functions native to blockchain and cannot be attained in the absence of blockchain.

Valuable data

Another thing that investors look for in a startup is valuable data. Valuable data can lead to valuable discoveries, and at the same time, help create projections and forecasts for specific startup products. Like any serious investor, most investors prefer to invest in a product when it's still fresh on the market, as long as its forecasts are positive.

One of the biggest problems with blockchain startups is that they try too hard to look for problems to solve, instead of solving problems that are already in front of them. Investors want someone with a clear vision for what they're building, a balanced skill set, and an ability to get things done.

Attentive Founders

Lastly, investors are attracted to startups with founders who are attentive to industry happenings and are quick to adapt their business based on current situations.

The reason for this is two-fold. One, staying updated on whatever's happening within the industry ensures investors that the founders themselves are interested in blockchain and are thus motivated to improve the sector. Two, knowing how to adapt to remain sustainable and profitable is extremely vital in running a business in the digital realm.

Just using the word blockchain in your business proposal is not enough to secure funding from investors. If you can integrate all these factors that affect the decision-making process of investors, you'll stand a better chance of getting your company funded.

Workplace Violence: How Your Business Should Prepare and React

Posted: 21 May 2019 11:32 AM PDT

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), workplace violence is defined as any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site. 

Workplace violence can range from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide, making it one of the leading causes of job-related deaths. OSHA said that nearly 2 million American workers are the victims of workplace violence each year. This number can be reduced by implementing proper workplace violence procedures and training. 

"Employers should make safety and prevention a priority by encouraging employees to take responsibility for their own actions and outcomes, creating an environment where employees feel comfortable reporting a problem, and showing employees that when they report a problem, it is promptly addressed," said Julie Croushore, vice president of risk management at Engage PEO. 

Violence in the workplace is not limited to a company's current or former employees; for example, it may be perpetrated by a customer, family member or even a stranger. Because of this, it is important that employees are aware of the best practices for dealing with workplace violence in each scenario. 

You can prepare for potential workplace violence by identifying high-risk industries and employees, creating a workplace violence plan and training your employees on the guidelines. 

Identify high-risk industries and employees.

The first step in prevention is to identify what leads to workplace violence and what industries are most susceptible. Although no company or employee is completely immune to the risk of violence, Suzanne Singer, partner at Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell, said there are some factors that leave certain employers and industries at a greater risk. 

"Among those [at a higher risk] are employees who exchange money with the public, and those who work alone or in small groups, during late night or early morning hours, or in community settings or homes where they have extensive contact with the public," said Singer. "This group includes social service workers, individuals in the healthcare field, community workers, probation officers and psychological/psychiatric evaluators." 

You can also identify high-risk employees through warning signs. Croushore said these signs can include disgruntled employees, problems or violence at home, substance abuse, isolation and emotional distress. 

"Employers should also encourage all employees to report to their manager or supervisor if they have any concerns about themselves, a co-worker or have knowledge of issues a co-worker may have at home," said Croushore. 

These risk factors should be considered with current employees, as well as future ones. When hiring new employees, verify their information by checking references. You may also consider conditioning your offers of employment upon the completion of background checks or drug tests. 

Create a workplace violence plan.

Every business should create a plan for how to prepare for and react to violence in the workplace. Federal and state laws are vague on what employers are responsible for providing, still, organizations would be wise to have the proper safety systems in place for the well-being of their staff. 

Gargi Rajan, head of human resources at Mercer-Mettl, said nothing should be left to the benefit of the doubt or interpretational differences when dealing with workplace assault and violence. 

"There have to be strict and documented manuals, standard operating procedures (SOPs) or workplace safety programs for everyone included as part of the orientation, training, and HR processes," said Rajan. 

When deciding what should be included in your workplace violence prevention program, focus on establishing a zero-tolerance policy toward workplace violence and creating a protocol for employees to safely report behavior. 

Croushore said your workplace violence program should outline the following: 

  1. How to assess a potentially violent situation
  2. How to report incidents of workplace violence
  3. How to get help, warn other employees and secure the workplace, when needed
  4. When and how to involve the police and gather information to assist an investigation
  5. How you will initiate follow-up activities like debriefing employees and resuming operations 

Employers should also be prepared to offer counseling support services to employees who have been affected by workplace violence, including services through employee assistance programs (EAPs). Croushore said employee safety and risk consultants can assist companies in promoting and maintaining safer work environments. 

Train your employees on the workplace violence prevention guidelines.

Once your office has decided on set guidelines for how to handle violence in the workplace, you must train your staff on how to follow each step. Provide continual safety training throughout the year to keep employees up to date on appropriate behavior. If any of your employees have a history of violent behavior, he or she should receive extra attention as to which behavior will and will not be tolerated in the workplace. 

Since violence can vary in degrees, so will your reaction procedures. You should conduct safety drills to prepare employees for various acts of violence. This is especially important for extremely violent scenarios like workplace shootings. 

"Employees' responses should be automatic, because they have been trained and have practiced what to do," said Croushore. "Employers should also utilize the ALICE method for training: alert, lockdown, inform, counter and evacuate." 

Proper planning and training can drastically affect the outcome of a violent workplace occurrence.   

React to workplace violence by remaining calm and leading your team

Even with the best preparation and training strategies in place, workplace violence can occur. How you react as an employer is extremely important for the safety of your staff. Take all workplace harassment complaints and potentially violent issues seriously and always address them in the appropriate manner. [See Related Story: Workplace Harassment: How to Recognize and Report It] 

When addressing employee complaints, Rajan said to remain neutral to avoid escalation and unfair bias. 

"[Employers] should always have a fair redressal committee set up to address such issues; involve a legal party wherever necessary and offer resolutions to the parties involved," said Rajan. "You should never appear to be partial or biased in your judgments." 

If workplace violence does occur, employers should remain calm, take control and set an example for their employees. Don't escalate a situation by arguing with the assailant, and don't try to be a hero. Always involve law enforcement when necessary.

"An employer should be prepared to act with care and compassion with the immediate first response to get employees and their families the treatment that they need," said Croushore. "Care should also be provided to non-injured employees, and employers should consider providing counseling or their resources from their EAP provider."  

Conduct an investigation as to how the violence occurred and assess what could have been done differently to improve your organization's violence safety program. Singer said employers should encourage their staff to share their input in the matter as well. 

Follow a simple checklist to ensure a violence-free work environment.

Although workplace violence training and education is often not legally required, it is good business practice for employers to implement appropriate policies and procedures for protecting employees against workplace violence. 

Singer made a simple checklist for employers to follow when creating a violence-free work environment: 

  • Create a zero-tolerance policy for workplace violence.
  • Establish a process where employees can safely and anonymously report threatening activity, no matter where it comes from.
  • Implement the "see something, say something" policy.
  • Install security entrances and video surveillance.
  • Establish safe places for employees to take refuge during violent events.
  • Consider identification badges and electronic key access to the workplace.
  • Potentially hire security guards, if the business is located in a high crime area.
  • Develop the right security plan and consult with security experts.

Minority Entrepreneurs Invited to Compete in 'Million Dollar Challenge'

Posted: 21 May 2019 11:11 AM PDT

Getting a small business off the ground takes more than just a great idea, gumption and some luck. It also generally requires money. While securing funding can be a major hurdle for any fledgling business, it's often harder for ethnic minorities to fund their businesses than it is for their white counterparts.

It's with that fact in mind that officials with the Metropolitan Economic Development Association (Meda) announced the return of its Million Dollar Challenge for Minority Entrepreneurs competition later this year.

"Meda's Million Dollar Challenge brings so much to the table for entrepreneurs of color: highlighting their innovation and creativity, attracting more equity and capital investments, and accelerating business growth," said Gary Cunningham, president and CEO of Meda.

Since its creation in 1971, officials said, Meda has helped minority entrepreneurs start more than 500 small businesses by providing business consulting, financing solutions, and corporate and government opportunities.

Competition for startup financing

From now until June 13, 2019, entrepreneurs of color will have the chance to apply for the second annual competition, which will award at least $1 million in business financing in the form of a convertible note.

Following the application deadline, up to 20 ethnic minority-owned businesses will participate in the competition, which is modeled after the popular television show Shark Tank. Each contestant will pitch their ventures to a panel of judges, explaining why their small business is ripe for growth.

From that initial group, 10 finalists will move on to the next phase of the contest, where they will participate in Meda's Boot Camp for Successful Pitches. Officials described this part of the competition as an "accelerator offering investor and industry feedback, marketing consulting, and professional connections."

On Oct. 11, 2019, the finalists will head to St. Paul, Minnesota, for one last chance to make their case before a group of judges. Last year, it was during this stage of the competition that nine minority businesses from four states were awarded nearly $1.5 million in funding.

Editor's note: Need financing for your business? Fill out the below questionnaire to have our vendor partners contact you with free information.

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Why funding for minority entrepreneurs matters

According to a January 2016 report from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency, there were nearly 8 million minority-owned businesses throughout the country, marking a 38% increase in less than a decade.

Even though millions of small businesses are owned by members of a minority group, a 2017 study from the National Bureau of Economic Research estimated that minority entrepreneurs were just 20% of the entrepreneurs funded by venture capital. Furthermore, a 2017 report by the Minority Business Development Agency found that loan denial rates were 300% higher for "minority firms with gross receipts under $500,000" and roughly twice as high for those with greater revenues.

Cunningham said Meda's annual effort of offering an avenue for new entrepreneurs of color benefits the country. "The impact of uplifting minority entrepreneurs goes far beyond the bounds of the individual and is a proven strategy for creating jobs and boosting economic development," he said. "When we support minority entrepreneurs, we support all – and we are proud to bring the Million Dollar Challenge back for a second year to continue that impact on a national level."

The second Meda Million Dollar Challenge for Minority Entrepreneurs is open to all for-profit minority-owned businesses in the U.S. For more information and instructions on how to apply, visit Meda's contest site.

11 Online Business Ideas You Can Start Tomorrow

Posted: 21 May 2019 11:09 AM PDT

Owning and maintaining an online business gives entrepreneurs the freedom to make money remotely from anywhere in the world. The idea is enticing, and more possible than ever, but many entrepreneurs struggle with how to get started. The most important step in starting a profitable online business is finding a business idea that matches your skills and strengths.

Whether you are looking to become a full-time entrepreneur or just to start a part-time business for passive income, your product or service should fulfill a specific consumer need. We've compiled a series of profitable need-based businesses, with minimal startup costs, that you can start as soon as possible.   

1. SEO consultant

If you know the ins and outs of search engines and have technical skills in platforms like Google Ads and Google Analytics, becoming an SEO consultant can be a lucrative option for you. Many small business owners don't realize how much of an impact search engine optimization (SEO) can have on their business. Start your online consulting business by educating those business owners on the power of SEO to help transform their websites and increase their conversion rates.

You can use your marketing skills to show business owners the benefits of using analytics data, strategic keywords and content structure to gain more organic web traffic. If you are unfamiliar with SEO or want to brush up on your digital marketing skills, you can reference Moz's Beginner's Guide to SEO. Keep in mind that Google's algorithms are always changing, so SEO is something you will need to continue your education on to stay relevant and successful in this field.

2. Small business consultant

If you have a great deal of business experience and knowledge, why not create a business that helps aspiring entrepreneurs find success? As a business consultant, you can use your skills to help new business owners get off to a good start and help experienced entrepreneurs keep up with demand. Your chances of success may be greater if you focus your strategy on a niche aspect of business consulting. You can start this process by following this 18-step checklist for becoming a small business consultant.

To add to your credibility, demonstrate your expertise and bring in clients, it is helpful to be present in the digital business community. You can contribute to small business communities like business.com or write business articles on platforms like LinkedIn.

3. Social media consultant

Larger enterprises can hire an agency or full-time staff member to run their social media accounts, but small businesses often have to handle their own social media marketing. With so many responsibilities, business owners are often too busy, overwhelmed or undereducated about the importance of a social media presence to spend time developing and implementing a great social media strategy. As a social media consultant, you can help small businesses determine the best tactics, posting schedules and content for their target audience. As their follower count grows, so will your business.

Facebook and Twitter are still the top business networks, but businesses often tend to struggle with more visual platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr and Snapchat. All of these platforms have huge consumer audiences, but many businesses don't realize how big they really are, how effective they can be and how to make them work for their brand. If you have a background in social media marketing and a passion for photography, focusing your consulting business on one specific platform, like Instagram, can be a great way to make money while helping other businesses improve their content and achieve their business goals.

4. Niche market e-commerce retailer

There's an audience for everything, even if it's as specific as dollhouse furniture or organic dog food. With a niche e-commerce store, you can reach customers who seek your specific products. Building a business in a niche market can help you differentiate yourself from other brands and build your credibility and expertise. Look to social media or your own consumer needs to come up with a product to sell online.  

To get your e-commerce business up and running, all you need is a web hosting service with an integrated shopping cart feature or e-commerce software. To simplify the shipping process, you can work with vendors to ship products to customers on your behalf. This can reduce the amount of inventory you need to keep onsite. [Related: A Small Business Guide to E-Commerce Shipping]

5. Web designer or web developer

If you are a creative, digital professional who thrives on forming the layout, visual theme, font set and color palette of a website, freelance web design may be a good path for you. If you have little to no experience in this field, you can learn the basics of web design and master the tools you'll need for success, like Adobe XD, Chrome DevTools and text editor software.

If you are more interested in the coding side of building websites, freelance web development might be your wheelhouse. If you already know HTML, CSS or JavaScript and have a good eye for solving problems with creative solutions, you can launch a service to build attractive, easy-to-use websites for small businesses. If you need to learn the basics of web developing before launching your full-stack career, you can take a simple beginner's course to get started.

Put your technical and creative skills to good use for business owners who want to take their online presence to the next level. Build a comprehensive portfolio, and then create your own website to show it off and attract a steady stream of clients.

6. Blogger

Having a blog may seem like an outdated business strategy, since nearly everybody already has one, but the competition should not deter you from starting this online business journey. If you love writing or have important information to share, blogging may be a profitable business for you. Starting a blog as a business is very simple with website builders like Weebly and WordPress, but the key to success is consistency and quality. To gain a steady following, you must continually write and produce high-quality content that provides value to your readers. Content that educates, informs or entertains your readers gives them a reason to follow you.

Once you've mastered the creation of consistent content, you can make money through your blog by selling products like online courses, digital coaching, e-books or webinars. You can also sell ad space or sponsored posts. This business strategy may take a little more time and effort to monetize, but it can be very profitable in the end.

7. Virtual assistant (VA)

Do you have impeccable organizational skills and task management abilities? Maybe it's time to put those skills to good use by becoming a virtual assistant. VA services typically consist of basic administrative tasks like entering data, making travel arrangements and answering phone calls. Previous experience in this field is ideal but not required. 

Companies like TaskRabbit and Zirtual make it easy for VA professionals to find jobs. They allow you to create an online profile and sign up for tasks you want to complete – including data research, virtual assistance or running errands – and begin building clientele.

8. Affiliate marketer

If you love leaving customer reviews on sites like Amazon, it may be beneficial to look into affiliate marketing as a source of income. Word-of-mouth advertising is still a huge lead generator for many companies, and a lot of businesses are willing to share a portion of their profits with persuasive individuals who will promote their products to the public.

Affiliate marketing can be broken down into different levels of involvement: unattached, related and involved. Unattached affiliate marketing is a basic pay-per-click affiliate marketing campaign that requires little to no involvement with the product you are promoting. Related affiliate marketing requires you to have some authority and content on the product you are marketing, but you don't personally use the product. Involved affiliate marketing is perhaps the most effective, as you'll be marketing an affiliate product that you actually use and enjoy.

If you have a personal website or social media presence with a large following, affiliate marketing may be a profitable approach for you. PR reps are always seeking out brand advocates and influencers they can send free samples to.

9. Remote tech support

Many small businesses don't have room in their budgets to hire a full-time IT employee, so when their systems go on the fritz, they'll usually call a computer-savvy friend or family member. If you are tech savvy and have experience working on computers and networks, you can eliminate their need to call in a favor by offering immediate remote technical assistance.

Although some businesses may prefer you to have a technical degree, many will look to your experience and knowledge instead. You can start to build your remote tech support business by reaching out to friends, family and local business owners about their tech support needs. You can also find freelance tech support gigs on job boards like Upwork. 

10. Handmade craft seller

As merchants switch their sales to e-commerce, online marketplaces for handmade goods, like Etsy and ArtFire, make it extremely easy for artisans who can produce a steady supply of quality handmade products, such as crocheted blankets or unique painted glassware. If you have a unique craft, this is a good way to earn income while you're at home, doing what you love.

Startup costs for this business idea are extremely low if you purchase your creative materials in bulk from a craft supplier. If you can create and sell your artwork quickly, you'll be making a profit in no time at all. Local artisans find added success when they promote their businesses on social media.  

11. App developer

Mobile applications are more popular than ever, with people willing to pay good money for ways to manage their lives from their smartphones. If you have a great new idea for an app and know how to code, you can run with it and create your app yourself. You can also become an app developer for businesses that need to create specific apps. Both options will require you to know the basic elements of software design and at least two common programming languages, such as SQL, JavaScript, PHP, Python, Ruby on Rails or iOS.  

If you have an app idea but don't know the ins and outs of coding, there are plenty of software developers looking to collaborate with people on app creation. Depending on your situation and know-how, you may be able to make a lucrative business out of app development.

Additional reporting by Adam C. Uzialko, Nicole Fallon and Sammi Caramela.

Rebuilding America's Infrastructure Would Ignite Small Business Growth

Posted: 21 May 2019 11:00 AM PDT

Seizing this bipartisan opportunity could have a profound impact on America's small businesses.

It's no secret that infrastructure in the United States is lagging behind. The latest report card published by the American Society of Civil Engineers gives our country's infrastructure a D+ rating, and 1 out of every 5 miles of highway pavement is now in poor condition. But you don't have to be an engineer to realize our infrastructure needs attention.

Americans now spend about 42 hours – nearly two full days – stuck in traffic every year, and our crumbling infrastructure costs the average family about $3,400 in disposable income annually, according to analysis by ASCE. From pothole-pocketed roads and collapsed bridges to limited cell service and poor broadband access, every American can see that this is a problem in dire need of a solution.

Less discussed but no less important is how America's deteriorating infrastructure is stalling small business growth and crippling our economy.

Small business owners' concerns about infrastructure

Through interviews with 1,000 small business owners last quarter, the MetLife & U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index shed light on the impact infrastructure has on small business operations. Most business owners say that high-speed internet (64%), local roads and bridges (57%), and cell networks (55%) are very important to the success of their companies.

The problem is, 62% rate the quality of local roads and bridges as average, poor or very poor. Forty-three percent said the same about the quality of the high-speed internet in their area, while 41% reported that cell service is average, poor or very poor.

Overall, about half of small business business owners worry that U.S. infrastructure is not keeping pace with technological advancement in other nations, according to the index.

When asked where to focus improvements, 85% of small business owners put high-speed internet at the top of the list. That finding mirrors additional research by the Chamber Technology Engagement Center (C_TEC) and Amazon, which found that small businesses in rural America could experience more than 20% growth with better access to online tools and technology.

Why we must fix our infrastructure now

Our infrastructure challenges extend beyond crumbling roads and connectivity challenges, though. America's power lines are nearing the end of their life spans, while our inland waterways are managed with 100-year-old locks and dams. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy loses $9 billion annually due to flight delays – stemming in large part from aging airports and outdated air traffic control systems. 

Continued inaction simply isn't an option. On our current path, America's infrastructure deficiencies will have cost businesses $7 trillion by 2025, the ASCE analysis shows.

Small businesses like Dagostino Electronic Services in Western Pennsylvania are eager to be part of the solution. What began in 1973 as a tiny company running cable in Pittsburgh is now a leader across the mid-Atlantic for integrated communication solutions. DES is one of 70,000 electrical contracting firms across the nation, collectively employing more 650,000 electrical workers. 

Those workers and those companies depend on infrastructure to move safely and efficiently around the communities they serve – and they are poised to help rebuild our nation's infrastructure too. From projects that upgrade mass transit systems to broadband expansion efforts, every $1 billion invested in infrastructure creates 28,500 direct and indirect jobs in our industry, according to research by the National Electrical Contractors Association.

So let's fix our nation's infrastructure – now.

The discussions taking place between President Trump and congressional leaders are a critical step toward a commonsense solution. Our elected leaders know this is important. They want to get the job done. Now, they must come together to figure out how to pay for it.

If they rally around bipartisan funding solutions, we have a real opportunity to finally improve our nation's infrastructure – and, in the process, create more high-paying jobs for Americans, improve the quality of life and safety for those traveling on our roads and bridges, and unleash the potential of small businesses across the country.

Start Driving More Traffic to Your Website

Posted: 21 May 2019 09:00 AM PDT

If you aren't doing the right things (which we'll discuss in this article), then that's to be expected. After all, there are over 1.6 billion websites in 2019, and over 500 million blogs. That's approximately one blog for every 14 people in the world today!

So, you're competing with millions of other established blogs. Of course, it's going to be tough.

If you produce mediocre content, with a mediocre DIY presentation, then you won't get good results.

On the other hand, if you

  • Create comprehensive and outstanding content that beats the quality of everything else on the first page for your target keyword,
  • Make your DIY pictures and presentation top-notch quality, and
  • Promote your new blog post effectively,

then you, too, can earn your spot on the first page and get that sweet and consistent (free) monthly search traffic!

What every new blogger needs to know

If you're a new blogger with a brand new domain (without any domain authority), then you can't expect to go into blogging and make money right away. It just doesn't work that way.

For most established DIY bloggers, it takes years to achieve the success that they want. That takes a big commitment, which is why most bloggers fail to see any success. (We'll give you some tips for staying motivated up later in the article).

But that doesn't mean you can't see results faster if you follow the right tips, which we'll share below.

A new blogger needs to understand that there are fundamentals of search engine optimization (SEO) that every blogger must know to succeed. And then there are the SEO hacks that aren't common knowledge that can help you get ahead of the curve in your niche.

How bloggers can grow their traffic

Let's first talk about the fundamentals.

  • One of the most common SEO mistakes from bloggers is creating content that nobody wants to read. This happens when the blogger doesn't do the necessary keyword research. Another common SEO mistake is writing about topics/search terms that have too much competition already.

  • Targeting long-tail keywords is the key to success: These are four words or more (they are typically a phrase), and they can rank higher than shorter keywords, regardless of your niche.

  • Come up with a primary keyword for each page and put it in prominent places to improve SEO and visibility, such as in the title tag, meta description, subheadings and image alt tags.

  • Structure your content in a logical way using a hierarchy. Start with the main idea and branch out from that to back up the main idea.

  • Backlinks matter a lot, especially for competitive topics that get many searches.

  • There are three types of backlinks: internal links, which link from your own posts; external links, which link from websites outside of your own; and outbound links leading away from your site, such as affiliate links or links to other blogs/social media sites.

  • Choose high cost-per-click (CPC) keywords if you're also selling products to increase your overall conversion rates, even if the term has slightly fewer searches than a similar term. SEMrus,  Ahrefs, or the browser tool "keywords everywhere" can provide CPC info for every keyword that you'd want to rank for.

How to get traffic more quickly than other competing sites

Now let's look at how you can take the above principles to the next level to see good results more quickly.

  • Use the right keyword tools. There are several tools that can help you with long-tail keywords. Use at least two or three of these tools as most of them don't provide accurate data on their own.

  • Go for keywords with low monthly search volume – 500 searches or less if you're a newer site with less domain authority. This tactic makes it easier to appear on the first page with quality content.

  • Don't think about keyword stuffing – this is a black-hat technique from 2009 that no longer works.

  • A table of contents plugin will help you display your content hierarchically.

  • Follow the relatively little known skyscraper technique created by SEO specialist Brian Dean. With this technique, look for popular content in your industry and create two to fives times the amount of content. For example, if a page ranks No. 1 one as "25 DIY Tips for Stay-at-Home Moms," then create your own article with 50 DIY tips or more! Then promote it to the right people to get more shares and backlinks.

  • If you're on WordPress, use the free optimization plugin called WordPress SEO by Yoast to optimize your posts and pages contents.

  • Find relevant secondary keywords to use as well, aka LSI keywords. To do this, use Google autosuggest or a dedicated LSI keyword tool like LSI graph.

Specific tips for DIY blogging

Every blogging niche has its unique quirks. Here's what you should know as a DIY blogger to get ahead quickly.

  • Try to rank for featured snippets.

  • The main way featured snippets usually rank is through paragraph snippets. To rank with a paragraph snippet, you should use "question-based subheadings" and write the answer/reply in the first paragraph. Try to keep the paragraph length between 40-50 words (approximately 300 characters).

  • Guest post on other sites in your DIY niche and network with other bloggers to share or link to your content.

  • Participate in weekly roundups (the best online content is included in these).

  • Besides SEO and your online activities, DIY blogging success is all about your DIY design and presentation. Lighting is everything when taking photos. A well-lit photo using natural lighting is the key. Take photos early in the day with the sun positioned behind the camera.

  • Staging: Create a specific look and feel with your environment, but don't make it too sterile.

  • Group things in odd numbers to create more visual interest. Stick to groups of three when you're just starting out.

  • Even great photos need editing. You don't need expensive software, just use some free photo-editing software on your phone to improve brightness and contrast.

  • Stick to your wheelhouse: In other words, your skillset or design aesthetic. If you don't, then your projects might just end up wasting your time and resources.

Ready to drive more traffic to your website? Just follow these tips to grow your blog and optimize your website content with SEO best practices, and you'll be well on your way!

How to Run a Business in California

Posted: 21 May 2019 09:00 AM PDT

  • You'll need to navigate a complex set of rules and regulations unique to California.
  • Expect to pay more in taxes and have a higher cost of living than you would in almost any other state.
  • Tap into the right resources to get the help you need and make sure you're within the law.

California is home to more than 4 million small businesses, which employ 7.1 million people across the state. Small businesses make up 99.8% of all businesses within the state and employ 48.8% of the state's workforce, making them a vital part of the Golden State economy. California's gross domestic product (GDP) grew at a rate of 3.5% through the third quarter of 2018, which outpaced the U.S. economy's national growth rate of 3.4%.

The state's unemployment rate stands at a healthy 4.3%, which is slightly higher than the national unemployment rate of 3.6%. The top five industries in the state are finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing; professional and business services; government and government enterprise; information; and educational services, healthcare and social assistance.

How does this economic landscape translate to the fortunes of small businesses throughout the state? What unique challenges do California's small business owners face despite these strong economic indicators? Business News Daily got in touch with some of the state's entrepreneurs to find out.

Complex regulations

California is known for experimenting with new regulations. The state's willingness to rely on new regulatory measures makes compliance a moving target, which can be a challenge for some businesses. The recent California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, for example, is the state's response to the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and requires businesses to take measures to protect any consumer data they collect, analyze and utilize.

"California has a complex and ever-changing regulatory landscape, and that shifting landscape can be one of the trickiest parts of owning a business in the state," said Matt Sole, president of Anago of the Bay Area. "That is not to say that the regulatory environment is a negative aspect of doing business in the state; rather, it is more a cost of doing business in this great state.

"California is typically on the forefront of policy initiatives and works to ensure all Californians have the opportunity to earn a living wage, that businesses and employees operate on a fair and level playing field, and that we have a sustainable future by monitoring our natural resources and environmental impact," Sole added.

Most business owners we spoke to view regulatory compliance as a fact of life, regardless of which state they operate in. While California frequently creates new regulatory requirements or revises old ones, many entrepreneurs are willing to roll with the punches.

High taxes

California is generally known as a state with relatively high taxes, something that business owners universally recognize. While taxes vary by entity (for example, a C-corp will be taxed differently from an LLC), the general consensus is that they are steeper in California than in nearby states.

"Taxation is always a contentious issue in California," said Rodney Yo, owner of Best Online Traffic School. "I consider it an expensive place to do business."

According to the Tax Foundation, the state's top corporate income tax rate is 8.84%, and its overall business tax climate ranks 49th in the nation. Individual taxes, which impact pass-through entities like LLCs, are also high. The top individual income tax rate is 13.3%. Tax Freedom Day, which represents how long it takes taxpayers to meet their tax burdens, falls on April 23 for California; that's seven days later than the national Tax Freedom Day, placing it at No. 38 in the nation.

California businesses have sales and use tax levied by states, counties and municipalities on transactions. If you hire employees, you will need to register for California employer taxes, which include the employee withholding tax, employment training tax, unemployment insurance tax and disability insurance. Then there's the California franchise tax, which is due annually. Check out the California Tax Service Center for forms you'll need. [Need help with your taxes? Check out our reviews and best picks for online tax software.]

"It's no secret that California is a higher-tax state, and that can cause some strain on businesses because, really, who enjoys paying taxes?" Sole said.

However, Sole said the tax dollars that are directed to public projects such as infrastructure maintenance and public transportation also serve to benefit businesses that rely on regular travel, like his.  

Still, the high tax burden can be excessive for some companies, even to the point of driving them out of the state, said Matthew Ross, co-owner and COO of The Slumber Yard.

"California taxes are a big disadvantage for business owners," he said. "To be quite honest, taxes are the primary reason why we decided to move our company from California to Nevada. Why pay 13% more in taxes when you can just live an hour away and save yourself tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars per year? It's a no-brainer, in my opinion."

Cost of living

California is a wealthy state overall, making the cost of goods, services and wages higher than in many other states. Businesses operating in California stand to make more money, but the cost of doing business is also much higher than elsewhere.

"We decided to move out of California in 2018," Ross said. "It was simply becoming too expensive from both a tax and operational standpoint. Of course, there's the tax issue, but in California you also have to deal with higher wages, higher cost of living, higher commercial property rents and more."

According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, per-capita personal income is significantly higher in California than the nation at large. Californians make $62,586 on average each year, while the average American pulls down $53,712 annually. While this means the average Californian has more to spend, it also contributes to a heightened cost of living.

Moreover, California's income is not evenly distributed. There is a relatively vast income disparity in the state, which puts lower-income Californians at risk of being priced out of every market and giving them fewer disposable dollars to spend on small business goods and services.

As of Jan. 1, 2019, hourly wages have changed in the state. For businesses with 25 employees or fewer, minimum wage is $11 this year. Next year, it will be $12. For businesses with 26 employees or more, minimum wage is $12 in 2019, and that moves to $13 next year. But these numbers vary by city. For instance, in Oakland, the minimum wage in 2019 is $13.80, but it's $15.65 in Mountain View.

The yearly minimum salary for exempt employees in California is twice the minimum wage for 2,080 hours per year. As the minimum wage goes up, so do the minimums for exempt employees. That's $47,760 for small companies and $49,920 for larger companies. [Need help managing your payroll? Check out our reviews and best picks of payroll services for small business.]

Competitive labor market

California's economy is doing well, and unemployment is low (4.3% as of March 2019), making the labor market highly competitive. As many small business owners told us, it is currently an employee's market. This means that, to attract and retain top talent, businesses have to offer attractive compensation and benefits. While talent may seem freely available, businesses must heavily consider the labor market when devising their compensation packages and workplace cultures.

"The market to find skilled labor is competitive," Yo said. "It is definitely an employee's market right now. However, it has also become easy to find talent across the world to work virtually."

A competitive labor market means it takes more time and effort to fill open positions with qualified candidates. Some entrepreneurs view the competitive labor market as an opportunity to improve their internal processes and position themselves advantageously for the future.

"Given the continued growth of the California economy, combined with a low unemployment rate, it has become an employee market where businesses have to compete hard for talent," Sole said. "My time to fill a position has increased over the last couple years, but we are still able to find the skilled talent we need, and it has helped push me to evaluate our compensation and incentive plans to ensure I'm providing a great place to work."

Sole added that competing with large companies in the area can be difficult, but a steady flow of new people moving into the state has helped to ease the burdens of a competitive labor market. [Need help with recruiting? Check out our reviews and best picks for recruiting software for small business.]

Frequently asked questions

These questions are commonly raised when one starts a business in California. The answers below will help you to file the necessary documents, pay the appropriate fees and understand the basics of starting a business in California.

How do you start a business in California?

Starting a business in California requires you to select a business structure and file the appropriate tax and employer identification documents.

Do you need a business license in California?

Most businesses require licenses or permits to operate. The license you require will depend on your location and the type of business you plan to operate. There are general business licenses, which vary by city. If you operate in multiple locations, you may need a license in each city or unincorporated section where you operate.

There are specific licensing requirements for regulated professions and industries. The California Government Online to Desktops offers the CalGold Business Permit Assistance, which is a database of regulated industries. If you sell or lease merchandise in California, you'll need a seller's permit. Plus, you'll need to register your business entity – including various kinds of partnerships, LLCs and corporations – with the California secretary of state's office.

You may also need other permits, depending on your industry. For instance, restaurants will need a health permit, a building permit, signage permits and more. In some cases, you may even have to take some short classes. Contact your county clerk to ask about local licenses and permits. The CalGold site can also help.

How do you obtain a business license in California?

You can obtain a California business license by accessing CalGold to find the appropriate licensing office for your location and business type. Once you've identified your licensing office, fill out and submit an application for a business license.

How much does a business license cost in California?

Business licenses are administered by cities in California, so prices vary from place to place. Typically, business licenses cost between $50 and $100.

How do you register a business name in California?

If you intend to use a "doing business as" (DBA) name that is different from the official name of your LLC, you must register it within 40 days of the launch of the business. Locate the appropriate office near you and file an application for your DBA.

How much does a DBA cost in California?

Filing fees for DBA applications are charged by the counties in California and vary by city. Typically, the fee is around $40.

What is a California corporate number?

California corporations are assigned a seven-digit corporate number that starts with a C, while LLCs are assigned a 12-digit corporate number that begins with the four digits of the year of incorporation. These numbers are distinct from tax ID numbers and are assigned to every new entity incorporated in the state by the secretary of state or the Franchise Tax Board.

What is your California state employer ID number?

Your California state employer ID number, also known as your EIN, is used for taxation purposes and on other state and federal documents to identify your business. To find out your state EIN, you can contact the Employment Development Department or the federal Internal Revenue Service.

How much is the LLC fee in California?

In California, an LLC must file the LLC-1 Articles of Organization by mail or online. The fee to file the LLC-1 Articles of Organization is $70, plus $5 for a certified copy. LLCs must also pay an annual minimum tax of $800 to the California Franchise Tax Board for every year they are in business.

Is the LLC fee deductible in California?

According to the California Tax Service Center, the annual LLC fee is considered a deductible ordinary and necessary business expense and, as such, can be deducted from your tax bill.

Resources for small businesses in California

If you're a small business owner in California looking for resources to help you move forward, here are a few organizations you might want to learn more about.

California SCORE

"People who want to grow typically know what they want but don't know how they get there or finance their growth. We get involved in those conversations." – Harper Thorpe, chair of Sacramento SCORE

SCORE offers volunteer business professionals and expert mentors to give counsel and guidance to entrepreneurs looking to start or expand their businesses. The services are entirely free and driven by volunteers. Here are some of the chapters in California: 

Central Valley SCORE

Bakersfield SCORE

Sacramento SCORE

Tuolumne County SCORE

Modesto-Merced SCORE

San Luis Obispo SCORE

Monterey Bay SCORE

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) District Offices

The SBA offers financing and grants, as well as consultations and counseling services. There are also opportunities to apply for federal government contracts through the SBA and avenues for obtaining assistance in the wake of natural disasters.

U.S. SBA for California

The Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development

Established by current Gov. Edmund G. Brown, the GO-Biz office, as it is called, is intended to guide small businesses through the various regulatory processes and help entrepreneurs get started. In addition, the office assists with international trade and serves as a linchpin between small businesses and additional resource outlets.

GO-Biz

California Small Business Development Centers

California hosts dozens of small business development centers. Each is dedicated to supporting the development and retention of small business, from crafting business plans to navigating the state's tax code. You can find your region's small business development center at the link below.

California SBDC Network

YouTube for Business: Everything You Need to Know

Posted: 21 May 2019 05:05 AM PDT

Since its launch in 2005, YouTube has become a modern media powerhouse, beginning with the development of the first wave of influencers (YouTubers) and, more recently, with the launch of its music streaming platform YouTube Music.

Currently, YouTube has more than 30 million daily visitors. Nearly 300 hours of video are uploaded every minute, with more than 2,400 channels that reach in excess of 1 million subscribers. The platform was purchased by Google in 2016 and is currently ranked No. 2 for global and domestic web traffic, according to Alexa.

Marketing is moving toward video over static content, and YouTube is emerging yet again as a key player.

For an individual user, the site appears straightforward, but it's more complicated if you want to use it to market and grow your business. Here's what you should know if you want to use YouTube for business.

Setting up a YouTube channel

  1. Signing up for an account
  2. Customizing your YouTube profile
  3. Interacting with others on YouTube
  4. Verifying your channel
  5. YouTube Live
  6. Trending videos on YouTube
  7. YouTubers
  8. Advertising on YouTube
  9. YouTube Partner Program
  10. YouTube Premium
  11. YouTube tips and tricks

Signing up for an account

Most social media networks require you to set up an account before you can view content. That's not the case with YouTube. You can view content without a YouTube account. However, an account is required to upload and engage with other users. Membership is also required to view videos flagged as adult content.

To sign up, you must be logged in to a Google account. You can sign up using an existing Google account or create a new one. Once you're logged in to your Google account, go to YouTube to customize your YouTube business channel.

In the top left corner of the page, there is a dropdown menu with quite a few options. There are links for the homepage, subscriptions and trending videos, as well as three categories: Library, Subscriptions and More From YouTube. Your library helps you organize which videos you've watched, liked and saved for later. Subscriptions sends you updates on the channels you're subscribed to, notifying you when they've uploaded new content.

In the top right corner of the page, there are four buttons. The one closest to the center, which is an icon of a video camera, directs you to the page where you upload a video. The middle icon, a square comprising nine smaller squares, is for YouTube apps. The next one, the bubble icon, will take you to messages. The next button is an icon of a bell, and it notifies you of your account activity, such as a new like or comment. The one closest to the right side, which is an icon of your profile picture, will direct you to your account information pulled from Google. 

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Customizing your YouTube profile

Once you've signed up for YouTube, you'll need to customize your profile with your business's information. Every user is assigned a channel according to their username. Likewise, you'll be given a specific URL so other people can find your channel through a direct link.

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To customize your channel, go to your avatar icon in the top right corner of the homepage. Then, click on My Channel. Here you'll be asked to enter your name, but you also have the option to use a business name. Click Use a business or other name, which will take you to a page where you can enter your business's name.

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You can then add channel art, which is similar to a Facebook or Twitter banner. The header is a great place to add your business's logo and/or tagline.

Your profile photo and channel art should represent your brand clearly through high-quality photos. If you don't upload a photo or art, YouTube will fill in generic default images for both. However, your profile photo is pulled directly from your Google account and must be uploaded through Google, not YouTube. It will take a few minutes to sync your Google profile photo to your YouTube account.

It's important to fill out information about your business. Share information about your business, its services and so on. You can also add your website along with your company's tagline. Other YouTube users, especially subscribers, should get a general understanding of what your business is about and how to find more information by looking at its channel page. After all, every social network is a chance to gain new audiences and, ultimately, loyal customers.

Interacting with others on YouTube

There are several ways to interact with other YouTube users.

  • Comments: Comments can be organized by most popular or newest. Engaging with users who comment on your videos boosts the video's engagement traffic.
  • Likes: This is a more passive form of interacting with content. However, if you've chosen to show your likes publicly on your channel, these videos will appear under the playlists section on your channel.
  • Subscriptions: The best way for users to stay up to date with your brand's content is to subscribe. Every time a user uploads a new video, a subscriber receives a push notification. You should constantly encourage viewers to subscribe to your channel, especially since it improves your engagement traffic and increases the number of views. Many popular YouTubers incorporate reminders to subscribe at the beginning and/or end of their videos.
  • Playlists: Organize relevant content using the site's playlist feature. If you choose to publicize them, playlists will appear on your channel's page below your uploaded content. You can also organize other users' content through a list. For instance, if you're a marketing agency, you can compile a client's videos into one big list. Otherwise, this is another way to organize your own content on your channel.
  • Sharing: The site's social widget allows users to share videos on other social media networks, such as Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, Blogger, Reddit, Tumblr, Pinterest and LinkedIn.
  • Messages: You can also share videos and message privately with friends and contacts.

Verifying your channel

How will you know if a channel is verified or not? There will be a small checkbox, which indicates a verification badge next to the channel's name. To apply for verification, your channel must have 100,000 subscribers. However, interested businesses can contact Google directly to inquire about verification.

YouTube Live

Similar to Facebook Live, YouTube has its own livestreaming feature. Broadcasts are usually oriented around news or sports. YouTube Live isn't as important as the site's standard video format, because it's not as widely known, and your account must be verified to conduct a livestream.

If you choose to do a livestream, there are four ways to go about it. The first, which is the quickest, is the Stream Now option. The second is through the Events tab, which gives you more control, because you can preview your stream ahead of time. The third option is found on the site's mobile app; if you use this, the stream will later be archived on your channel. Lastly, you can stream from your computer's webcam. 

Trending videos are videos that YouTube users are interacting with at a very high rate. Often these videos were uploaded within the last couple days. You can view the current trending videos under the Trending tab on the YouTube homepage even if you're not logged in or don't have an account.

Trends reflect popular culture, one-off viral hits and current events. The site also features users tagged with a blue Creator on the Rise, Gaming Creator on the Rise or Artist on the Rise badge next to their channel names on the Trending Videos page. These channels are showcased for 24 hours. The criteria for making the cut includes having more than 1,000 subscribers, and users can only be chosen once.

For brands, the goal of creating trending content isn't necessary. It could be a shoot-for-the-stars goal, because if one of your videos goes viral, it could end up on the trending page and thus gain significant exposure to your company. However, silly commercials, like those on the Super Bowl, have ended up as trending YouTube videos shortly following their television debut.

YouTubers

You might have heard about YouTubers, or video content creators solely based on YouTube. These are essentially personalities, such as those on television talk shows or reality shows, with their own unique channels.

Many specialize in a particular niche, like cooking or beauty, while others document their day-to-day lives in the form of a vlog. Many of these personalities have grown and maintained a large following, sometimes with hundreds of thousands or even millions of subscribers, such as Grace Helbig and Tyler Oakley.

While recruiting such a large following is an admirable goal for small businesses, that isn't the only thing we can learn from YouTubers. In fact, working with YouTube personalities can turn out to be a smart business move. [Learn more about working with influencers.]

Many YouTubers have corporate sponsorships. These sponsors send YouTubers their products to mention or use in their videos. Often, YouTubers will verbally mention the company and how awesome their product is. For instance, makeup companies often send popular beauty bloggers their products so these bloggers can make videos applying the makeup. Some creators upload haul videos where they review several products at once.

If your business has a service or physical product that fits a certain YouTuber's niche, it's worth reaching out to see what their rates are and if they will feature you in video.

Advertising on YouTube

There are a few ways to advertise on YouTube, as users reap the benefits of the site's free service. Since the site is based on video content, companies are encouraged to add a call-to-action link directing viewers to their website following the video.

There are four video ad options, including TrueView in-stream ads, which play before, during or after other videos. After 5 seconds of these ads, users can skip the ad. You'll only be charged for the ad when a viewer watches 30 seconds of the video or interacts with the video.

There are also discovery ads, which appear when a user is searching or browsing content on YouTube or across the web. These clips aren't limited to 30 seconds; they can be as short or long as you wish. You'll be charged every time someone clicks on the ad to watch the full video.

Bumper ads are 6 seconds or less, and users can't skip these. These ads also appear before, during or after another video. Outstream ads play only on mobile devices, showing up on partner websites and within apps. You'll be charged for these ads based on cost per thousand impressions (vCPM).

TrueView for Action

TrueView for Action allows you to drive leads and conversions by adding a prominent call to action (CTA) and headline text overlays to a TrueView in-stream ad. You will need to set up conversion tracking to run the campaign.

YouTube also has a curated directory of ad agencies that can be matched to your business needs and is planning to create video-creation tools to help users more easily create ad content.

YouTube Partner Program

With the YouTube Partner Program, you can monetize your content on YouTube. You earn money from advertisements on your videos and when YouTube Premium subscribers watch your videos. You're eligible for the program once your channel reaches 4,000 watch hours in the previous 12 months and 1,000 subscribers.

You can check your watch time and subscribers under YouTube Analytics, which is in your dashboard. While it may be difficult to reach these requirements, the program allows you to make money on videos you plan to create anyway.

YouTube Premium

YouTube Premium (formerly YouTube Red) is a subscription service, starting at $11.99 a month, that allows users to stream video content and music without advertisements at the beginning of videos. It also lets you download videos to watch offline.

Although you don't need a premium subscription to operate YouTube for your business, it's good to know the latest news about the site to better familiarize yourself with it. Plus, with this subscription, remember that videos are ad-free. At the end of the day, though, YouTube Premium could hurt your business, because the premium services take users away from in-stream advertisements.

YouTube tips and tricks

Now that you understand how to use YouTube, here are a few tips and tricks to use the site to your brand's advantage.

Encourage viewers to subscribe. Subscribing is the best way for your audience to know whenever you've uploaded a video, created a new playlist and more. It also gives you an estimated figure as to who will eventually view your video.

Share videos on other social media platforms. Link back to your videos whenever possible on your website and other social media networks. However, don't stop at direct video links. Link back to your channel so your audience can see what it looks like and have the chance to subscribe.

"[You should] have a video strategy," said Tracy Sestili, head of marketing at SparkPost. "Without a strategy, you can post videos as a repository, but you may not get the return."

Use relevant keywords in a video's title, tags and description. Experiment with different titles and descriptions. As with other social networking sites, selecting relevant keywords to increase hits is a common SEO strategy for marketers. It helps audiences find content that interests them. A quick exercise would be to watch one of your company's videos from the beginning and then create a list of words and phrases as you watch. You should also be realistic about which keywords you use. "Don't go after keywords that big brands compete for," said James Robinson, marketing adviser at Iconic Genius. "Go after local keywords."

Engage with similar content uploaded by other users. Like and comment on videos uploaded by other users. Not only might those users stumble upon your videos and channel, but anyone else who sees that comment or like might as well. Do this with videos that have a similar topic, interest or theme as yours to attract new viewers.

Curate playlists. If any of your videos follow a consistent theme, organize them together. Perhaps you have a Friday series, meaning you upload a video every Friday morning. You should compile all those videos into one spot through a special playlist. These playlists will also appear on your channel's page, right below your uploaded videos. 

Upload content regularly. Especially if you've developed a decent pool of subscribers, viewers will be counting on you to create, edit and upload new content. This adds relevancy to your brand. This also applies to any other website where users can follow and engage with your content. It's best to add content whenever possible, even if it isn't as consistent as you'd like. 

"Be consistent," said Michelle Baxo. "I found that I was building the most traction when I did a weekly post at the same time and notified [on] my social networks."

Use clickable links to reference other content. At the end of videos, you'll notice many videos reference previous, relevant or maybe even newer content with a clickable link inside the video. You can add these while editing your video in the site's video manager. This feature can also link back to any pages or sites your video covers.

Work with top content creators to place products. Popular YouTubers, especially those with frequently trending content, have hundreds of thousands to millions of subscribers constantly watching their channel. It could be a great business opportunity to reach out to them as a potential sponsor. Many YouTube personalities place products in their videos, which gives a specific brand a larger audience than usual.

Use YouTube stories. YouTube recently created YouTube stories, which are similar to Snapchat or Instagram stories. A story is a collection of short videos that can remain visible for a day or until they're deleted. Google is now testing Al to swap backgrounds in stories, running a beta version of it with some content creators.

Run a contest. Running or promoting a contest on YouTube is an easy way to get people to watch and engage with your content. However, before you post a contest, read YouTube's rules and guidelines.

Additional reporting by Danielle Corcione and Saige Driver.

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Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2: Is It Good for Business?

Posted: 21 May 2019 05:00 AM PDT

Google Glass' initial release was a flop – consumers were wary of covert video recordings, early adopters were pegged as "glassholes," and Google was left wondering what had happened to such a great idea.

But Google Glass is back, again, and it's geared specifically for business. The new version, Google Glass Enterprise 2, features 32GB of storage, blink and wink sensors, and 8MP camera. The companies that have adopted it (Xperteye, Augmedix, Hodei, SwyMed, Upskill, VMware, etc.) report that its use has cut production times by streamlining logistics using augmented reality. But is Glass Enterprise Edition good for your business? It's a definite possibility.

The Enterprise Edition 2 is built on the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 platform with an Android-based operating system. It contains a multicore CPU and a new artificial intelligence engine. Google partnered with Smith Optics to make frames that fit in various work environments. There's also improved cameras and now a USB-C port for faster charging. 

Businesses using this technology are connected to Glass Enterprise Edition 2 through partners of Google. While Google does provide an option to work out and customize the product based on your business, Google partners like Upskill and Streye provide some of the software that makes it useful. This assessment of Glass is based on Streye's Glass Enterprise option for businesses and consumers. [Read related story: Should Your Business Embrace Wearable Technology?]

Streamlining instructions

One of the biggest benefits to Glass Enterprise Edition 2 is the ability for manufacturers to integrate instructions for their work processes in real time. In the past, highly skilled technicians had to refer to instructions and input data using laptops, tablets or desktops separate from where they were working. This made certain processes inefficient and more time-consuming than necessary because a worker constantly had to refer back and forth between instructions and their actual project. Glass Enterprise Edition 2 offers workers instructions just above their natural line of sight. This can be useful for any type of training.

Other capabilities include sending and adjusting instructions in real time, live streaming to troubleshoot issues with projects, and sending pictures of equipment or data to other members of the team. Wired reported that General Electric has experienced a 46% decrease in production time at its warehouses that use Glass Enterprise 2. 

That sounds compelling, but researchers at the University of Pisa recently found that people with AR headsets were less accurate than those who used the naked eye. You can't just look at the screen, you need the interplay of physical eyesight with the help of the screen. 

Lightweight model

Glass Enterprise Edition 2's design makes integrating it into various levels of production practical. It is dust and water resistant. For manufacturers, the Glass can function as safety glasses that are already required. The Verge reported that the Glass Pod can be removed and applied to any lenses that are compatible with Google Glass. In addition to manufacturing, the lightweight model (0.10 ounces) can be applied to industries such as healthcare and logistics.

Jay Kothari, project lead for Glass, said that healthcare professionals are using it to record and live stream patient visits. The footage is directly sent to a scribe who transcribes the meeting and adds notes for the doctor's files. According to Kothari, this lowered the amount of time doctors spent on administrative tasks such as notetaking and transcription by almost 25%.

These kinds of features could translate well to other areas of business, where a lot of time is lost documenting and reviewing what happens in meetings. With Glass Enterprise Edition 2, business professionals could proceed with operations knowing that if they need to refer to a point made in a meeting, they can easily access a recording or screenshot of it.

Voice controls

Glass Enterprise Edition 2, like its predecessor, can be controlled by voice commands or by swiping the side of the frame. It features three beam-forming microphones and a multi-touch gesture touchpad. It also includes an on-head detection sensor and an eye-on screen sensor to help save battery. This lets users keep both their hands engaged with their active project. Whether this feature would translate well to an office environment is up for debate. While voice commands offer a convenient way to progress to a different program, touch assistance is a good option when voice commands are unnecessary.

Price

To set up Glass Enterprise Edition 2 for your business, you must speak directly with either Google or one of its software developers, such as Upskill. But it costs $999 per set. That's down significantly since the $1,500 Explorer Edition that came out years ago.

Bottom line

Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2 appears to be having a strong impact on manufacturing, healthcare and logistics. Despite the blunder that was Google Glass, Glass Enterprise Edition 2 appears to be proving its worth as a tool for workers to make their jobs more efficient and easier. There are competitors in the field now, including Microsoft, Vuzix and Epson. Google's version is expensive, but if it makes sense for your business, it may be worth the investment.

How to Write an Effective Cold Email

Posted: 21 May 2019 05:00 AM PDT

A lot of people voice concerns that cold emails are spam, but that couldn't be further from the truth. In reality, cold email is undoubtedly the channel that drives most sales.

It definitely works, but only if you know how to make it work. Cold emailing is one of the most effective ways to generate new leads for your business, complete more sales and get you one step closer to achieving your business goals.

What is cold emailing?

Any email that you sent to a potential lead or a prospective client with whom who have no previous connection is a cold email. It is a one-on-one outreach in an attempt to build an ongoing relationship with the recipient.

In principle, cold emailing is similar to cold calling, but only less intrusive and more feasible. Due to the widespread availability of email automation and customer relationship management tools, cold emailing is a less resource-intensive process than cold calling.

Using cold email templates and automating the email marketing process can speed up your outreach substantially. Inclusion of email marketing is an important consideration while choosing a CRM for startups, but knowing how to draft effective cold emails is critical to the overall success of the marketing strategy.

Tips for writing and sending the best cold emails

1. Be authentic

The recipients of your emails have no prior connection with you or your business. The first thing you need to establish to pave the way for ongoing communication is your own credibility. The address the communication is originating from should seem authentic, and the email should clearly display the sender's name and the relevant credentials. [Interested in email marketing software and services? Check out our best picks and reviews.]

The message should have a natural flair to it and shouldn't come off as robotic. Keep it conversational, concise and friendly. Add a touch of humor and wit in order to add that human element to it. Don't make it sound like a sales pitch, and refrain from using a misleading or clickbaity subject line.

Read the email to yourself before hitting the send button, and decide whether the message sounds natural. If it is similar to what you say when approaching a prospect in person and has an informal tone, the chances of your cold email strategy becoming successful multiply.

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2. Establish a connection

The aim of cold email outreach should be to initiate a relationship rather than close a sale. Sending out the same cookie-cutter template doesn't really contribute much to your sales and marketing plan. You need to find a way to connect to your intended audience. Even small things like addressing the recipient by their name can go a long way in establishing a personal connection.

You need to conduct initial research on the recipients, know their pain points, find out the common ground for engaging in conversation and work toward building a sustainable relationship. People naturally receive a ton of cold emails on an everyday basis. Establishing a connection ensures that your first email is able to stand out from the rest of the competitors.

3. Tailor your message

Personalize your email to cater specifically to the person you are reaching out to. Conducting basic research and learning more about the person you are sending the cold email to isn't the end of personalization.

Your message needs to be tailored to convey that you have insights about the possible pain points, and it should shed light on how your product or service can help alleviate it. The message shouldn't be about you. It has to be catered towards meeting the needs of the person at the receiving end of the email.

4. Validate your offering

When you send out a cold email, you are just a stranger on the internet to the receiver of the mail. In order to establish that your offer is trustworthy and credible, you need to validate yourself and provide enough social proof to generate trust in your business.

If you have common contacts, highlight them in the email. If not, you can always refer to the other customers or big names within the industry who have availed your services or who use your product offering. The more credible you seem, the higher are the chances of you getting a response in return to your cold email.

5. Keep it concise and actionable

The people at the receiving end of your cold email campaign aren't likely to read through paragraphs of content you include in your mail. They don't know you, and if the value you offer doesn't jump out of the mail a glance, they would simply hit the Delete button rather than go through the hassle.

Short messages have a greater chance of being opened and read. Including clear directives and explicitly stating the objectives of mailing in the first place increases the response rate significantly.

6. Communicate the value first

You might be targeting a sale, but your cold email should never feel like a sales email. Don't target a direct purchase without communicating value first. While making the pitch to a prospect, make your value proposition clear so prospects know the benefits that you offer, and clearly state that in the email body.

Instead of pushing them to buy your products or services, inform them about the actual offering and invite them to ask for further information or clarification from your end. In the subsequent follow-up conversations, shed more light upon your problem in an incremental manner until the point that it no longer feels like a pitch but rather a logical sequence of events.

7. Track your performance

In order to determine whether your cold emailing strategy is working, you need to find out what the open rate and response rate is for your emails. Tracking of metrics helps you understand what is working, what isn't and what changes you need to incorporate in order to make it work.

Tweak around with the copy of your email, make modifications in your value proposition, collect the feedback and fine-tune your process till you arrive at a strategy that works for you and gets your responses.

Right from the opening line of your email the ultimate aim of the cold email is to get the viewer to read through your pitch and respond to it. Here is a sample cold email template that you can refer to while drafting your own email to your prospects and increase your sales.

Hey (Name of the recipient),

I am (brief intro), and I got your contact from (common contact).

I am a big fan of (recipient's company or specifics or their work). I noticed (pain point of the recipient). Here's how we can help (value proposition and relevant link to the portfolio).

I am just making an educated guess here, but based on your profile, you seem to be the right person to connect in regards to this.

In case you need further details, my team can connect with you (call/meeting specifics). Let me know if you are interested, and we can set it up

Cheers,

(Your name and designation)

You would need to make certain additions alterations to this template to make it fit your unique business needs, but you get the gist of it. Once you have figured out a way to succinctly phrase your value offering while appearing credible and trustworthy, getting responses to cold emails won't be far behind.
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