By Erin Davis

Ice plunges, 75 Hard, “oatzempic”—good or bad, the wellness industry has its share of fads, and the internet rapidly speeds them along. It doesn’t take long for a catchy method to take hold when it goes viral on TikTok. And that’s exactly what’s happened with the 30-30-30 method.

Claimed as a surefire way to melt away the pounds, the 30-30-30 method is gaining popularity with people of all ages, genders, and fitness levels. Those jumping on the bandwagon are posting their compelling before and after results.

But is it legit? We checked in with the experts to determine if the 30-30-30 method is effective and worth trying.

First things first: What is the 30-30-30 method?

The concept of the 30-30-30 method is pretty straightforward: You eat 30 grams of protein within the first 30 minutes of waking up. Then you follow it up with 30 minutes of steady-state cardio, which involves maintaining a moderate, continuous level of intensity for an extended period of time.

It’s rooted in advice given by Tim Ferriss in his book, The 4-Hour Body. While this book was published in 2010, the 30-30-30 method was recently popularized on TikTok by human biologist, Gary Brecka, who claims the method will “strip fat.”

Of course, people love the promise of fat loss, but why does the 30-30-30 appeal to the masses?

“It’s a catchy “gamification” or gimmick of some general nutrition concepts,” explains sports dietitian and personal trainer Rebecca Toutant, RD, CSSD, CPT, owner of Nourishing Bits and Bites.

Essentially, we like numbers—there’s something about boundaries and guidelines that we crave.

Here’s the thing: “There’s no evidence around these specific numbers or using them in combination,” Toutant says.

So where did this idea come from? Is there some basis for eating 30 grams of protein upon waking? Is steady-state cardio first thing in the morning the ticket to health? Let’s break it down.

What’s the significance of 30 grams of protein?

“Whether it’s 20, 30, or 40 grams of protein, having a source of protein at breakfast promotes satiety and helps stabilize blood sugar levels, supporting sustained energy. It’s important to incorporate a protein source at each meal to gain these benefits throughout the day,” says sports dietitian Jordan Hill, RD, CSSD, owner of Hill Health Nutrition in Denver, Colorado.

But does your body even absorb that much protein in one sitting? According to Toutant, yes.

“Your body always ‘absorbs’ the protein you give it—it’s not ‘excreted’ or lost. Excess amino acids are stored in the amino acid pool for later use in biological processes and/or used or stored as energy. What is limited is how much those amino acids can be used for muscle protein synthesis. The cap has generally been demonstrated at around 25 to 40 grams in an instance of eating,” Toutant says.

So, 30 grams does fall into that sweet spot for useable amino acids. Ideally, your protein intake should be balanced throughout the day, but there is an advantage to eating before you exercise. Eating before your workout may “preserve lean tissue and reduce cortisol response,” Toutant says.

Eating protein beforehand may be ideal, but it’s not a deal breaker.

“A meal after the workout will likely provide similar benefits as eating protein before the workout,” Hill says.

What does 30 grams of protein look like?

Can you just dump 30 grams of protein powder into your coffee and move about your day? Not exactly. Regularly relying on supplements may leave you lacking in other areas.

“While supplements meet the ‘number,’ leaning on them often leads people to miss out on the nutrient benefits of protein-rich foods, like B-vitamins, iron, zinc, and magnesium,” Toutant says.

In other words, the protein source matters. Hill suggests opting for lean and complete protein sources.

“Choosing lean proteins will reduce the saturated fat intake we consume, which when eaten in excess increases the risk for heart-related diseases,” she says. “Lean proteins are also ideal leading up to exercise because they have a lesser chance of causing GI distress compared to fattier proteins. Focusing on complete protein sources will ensure we get all nine of the essential amino acids needed to support muscle mass and overall health and wellness.”

Hill’s recommendations for 30 grams of protein include:

• 1 cup cooked oatmeal, 1 scoop protein powder, 1/2 banana, 2 tbsp Once Again peanut butter, a dash of cinnamon
• 3/4 cup Oikos Triple Zero or Plain Chobani Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup berries, 2 whole eggs, 1 piece Dave’s Killer whole- grain bread
• 3/4 cup cottage cheese, 1 orange, 1 piece Oroweat whole-wheat bread
• Protein pancakes: 1/2 cup Kodiak pancake mix, 1/2 scoop protein powder, sliced strawberries, 2 tbsp Once Again almond butter, a drizzle of honey
• 3 oz tofu scramble with choice of sautéed veggies

Next up, why steady-state cardio?

Steady-state cardio is  low-intensity movement that keeps your heart beating at a constant rate (below 135 beats per minute). Examples of steady-state cardio include walking, biking, swimming, rowing, or using the elliptical.

Regularly fitting in 30-minute sessions of aerobic exercise helps you meet the physical activity recommendations for moderate exercise to support overall health.

So why not something more intense, like a Tabata or HIIT workout? Steady-state training yields similar results as more intense workouts yet it can be more enjoyable.

“Incorporating regular, reasonable, lower-intensity movement supports physical and mental health. The lower intensity also makes it more appealing and accessible to people,” Toutant says.

Then there’s the whole 30 grams of protein thing. If you eat your protein-rich breakfast and follow it up with a lot of jumping or sprints, you’ll likely feel queasy. “Your GI system would be very upset if you tried to do higher intensity movement shortly after having that much protein,” adds Toutant.

“Incorporating regular, reasonable, lower-intensity movement supports physical and mental health. The lower intensity also makes it more appealing and accessible to people.” —Rebecca Toutant, RD, CSSD, CPT

Why do you need to do the 30-30-30 method right after you wake up?

The 30-30-30 method seems simple. Wake in the morning, eat, exercise. But what if you aren’t hungry? Or you’ve got a busy morning already…without 30 minutes of scheduled exercise.

If you’re not used to eating when you wake up, it may be worth a change.

“Eating shortly after waking can support your circadian rhythm and associated hormones,” Toutant says.

It echoes the message that we’ve been hearing for years: Eat breakfast. Breakfast has several benefits, including reduced inflammation and better gut health.

Having a more protein-rich breakfast (along with other foods like produce and whole grains) may improve insulin resistance at midday and support appetite regulation, Toutant explains. Not because it’s “magic,” but because it’s giving your body an instance of eating that actually fills all of the nutrient buckets.

So, eating breakfast soon after waking up is warranted. Now what about exercise? The 30-30-30 method recommends movement immediately, but you may be pressed for time. What if you have a baby to care for or work obligations? Toutant assures you’ll reap the benefits of exercise any time of day.

“There’s no consistent evidence that exercise is ‘better’ in the morning versus the evening for health or performance,” she says.

However, moving so soon after waking up may help you create—and stick with—an exercise routine.

“It reduces the chance other obligations will derail your intention to move,” Toutant says. “It also leaves many people feeling happy about accomplishing something. But if someone lacks the motivation to exercise this early in the morning and would prefer to move at another point, the value is in the movement, not the time of day.”

The benefits of the 30-30-30 method

You see the success stories as you scroll through social media. Is there something special about the 30-30-30 approach? Here’s why people may be seeing results.

1. It changes up your routine

There’s a reason these fads come and go. We get tired of doing the same thing over and over. New challenges and routines can motivate you simply by offering a fresh start. You may experience enhanced motivation at the beginning of a new year, a birthday, or the kickoff of a renewed commitment to your health, for instance.

Day one of a 30-30-30 challenge may excite you and bring about some lifestyle changes you’ve been wanting to make.

2. It incorporates movement

It’s recommended that you get 150 minutes of moderate physical activity every week. The 30-30-30 method checks that box and gets you moving. That alone is a success!

3. It prioritizes fuelling

Last, but not least, there are some positives to being mindful of your protein intake, Hill explains.

“Having protein before exercise can certainly have its benefits, some of which include muscle preservation and recovery,” she says.

Instead of skimping on calories, the 30-30-30 method emphasizes eating breakfast so your body has the fuel it needs.

“To spare muscle breakdown, typically we want to focus on eating carbohydrates before exercise because carbs break down into glucose, and glucose is our main and preferred energy source. However, pairing a protein with carbohydrates in the morning can further prevent the breakdown of our muscle for energy,” Hill says.

Adequate protein has hormonal benefits as well, according to Hill.

“For women, exercise increases progesterone levels, exacerbating muscle breakdown,” she says. “So, having protein before a workout can help mitigate this.”

“Approaches like this run the risk of increasing anxiety, guilt, and shame if folks believe the rigid ritual must be performed in order to be well or prevent something harmful from happening. It can make it hard for people to adapt to different social circumstances or lead them to ignore cues from their body about food and rest.” —Rebecca Toutant, RD, CSSD, CPT

Should everyone give the 30-30-30 method a try?

While we should properly fuel our bodies and get regular physical activity, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The 30-30-30 method may cause stress in certain folks.

“Approaches like this run the risk of increasing anxiety, guilt, and shame if folks believe the rigid ritual must be performed in order to be well or prevent something harmful from happening. It can make it hard for people to adapt to different social circumstances or lead them to ignore cues from their body about food and rest,” Toutant says.

Plus, wellness isn’t just about fat loss.

“Framing the value of this around weight or fat loss distracts people from experimenting with what does or does not help them feel physically or emotionally better, regardless of whether or not it changes the body,” Toutant says.

Furthermore, there’s more to fitness than steady-state cardio. You may have goals of building strength, increasing mobility, or completing a marathon.

“This approach is not consistent with guidelines for the development of cardiovascular fitness and/or strength improvements,” Toutant says. “Developing fitness typically requires working at a higher heart rate to challenge the body accordingly. You should eat before higher-heart-rate activities, but this high protein intake may make someone feel sluggish or have GI problems.”

The bottom line

Completing a 30-30-30 challenge may be what you need to establish a breakfast or activity routine. There’s certainly no harm in that, but don’t stress if you’re unable to hit the exact numbers. After all, rigid rules aren’t for everyone.

“Concepts like eating before movement, eating within a reasonable time after waking, and trying to have more protein at breakfast do have evidence and value. But these specific numbers and timeframes do not,” Toutant says.

Feature Image Credit: Getty Images/ LeoPatrizi

By Erin Davis

Sourced from well+good

Sourced from smartasset

Feature Image Credit: iStock

Edited by Arturo Conde, CEPF®

Reviewed by Brandon Renfro, CFP®, RICP, EA

By Scott Keever Edited by Kara McIntyre

Do you want to know how to push down negative search results? Click here to read a comprehensive guide with real-life examples and sound advice.

Key Takeaways

• Pushing down unfavourable search results is crucial for maintaining a positive online reputation, as over 30% of users click the top Google search result.
• Implementing SEO strategies, enhancing digital presence, leveraging legal options and addressing issues transparently can help suppress negative online narratives.
• Fostering positive content through authoritative platforms and engaging with customer feedback can improve search rankings and rebuild trust in your brand.

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Posting regular web content is a fantastic way to ensure that your business receives traffic and produces leads. However, when this content paints a poor picture of your company, it’s easy to feel great despair.

We live in a digital era where your online reputation can make or break your business. When Google determines that your content is not good enough for the top spots in search engine results pages (SERPs), the good news is that all is not lost.

Why you need to suppress negative search results

Before we discuss how to do it, let’s briefly discuss why maintaining a positive online reputation is important.

Statistics from Advanced Web Rankings show that more than 30% of users click on the first result, which goes down to 2% for the 10th result. Pushing down negative search results on Google is essential for proper online reputation management.

When search engines rank bad articles highly, the following can occur:

• Your business will lose its reputation.
• No one will trust you.
• You could lose crucial opportunities.
• Your company won’t generate as many leads.
• Business sales will drop.

Let’s look at an example to help you understand this a little better.

Suppose you own a restaurant and a waiter makes a mistake that is captured by a patron and plastered all over the internet in negative reviews. This could have a poor reflection on your company’s reputation. However, by raising positive content, it becomes possible to push bad content.

How to push negative search results

Now that you understand why suppressing negative articles is essential, let’s discuss key personal and professional success strategies.

Focus on positive content

Burying negative search results starts with publishing positive content, such as news articles, blog posts and more. Use search engine optimization to ensure that your new or existing content appears on the first page of the SERPs.

Ensure your content is optimized for relevant keywords and contains engaging material, such as videos, infographics, images and more.

Remain patient. It could take time for search engines to rank your new content highly and push down negative results.

Make enhancements to your website or social media accounts

Another great strategy is to look closely at your website to see whether there is room for improvement. Check that all pages are mobile-friendly and have a low loading time.

Look at the orientation of menus and other features on your site to ensure they are user-friendly. Update your company information to ensure you provide potential customers with the necessary information.

It’s also a good idea to use backlinks on these pages, as Google uses backlinks as a ranking factor. If you have old blog posts that contain outdated information, consider updating them to improve your website’s search rankings.

One area where many businesses struggle is dealing with bad reviews. People searching for your brand or product are much less likely to partner with you if they see negative Google search results.

We recommend encouraging existing customers to write positive reviews and testimonials to turn the tide. This will help users see that although you may have messed up in the past, you have cleaned up your act and your business is ready to deliver excellent service.

These actions can help boost your website’s authority and ensure you get more visibility and attention from search engines.

Here are a few tools we use at my SEO company to help with our online reputation management (ORM) strategy:

• Google Analytics
• Backlink Checker
• Google Search Console
• AnswerThePublic
• Ahrefs
• Semrush

Explore legal measures

If someone films your company illegally or posts slanderous content about your business, you can turn to the law to remove negative search results. You can enlist the help of an advocate to file a cease-and-desist letter or take action under copyright or infringement acts.

It may even be possible to contact the owners of third-party sites directly and ask them to remove the content.

Obsidian Finance Group filed a lawsuit against an independent investigative blogger named Crystal Cox. She wrote multiple blog posts containing negative content criticizing the company and Kevin Padrick, its co-founder, for misconduct and fraud. The corporation received a great deal of bad press as a result of these posts, affecting its reputation. In response, it filed a defamation case, and the defamatory posts were removed.

Publish content on high-authority sites

As mentioned, backlinks are essential for ensuring search engines view your site as authoritative. To obtain these backlinks, you can post on high-authority domains. If you create content eventually published on these sites, Google and other search engines will also see your website as relevant and authoritative.

Here are some practical examples of sites we’ve used to help push down negative content:

• Medium
• LinkedIn
• HuffPost
• Quora
• WikiHow

Address the issue head-on

The truth is that we all make mistakes. No one is perfect, so when bad things happen and your company messes up, it’s best to tackle the issue head-on. By posting a public apology, you can help to regain your lost reputation and work on rebuilding it.

Taking ownership shows customers and potential clients that your business is responsible and trustworthy. We also recommend discussing the corrective actions you have taken and showcasing any positive changes you have made to prevent a repeat of the same incident or performance.

In 2017, United Airlines faced backlash after the news that a passenger was forcibly removed from a flight went viral. Rather than backing down or ignoring the issue, the company issued a public apology. They also conducted an internal investigation and implemented corrective measures to regain public trust.

Final thoughts

If you are struggling with the effects of harmful content, then the good news is that there is hope. You can recover your company’s reputation by exploring the key strategies mentioned above.

By Scott Keever 

Edited by Kara McIntyre

Sourced from Entrepreneur

By Amber DaSilva

Musk is the Special Boy, and the law says you have to give him your money

Elon Musk’s relationship to Twitter advertisers over the past year can best be described as “adversarial,” but the Tesla CEO announced a new level of combativeness Thursday: He intends to take brands who took their ad spend away from the platform to court in hopes they’ll be criminally prosecuted for not paying him.

After Musk purchased Twitter last year, a mass of advertisers fled the site — largely due to the fear that their ads would show up alongside the antisemitic content Musk continues to push. Musk responded maturely, by telling the advertisers to “go fuck” themselves, with the full knowledge of what that antagonistic relationship would do to ad spend on the platform. Musk later walked back the statement, and brought on Linda Yaccarino as CEO to try and woo advertisers back, but a new report from the House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary has given him the ammo he thinks he needs for a legal battle.

Musk’s weird new tactic does have some legal backing, thanks to a report from the House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary. The report concerns the Global Alliance for Responsible Media, an effort from the World Federation of Advertisers and World Economic Forum that pushes to reduce “harmful content on digital media platforms.” No one wants their brand showing up right next to hate speech on social media, so GARM tries to reduce the chances of that happening.

The Committee on the Judiciary, apparently, has decided that that’s bad actually. The Committee refers to GARM’s actions — which, as a reminder, consist of “withholding ad dollars until platforms do Literally Anything about hate speech and misinformation” — as “seek[ing] to control online speech.”

An example is made in the report of GARM’s response to Spotify, a GARM member, platforming Joe Rogan’s podcast despite his batshit views on Covid-19 vaccination. As GARM attempts to minimize disinformation, the group apparently brought this contrast up to Spotify — a move that the Committee calls “attempt[ing] to pressure Spotify into censoring Joe Rogan due to his views.”

There is a difference between privately holding a view that is objectively, scientifically, provably false, and pushing that belief onto an impressionable audience. GARM can only affect the latter, and only in the most oblique way — encouraging member companies like GM, Mastercard, and Nike to withhold ad dollars. Yet somehow, this free trade between private corporations is censorship in the eyes of the House, and it’s provided Musk the legal basis he needs for a suit.

Musk revealed his intent to sue via tweet, of course, and didn’t expand on what his plans actually entailed. I, for one, am very interested to see what the courts say to the claim of “it’s illegal not to spend money on my website.” That’ll make for a fun precedent when the Supreme decides, 6-3, for Musk.

Feature Image Credit: Apu Gomes (Getty Images)

By Amber DaSilva

Sourced from jalopnik

By CHRISTINE SCHUECKLER

Never mind that most of the lifestyles portrayed online are unattainable (and often staged). We still grow jealous of the wealth and fame that influencers flaunt.

Americans’ credit card debt soared to a startling $1.13 trillion at the end of last year. The majority of that debt can be attributed to rising interest rates and the higher cost-of-living overall, but an estimated 7% of Americans are compulsive shoppers, accumulating significant credit card debt through hundreds of nonessential purchases.

The enticements to buy are never-ending. Spend five minutes scrolling through influencer content on social media and you’ll encounter an array of expensive products flung in your face in the form of subscriptions, skincare aids, exercise equipment and just about anything else you can imagine.

From everyday advertisements to shopping haul videos to the popular “what I spend in a day” motif, influencers are pushing purchase after purchase at their viewers. It’s no surprise that purchases of personal care items and clothing are on the rise, with the majority of that spending considered nonessential. Americans are overspending, falling victim to overconsumption and perpetuating a cycle of wastefulness.

Social media shamelessly promotes materialism. Advertising is everywhere on social platforms − not just when influencers shower praise on the brands that sponsor them, but also in each strategically placed item facing the camera, brand name out.

Lifestyle influencers’ platforms often focus on strategies for happiness and well-being, showcasing an idyllic life that involves little beyond a daily workout in expensive clothing and aesthetically pleasing meals. The message is that money can buy you love − and happiness. You just need to spend it all to have it all.

Influencers create a false sense of reality

Sure, we know that these lifestyles aren’t realistic, but it’s all too easy to believe that influencers’ routines are candid, accurate representations of the creators’ daily lives.

What many consumers – myself included – often fail to recognize is that social media is a business. A survey conducted by Later found that 94% of influencers make money via brand partnerships – when a brand pays the influencer to market their product to their viewers.

Many influencers make a large part of their profits through Amazon Storefronts, where they link products that they display and encourage viewers to shop from there. It’s anyone’s guess whether the content creators actually like or even use the products.

Influencers capitalize off of their viewers’ compulsive buying habits, equating their seemingly perfect lives with the amount of goods they own. Lifestyle influencers love to display their thousands of beauty products, dozens of Amazon packages on their doorsteps and color-coded fully stocked fridges as the secrets for a romantic life. Their content is based on the idea that their happiness, or at least the illusion of happiness, is found through stuff. Want to be as organized and put-together as me? Shop these products through the link in my bio!

Never mind that most of the lifestyles portrayed online are unattainable (and often staged). We still grow jealous of the wealth and fame that influencers flaunt.

Content creators keep pushing us to buy more, more, more, and a recent study found that social media use has a correlation with materialism, promoting the desire for more and more possessions. Yet, contrary to popular belief, owning more “stuff” has been demonstrated to be detrimental to overall life satisfaction.

No Instagram, no TikTok: I wasn’t allowed a smartphone until I was 16. I can’t thank my parents enough.

This overconsumption of products marketed on social media is not only dangerous for your wallet; it’s also bad for the environment.

The lifestyle that internet personalities advertise is incredibly wasteful. Any fridge or pantry restock video features dozens of single-use plastic items arranged pleasingly in organized acrylic bins ‒ individually wrapped snacks, plastic bottles of water, soft drinks in aluminium cans. This amount of waste is unjustifiable, especially because it’s more about aesthetics than practicality.

Influencers push fast fashion that hurts the environment

Even worse, social media has contributed to the rise of fast fashion: cheap, mass-produced clothing that caters to trendiness rather than quality. This results in mind-blowing amounts of textile waste and water pollution from dyes, as world consumption of clothing has increased by 400% in the past 20 years.

Then there are the accusations of labour law violations and personal information theft from major fast-fashion retailers such as Shein and Temu.

The primary goal of influencers is to make money, not help their viewers make smart purchases.

Most of us don’t get paid to have a 17-step skincare routine. Influencers do. Their job is glorified advertising. And guess what? You don’t need most, if not all, of the products that they claim you do.

We need to think about where and why we spend our money. If it’s to mimic a 45-second video of people who film themselves getting out of bed in the morning, maybe put away your wallet.

You’ll probably be happier and the earth will, too.

By CHRISTINE SCHUECKLER

Christine Schueckler is a USA TODAY Opinion intern and a rising third year student at the University of Virginia, where she studies English and French. At UVA, she writes for The Jefferson Independent and performs with the UVA University Singers.

Sourced from USA Today Opinion

Sourced from Jeff Bullas

E-commerce has not only reshaped the modern business landscape but also created inspiring success stories across the globe.

One such example is Nivetha Muralidharan, who transitioned from a software engineer to an e-commerce guru, founding her own agency that specializes in converting traditional businesses into online successes.

Similarly, the story of Flipkart, started by former Amazon employees Sachin and Binny Bansal, illustrates the vast potential of e-commerce. Beginning as a small online bookstore, Flipkart grew into one of India’s most valuable startups, eventually attracting a $16 billion investment from Walmart​​.

This article serves as your comprehensive guide to the e-commerce journey.

From the initial steps of setting up an online store to employing advanced strategies like leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to improve customer interactions, we cover all you need to know to start, manage, and optimize your e-commerce business.

Join the ranks of success stories like Nivetha and Flipkart by mastering the fundamentals and exploring innovative e-commerce strategies detailed here.

What is ecommerce?

E-commerce, short for electronic commerce, refers to the transaction of goods and services through the digital medium, primarily the internet.

This broad domain includes various business models, each catering to different market needs:

• B2B (Business-to-Business): This model involves transactions between two businesses, such as a manufacturer and a wholesaler, or a wholesaler and a retailer. B2B e-commerce often involves bulk sales, which require complex logistical planning and longer sales cycles.Platforms specialized for B2B transactions often offer features like order management systems, bulk pricing options, and detailed invoicing capabilities.
• B2C (Business-to-Consumer): The most common form of e-commerce, B2C transactions occur between businesses and individual consumers. This model includes online retailers who sell products or services directly to consumers without an intermediary.B2C e-commerce is characterized by faster sales cycles, lower order volumes compared to B2B, and direct marketing approaches to entice the individual consumer.
• C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer): Popularized by platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Craigslist, C2C e-commerce allows individuals to sell goods and services to each other. This model has given rise to a vibrant marketplace for secondhand goods, handmade items, and personalized services.It relies heavily on platform security, user verification processes, and effective transaction handling mechanisms.
• D2C (Direct-to-Consumer): D2C e-commerce is a newer model where manufacturers or producers sell directly to the end consumer, bypassing traditional retailers or intermediaries.This approach allows businesses to gain more control over their brand presentation, customer experience, and profit margins. It often involves a significant focus on digital marketing, community building, and customer service.

E-commerce also varies in the types of goods and services sold, ranging from physical items like books and clothing to digital products such as software, and services like online courses or consulting.

The ecommerce operations can be supported by various backend functions including logistics, digital marketing, and customer service, tailored to each model’s specific needs.

Evolution and trends in ecommerce

The trajectory of e-commerce has been profoundly influenced by the rapid evolution of technology and the shifting habits of consumers.

Starting in the 1990s with the commercialization of the internet, e-commerce has transformed from a novel concept into a fundamental business practice, featuring prominently across global markets.

Historical perspective

Initially, ecommerce was limited by the technology of the time and consumer trust issues. Early adopters were few, and systems were not as robust or secure.

However, as internet technology improved, and secure payment gateways became standardized, more businesses and consumers began embracing online transactions.

The dot-com boom of the late 1990s and early 2000s saw a surge in e-commerce businesses, some of which are now leading global retailers.

Current ecommerce trends

Today, ecommerce is characterized by several key trends that are shaping its future:

AI in ecommerce

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing e-commerce operations by enhancing user experiences through personalized shopping and customer service. AI-driven systems analyse customer data to predict buying patterns, recommend products, and manage inventory more efficiently.

AI is also pivotal in optimizing logistics and supply chain strategies, making e-commerce operations more responsive to market demands.

Mobile shopping

With the increase in smartphone usage, mobile commerce (m-commerce) has grown exponentially. Consumers appreciate the convenience of shopping from anywhere at any time, which has led businesses to prioritize mobile-friendly websites and apps.

This shift demands responsive web design and mobile-specific marketing strategies to capture the mobile-savvy consumer base.

E-commerce SEO and marketing

As the ecommerce space becomes more crowded, effective search engine optimization (SEO) and comprehensive e-commerce marketing strategies have become crucial.

Businesses are investing in SEO to improve their online visibility and drive organic traffic to their sites. Additionally, targeted digital marketing campaigns using social media, email, and content marketing are key to engaging potential customers and building brand loyalty.

Personalization and customer experience

E-commerce businesses are focusing more on delivering personalized shopping experiences. By using data analytics and machine learning, online retailers can create individualized content, offers, and product recommendations, leading to higher engagement and conversion rates.

Sustainability and ethical practices

Increasingly, consumers are considering the environmental and social impact of their purchases. E-commerce brands that adopt sustainable practices, such as eco-friendly packaging and ethically sourced products, are gaining favor among conscientious buyers.

Global expansion and cross-border ecommerce

As technology bridges geographical gaps, more e-commerce businesses are exploring international markets. This expansion is supported by improved logistics, multi-lingual customer support, and localized marketing efforts, making it easier to sell and ship products globally.

These trends highlight the dynamic nature of e-commerce, continually driven by innovation and consumer expectations.

As we look to the future, these elements are expected to play even more significant roles, pushing the boundaries of what e-commerce platforms can achieve and offering new opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.

Starting an ecommerce business

When launching an e-commerce business, the initial steps you take can determine your long-term success.

Choosing the right products or services to offer and understanding your market and audience are foundational elements that require careful consideration and strategic planning.

Choosing the right product or service

The cornerstone of any successful e-commerce business is its product or service offering. When selecting what to sell, consider the following factors:

• Market Demand: Assess the current demand for potential products or services. Tools like Google Trends and social media analysis can provide insights into what consumers are interested in and how these interests change over time.
• Competition: Evaluate the competitive landscape. Identify direct competitors and analyse their offerings, pricing, and marketing strategies. Look for gaps in the market where you can offer something unique or of better quality.
• Profitability: Consider the cost of sourcing, storing, and shipping your products. Some products may have higher initial profits but might be more expensive to manage due to storage or shipping requirements. Digital products or dropshipping models can reduce overhead costs and simplify logistics.

Conducting market research

Effective market research involves gathering and analysing data to better understand your industry and target customers. This process should guide your business decisions and strategy:

Who are your potential customers? What are their age groups, interests, spending habits, and preferences? This information can help tailor your marketing efforts and product offerings.

Where are your customers located? Understanding the geographic distribution of your potential market can influence product choices, marketing strategies, and shipping logistics.

Be aware of any trends that could affect your product categories. Seasonal fluctuations can significantly impact sales, and being prepared for these changes can help maintain steady revenue.

Identifying target audiences

Identifying and understanding your target audience is critical to tailoring your e-commerce strategy.

Start by segmenting your market based on demographic, geographic, and behavioural criteria. This segmentation can help create more targeted and effective marketing campaigns.

You’ll then need to understand what your customers value, having this information can help in designing your product line and your marketing messages. Customer feedback, surveys, and engagement on social media can provide valuable insights.

Finally, position your brand and products in a way that appeals to your target audience. This involves not only the functional attributes of your products but also the emotional and psychological aspects that can resonate with your audience.

By taking the time to choose the right product or service, conduct thorough market research, and clearly identify your target audiences, you set a strong foundation for your e-commerce business.

These steps are crucial in ensuring that your business not only meets existing market demands but also stands out in the competitive online marketplace, positioning it for long-term growth and success.

E-commerce platforms & websites

Choosing the right e-commerce platform is critical, as it affects everything from the user experience to the ease of site management. Ecommerce website builders like Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce offer different features and scalability options.

Shopify

Overview: Shopify is a highly popular e-commerce platform known for its ease of use and all-in-one hosted solution, meaning you don’t need to worry about buying separate hosting. It’s designed to help individuals and businesses build their online stores quickly and efficiently without requiring technical skills.

Key features:

• User-friendly interface: Shopify is celebrated for its simple, clean, and intuitive admin panel, which is great for beginners.
• Integrated payment solutions: It offers its own payment gateway, Shopify Payments, as well as integration with numerous other payment processors.
• Scalability: Shopify can scale with your business, from small startups to large enterprises, and supports various sales channels including online, in-store, and social media.
• App ecosystem: A vast marketplace of apps and plugins that can add functionality and customize your store.

Magento (Adobe Commerce)

Overview: Magento, now known as Adobe Commerce, is an open-source e-commerce platform that offers robust features and unlimited customization options, making it ideal for medium to large enterprises with more complex e-commerce needs and the resources to manage them.

Key Features:

• Customization: Being open-source, it allows for deep customization of every aspect of the store, from the user interface to the backend processes.
• Scalability: It handles large inventories and complex functionalities better than most platforms, making it suitable for businesses planning to scale quickly.
• Community and Professional Support: A large community of developers and professional support from Adobe ensure continuous improvements and enterprise-grade support.
• Integrated B2B Functionality: Offers features designed specifically for B2B sellers, including quote management, credit purchases, and custom catalogues.

WooCommerce

Overview: WooCommerce is an open-source e-commerce plugin for WordPress. It is a great choice for small to medium-sized businesses already familiar with WordPress or those seeking to extend a WordPress site into an e-commerce platform.

Key features:

• WordPress integration: Perfect integration with WordPress makes it a go-to choice for users who are already comfortable with the WordPress environment.
• Cost effectiveness: The core software is free, though many extensions and themes are paid, but generally, it’s considered a cost-effective option for startups.
• Flexibility: It supports physical, digital, and even affiliate products. Like Magento, it’s highly customizable because of its open-source nature.
• Large plugin ecosystem: Access to thousands of WordPress plugins and themes to extend the functionality and design of your e-commerce site.

Choosing the right platform

When selecting between Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce, consider your specific business needs, technical capabilities, and growth plans.

Shopify might be best for those who need simplicity and quick setup, Magento for large businesses needing a highly customizable platform, and WooCommerce for existing WordPress users looking for an easy extension to e-commerce.

Each platform offers unique advantages and could be the right choice depending on your particular requirements.

Setting up an ecommerce website

Once you’ve chosen a platform, setting up an effective e-commerce website involves several critical steps:

Step One – Domain Name: Your domain name should be memorable, align with your brand, and be easy to type. A good domain name can make a significant difference in marketing and brand recognition. Secure a domain name that is straightforward and reflects your business.

Step Two – Hosting: Reliable hosting is crucial to ensure your website remains accessible at all times. Hosting solutions should offer excellent uptime, fast servers, and good customer support. Some e-commerce platforms offer their own hosting, which may simplify setup and maintenance.

Step Three – Website Design: The design of your website should reflect your brand’s aesthetic and appeal to your target audience. It should be visually appealing and functional, offering a good balance between beauty and usability. Ensure that your website design is mobile-friendly, considering the increasing prevalence of mobile shopping.

Step Four – Security: E-commerce sites must be secure to protect sensitive customer information such as credit card numbers and personal details. Ensure your platform supports HTTPS/SSL for secure connections, and comply with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) requirements.

By carefully choosing an e-commerce platform and meticulously setting up your website, you create a solid foundation for your online business. This foundation supports not only current operational needs but also future growth and expansion, ensuring that your e-commerce venture is built for success.

Operational aspects of e-commerce

A robust operational framework is vital to the success of any e-commerce business. This includes not only how the website functions but also how products are managed and delivered.

Let’s delve deeper into the essentials of e-commerce website operations and the critical components of inventory management and shipping logistics.

E-commerce website essentials

For an e-commerce website to thrive, it must excel in several key areas:

• Well-Designed Product Pages: Each product page should provide detailed information, including high-quality images, comprehensive descriptions, specifications, price, and availability. Additionally, incorporating elements like customer reviews, ratings, and related products can enhance user experience and aid in purchase decisions.
• Seamless Checkout Process: A streamlined checkout process reduces cart abandonment and enhances customer satisfaction. This involves minimizing the number of steps to purchase, offering multiple payment options (including mobile payments and digital wallets), and ensuring transparency in pricing and fees throughout the process.
• Mobile Optimization: With a significant portion of online shopping done via mobile devices, ensuring your website is mobile-friendly is essential. This includes responsive design that adjusts to different screen sizes, easy navigation, and touch-friendly interfaces. Mobile optimization also affects search engine rankings, further emphasizing its importance.

Managing inventory and shipping

Effective management of inventory and shipping operations is crucial for maintaining service quality and operational efficiency.

Here’s how businesses can optimize these areas:

Efficient Inventory Management

Proper inventory management ensures that you have the right amount of product, at the right time, to meet consumer demand without overstocking or stockouts. Implementing automated inventory management systems can help track stock levels in real-time, forecast demand based on historical data, and trigger alerts when it’s time to reorder.

Real-Time Inventory Updates

Integrating real-time inventory updates on your e-commerce site helps maintain accurate stock levels on the website, reducing the chance of customer disappointment due to order cancellations. This transparency can enhance customer trust and satisfaction.

Reliable Shipping Policy

Clear and reliable shipping policies are fundamental for customer satisfaction. This includes offering various shipping options that balance speed and cost, providing tracking information, and ensuring that packaging is secure and appropriate for the items being shipped.

Automated Shipping Systems

Automation can streamline the shipping process, reduce errors, and increase efficiency. Automated systems can generate shipping labels, track shipments, and update customers automatically, thereby improving the overall customer experience.

Handling Returns

Efficient handling of returns is also a critical aspect of e-commerce operations. A clear, straightforward returns policy and a simple process for customers to follow can help in retaining customers who might otherwise be dissatisfied with their purchase.

By optimizing these operational aspects, e-commerce businesses can enhance their efficiency, improve customer experiences, and ultimately drive greater success.

Each element from website design and checkout optimization to inventory and shipping management plays a critical role in building a reliable and successful online business.

E-commerce marketing and sales strategies

Effective ecommerce marketing and sales strategies are pivotal for the success of any e-commerce business. They help in not only attracting new customers but also retaining them over the long term.

Digital marketing for e-commerce

Digital marketing encompasses a variety of strategies tailored to reach and convert online consumers. Here are some key strategies:

• Search Engine optimization (SEO): E-commerce SEO involves optimizing your website and its content to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). This includes using the right keywords, optimizing product descriptions and images, and ensuring your website has all the necessary technical optimizations to enhance visibility and drive organic traffic.
• Content marketing: Effective content marketing can help attract customers through valuable and relevant content that addresses their needs and interests. This might include blogs, buying guides, how-to articles, and videos that not only help in SEO but also provide value to your audience, building trust and authority in your niche.
• Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising: PPC campaigns can drive immediate traffic to your e-commerce site. Platforms like Google Ads and Bing Ads allow you to display ads in search engine results and on partner websites, targeting specific demographics and keywords.
• Social Media advertising: Utilizing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest can help you reach a vast audience. Social media ads can be highly targeted based on user demographics, interests, behaviours, and more, making them effective for generating leads and driving sales.
• Email marketing: Email remains one of the most effective marketing tools for e-commerce businesses. It allows for direct communication with your customers, enabling personalized offers, newsletters, and updates that can encourage repeat purchases and foster brand loyalty.

Customer engagement and retention

Engaging with your customers effectively and maintaining their interest is crucial for building a loyal customer base.

Incorporating interactive elements such as live chat and AI-powered chatbots on your website can improve customer service by providing instant assistance and answers to customer queries.

This real-time interaction enhances the shopping experience and supports conversion and retention rates.

Using data analytics to offer personalized product recommendations can significantly enhance the shopping experience. By analysing past behaviour, preferences, and purchases, you can suggest relevant products to your customers, increasing the likelihood of purchases.

Implementing loyalty programs that reward repeat customers with discounts, special offers, and exclusive deals can enhance customer retention. These programs encourage customers to return and make additional purchases.

Actively seeking customer feedback and facilitating product reviews can lead to greater customer engagement. Feedback helps you understand customer needs and improve your offerings, while reviews provide social proof that can influence the buying decisions of new customers.

Remarketing involves targeting customers who have visited your website but did not make a purchase. Through targeted ads and follow-up emails, you can re-engage these potential customers, increasing the chances of converting previously missed opportunities.

By employing these digital marketing and customer engagement strategies, e-commerce businesses can attract a diverse audience, convert them into customers, and retain them for long-term success.

Each element plays a crucial role in building a robust online presence and a loyal customer base.

E-commerce SEO

Optimizing your e-commerce site for search engines is essential for enhancing your online visibility and attracting more customers.

Effective e-commerce SEO involves several key elements that are crucial for improving your search engine rankings and driving organic traffic.

• Optimized product descriptions: Each product description should be unique, informative, and include relevant keywords that potential customers might use when searching for that product. This not only helps in SEO but also improves the user experience by providing valuable information.
• Keyword optimization: Conduct thorough keyword research to identify the terms and phrases that potential customers are using. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your product titles, descriptions, meta descriptions, and URLs to help search engines understand and rank your pages.
• Mobile optimization: With the increasing use of mobile devices for online shopping, having a mobile-friendly website is crucial. Google uses mobile-first indexing, which means it predominantly uses the mobile version of the content for indexing and ranking. Ensure your site is responsive, loads quickly on mobile devices, and provides a seamless shopping experience.
• Site structure and navigation: A well-organized site structure helps search engines crawl your site more effectively. Use a logical hierarchy for your product categories and links, and ensure your navigation is easy for users to follow.
• Technical SEO: Address technical SEO aspects such as fast loading speeds, secure connections (HTTPS), and the elimination of duplicate content. Implement structured data (schema markup) to enhance your listings in search results, which can improve click-through rates.

By focusing on these aspects of e-commerce SEO, you can significantly improve your site’s visibility in search results, attracting more traffic and potential customers to your online store.

How to choose ecommerce products

Selecting, presenting, and pricing products are critical components of running a successful e-commerce store. Each element plays a vital role in attracting customers and driving sales.

Selecting products for your e-commerce store

Choosing the right products is foundational to your e-commerce success. Conduct market research to identify trends, customer preferences, and potential niches.

Consider factors such as profitability, shipping costs, and supplier reliability. It’s essential to select products that not only have a proven market demand but also align with your brand values and target audience.

Product presentation and listings

Effective product presentation is crucial. High-quality images, detailed descriptions, and clear specifications help customers make informed decisions.

Utilize multiple photos from various angles and include videos if possible to enhance the visual appeal. Your product listings should be SEO-friendly, incorporating targeted keywords to improve search engine rankings and visibility.

Pricing strategies

Developing a competitive pricing strategy is key to attracting and retaining customers. Consider both cost-plus pricing and market-oriented pricing strategies.

Analyse your competitors’ prices to ensure your pricing is competitive but also allows for a reasonable profit margin. Employing psychological pricing tactics, such as pricing products just below a round number (e.g., $29.99 instead of $30), can also subtly enhance the attractiveness of your prices.

Regularly review and adjust your pricing based on market conditions, customer demand, and overall business goals.

By meticulously managing these aspects of your e-commerce products, you can optimize your product offerings to meet customer expectations and drive business growth.

Advanced ecommerce techniques

Advancements in technology have given rise to sophisticated techniques that can significantly enhance e-commerce operations.

Utilizing data and analytics, and integrating AI and automation are at the forefront of these advanced strategies.

Utilizing data and analytics

Data and analytics are indispensable for understanding customer behaviour and optimizing e-commerce strategies.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as conversion rates, average order value, customer lifetime value, and traffic sources are crucial for monitoring and measuring e-commerce success.

Tools like Google Analytics offer comprehensive insights into user behaviour, traffic patterns, and effectiveness of marketing campaigns. By analysing this data, businesses can identify successful elements of their online presence and areas that require improvement.

For instance, if the data shows high cart abandonment rates, strategies can be developed to address this issue, potentially increasing sales.

The role of AI and automation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are transforming e-commerce operations across multiple dimensions:

• Customer Service: AI-powered chatbots can handle customer inquiries 24/7, providing instant responses to common questions and issues. This not only enhances the customer experience but also reduces the workload on human customer service teams.
• Personalized Shopping Experiences: AI algorithms analyse customer data, past behaviour, and purchasing patterns to deliver personalized product recommendations and promotions. This level of personalization can significantly enhance the customer experience and increase the likelihood of repeat purchases.
• Optimized Logistics and Supply Chain Management: AI can optimize inventory management and logistics, predicting demand to ensure the right products are in stock and automating routing and scheduling for deliveries. This results in more efficient operations and can reduce costs.
• Marketing and Sales Strategies: AI tools can automate and optimize marketing campaigns, adjusting in real time based on customer interactions and engagement. This allows for highly targeted marketing that is more likely to convert.
• Fraud Detection: AI systems are capable of identifying potential fraudulent activities by analysing patterns that deviate from the norm, enhancing security for both the business and its customers.

Incorporating these advanced techniques into e-commerce operations not only streamlines processes but also provides a significant competitive advantage.

By leveraging data and analytics and embracing AI and automation, e-commerce businesses can enhance efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and ultimately drive growth and profitability.

Challenges and solutions in e-commerce

Operating an e-commerce business is not without its hurdles.

From logistical challenges to legal and ethical concerns, there are numerous obstacles that businesses must navigate to ensure smooth operations and maintain customer trust.

Addressing common e-commerce challenges

Managing Customer Expectations: In the digital age, customers have high expectations for service, delivery, and quality. To manage these expectations, clear communication is key. Ensure that product descriptions are accurate and comprehensive, and policies regarding returns and deliveries are transparent and well-communicated. Utilizing customer feedback systems can also help identify areas needing improvement.

Ensuring Timely Deliveries: Delivery delays are a common issue in e-commerce. To mitigate this, optimize your logistics and supply chain strategies. Partnering with reliable shipping providers and maintaining good inventory practices can help avoid delays. Additionally, providing customers with tracking information and proactive updates can improve the experience, even when delays occur.

Maintaining a Secure Online Presence: Cybersecurity threats pose significant risks to e-commerce businesses. Implement robust security protocols such as SSL certificates, data encryption, and secure payment gateways to protect customer information. Regular security audits and staying updated on the latest cybersecurity trends are also crucial.

Legal and ethical considerations

Compliance with E-commerce Regulations: E-commerce businesses must adhere to a complex array of regulations that vary by country and region, including consumer protection laws, data protection directives, and tax obligations. Staying informed about relevant legislation and seeking legal advice can help ensure compliance. Implementing compliant practices not only avoids legal penalties but also enhances your reputation.

Maintaining Ethical Practices: Ethical concerns, particularly related to privacy and data usage, are increasingly important to consumers. Be transparent about how you collect, use, and store customer data. Implement privacy policies that protect user data and provide customers with options to control their information, such as easy-to-use privacy settings and customer data access requests.

Sustainability Practices: Ethical considerations also extend to sustainability. Consumers are increasingly favouring businesses that demonstrate environmental responsibility. Adopting sustainable practices, such as using eco-friendly packaging and supporting fair trade products, can enhance your brand’s appeal and contribute to customer loyalty.

By proactively addressing these challenges and adhering to legal and ethical standards, e-commerce businesses can build a strong, trusted relationship with customers, ensuring long-term success and stability in the competitive online marketplace.

Final thoughts

The potential of e-commerce is immense, offering myriad opportunities for businesses to expand and innovate.

By utilizing the strategies outlined in this guide, entrepreneurs can effectively build and grow their e-commerce ventures, ensuring sustained success in the digital marketplace.

FAQs

What is e-commerce with an example?

E-commerce, short for electronic commerce, refers to the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet.

It encompasses a variety of transactional processes conducted online, ranging from ordering digital content for immediate online consumption to purchasing conventional goods and services.

Example: An individual purchases a new laptop from an online store like Amazon. They select the laptop, place it in their virtual shopping cart, complete the payment process online, and the laptop is shipped to their address.

How do I start my e-commerce business?

To start an e-commerce business, follow these steps:

1. Choose a Niche: Identify a product category that interests you and meets a specific market demand.
2. Market Research: Conduct thorough research to validate your idea, understand your target audience, and analyse competitors.
3. Select a Business Model: Decide whether you’ll dropship, hold inventory, or manufacture your own products.
4. Choose an E-commerce Platform: Select a platform like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento based on your technical skills, budget, and customization needs.
5. Set Up Your Online Store: Customize your website, add products, and set up payment and shipping options.
6. Launch Marketing Campaigns: Use SEO, content marketing, PPC advertising, and social media to attract customers to your store.
7. Analyse and Optimize: Monitor your store’s performance and make improvements to enhance user experience and increase sales.

What are the four main types of e-commerce?

The four main types of e-commerce are:

1. B2C (Business-to-Consumer): Businesses sell goods and services directly to consumers online. Example: Netflix subscriptions.
2. B2B (Business-to-Business): Transactions between businesses, such as a manufacturer and a wholesaler, or a wholesaler and a retailer. Example: Office supplies from Office Depot to businesses.
3. C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer): Consumers sell goods or services to other consumers. Example: eBay or Craigslist.
4. C2B (Consumer-to-Business): Individuals sell goods or services to businesses. Example: A freelance graphic designer creating logos for a business.

Is ecommerce worth it?

E-commerce can be highly rewarding if managed correctly. It offers access to a larger market, the convenience of shopping from anywhere, and often lower costs.

However, success requires an understanding of digital marketing, customer service, and the technical aspects of running an online store. It’s a competitive field but can yield substantial returns with the right strategy and commitment.

Can e-commerce make you wealthy?

Yes, e-commerce has the potential to make you wealthy, but it isn’t guaranteed. Success depends on factors such as choosing the right niche, having a robust online presence, effective marketing, and a bit of luck.

Many e-commerce entrepreneurs have built prosperous businesses, but like any business, it requires hard work, persistence, and smart strategies.

Is e-commerce a good side hustle?

E-commerce can be an excellent side hustle, offering the flexibility to manage your business from anywhere and potentially providing a significant income stream.

It can start as a part-time endeavour and grow into a full-time business. However, it requires time to manage inventory, fulfil orders, provide customer service, and market your products.

How difficult is e-commerce?

E-commerce can be challenging due to intense competition, the need for continual marketing efforts, and the logistics of managing an online business.

Success often depends on selecting the right niche, effective marketing, optimizing the customer experience, and scaling operations. It’s accessible to beginners but does require learning and adapting to many facets of running a business online.

Sourced from Jeff Bullas

BY ROLLING STONE CULTURE COUNCIL

Building a successful brand means understanding who you are and staying true to it.

IN SO MANY areas of culture, building a successful personal brand is key to getting ahead. Who you are, what you’re known for and what value you provide to others all play a role in creating your brand, and those who create positive ones are likely to find more opportunities coming their way.

But creating a personal brand isn’t as simple as some may think. It requires intentionality and a deep understanding of self to get started. Here, 14 leaders of Rolling Stone Culture Council share some of the other steps you’ll need to take if you want to build a successful personal brand, in life and in business.

Start With ‘Why’

Remember Simon Sinek? Start with why. Personal branding starts with purpose and passion. Explain and show what you are about and why. Don’t rely on social media alone — it will only show a very fragmented part of your personal brand. What would your Wikipedia page or bio say and why? – Igor Beuker, Igor Beuker

Deliver Excellent Value Consistently

Demonstrate your unique skills and values through consistent excellence in your work. Authenticity fosters trust and attracts opportunities, enabling you to differentiate yourself and excel in your career. Consistently delivering value builds your reputation and opens doors to advancement and success in your chosen field. – Matthew Miller, Orlando Informer

Align Your Expertise With Your Passion

Don’t spend time working out what will make sense on paper. Find the alignment between your expertise and passion, and go with that. If you overthink it, you’ll spend too much time turning your wheels. If it’s not what you are excited about, people can easily tell. – Steven Le Vine, GVG Agency

Engage in Thought Leadership Online

Build your own brand by investing in thought leadership on professional networks online. One key platform for this is LinkedIn. Stay active and engaged by building your LinkedIn profile, adding your experience and features, and creating a personal brand that demonstrates your expertise. Be sure to post regularly, comment on industry professionals’ posts and share your knowledge! – Dan Serard, Cannabis Creative Group

Find the Centre of Your Personal Venn Diagram

There’s never been anyone else quite like you. What one-of-a-kind Venn diagram does your professional history, personal interests, life experiences and identities make? The centre of that diagram is your personal brand. – Amanda McLoughlin, Multitude

Live Your Values Every Day

One of the best ways to build a personal brand is to be genuine and walk the walk. For your brand to be sustainable and appealing, you need to do more than simply cultivate an image; you need to live your values and the values of your company. Customers can tell when your brand aligns with who you are, and they will respond positively to your authenticity. – Evan Nison, NisonCo

Figure Out What You Want to Be Known For

Have you thought about how you would want people to speak about you when you are not in the room? This “brand message” should be consistent. Take the time to build out what you want to be known for professionally and personally. Personal branding is not only about what work you do, the people you surround yourself with or your behaviour; it’s also about what you wear and how you present yourself. – Angelique Kuiper, Resonance

Give Respect to Get Respect

I’ve been part of nonprofit outreaches for years, including working with many members of gang organizations. A common saying on the streets is, “You’ve got to give respect to get respect.” This is true from tough environments through to the boardroom. Lead with respect. Make it a central part of your brand. Figure out how to show respect in each environment, and incredible doors will open for you. – Jed Brewer, Good Loud Media

Reach Out to Your Peers for Help

Personal branding doesn’t mean branding alone, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. Gather your creative, supportive and qualified team that knows and understands not only your goals and ultimate mission but also your unique personality and core values. They will offer you critical feedback and reliable insights. – Magen Baker, Bell + Ivy

Pledge to Stand by Your Word

When building a brand, integrity is your most valuable asset. My journey toward building a sustainable salon taught me a hard but invaluable lesson: Compromising your values for short-term gain is betraying others and yourself. Pledge to stand by your word, even when faced with the toughest choices; it’s the foundation upon which successful brands are built. Your brand reflects who you are. – Kelley Swing, Head Case Hair Studio

Think ‘What,’ ‘Who,’ ‘How’ and ‘Why’

Start small: What do you do and who do you help? For example, I help business owners and entrepreneurs be seen and heard to make a bigger impact on this world by helping them build credibility, authority and visibility in the media. From there, you can build your brand by answering questions like, “How and why do you achieve your ‘what’ and ‘who’?” – Victoria Chynoweth

Consider How New Opportunities Fit in Your Brand Story

Think of your brand development like a book with several chapters, each building upon the previous one. When considering new opportunities, ask yourself how they fit into the larger story of the brand that you are creating. Do they reflect your core beliefs and support your worldview? Can you make them uniquely your own? It will help you create something that is both urgent and distinctive. – Michael Klein, cannabisMD

Feature Image Credit: HIXEL — STOCK.ADOBE.COM

BY ROLLING STONE CULTURE COUNCIL

By Emily Heaslip 

These free digital marketing tools boost your visibility at no cost to your bottom line.

Looking to spread the word about your business without spending a cent? No matter what type of business you operate, these free digital marketing tools can help boost your visibility and bring in new business. Restaurants, retailers, and service professionals alike can all benefit from these seven free digital marketing tools.

Social media

Old-fashioned, organic social media posts are free, easy, and a staple in every digital marketer’s toolkit. Although there are dozens of strategies, formats, and tools for managing paid advertising on social media, every company should prioritize posting regularly on their business profiles. A simple news feed update once or twice a week shows your company is open for business and engaging with followers. Social media boosts your company’s SEO results as well as helps you connect with potential customers — and best of all, it’s completely free.

Nextdoor

Nextdoor is a hyper-local social media platform that connects people who live in the same immediate geography. Users on the app are neighbours, businesses, nonprofits, public agencies, and brands that join the platform to ask for recommendations, share safety alerts, and advertise their products or services.

Nextdoor claims that 25% of conversations on its platform involve neighbours asking for recommendations for local businesses. When you sign up for a business page on Nextdoor, you can share general business information such as your address, website, or open hours. Local customers can also leave recommendations and message you directly. Creating a business page is free; there’s also the option to pay for advertising on Nextdoor.

Google reviews

Reviews on your Google business page can be a gold mine for your digital marketing efforts. Ask satisfied customers to leave a review on Google after a positive interaction. You can do this in person, through email receipts, or with a business card with a QR code linking directly to your Google review page. Then, showcase your positive feedback on your website and social media.

Build credibility by responding to all Google reviews, positive or negative. “Reviews are useful for potential customers when they’re honest and objective. Customers find a mix of positive and negative reviews more trustworthy. You can always respond to a review to show the customers that you care and provide additional context,” wrote Google.

ChatGPT

ChatGPT can meet a range of different marketing needs. This AI-powered chat tool can suggest social media copy, help brainstorm marketing campaign ideas, generate product descriptions, and help you research industry trends. Best of all, ChatGPT is completely free to use.

Pablo

Pablo, a free tool from Buffer, provides license-free images you can customize with text overlays to use on social media or in other marketing outreach. This user-friendly image editing tool provides a library of images from Unsplash, another great source for photos available for commercial use. Within Pablo, you can add filters, change the size for different social media platforms, and add text to images. It’s a great tool for making your profiles pop.

MailChimp

It may surprise you that this incredibly popular email marketing platform has a free option. MailChimp is free for up to 1,000 monthly email sends (defined as the maximum number of emails that can be sent per month with 500 contacts). If you contact a small but mighty email list, MailChimp has tons of features to help you engage regularly and build relationships with your customers.

Help A Reporter Out

Help A Reporter Out (HARO) is a good resource for getting free media coverage for your company. Journalists post requests for sources on particular topics related to stories they are working on. You can sign up for a “source” account and respond to journalist requests for a chance to be featured in a local news story. These opportunities help position small business owners as subject matter experts and can get media attention for your company.

CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.

Feature Image Credit: Getty Images/FG Trade

By Emily Heaslip 

Sourced from CO

By Laura Beck

For many employees, the biggest perk of working from home is the flexibility and improved work-life balance it provides. However, some entrepreneurial professionals have discovered that certain remote roles can actually earn you significantly more income than traditional full-time office jobs.

GOBankingRates spoke with experts who have found lucrative success with their work-from-home careers to get their valuable insights.

Social Media Management

“Work-from-home gigs that can make you richer than a full-time job in my opinion would be a social media manager,” said Lucy Vincent, founder of LVS Digital Marketing. “Social media is simply too important for businesses to ignore, yet handling all those channels is extremely time-consuming for company owners. As a social media manager, you can create your own schedule, which provides flexibility, while charging rates that reflect the high value of your skilled services.”

Vincent noted that her coaching program students who follow the structured path routinely “hit $10k months or more from working at home” as social media managers. “The income potential is massive, especially as you build a larger client base,” she said.

Virtual Assistance

Jan Paquete, a virtual assistant and owner of JLP Business Services, loves her job and says it’s the perfect work-from-home gig.

“Being a virtual assistant offers the freedom of setting your own hours and working from any location with an internet connection. At the same time, you handle a wide variety of tasks that allow you to build new skills — from basic administrative duties to specializations like social media marketing or graphic design,” she said. “The versatility keeps things fresh and interesting.”

Paquete added that one of the greatest perks is the work-life balance. “As your own boss, you can construct a schedule that allows for ample personal time,” she said.

YouTube Content Creation

Eddy Ballesteros of Balle Solutions is very bullish on the income potential of content creation, particularly on YouTube.

“People are craving authentic advice from real humans more than ever before, so video content will only continue growing in popularity,” he said. “You can monetize through YouTube’s ad revenue sharing, affiliate marketing by promoting other companies’ products, company sponsorships, and promoting your own products, services or courses.”

He stressed that while it requires patience and developing skills like video editing, the earning potential is limitless. “With persistence, implementing best practices and continuing to improve your content strategy, anyone can build a YouTube audience and make much more than a full-time income solely from their channel,” Ballesteros said.

Building Passive Income Sites

For those looking to create long-term passive income streams, Brittany Betts, CMO of FloridaPanhandle.com, suggested building your own websites.

“Start your own websites — it doesn’t require a huge upfront investment to build a helpful site that ranks well in search engines. You can build up the traffic and visibility, then either sell the domain for a profit down the road or monetize through affiliate marketing by promoting other companies’ products,” she said. “With enough traffic, the income can easily surpass what you’d make at a 9-5 job.”

The Freedom of Freelancing

Vaishali Gauba, a freelance marketing and PR strategist, shared how freelancing allowed her to finally leave her full-time job. “I make high four-figures monthly with the ability to work from anywhere for clients all over the world,” she said. “Once you build up a reputation for delivering great results, clients are happy to put you on lucrative monthly retainers, which provides financial security.”

She shared that it can feel like a risk at first — but it’s worth it. “It can be scary at first having variable income instead of a steady paycheck. But if you consistently provide value, you’ll quickly build up a client base,” Gauba said.

Gauba added that she loves “having total control” over her schedule and time. “I can take off for vacation at a moment’s notice, start my day at 5 a.m. or work from a beach if I want. My lifestyle flexibility is unparalleled,” she said.

The Path to a Lucrative Work-From-Home Career

The main message from all of the experts is that you need to build skills in an in-demand area that you actually enjoy. If you become the expert in your respective field, you can truly work from anywhere and make just as much as you’d make in a traditional full-time job — or even more.

Of course, it’s always smart to focus on things that are done primarily online — think social media and technology. If you provide a stellar service that few others are bringing to the table, you will reap the rewards.

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