editor, Author at Mediastreet

In News

Are we finally seeing the end of the noughties internet? Ad execs on web futures

June 26, 2023 No Comments

Era-defining publishers (first Buzzfeed, then Vice) on the rocks; social giants sweating over TikTok; rapid cultural changes. The 00s version of the internet finally feels like it’s slipping away. But is it – and what comes next? We asked leaders from The Drum Network.

Alistair Robertson, creative partner, Nucco: “Search will change more in the next 18 months than it has since the noughties began. That will affect the broader digital ecosystem.

“AI-delivered information will soon take centre-stage on search pages, meaning far less real estate for anything other than a very small (and valuable) brand and product set. For consumers, this could be positive, for smaller brands, probably less so.

“These search changes will materially affect the amount of marketing content created. Branded content will no longer be needed at such high volume to channel consumers through a sales journey. Those changes will affect digital advertising’s opportunity to do a job. AI could yet be the killer of the humble banner.

“There’s much changing, and consumers will be the big winners. For brands, perhaps the latter 2020s will be about sponsorships and, dare I say it, quality creative ideas that people want to watch and share!”

Charlie Wade, global executive director of growth and innovation, VMLY&R Commerce: “The internet is constantly evolving. It started as a broadcast ‘message board’, before moving to content sharing, from music to photos. Now, web3 and AI have ushered in an age of decentralization, giving people the power to reimagine worlds, songs, and even the Pope.

“The internet is lauded for the disruption it has fostered: critics have receded in the face of consumer reviews; mass media usurped by social. While this initially brought immediacy and a widening aperture of information, the downside has been an erosion of authenticity, which the decline of legitimate publishers could compound. From fake sneakers to fake news, the ubiquity and the relative ease with which nefarious actors can spread misinformation is real. Those who control platforms (Musk or the masses) must imbue protocols around what is being positioned as authentic.

“Reader habits have morphed, placing stress on revenue models: sponsored editorials and mass advertising wilted, so companies needed new income sources, such as e-commerce integration. Marketers should think about the internet as episodic, with each stage impacted by user needs and technological developments. The 00s era is over. Its replacement offers both opportunities and challenges for brands.”

Matt Belanger, vice-president, director, digital communications strategy, Momentum Worldwide: “The (current) digital revolution comes amid a heightened desire for authenticity and realness. With technological advancement comes knowledge and experience as more people become seasoned social media users. The skill of spotting clickbait, ads, and content that doesn’t add value to our lives has sharpened to the point of skipping right past without a thought.

“As we see media companies who focused traditionally on selling advertising as their source of revenue start to fall, it signifies an opportunity for marketers to guide these shifts. Content creators stand out because they are the voice of authentic human beings, gaining trust (and sometimes financial support) from their communities. Providing authentic value is key to standing out, whether that’s an opinion, education, or just entertainment.

“We’re hopeful for the future. If we take great care to create quality, relevant content, consumers will flock to it.”

Nina Goli, digital strategy director, Radley Yeldar: “The internet of the 00s is not dead. It defined the era of the profile and laid the foundation for future developments. Societal dependence on the internet became more evident in the 2010s, bringing forth toxic aspects of web addiction.

“As we progress further into the 2020s, we’re witnessing a resurgence of omni-web experiences with a nostalgic twist. Challenges arising from regulators and a ‘big brother’ mentality present organic opportunities for marketers and publishers to redefine authenticity and credibility in online relationships with audiences.

“In addition to emerging technologies like influencer marketing, user-generated content, AR, and AI, publishers should tap into the gap that exists: a need to reintroduce the human aspect of digital communication. This human touch was instrumental in forging strong bonds with millennials during the early 00s and is now being reclaimed by Gen Z. While challenges persist, there is hope that innovation and adaptation will lead to an improved digital landscape, but we should prepare for further disruptions and adjust our strategies accordingly.”

Danielle Dullaghan, social strategist, Social Chain: “We have to learn from the mistakes of social publishers. Relying on platform functionality for your business model is not possible in an ever-changing landscape. Today, there’s power in TikTok; tomorrow it could be something completely different. Social publishers built their business off Facebook link clicks and video formats, and when Meta pivoted their algorithm, publishers were left in the dust.

“00s internet is not dead, but used in different ways. Facebook favors meaningful engagement; groups and marketplace are absolutely thriving. But social publishers are struggling to organically monetize on a platform that has changed their business model so drastically.”

Dan Bermingham-Shaw, senior digital PR consultant, BuiltVisible: “The new internet age requires fluid, transformative change. Big institutions like the NYT and BBC have kept up by adapting and creating diversified digital businesses, while smaller, punchier companies have done important, valuable work but failed to retain momentum and adjust to new demands.

“Those lessons in failure help push others to improve and create platforms suited to our needs; the successful publishers of tomorrow will be able to incorporate audience convenience in as flexible a way as possible, making use of tools like AI to capture audience minds and interests. The internet is always moving and there will be many more crumbling publishers in the future, but they will fall in order to build something better and more suited to what audiences demand. We loved Vine, but TikTok took the concept and doubled it with huge success. It’s a pattern we’ll continue to see.”

James Crooke, chief technology officer, Rawnet: “Web 2.0 (The 00s version) is far from dead. It remains highly relevant for brands in today’s digital landscape. It has revolutionized brand engagement through interactive and collaborative user experiences, along with social networking and user-generated content.

“Despite challenges faced by publishers such as cookie consent, ad-blocking, and the shift towards closed ecosystems (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Netflix, Twitch, YouTube, etc.), web 2.0 technologies continue to evolve, offering new opportunities for personalized experiences and improved customer interactions. To thrive in the uncertain future of the internet, brands must remain agile and adaptable, aligning themselves with evolving audience needs and expectations, allowing them to connect with customers and build strong relationships.”

Feature Image Credit: Alexander Andrews via Unsplash

By Sam Anderson

Sourced from The Drum

In News

Is Celebrity Endorsement a Futile Exercise For Many Startups?

June 26, 2023 No Comments

By S Shanthi

According to a report by TAM Media Research’s AdEx India, 27% of the overall ad volume share on TV were celebrity endorsements in 2021

Celebrities continue to dominate the endorsement space even today when digital ads have taken over print and television ads. Even though there are multiple other avenues to market a product, new-age brands, just like their legacy counterparts, also seem to be going in for celeb marketing, even if it means burning a hole in their pockets. And, within celebrity marketing, film stars still dominate the industry, followed by sportspersons and now content creators. According to a report by TAM Media Research’s AdEx India, 27% of the overall ad volume share on TV were celebrity endorsements in 2021 while the remaining 73% were non-celebrities ads.

But, do these brands get the anticipated visibility and awareness post the release of these ads? Given that, every celebrity, be it movie stars, sportspersons or content creators, is today endorsing multiple brands at one time. For instance, actor Ayushman Khurana has been the face of many brands including The Man Company, Magicbricks, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Tide, Balaji Wafers, Nestlé’s KitKat Bajaj Allianz, Samsung Galaxy and many others. Amitabh Bachchan has endorsed Cadbury’s Dairy Milk, upGrad, Flipkart, Navratna Oil, Dr. Fixit, Gujarat Tourism, Mankind, Pepsi, Rin, Ghari Detergent, Tata Sky, Cycle Agarbatti, FirstCry, Tanishq and Kalyan Jewellers. The list goes on. However, not all these advertisements have been successful in popularising the brands.

With ‘skipping ads’ a choice today, does it make sense for startups to spend so much on onboarding celebrities? If yes, what is the right time to opt for these expensive marketing techniques?

Why do brands go for celebrity endorsements?

“Celebrities and brands have had a long-standing relationship for years across geographies, categories and media. In today’s time, with the smartphone generation, breaking through the clutter and grabbing your target audience’s attention is a matter of moments. Plus, India is a trust-deficit market and so tying up with celebrities builds a certain credibility as well as helps brands stand out instantly,” said Megha H Desai, Co-founder, ENGN, an athlete representation company.

Further, if you’re entering a crowded category like fashion, beauty, snacks, etc you not only want your brand to be noticed but you also want your customer to believe this ‘new entrant’ has some gravitas, she added.

Experts feel that a celebrity association if done well, can immensely help in the initial funnel metrics of consideration, intent, etc for a startup especially.

For established brands, celeb advertisements drive trust and give them a competitive edge. For brands that are just starting out, these ads are aimed to propel brand awareness. “We look at it more as awareness. We are young and we have ambitions. We want to reach out to more people and tell them that hey, we’re doing something and you should give us a chance. But what you have to imagine is that if you want to buy a mobile phone, you talk to friends, you read all the reviews online, and then you buy. But, if you’re getting surgery, which is our core job, it is a serious business. So, marketing is not a gimmick for us. It is just a means to create awareness about the availability of a choice in front of consumers,” said Harsimarbir Singh, co-founder, Pristyn Care.

Is it worth it?

Often, in this race to stay ahead of the curve, startups end up spending a lot of money on onboarding celebrities. But more often than not, they fail to build brand recall. This is because today most categories in India, be it in any sector, have too many brands and companies.

“Any good marketing idea needs to have the right mix of relevance, authenticity and consistency. This is Marketing 101 and is non-negotiable even while deciding on spending the big bucks for a celebrity. There is no doubt that clever & creative communication done with a celebrity will help the brand build awareness and even affinity in a lot of cases. That’s an immediate, short-term return and if that’s what the marketer is looking for, then you have got a home run. The challenge comes in sustaining it beyond this short-term return – that’s where the category connects with the brand and the celebrity is important,” said Desai.

At what stage should startups look at onboarding celebrities for marketing? While there is no particular answer to that, burning cash or putting all your eggs in one bucket, to go in for celeb marketing, is not a wise thing to do either. Instead, go in for many micro-influencers, says Aman Gupta, co-founder, boAt.

“Celebrity marketing can create huge awareness for sure even if it doesn’t end up in conversion. But, today, you have the option of micro-influencers. So, instead of betting on one big celebrity who is endorsing many other products, go for micro-influencers. People in India today like the trust that comes from them,” Gupta said at the recently-concluded Retailer India’s Irec Summit 2023.

Feature Image Credit: Unsplash

By S Shanthi

Shanthi specializes in writing sector-specific trends, interviews and startup profiles. She has worked as a feature writer for over a decade in several print and digital media companies.

Sourced from Entrepreneur India

In News

Career Survival Guide For Those Who Hate Networking

June 26, 2023 No Comments

By Dr. Ruth Gotian

Networking—just the word makes people want to run for the hills. It sounds transactional and slimy, even for the most extroverted professionals. The idea of approaching strangers, engaging in small talk, and forging connections can be overwhelming and depleting, especially for those who despise networking.

It is possible to successfully navigate the tumultuous networking landscape even if you despise the traditional approach. Learn strategies and insights to help you overcome networking aversion and build meaningful connections that align with your authentic self.

In his book, Endless Referrals, Bob Burg states that each person knows 250 people. That’s the average number of people attending a funeral, and each side invites to a wedding. With each person you meet, you can create a ripple effect. Here are six strategies for your consideration.

1. Embrace Your Introversion or Shyness

Networking is not just for extroverts. Quieter individuals have unique qualities that can make them superb networkers. Quiet leaders listen deeply, observe intently, and engage in meaningful one-on-one conversations. Leverage your introspective nature and ask thoughtful questions. This will help you develop genuine connections beyond mundane interactions that you wish to run away from.

2. Seek Quality Over Quantity

Do you feel under pressure to collect a stack of business cards or increase your LinkedIn follower count? Before you start talking to random people, focus on quality connections rather than simply gathering the names of random people. Look for people who align with your values, interests, or professional goals. You’ll build a robust support system that can provide valuable insights and opportunities by nurturing a few authentic relationships.

3. Leverage Online Networking Platforms

If face-to-face networking is not your thing, consider online networking. Social media platforms, Slack channels, and virtual events provide opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals from the comfort of your own home. Respond to posts, ask a question, share insights, and nurture relationships that suit your preferences. Take LinkedIn Learning courses and connect with the instructors. You will automatically see who is in their network. (Read my recent Forbes article on the LinkedIn Learning courses, which are unlocked and free until June 9th).

4. Leverage Existing Relationships

Networking doesn’t always require meeting strangers. It will help if you leverage your existing relationships with colleagues, friends, or mentors to expand your network. Attend events or gatherings with an outgoing buddy, and allow them to introduce you to their connections. You can be introduced to many people by simply being their wing person. This can offer a sense of familiarity and comfort while expanding your network.

5. Focus on Building Genuine Relationships

Networking should not be transactional. As shared by Adam Grant, those who succeed give more than they take. Approach networking with a mindset of building genuine relationships, not seeing what you can immediately get out of that person. Utilize your active listening skills to cultivate a genuine interest in others and their stories. Listen carefully, exhibit empathy, and seek to provide value to others without expecting anything in return. By nurturing authentic relationships, you’ll naturally create a network that supports and uplifts you when you least expect it but when you need it most.

6. Find Networking Opportunities That Align with Your Interests

If you don’t enjoy golfing or meet-ups at bars, then don’t go. There is no one way to network and build relationships. Seek out networking opportunities that align with your interests or passions. Attend conferences, workshops, or gatherings cantered around your hobbies, industry-specific topics, or causes you care about. When networking feels purposeful and aligned with your values, it becomes more enjoyable and authentic. For more, see my recent Forbes article about aligning your organizational culture with your values.

Networking doesn’t have to be something other people do, nor should you dread going to such an event. By embracing who you are, seeking quality connections, leveraging online platforms, utilizing existing relationships, building genuine relationships, and finding networking opportunities that align with your interests, you can redefine networking on your terms. Remember, networking is forging meaningful connections. For help kicking off the conversation, read my Forbes article on how to talk to strangers.

Feature Image Credit: getty

By Dr. Ruth Gotian

Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website or some of my other work here.

I research the secrets to success found in extreme high achievers and help those who wish to improve unlock their own potential. I was named to the Thinkers50 Radar list (the Oscars of management thinking), and in 2021 won the Thinkers50 Radar Award, naming me the #1 emerging management thinker in the world. I published in such journals as Harvard Business Review, Psychology Today, Nature, Scientific American, Academic Medicine, and co-edited a book on the systems and programs in medical education. I am the author of the award-winning book, The Success Factor, on extreme high achievers, including Nobel laureates, astronauts, and Olympic champions. I earned my doctorate at Teachers College Columbia University where I studied Adult Learning and Leadership, my B.S. and M.S. in Business Management from the University at Stony Brook, and certificates in Executive Leadership and Managing for Execution from Cornell University.

Read my other Forbes pieces here.

Sourced from Forbes

In News

Meta AI Introduces Generative AI For Advertisers

June 23, 2023 No Comments

By Anant shahi

Meta, the company that owns Facebook, has made an important announcement that has created excitement in advertising. With the positive quarterly results for Q1 2023, Meta has uncovered another addition to their money-making projects. AI Sandbox is a completely generative AI-based tool tailored for advertisers and content creators. This tool strengthens how brands interact and engage with their audience on social media platforms.

The announcement created a positive outlook for Meta, as it has posted year-on-year revenue growth for the first time in three quarters. This positive momentum further strengthens the company’s position as a leader in the tech industry and enhances its vision to deliver innovative solutions for advertisers.

The AI Sandbox offers three main features as per the release. The first feature enables brands to generate variations of the same copy with customization capabilities for their advertisements. This feature helps them to tailor their message for a range of demographics while keeping the core idea of the message intact. This level of personalization ensures that brands connect with their target audience more personally, maximizing their impression of them.

The second feature of the AI sandbox is a background generation tool that simplifies the creation of uniquely different campaign materials. Based on text prompt as an inference input, This allows brands to create unique ads with trendy and engaging backdrops that align with the ad’s core idea. This feature enables the simple and enhanced visual addition to their suite of campaign assets and saves time in the whole iteration of the ad material lifecycle.

The third and final feature of the AI sandbox is its image-cropping tool. This tool allows advertisers to create visuals in different aspect ratios, such as social posts, stories, or even short videos like Reels. This simple-sounding automation is a quite needed feature in creator space as a significant amount of time is spent creating these visuals in different dimensions per the requirements. This feature saves the time and efforts of a creator hence, enhancing a creator or an advertiser’s overall experience.

Meta has made this generative AI Sandobx features available to a select group of advertisers. However, new expansions will roll out in July of this year. In a recent post, Meta stated, “In July, we will begin gradually expanding access to more advertisers with plans to add some of these features into our products later this year.” This expansion of access reflects Meta’s commitment to empowering a broader range of advertisers with the capabilities offered by the AI Sandbox.

It is worth noting that Meta’s expansion into AI and advertising innovation does not mean they have a blurry vision of Metaverse development. While Meta works on developing AI tools to enhance advertising capabilities, it remains dedicated to building a metaverse and revolutionizing how people connect and engage with technology.

Conclusively, the announcement of Meta’s AI sandbox for advertisers marks a significant milestone for the company. As Meta expands its services beyond social media, this AI toolset is set to revolutionize the advertising industry. By enhancing the process of content creators with the help of these generative AI features, Meta aims to strengthen engagement, streamline the creative process and provide brands with the resources they need to connect with the target audience quickly and effectively.

By Anant shahi

Anant is a Computer science engineer currently working as a data scientist with experience in Finance and AI products as a service. He is keen to build AI-powered solutions that create better data points and solve daily life problems in an impactful and efficient way.

Sourced from MARKTECHPOST

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In News

Brands seem totally shocked by Pride boycotts. Here’s why that is truly shocking

June 23, 2023 No Comments

By Imara Jones

Brands like Target and Bud Light are facing backlash from anti-LGBTQ critics. In 2023, it’s astounding that they don’t have better plans in place to deal with it.

It’s June, which means it is Pride season, but Pride has unfolded in a very different way this year, at least as far as corporate marketers are concerned. A number of big brands—most recently Bud Light and Target but also M&Ms and Disney—have been the focus of criticism and even boycotts for their support of LGBTQ communities. They’ve also faced criticism for seeming to buckle a little too easily to the charge that they are “woke.”

You can bet nearly every corporate marketing and communications team that has signed up for a Pride campaign is nervously watching for backlash, one that often pops up on fringe social media accounts and is then amplified by Fox News and other media into a much bigger-seeming controversy. Once targeted, these large companies are scrambling—and responding poorly.

And maybe we shouldn’t be surprised. When it comes to Pride and to LGBTQ support in general, companies for a really long time have essentially been free riders. They’ve said and done a lot of things that are performative—and they’ve gotten away with it.

This is true for celebrations beyond Pride, of course, and increasingly there has been criticism from a variety of groups in this country, which argue that the business community has a habit of virtue signalling, saying stuff like “Oh my God, it’s Juneteenth. Let’s put up a picture of a Black family in the front of our bank.” As the Pride backlash unfolds, what we’re seeing is who is performative and who is not.

And frankly, we’re also seeing who is competent and who is not. For companies whose job it is to plan for a bunch of contingencies, very few seem to have noticed what’s happening in our politics and in our culture, and how it might affect them, and their customers and their employees and shareholders.

The impetus for Pride marketing—the reason it has become so ubiquitous—is that brands know that over the next five years, their continued relevance is going to be decided by the number of Gen Z consumers who are driving real purchasing power in the marketplace. That’s just a fact. That’s why they’re doing it. Bud Light has always been part of a conservative company. They’re not reaching out to Dylan Mulvaney as part of an influencer marketing campaign because it’s a corporate value of Bud Light to spotlight transgender people. They understand that Gen Z consumers have diverse sets of friends, they come from diverse communities, and that for brands to be relevant for them, members of Gen Z have to be able to see themselves in that brand. And if they don’t, those increasingly valuable consumers are going to say “That brand isn’t for me” and they’re going to move on.

So, all these brands know that they have to do something. But what they don’t seem to know is that you have to be really smart about how you’re going to navigate this terrain—and they clearly haven’t been smart.

Even for brands that have made a strategic choice to be a part of LGBTQ community, there still seems to be a lack of conviction, or a genuine understanding of the stakes. Take Target. We know the company deliberately locates stores in higher-income level areas. We know they deliberately carry certain products that are more expensive. We know their advertising campaigns have been campy for at least the past 15 years. We know the company has done these things in order to attract a more urban and educated audience. And they know that their customers—even if they themselves do not identify as LGBTQ—want to spend money with companies that are progressive on issues including LGBTQ rights. This notion has been embedded in the Target brand for a very long time.

Yet the moment they got a little pressure, they folded.

When the Target backlash happened, I kept thinking why don’t they just go out and say the following: “Target is a company that sells to everybody. A part of selling to everybody includes customers who are LGBTQ, and that’s what we do as a company. And everyone who comes through our doors should know that’s what our values are.”

That’s it. That’s the statement. Let’s move on. But they couldn’t even bring themselves to say that.

And to me, the truly shocking thing here is not necessarily that brands like Bud Light and Target have been attacked. The shocking thing is that their senior leadership clearly has not known what to do when they’re attacked, despite the fact that they have lots of people who get paid an inordinate amount of money to be able to try to figure these things out. That to me is clearly the real, underlying issue, because you see it across the board. It’s a failure of planning and strategy and leadership and business intelligence—and it’s astounding.

Companies operating in the middle of an intense political environment, such as the one we’ve been living in for at least the last half-dozen years, quite obviously should have plans on the shelf for how to best respond if their support of the LGBTQ community—or for another community or cause—makes them a target.

In an age when we all know that stories can go viral in the blink of an eye—and we all know these episodes can be harmful to a company’s reputation—major corporations quite obviously should have plans in place for how they’re going to respond, plans that go beyond quickly calling up a crisis PR firm to try to bail them out. That they do not suggests to me that a lot of these companies, in terms of their leadership and their focus, are not as good as we think they are, because there’s no way that you should not have in place a plan that says, “If we’re suddenly being criticized by Tucker Carlson, this is what we do.”

We saw this during the pandemic as well, for what it’s worth. No one seems to have thought, “If supply chain X goes down, do we have an option Y in place as a backup?”

Too many big brands still have a 1990s approach to cultural marketing, which is very ad hoc and maybe well meaning but ultimately superficial. They come up with their Pride plans at the last minute, and the same is true of their Black History Month plans and their AAPI month plans and their International Women’s Day comms, too.

If you are a marketer and you find yourself calling up someone four or five weeks before an event to say, “Can you speak to our company for Pride?” then that says to me that your Pride marketing is not actually a considered part of the lifeblood of your company. And so with big brands bungling their responses to political backlash, one of the things that’s being revealed is the continued lack of engagement with a variety of communities in America who have never enjoyed from corporate leaders the same attention and focus and care as other communities.

And there is a larger issue with all of this: Let’s not forget that companies have been given an inordinate amount of support in the United States through the government over the past 30 years, from Supreme Court decisions that benefit big business to tax policy to the bank and auto bailouts that every taxpayer has helped to fund. Corporate power is a creation of government power, with the government deciding what corporations can and cannot do. Isn’t it strange that companies have been able to obtain all that power in recent years, and yet when it comes to standing up for very basic values like tolerance and mutual respect, suddenly there’s no responsibility and no accountability? It’s something for all of us to think about.

Feature Image Credit: rawpixel.com, Raphael Renter/Unsplash]

By Imara Jones

Imara Jones is the founder and CEO of TransLash Media.

Sourced from FastCompany

In News

Flipboard Adds New Social Components With Contributors and Engagements for Magazines

June 23, 2023 No Comments

Sourced from Lindsey Gamble

Flipboard, the social magazine, has recently introduced two new features that enhance the app’s social and collaborative aspects.

The first feature is called Contributors, which allows creators and publishers to invite others to contribute to their magazines. A new invite button is available under the magazine cover for this purpose. Contributors will be able to add articles, photos, videos, podcasts, and notes to the magazine.

The second feature brings interactive elements such as comments, likes, and shares to Magazines. Previously, these interactive features were only available for individual stories.

These social components complement previously introduced features like Pinned Flips and Notes, significantly augmenting Flipboard’s value as a platform for creators and publishers. Now, they not only have the means to share their original stories and curate content around specific topics but also have the opportunity to receive feedback from their audience, both new and existing. This feedback loop fosters a more engaging and collaborative community within the platform, reminiscent of traditional social media platforms.

Sourced from Lindsey Gamble

In News

Google’s Bard AI says urgent action should be taken to limit (checks notes) Google’s power

June 22, 2023 No Comments

By David Gewirtz

I asked Bard chatbot whether we should fear Google. It shared concerns about Google you’d never expect would come from an AI created by Google.

Google famously began life touting the motto, “Don’t be evil.”

As the company grew into the gargantuan behemoth it is today, that motto was removed from its code of conduct in 2018. Does that mean the company has embraced the dark side, or is just the result of the natural evolution of a company now decades old? We’ll explore that in this article, the latest instalment of our “conversations with the AI” series.

One interesting side note: rather than using a site:zdnet.com Google search for the citation above, I asked Bard:

When did Google stop using “don’t be evil” as its corporate motto? Please provide a source link from zdnet.com, if possible.

It gave me the correct URL, but answered this:

Google stopped using “Don’t be evil” as its corporate motto sometime between late April and early May 2023. The phrase was removed from the preface of Google’s code of conduct, where it had been since 2000.

Its answer is wrong. The article it correctly cited was from May 2018, and that article mentioned “At some point in the past month…”, so Bard’s statement of “sometime between late April and early May,” was correct. But the mention of 2023 was completely inaccurate.

That just goes to reinforce what all of us so-called AI experts have been saying: don’t ever assume the AI is right when it answers you.

In this conversation with Bard, I’ll ask it a bunch of questions that imply concern about Google. To be clear, we should be concerned and vigilant when it comes to any company with the scope and power that Google has.

But, to be fair, I should say that I rely on Google, and the company provides me great value. It’s not just search, of course. Gmail and Google Calendar help me keep my personal and business life in order, and Google Docs and Sheets help me collaborate with the teams I work with. So please don’t think that I don’t value Google. I very much do.

My conversation with Bard

And with that, let’s discuss Google with the AI chatbot that Google built. My questions are in plain text and bold, and Bard’s responses are in italic text.

Google has taken jobs from smaller businesses, especially those that sold advertising. Should other humans fear Google? Do you fear Google?

I don’t fear Google. I believe that Google is a company that is trying to do good in the world. Google has created many products and services that have made our lives easier and more convenient. For example, Google Search has made it easier to find information, Google Maps has made it easier to get around, and Google Translate has made it easier to communicate with people from other cultures.

However, I do understand that Google’s success has come at a cost. Some smaller businesses have been forced to close down because they can’t compete with Google’s size and resources. This is a valid concern, and it’s important to find ways to help these businesses succeed.

Overall, I believe that Google is a force for good in the world. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential negative consequences of Google’s success, and to work to mitigate these consequences.

How might those consequences be mitigated?

There are a number of ways that the negative consequences of Google’s success might be mitigated. Some of these ways include:

Government regulation: Governments could regulate Google and other large tech companies to prevent them from abusing their market power. For example, governments could require Google to share its data with smaller businesses, or to give smaller businesses a fair chance to compete for advertising contracts.
Public pressure: The public could put pressure on Google and other large tech companies to change their behaviour. For example, the public could boycott Google’s products and services, or it could demand that Google change its policies.
Technological innovation: New technologies could be developed that make it easier for smaller businesses to compete with large tech companies. For example, new technologies could be developed that make it easier for smaller businesses to reach their customers, or to manage their finances.
Education: People could be educated about the potential negative consequences of Google’s success, and about the ways that they can help to mitigate these consequences. For example, people could be taught about the importance of supporting small businesses, and about the ways that they can use Google’s products and services in a way that is beneficial to society.

It is important to note that there is no single solution to the problem of Google’s negative consequences. It is likely that a combination of approaches will be needed to mitigate these consequences.

Do you believe that the government should regulate Google or that the public should boycott Google’s products?

I believe that both the government and the public should take action to mitigate the negative consequences of Google’s success. Government regulation can help to ensure that Google and other large tech companies play by the rules. Public pressure can help to hold Google accountable for its actions.

However, it is important to note that government regulation and public pressure are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they can be complementary. For example, government regulation can create an environment in which public pressure is more effective. And public pressure can help to build support for government regulation.

Ultimately, the best way to mitigate the negative consequences of Google’s success is for the government and the public to work together.

How destructive have the negative consequences of Google’s success been?

The negative consequences of Google’s success have been significant. Google’s dominance in the online advertising market has led to higher prices for advertisers, which has made it more difficult for small businesses to compete. Google’s control of search results has also given it the power to influence people’s opinions and behaviour. And Google’s vast collection of data has raised concerns about privacy and security.

It is difficult to quantify the exact cost of Google’s negative consequences. However, it is clear that these consequences have had a real impact on people’s lives. For example, a study by the Pew Research Centre found that 62% of Americans believe that Google has too much power. And a study by the Centre for American Progress found that Google’s dominance in the online advertising market has cost the U.S. economy an estimated $10 billion per year.

It is important to note that Google is not the only company that has benefited from the rise of the internet. However, Google’s size and reach make it a particularly powerful force. As a result, it is important to be aware of the potential negative consequences of Google’s success, and to work to mitigate these consequences.

Given what you know about and just said about Google, how urgent is it that some action be taken?

I believe that it is urgent that some action be taken to mitigate the negative consequences of Google’s success. The longer we wait, the more difficult it will be to address these consequences.

Here are some of the reasons why I believe action is urgent:

Google’s dominance in the online advertising market is growing. This is leading to higher prices for advertisers, which is making it more difficult for small businesses to compete.
Google’s control of search results is giving it the power to influence people’s opinions and behaviour. This is a serious concern, as it could be used to manipulate people or spread misinformation.
Google’s vast collection of data is a security risk. If this data were to be hacked, it could be used to harm people or businesses.

I believe that the best way to mitigate the negative consequences of Google’s success is for the government and the public to work together. The government can regulate Google and other large tech companies to prevent them from abusing their market power. And the public can put pressure on Google to change its behaviour.

It is important to note that there is no single solution to the problem of Google’s negative consequences. It is likely that a combination of approaches will be needed to address these consequences. However, I believe that it is urgent that we take action now.

Is Google living up to its “Don’t be evil” motto?

Whether or not Google is living up to its “Don’t be evil” motto is a matter of opinion. Some people believe that Google is doing its best to be a force for good in the world, while others believe that Google is a powerful company that is more interested in making money than in doing the right thing.

There is no doubt that Google has made a significant impact on the world. Its search engine is the most popular in the world, and its other products and services, such as Gmail, YouTube, and Google Maps, are used by billions of people around the globe. Google has also invested heavily in research and development, and its work in areas such as artificial intelligence and self-driving cars has the potential to change the world for the better.

However, Google has also been criticized for its business practices. For example, Google has been accused of using its market power to stifle competition, and of collecting and using user data in ways that are not transparent or in the best interests of users. Google has also been criticized for its work with the U.S. government, which some people believe has given Google too much power.

Ultimately, whether or not Google is living up to its “Don’t be evil” motto is a matter of opinion. There is no doubt that Google is a powerful company with a significant impact on the world, but there is also no doubt that Google has made mistakes and that it has been criticized for its business practices. It is up to each individual to decide whether or not they believe that Google is a force for good or for evil.

What do you think?

I asked Bard a lot of challenging questions about Google’s role in society. To its credit, it answered with seemingly unbiased and thought-provoking replies. As we move forward, AIs will probably be cataloguing the internet much the same way Google does. Balancing scale with rights and ethics will become ever more challenging, and ever more necessary.

Feature Image Credit: David Gewirtz/ZDNET

By David Gewirtz

Sourced from ZDNet

In News

30 Best Side Hustle Ideas To Make Extra Money In 2023

June 22, 2023 No Comments

By Krista Fabregas

Side hustles are a great way to boost your income, plus they let you explore potential business ideas with little upfront costs or major time commitments. There are a variety of successful side hustle opportunities, whether in-person or online, so chances are there is a side hustle that could work for you. To help you find the right side hustle for you, here are 30 side hustle ideas.

1. Freelancing

Freelancing is a tried-and-true way to earn extra money and deserves a top spot on any list of easy side hustle ideas. Freelancers deliver work on a per-project basis for one or more clients and you can schedule it in your spare time. Freelance graphic designers, writers, editors and website developers are in high demand, and other fields offer freelance opportunities as well. Skilled mechanics, trained bookkeepers, video editors, interior decorators and even licensed real estate agents can find flexible project-based work within their skill sets.

Costs and platforms: Market your freelance skills to your personal network for free via email and social media accounts. You can also reach potential clients using freelancer portals such as Fiverr, Upwork and Freelancer.com, which handles project management and payments for you. Marketing skills on your own website adds professional polish, plus lets you offer convenient online invoicing and payments via Square or another online payment provider.

2. Pet-Sitting And Doggie Daycare

A pet-sitting side hustle is ideal for animal lovers and easy to set up and promote. You can provide in-home care for pets while owners are working or vacationing or keep pets in your home for daytime or long-term care. Some states and municipalities require permits, so research requirements in your area. You can also earn added income by marketing pet insurance to your clients.

Costs and platforms: Costs are minimal for in-home care, but initial setup in your own home might require investments in kennels or gates. Find clients and manage gigs using popular pet-sitting apps like PetBacker or set up your own bookings and payment system using Square’s free tools.

3. Dog Walking

Love dogs but don’t have enough free time for pet sitting or space to commit to a doggie daycare setup? A dog-walking service might be the right side hustle for you. This side hustle is easy to fit into a busy schedule and offers the added benefit of getting exercise while making extra cash.

Costs and platforms: Costs are minimal since owners generally provide leashes, but you might want to invest in a few leashes and waste bags. In urban areas, you can find dog walking gigs using Wag!, TimetoPet and Rover, or manage your own bookings and payments using Square’s free tools.

4. Tech Setup Services

Are you a tech whiz when it comes to setting up home networks, smart home devices, computers and cell phones? You can easily make extra cash by marketing these skills to your community via social media and handyman apps. You can also seek tech certifications, and provide insurance and bonding to boost your credibility for in-home services.

Costs and platforms: Startup and ongoing costs are minimal, however, you might need to invest in a few tools to help with installations. Find and manage gigs using handyman application like HelloTech or set up your own bookings and payments using Square.

5. Blogging

If you enjoy writing and sharing information with people, consider starting a blog focusing on a niche that interests you, such as travel, food, beauty or fashion. As you attract traffic, you can monetize the blog with ads or affiliate sales. Ads pay per view or per click while affiliate sales pay you to promote a product or service. When someone clicks on an affiliate link, you get paid a commission if they complete a purchase.

Costs and platforms: Expect to spend around INR 4,110 to around INR 8,220 per year to run a basic blog. You’ll need to buy a domain and build a blog website using a WordPress hosting service or web builder platform such as Wix or Squarespace. All offer user-friendly design tools and attractive blog templates so you won’t need to pay a designer or developer.

Learn more: Review the best blogging platforms on the market to find the right fit for your needs.

6. Senior Sitting and Companion

With advances in in-home senior care, more families are keeping aging relatives at home. This opens up side hustle opportunities for anyone looking to make extra cash as a companion or sitter while primary caregivers are away. To add credibility to your services, you can take CPR and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) courses.

Costs and platforms: This is a very low-cost side hustle. You can market your services and manage clients on care-based apps like care24 or set up your own bookings and payments using Square.

7. Babysitting and Child Care

Babysitting and in-home child care are in demand, and this side hustle is a great way to earn extra income in your spare time or on a set schedule.

Costs and platforms: Babysitting is another low-cost side hustle. You can market your services and manage gigs and payments using an application like 2050 HEALTHCARE, or set up your own bookings and payments using Square.

8. Personal Assistant

Busy professionals need help getting day-to-day tasks done, and many prefer to have one person handle it all rather than juggle various service apps. This is an excellent opportunity for a side hustler who loves to check all the boxes on a to-do list, from grocery shopping and dry cleaning pickup to dog walking and getting kids to their destinations.

Costs and platforms: You can launch a personal assistant side hustle with few costs. However, in nonurban areas, you’ll probably need a vehicle. Top gig and payments apps for personal assistant services include ChatterBoss or you can set up your own bookings and payments using Square.

9. Mobile Car Washing and Detailing

Car washing is another low-cost side hustle and an ideal gig for anyone who loves working outdoors. You can offer this service to individuals at their homes, or contract with local businesses that run fleet vehicles or that want to offer weekly car washes as an employee perk.

Costs and platforms: Cleaning tools, a sturdy hose and nozzle and a vehicle are the primary startup costs for this side hustle idea. Top mobile car wash gigs and payments apps include CARFAX Car Care, Drivvo and AUTOsist, or set up your own bookings and payments using Square.

10. Local Handyman

Are you the first one friends call to fix a light switch or hang a ceiling fan? Cash in on your handyman skills in your spare time while helping your neighbours check home improvement tasks off their to-do lists. To protect yourself and your clients and boost your credibility, you can become insured and bonded, but that’s not a requirement in most areas.

Costs and platforms: Costs are minimal for this side hustle, especially if you already have the tools of the trade. Handyman apps like UrbanClap help you market and manage gigs and payments, or set up your own bookings and payments using Square.

11. Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants provide personal assistant services in the digital world and handle tasks including appointment scheduling, customer emails, travel bookings, data entry and much more. If you’re organized and tech-savvy, this side hustle is an ideal way to make money from home in your spare time.

Costs and platforms: You’ll need a reliable computer and internet connection, but those are your only costs to this side hustle. Virtual assistant apps including TaskRabbit, ChatterBoss and Upwork help you market services and manage gigs and payments. Or, manage bookings and payments using Square.

12. Sell at Local Markets and Festivals

Many product-focused side hustlers profit by selling unique goods that they source or create themselves at local markets and fairs. With travel time to markets and setup, this can be a time-consuming side hustle, but if you love getting out and mixing and mingling with people, it can be the perfect way to make extra money on the side. Plus, you can use these in-person sales to build brand awareness and promote your online store and social media platforms to attract sales between market appearances.

Costs and platforms: Startup costs for in-person product sales can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands since you need to stock your booth. You can lower your initial investment by sticking with suppliers that support returns of unsold goods, or by offering custom-order items that don’t require deep stock. Faire is an excellent source of unique resale and private label items and supports returns of unsold stock. You can also open a free Square account to accept in-person card payments, track sales in a sleek mobile POS and integrate with online sales on your own Square e-commerce website.

Learn more: Most top-rated POS systems fully integrate in-person mobile, retail and online sales so you can sell anywhere using one system.

13. Tutoring and Instruction

Do you have academic, musical, fine arts or sports skills? Tutors and personal instructors are always in demand, opening up all sorts of flexible side hustle opportunities. You can market in-person and virtual instruction services to parents looking for convenient sessions for kids, but don’t forget about adult students. Adults love to expand their horizons and can often attend sessions during school hours if that’s better for your side hustle schedule.

Costs and platforms: Startup costs are minimal in most cases, and apps and online platforms like TakeLessons.com help you market services and manage gigs and payments. Or, manage bookings and payments yourself using Square.

14. Self-Publishing Ebooks

Self-publishing ebooks is another side hustle idea that’s perfect for writers, but you don’t need to be a skilled wordsmith to cash in on this opportunity. If you can craft a creative story or explain how to do something, you can hire ghostwriters and editors to complete and polish your work. Then, you simply publish to Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing and other ebook platforms such as Smashwords, Barnes & Noble Press, Lulu and others, and wait for the royalties to roll in.

Costs and platforms: Self-publishing ebooks can be very low-cost if you write your book and develop your own cover art. But most serious authors tap cover design and editing pros for the finishing touches and spend upwards of around INR 8,220 per title to publish. Ghostwriters can cost around INR 16,440 or more to develop a complete manuscript, based on book length and topic. Publishing to most ebook platforms is free, but these outlets take a percentage of the sale price, plus marketing adds costs as well.

15. Online Courses and Coaching

Do you have an area of expertise? You can cash in on your knowledge by creating and selling online courses and coaching programs in your spare time. Thanks to user-friendly, low-cost online course platforms, this is another side hustle idea that’s easy to launch. Plus, combined with social media marketing, ebooks, YouTube promotion and blogging, online courses and coaching side hustles can grow into a lucrative business.

Costs and platforms: Online course platforms such as Udemy, Thinkific and Podia walk you through the course creation process and help you pair courses with personalized coaching. Most have monthly fees or retain a portion of the fee when you sell a course. You can also add online courses and members-only content to website platforms including WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, and others to create your own branded platform.

16. Digital Product Sales

Do you have a creative streak? Creating and selling digital products in your free time is another low to no-cost side hustle idea. Digital artwork, logos, music, photography, video and website design templates are a hot market You can cash in by creating these digitally and selling via download on your own website, social media platforms and myriad digital product marketplaces.

Costs and platforms: You can create digital products using your own graphic, photo, video or music software, or tap free online platforms such as Canva, PhotoPea and the Garageband app for creation. Monetize your creations on your own website or an Etsy store, and by uploading to creative marketplaces including Canva, Envato Market, Creative Fabrica, Shutterstock, iTunes, SoundCloud and many more.

Learn more: Many top e-commerce platforms support all types of digital product sales.

17. YouTube Channel

YouTube side hustles are a great way to make money in your spare time by sharing what you know, discussing current events or providing entertainment. YouTube is free to use, and you can monetize YouTube videos once you’ve reached at least 1,000 subscribers and average over 4,000 video watch hours per year. This can take a while to achieve, but with work, it’s possible to earn many thousands each month. Many dedicated side hustlers have turned their YouTube channel into a highly profitable full-time gig.

Costs and platforms: YouTube is free to join and you can upload unlimited videos for free. You can also create videos for free using a smartphone with a good camera and free video editing apps such as iMovie, Loom, Canva and AdobeSpark. To grow your YouTube channel, you can tap low-cost YouTube ads and share videos on your blog and social media accounts.

18. Viral Social Media Creator

Viral social media content takes many forms and you can cash in if you know how to create it. Top platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and Instagram have creator programs that let you monetize edgy entertainment shorts, helpful how-to’s, commentary videos and more. You need high-volume views to earn money, but it’s a fun and low-cost side hustle idea with big income potential.

Costs and platforms: This is a no-cost side hustle opportunity. Social media platforms are free to join and let you upload unlimited posts and videos. Most platforms provide their own free post and video creation tools, too, so you just need a cell phone with a camera to get started.

19. Influencer Marketing

Successful influencer marketers build a brand by posting engaging content across multiple platforms such as an affiliate website and blog, podcast channel, social media accounts and a YouTube channel. Influencers earn money using all types of content, such as product reviews and suggestions, entertaining videos, how-to tips and tricks, edgy social commentary and much more.

You can launch an influencer brand as a side hustle and earn money through affiliate links, ad income and sponsored content and monetize videos when views and followers reach certain levels. For example, earning money on YouTube requires 1,000 channel subscribers and 4,000 hours of views per year, while Facebook Reels profiles require 100,000 reel plays within 30 days to pay out.

Costs and platforms: It costs nothing to start an influencer side hustle on social media and YouTube since those accounts are free. You can also launch a free or low-cost website and blog using WordPress, SquareSpace, Wix and other website platforms, then upgrade your storage space and features as you grow.

Learn more: Using the right SEO tools across all channels helps boost your brand’s reach.

20. Create a Podcast

Podcasting is another popular low to no-cost side hustle idea that’s easy to launch and build. Podcasts are pre-recorded audio files that you record, edit and upload to podcasting services so listeners can access them at their convenience. Podcasts can be monetized through ads, sponsored content, affiliate links in the podcast descriptions and paid subscriptions.

Costs and platforms: You can record and edit a podcast with audio recording apps built into your smartphone, tablet or computer, then upload them to channels you create on platforms including iTunes, Anchor, Spotify and many more. Some have free plans, and most offer premium paid plans that support earnings via paid listener subscriptions, downloads and ad revenue splits.

21. Become an E-Commerce Reseller

Many successful side hustles centre on classic e-commerce, where you buy, stock and sell a collection of items from multiple vendors yourself. This side hustle does require more upfront investment and time than other side hustle ideas listed here. However, plenty of entrepreneurs grow full-time businesses out of this side hustle. You can also boost income by combining standard e-commerce sales with POD goods, dropship products and affiliate blogging income.

Costs and platforms: Startup costs for this side hustle can range from around INR 41,292 to INR 412,836 or more, depending on initial stock purchases. However, a top-rated e-commerce platform won’t set you back too much. Starter plans on Shopify, WordPress with WooCommerce and Weebly by Square range from free to just around INR 2,394 per month.

22. Take Online Surveys

Many marketing research companies are happy to pay for your opinion on various products, systems and topics. This side hustle idea doesn’t help you build your own business, but it’s an easy way to make extra cash in your spare time. Most survey outfits have you create an online account and connect a PayPal, Venmo or CashApp account for payment. Then, you can search and sign up for surveys that interest you via an app or online dashboard.

If selected, you complete the questionnaire or project and typically get paid within a few days. Many surveys pay around INR 165 to INR 825 for a few minutes of your time, others pay upwards of around INR 8,256 for in-depth product reviews or questionnaires.

Costs and platforms: This is a no-cost side hustle idea. Legitimate survey groups such as User Interviews, Survey Junkie and Dscout have no upfront or monthly fees. However, reviewing and applying for various opportunities can be time-consuming. To avoid wasting time, check survey or project descriptions to ensure you fit their target demographic.

23. Test Apps and Platforms

Market research firms, app and game developers and website designers seek users of all technical skill levels to review their platforms and provide user feedback. Like online survey side hustles, testing apps and platforms doesn’t help you build a business. However, with pay-outs of around INR 825 to INR 12,385 or more for a few minutes or hours of your time, it can be quite lucrative.

Costs and platforms: This is another no-cost side hustle idea since it costs you nothing to apply for legitimate testing opportunities. Swagbucks, UserTesting and Enroll are a few of the top app and software platforms to check out.

24. Sell Artisan Products

If you love painting, woodworking, baking, sewing, knitting or crafting other handmade goods, you can cash in on your passion by selling artisan products in your spare time. To earn money with this side hustle idea, sell your ready-made or made-to-order handcrafted goods online and at local fairs and markets.

Costs and platforms: This side hustle idea has upfront costs for supplies and tools, but you can market and sell online with little to no upfront costs using Etsy, your own e-commerce website and social media accounts. If you plan to sell both online and in-person, consider Square or Shopify. Both offer sleek systems with fully integrated online stores, retail POS apps and mobile card readers.

25. Sell Goods Via Dropshipping

Dropshipping lets you build a robust e-commerce store without worrying about purchasing, stocking and shipping the items you sell. With dropshipping, you only pay for the items you sell when a customer makes a purchase. The dropship vendors take care of all storage, packing and shipping details, then charge you the item’s wholesale and shipping costs per order. Dropshipping can be a time-consuming side hustle since you manage your own website and customer service, but it’s the cheapest and easiest way to break into e-commerce sales.

Costs and platforms: For this side hustle, you need a good e-commerce platform that integrates with dropshipping vendors, such as Shopify, WordPress with WooCommerce and BigCommerce. Proven dropshipping suppliers including Doba, AliExpress and Sprocket are the best place to start building your product collection.

26. Sell Print-on-Demand (POD) Products

Do you like to create fun graphics and sayings or have a talent for illustration or photography? You can turn your creativity into extra cash by adding your creations to various POD products, such as tee shirts, mugs, pillows, wall décor and much more. This side hustle idea is a cousin to dropshipping because the POD vendor takes care of all the details for you. You simply upload your artwork and add it to various items available for print to build a product collection. When ordered, your POD vendor prints, packs and ships the item and charges you the wholesale cost and shipping fee.

Costs and platforms: Like dropshipping, you need an e-commerce platform that integrates with POD vendors such as Shopify, WordPress with WooCommerce and BigCommerce. For POD items, start with proven suppliers including Printful.

Learn more: Shopify is a user-friendly e-commerce platform that integrates with most top-rated POD vendors.

27. Self-Publish Print-on-Demand (POD) Books

Are you a writer or illustrator or interested in capitalizing on the latest innovation in self-publishing? Then POD books might be the right side hustle for you. POD books cover the full spectrum of printable books, from novels and nonfiction to notebooks, planners, cookbooks, colouring books, puzzle books and more. You can create books using free or low-cost online tools, then upload the digital files to POD book sales platforms. When a customer purchases your title, the sales platform prints and ships the physical books and pays you a royalty.

Costs and platforms: Several free and low-cost platforms make it easy to create POD book files, including Canva, Reedsy and the BookBolt Studio. It costs nothing to list your titles with top POD bookseller platforms such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Lulu and IngramSpark. Printing and shipping costs are charged when a book is sold, so you have no upfront print fees for this side hustle idea.

28. Sell Products Using Retail Arbitrage

Are you a savvy shopper who can sniff out a deal and isn’t afraid to do a little price research? Then retail arbitrage might be the side hustle idea for you. In retail arbitrage, you buy clearance and markdown products from retail stores, then sell them online at a higher price. If you’re willing to check out local sales, compare prices on Amazon and other online marketplaces, and invest a little money purchasing goods, this side hustle can be a real cash cow.

Costs and platforms: The retail arbitrage side hustle comes with upfront costs in purchasing and shipping products, and some time commitments running to stores and comparing prices. However, free and low-cost price checker apps include Amazon Seller App help you make smart buys.

29. Sell Proprietary Goods

If you have an idea for a product and don’t mind making an upfront investment, you can contract with factories to create proprietary goods. Many side hustlers simply find a product that already exists, make a few improvements, and produce it at a reasonable cost. You can wholesale these goods under your own brand to retailers, plus sell directly to consumers on your own website, on Amazon, and through social media marketplaces.

This is another side hustle idea that has launched many successful businesses, but it does take research and work to get it right.

Costs and platforms: Startup costs for this side hustle can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands, depending on your product design needs and factory order, but that’s the primary cost. Searching for factories and custom suppliers on Alibaba.com costs nothing, and e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, WordPress with WooCommerce and Weebly by Square range from free to just around INR 2,394 per month.

30. Sell Private Label Products

Many side hustlers create unique branded goods using private label suppliers. These are products that a factory already makes, but will package it using your logo, labels and unique packaging specifications. This supplier method is especially suited to a side hustle since most private label sellers have lower order minimums than ordering proprietary goods direct from a factory.

Private label products let you build a complete grouping of items such as a cosmetic line, kitchen tool collection or gourmet food brand without a huge cost investment. Like most other product side hustle ideas in this section, you can wholesale private label goods or sell directly via your own website, social media profiles and marketplaces such as Amazon.

Costs and platforms: Startup costs for a private label side hustle can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands, depending on the items you’re purchasing. However, some suppliers offer returns on unsold items and dropshipping, which lowers your investment. Check out private label goods on Alibaba.com and sell via a low-cost e-commerce website using Shopify, Weebly by Square or WordPress with WooCommerce.

Side Hustles to Avoid

Some side hustles seem like great money-making opportunities. But in reality, many require hefty investments of time, money or both, and deliver limited returns without a serious commitment. Here are some red flags to watch out for when considering side hustle opportunities and gig work.

Hustles That Require Licensing or Certification

Salon services, real estate sales and certified accounting and tax prep services are often touted as top side hustle ideas. While these fields can be very profitable, you must have the required education and licensing or certification. To get this, you’ll spend anywhere from around INR 41,286 to INR 825,760, or more, to complete your initial education, plus pay initial and annual licensing fees in most states.

If you’re hoping to build a career in these fields, this investment can be worthwhile. However, it’s a considerable time and cost commitment with no guarantees if you just want to make extra cash.

Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) Schemes

MLM companies are skilled at convincing you of easy money and big profit potential, and there certainly are many who do well in this model. However, you should carefully research any MLM opportunity’s required costs and product investment—which can be hefty—and examine their sales and profit model. In most cases, you’ll only profit if you build a large team of downstream salespeople, and that takes ongoing time and effort.

If high-pressure sales are your thing, an MLM side hustle might work for you. But if not, you might end up with a stack of unsold items that you can’t return, and no profits to speak of.

Side Hustle Coaching Programs

As you explore various side hustle ideas, you’re sure to stumble across coaching programs that tout untold profits and promise to help you quickly succeed. This is another group of skilled marketers who know how to convince you to pay INR 100s or INR 1000s for their “foolproof” system. While some coaching programs offer sound techniques and good advice, none are a ticket to quick riches.

Before paying for any coaching program, explore YouTube, Google and Kindle Unlimited to find free videos, how-to articles and e-books for the side hustles ideas that interest you. In most cases, you can find plenty of free information to help launch and grow your side hustle.

Bottom Line

Side hustles are a great way to earn extra income, pursue a passion or launch a new business in your spare time. With so many side hustle opportunities, it’s wise to explore the options to determine which hustles fit your skills, goals, budget and available time.

No side hustle is a guaranteed success or get-rich-quick scheme, despite what some clever marketers and coaches claim. Like any business, a side hustle requires attention, commitment and follow-through. But done right, they offer great profit and growth potential, and can even turn into a full-time gig.

By Krista Fabregas

Reviewed by Kelly Main

Sourced from Forbes

In News

How To Start and Grow Your E-Commerce Business in 2023

June 22, 2023 No Comments

By Chris Alarcon

Operating an e-commerce business is a rewarding experience. However, venturing into online selling without a plan can hamper your chances of success.

You may ask yourself, “Where do I start planning? What does it truly take to operate an e-commerce business in today’s age?”

Thankfully, we’re here to help answer those questions. This post will teach you how to start and grow your e-commerce business!

Let’s dive in.

Define Your E-Commerce Business Idea

Before entering the e-commerce world, you need to define your business idea. Defining your business idea will ensure you have a clear vision of what you want the business to be and determine if it will be successful.

By doing this, you’re finding your niche in the e-commerce market and learning how to do it better than the rest.

This step takes a bit of brainstorming and research, but soon, you will be on your way to financial freedom.

Choosing Your Right Product(s)

Choosing your product can seem like the easiest part of creating an e-commerce business plan, but the truth is that it takes quite a bit of forethought.

To find the right product for your business, you need to do some market research and sense what you are passionate about. Deciding what to sell means more than purchasing goods from a supplier.

You are identifying which market you want to tap into. Consider selling and creating a new business from various niche markets and products.

If you are unsure of what products or which markets you would like to tap into, here are a few examples:

Clothing
Home goods
Children’s toys
Homemade and handcrafted items
Digital services

No matter which product or market you choose, performing research is critical.

Validate Your Idea

Once you’ve decided what your product will be, you must validate your e-commerce business idea.

This process entails researching to ensure an audience for your product, learning about the market’s problems and why they are facing them, and finding out how to solve them. You should also see if there are potential trends you can capitalize on.

Answering the questions above will give you the insight you need into whether a business will succeed.

Any business idea can sound ground breaking at the moment. But moving forward is put on hold until you validate it by ensuring that there is a market for your product or that you can create the need for it.

Define Your Target Audience

Beyond discovering if there is an audience for your product, you will also need to define your target audience.

Is your audience the younger crowd that enjoys and needs trendy items and marketing? Or is it an older audience that prefers straightforward marketing and practical products? Of course, the gender, income level, and general location of your audience also factor in.

Further, you must know your intended audience’s lifestyle factors, interests, wants, and needs.

Implementing a solid definition of who your target audience is will help you shape your marketing approach and tailor your product offerings.

This definition will give you a sense of direction before jumping into the launch of your product or business. Then, you can visualize the prize you should focus on.

Brainstorm What Will Set Your Business Apart

Brainstorming how your business will differ from competitors is vital.

You need to give potential customers a reason why they should choose you over what else is available currently. Without a solid aspect that sets you apart, your business can become lost in the sea of emerging e-commerce businesses.

Research Your Competition

Knowing what sets your business apart from others in the market is critical. That’s why we also recommend spending a substantial amount of time researching your competitors.

To start researching your competitors, pretend you are a potential customer and search for the popular keyword and search queries pertaining to your business.

Then, take note of the pages with the highest rankings, as they will be your main competitors. Don’t stop there!

Dive into your competitors’ social media accounts and note how they brand and market themselves on the platforms. (Also, don’t forget about Amazon!) Use the infamous online retailer as a database to identify similar product offerings.

After you gather all of this information, organize it into a spreadsheet, listing the top competitors for your business.

Build Strong Branding

Branding is everything when marketing your products and your e-commerce business. It conveys the overall message that your company believes in and offers.

For example, brands like Nike will use motivational language to motivate their established customer base and draw potential customers.

But what does branding entail? How do you build your business with strong branding?

Building a strong brand doesn’t have to be costly; it simply takes consistency, planning, and research.

Audience Persona

Your audience persona is what customers will come to know your business for.

As previously mentioned, companies will utilize specific language to convey a message regarding branding. That helps build a company’s persona and brand identity.

You can implement your brand persona in all forms of marketing, from the colours you use in the marketing campaign to the vocabulary you use in social media posts. This implementation will help formulate the characteristics and emotions customers associate with your company.

When you are creating your persona, remember who your target audience is. For example, the persona for a brand like L.L. Bean will not have the same effect on a younger modern audience.

Brand Voice

In addition to vernacular and language, brand voice is critical for conveying your message. It will further tell your audience what your company is and what it can do for them.

This branding portion focuses explicitly on the language and vernacular part of the branding strategy.

To create a strong brand voice, you should first figure out how you want customers to feel when interacting with your brand’s online presence.

If a relaxed vibe is what you are going for, a laid-back tone and casual language are what you want when creating e-commerce marketing materials.

But on the other hand, if luxury and glamor are the vibe of your company, sophisticated language with flowery descriptions is what you need.

Social Media Branding

In our digital age, branding efforts extend into the social media sphere with most audiences, including older generations. In short, social media is the number one place to reach potential customers.

Your brand’s social media presence should be more than posting advertisements and product launches. Engaging with your audience is critical for building rapport and further ingraining brand voice, persona, and identity.

You can increase your audience engagement by hosting polls, commenting back to followers, and organizing live streams where they can interact with you and your company.

Brand Identity

Finally, we reach brand identity. This encompasses your voice, persona, and social media presence. It gets into the fine details of your visuals and content choices that will set you apart from your competitors.

With a proper brand identity, customers recognize your brand through adverts and social media posts without seeing your company’s name.

Visuals and Content

To establish your brand’s identity, you will want to choose your brand colours, design your logo, create content creation guidelines, and formulate your strategy.

Your branding guidelines should entail information about marketing copy, colour palette, brand story, and image guidelines.

Your strategy should also entail plans for reaching your intended audience through stylized branded content and marketing materials.

If you need help formulating these guidelines and plans, professional brand strategists are available on freelance marketplaces such as Upwork and Fiverr. They can help take your current vision and turn it into an actualized plan.

E-Commerce Websites

Next, incorporate that information into setting up your e-commerce website.

Your company’s website is a hub for selling your products to customers and establishing a home base for all things relating to your brand. In addition, this website is the place for driving your brand voice, persona, and identity into the hearts of established and potential customers.

So, remember to strictly enforce your brand guidelines when building and maintaining your website.

Again, if you need help building an e-commerce website, you can find website builders and your brand strategist on platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork.

Create Your Shipping Strategy

If you are running an e-commerce business with physical products, like clothing, home goods, or kids’ toys, you must create a shipping strategy that gets the product to your customers safely and efficiently.

First, you must determine if you will transfer the shipping costs to your customers or factor shipping into the product’s price and offer free shipping. Offering flat-rate shipping is also an option.

Additionally, no matter which shipping cost method you choose, you will want to keep a database of the weight of your product(s). This data will help you consistently track the price of shipping your products when it is dependent upon their weight.

Finally, you need to source your packaging materials. From boxes to envelopes and wrapping materials to filler, your packaging should help safely deliver the product to the consumer and leave a lasting impression with its presentation.

If you have downloadable digital products to sell online, you will want to find the best platform and software for delivering these materials. Consider these top five:

SendOwl
Shootproof
Shopify Digital Downloads
Fetch app
Digital Product Delivery

Each has unique offerings, and depending on the type of digital products you sell and your target audience, some will be more suitable than others.

Launch Your Business

After choosing your products, formulating a brand identity, creating a website, and developing a shipping strategy, it’s time to launch your e-commerce business!

Although you have accomplished so much already, the adventure is still ongoing because you need to start selling products.

When launching your business, it’s critical to remember that anything can happen, and you may have to reformulate your previous plans. But don’t be too quick to jump ship; the plan was created for a reason. You simply want to open yourself up to new possibilities.

From here on out, your mission is to achieve financial freedom, which sometimes requires testing variables to improve performance.

Market Your Business

After getting your business up and running, you must increase your marketing efforts to ensure your business grows.

But unlike decades past, with your online business, physical advertisements on billboards and in print newspapers won’t cut it. So instead, you need to learn the ways of e-commerce marketing.

Learn Basic SEO

Learning the basics of search engine optimization (SEO) is your ticket to boosting your business among the Google ranks.

Have a Baseline

To start venturing into the world of SEO, you need to have a baseline.

By utilizing a service like Semrush, you can see your domain overview, and it will tell you how visible your business/webpage is on mobile and desktop apps. Its domain overview section covers all the data and analytics you need to understand where your business currently stands.

Know Your Keywords

Additionally, you will want to research and learn the most prevalent keywords and search queries for your type of business. You can then use this information to create content that will help lead shoppers back to your website.

Discover The Power of Backlinks

Backlinks are also essential for creating online traffic for your business, as they are links to your website from other websites.

The more links you have from trustworthy and high-traffic web pages, the more search engines like Google and Bing will see your business and website as valuable and reliable sources.

But the most critical component of all when it comes to basic SEO is staying informed. SEO is an ever-evolving world that takes ongoing reform to remain successful.

Blog Consistently

While looking for the best ways to market your e-commerce store or business, you may have seen the phrase “content is king.” But what kind of content is best?

Blogging is one of the best forms of online content for marketing your business. By publishing blog posts consistently and utilizing the keywords and search queries that pertain to your business, you can increase your chances of climbing the Google ranks and accruing more backlinks.

Your blog posts should always surround topics pertaining to your business.

For instance, post frequent blog posts about what’s trending in fashion if you have a clothing business. Or, if it’s a digital service company, publish articles that discuss the benefits of utilizing a service like yours.

Implement Social Media Marketing

We live in the golden age of social media, and if you’re searching for more customers, you need to utilize Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and more.

You can do this by posting relevant branded content frequently. Your social media content should also utilize hashtags to help further increase your visibility among your target audience.

Like SEO keywords, hashtags can help lead potential customers back to your page, and the more interaction you have on a post, the more likely you are to appear on Explore and For You pages on social media.

Build and Grow an Email List

Building and growing an email list is the best way to create a direct line to your customer base. You can ensure they return and purchase more products by staying in touch with them.

But people prefer to keep their personal information, like email addresses, private. So how do you grow an email list?

You need to offer a deal in return for a customer’s email. Whether it’s free downloads or special sales offers, customers will take note of what you are willing to give in return.

Analyse Your Results

Adapting your e-commerce business to the ever-evolving world is crucial for long-term success.

After spending time in the market and gathering data, you should analyse your results. You will want to look at critical metrics, like your popular products.

Once you notice consistent growth in your business, you will want to optimize your online storefront for high-scale volume. Think about performing the following as your business grows:

Display popular products on the front page.
Manage fluctuating stock volumes by sending email invitations and allowing backorders.
Allow for more checkout options: guest checkout, abandoned shopping cart reminders, etc.
Match your brand and website messaging to the current market.

No matter what your results are after performing an annual analysis, being prepared to make a few changes is always wise.

FAQs

How Do You Start an E-Commerce Business Without Money?

You can start an e-commerce business without money in a few different ways. One of the best and easiest ways is to sell your expert service.

Whether you are a great writer, marketer, virtual assistant, or graphic designer, you can create an online e-commerce business today with zero or minimal start-up costs.

You can also start a dropshipping business, where you have an online store that customers can order from, and the supplier does the product fulfilment directly. AliExpress or Alibaba are popular suppliers for such storefronts.

How Do You Start an E-Commerce Business on Amazon?

Starting an e-commerce business on Amazon is simple.

First, you must choose what kind of products you want to sell; the possibilities are endless when you choose Amazon as your e-commerce platform.

Afterward, you must sign up for an Amazon seller’s account and select your business model. Wholesale, private label, and retail arbitrage are the most popular.

Once you have the basics covered, it’s time to start listing your products, send them to Amazon to handle storage and shipping, and then market yourself.

What Does an E-Commerce Business Do?

An e-commerce business is a business that sells goods or services online. These goods and services can range from writing and graphic design services to clothing retailers and home goods storefronts.

What Are The Four Types of E-Commerce?

What industry leaders commonly refer to as the four traditional types of e-commerce are business-to-consumer (B2C), business-to-business (B2B), consumer-to-consumer (C2C), and consumer-to-business (C2B).

Each type has specific traits and offerings that set them apart. The most common type is B2C.

Is E-Commerce Really Profitable?

E-commerce can be an incredibly profitable business venture. But if you’re looking for an entirely passive way to generate income, this venture isn’t for you.

Running an e-commerce business takes time and dedication. You have to be willing to devote all of your time to managing the business and potentially marketing yourself to thrive.

How Do You Start up an E-Commerce Business?

Suppose you want to start up an e-commerce business. In that case, you must follow a plan to define your business, create a branding and marketing strategy, and perform market analysis regularly.

Free and low-cost start-up options exist whether you want to sell a service or a physical product.

No matter what e-commerce business you decide to open, be prepared to dedicate a lot of time to starting it. However, it is a rewarding venture.

Start Your Journey to Financial Freedom Today!

Whether you want to operate a small business like a small-scale online retailer or an industry-leading digital service, e-commerce is a way to set yourself up for future financial freedom!

All it takes is time and dedication to ensure smooth sailing in e-commerce. So why not start today?

Start researching your ideas, get to know the current online marketplaces, validate those ideas, and start drawing up a plan.

By Chris Alarcon

Chris is the founder of Financially Well Off, the blog for people looking to reach financial independence and stay inspired along the way. Go from being stressed and in debt to growing your net worth. Grab your free guide here.

Sourced from WEALTH OF GEEKS

In News

Elon Musk said Tesla would finally advertise. It just dropped a video on Twitter — is this its first commercial?

June 21, 2023 No Comments

By Grace Kay

Tesla released what might have been its very first commercial.
Tesla’s Asia account on Twitter posted a 2-minute driver testimonial.
Elon Musk said last week that the company will begin advertising for the first time in its history.

Tesla might have already revealed its very first commercial less than a week after Elon Musk said the company would begin advertising for the first time in its history.

The electric carmaker rolled out a 2-minute Twitter video on its Tesla Asia account called “Drive to believe.” The video appeared to give a peek into the company’s plans for its upcoming ad campaign, which could rely on driver testimonials.

If so, it’s rolling out ads in a relatively low-key way: The Tesla Asia account has only 172,000 followers compared to its main account’s 21 million. It’s not clear if this is indeed the brand’s first advertisement, though many people on Twitter have hailed it as such.

The brand has relied heavily on word-of-mouth in the past — in addition to Musk’s promotion on social media. Last week, Musk called the Tesla promotions on Twitter “preaching to the choir.” Tesla didn’t respond to a request for comment on the video.

In the video, a Model 3 owner and a mother of two kids said she was initially drawn to the vehicle because of its technology, but has grown to appreciate the car even more due to its safety measures. The video highlights several Tesla features, including the car’s Autopilot feature, infotainment system, and the Tesla app — as well as the “ease” of using an electric car for everyday drives.

“It is one of the greatest gifts that my kid can have in terms of their future,” the woman in the video says.

Musk made the announcement on turning toward advertising after having shunned it previously after a shareholder at the event, Kevin Paffrath — also known as the YouTuber Meet Kevin — suggested that the company needs to do more to let non-Tesla fans know about the company’s products.

Musk told CNBC’s David Faber later that day that he’d only just made the decision at the event. He said Tesla didn’t yet have a clear strategy yet for advertising. Still, the CEO told CNBC he thinks that, in general, ads should be “informative and entertaining” without causing users to regret the time they spent watching them.

Musk told CNBC that he hopes to use ads to combat what he said was misinformation about the brand’s pricing, as well as promote its safety features.

In the past, Musk has said he hates advertising. He’s said Tesla prefers to put its money toward research-and-development rather than promotional content.

By Grace Kay