Archives for January 2023

As companies continue to intensify efforts to retain customer attention and loyalty, SMS marketing for eCommerce and retail takes center stage. This is because it is a direct channel that allows you to connect with customers in a powerful and effective way. Best of all, it requires minimal effort to run and maintain.

As a result, SMS marketing has now become the go-to marketing tool for eCommerce business owners who want to penetrate new markets.

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But before we dive in, let’s dance around what e-commerce SMS marketing is all about. Then we’ll tell you how to get started and explore some examples of launching your first campaign.

What Is eCommerce SMS Marketing?

The first SMS message went out in 1992. Then, within a year, mobile phones had begun to have SMS technology. Of course, you can’t talk about SMS marketing without talking about how far SMS has come. However, the technology has gradually morphed into a marketing channel that business owners and entrepreneurs have come to trust.

Simply put, eCommerce SMS marketing is the process of using mass-sending software from an omnichannel communication platform to send bulk text messages that contain promotional materials to a predetermined audience. If you’ve ever sent an SMS to a group of people with the intention of getting them to react in a certain way, that’s SMS marketing.

Most importantly, eCommerce SMS marketing is a tool you adopt when you want to communicate offers and other information to your existing customers who have given you permission to send them text messages.

What Are the Main Benefits of Using SMS Marketing for Retail and eCommerce?

1. SMS Marketing Is Built for the Mobile Commerce Experience

With the usage of native text messaging apps growing three times faster than apps like Facebook and Instagram, 70% of customers say SMS messages capture their attention, according to Forrester. Therefore, this technology is important for brands that want to invest in mobile-friendly marketing, as SMS messages are designed so users can view them on their mobile phones.

2. High Open Rates Equal More Engagement

At 93% in terms of open rate, SMS marketing practically guarantees that your eCommerce or retail customer will see your texts and open them. This marketing method is more efficient and cost-effective than all the other forms of marketing that currently exist. What’s more, since you can now give your customers the ability to text back with 2-way bulk SMS, your engagement rate will grow exponentially.

3. Talk to Your Audience Using Their Preferred Communication Channel

SMS marketing helps you make a deep connection with your eCommerce and retail customers. You get to meet them where they spend a lot of time. You get to communicate with them in the way they like to communicate.

This is important, because people want to feel like they matter to their favorite brands. To give just one example, marketers for the popular HBO series, Game of Thrones tapped into their customer base with a text marketing service they called the “Three-Eyed Raven.” This texting channel gave their fans extra content and teasers for upcoming episodes.

Source: Shopify

How Can You Start Using SMS Marketing for Your eCommerce or Retail Store?

Now you know why you should use SMS marketing. Hopefully, you’re beginning to understand how it could work wonders for your business, too. So now it’s time to learn how to run your first eCommerce SMS marketing campaign.

1. Define Your Goals

Make sure you know exactly what you want to achieve when you begin. Do you want more engagements? Are you looking for brand awareness? Or do you need something else?

For example, you could start with SMS messages regarding cart abandonment and customer support.

Specifically, you could customize your SMS marketing campaign to notify your eCommerce shoppers about items they left in their cart. Or you could use two-way SMS to get feedback on their experience with your products or service. You might also send them purchase order notifications and links to their electronic receipts.

2. Find a Good SMS Provider to Partner With

Once you’ve settled on what you intend to do, it’s time to find the right omnichannel communication platform to integrate with your eCommerce store. Prioritize working with an SMS platform that makes setting up and launching your marketing campaign easy. Additionally, look for a provider that can also help you scale your eCommerce store as you grow your SMS channel.

3. Work on Your Subscriber Base

One thing you have to keep in mind with SMS is compliance. It’s important to ensure that you handle all details of your campaign, especially growing your list, with the explicit permission of your audience. This is because SMS marketing is a permission-based channel and there are very strict laws guarding customers’ privacy.

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4. Launch Your Campaign

Now that you’ve curated your list and integrated your eCommerce store into a communications platform, it’s time to launch your SMS marketing campaign into the stratosphere. Try new things and find out what works best for your eCommerce brand.

5. Never Stop Testing

Get creative. Don’t rest on your laurels and believe you’ve done it all. The world keeps changing and customer demands are dynamic.

Follow up your SMS campaign by reviewing the metrics you set in the beginning. Make sure you understand what you’re doing right and see what can be improved. Continue to test new content, style, delivery times and days, and deals. Taking these steps will help you identify the best SMS marketing strategy for your eCommerce store.

Start Your SMS Marketing Campaign and Watch Your eCommerce Store Take Off

Getting started is easy. Then you just need to be consistent with your SMS marketing for your eCommerce store. If you do, yours will become a brand your customers will rely on.

The next step now is to sign up at BSG and start your first SMS marketing campaign. Request a demo today and try out BSG’s features, then see what works for you.

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Featured image from Unsplash

Laser devices can perform an extensive number of tasks, including surgeries. For example, you can get corrective eye surgery that uses lasers to reshape the cornea. Architects and surveyors also use lasers in their work.

Another type of laser in use in business and industry today is the fiber laser for engraving purposes. This article focuses on desktop fiber laser engraving machines, beginning with a brief history of lasers. Then we discuss how lasers work and provide information on their uses across various industries. We also explore the key benefits of this type of equipment.

The History of Lasers

Lasers have been present in commercial and industrial settings since the 1960s. The idea of using lasers for a range of applications was first proposed by Albert Einstein more than a century ago when he wrote a paper describing the potential for such technology. It took several decades of further research and development before the first lasers would be produced.

How They Work

Fiber lasers are known as solid-state lasers. This is because they use a medium that is a solid material rather than a liquid, such as the liquids used in dye lasers, or a gas, as is used in gas lasers. Instead, fiber lasers rely on an optical fiber that is then “doped,” or mixed with a rare earth element. This allows for the creation of a laser beam with a specific wavelength. Depending on the rare earth element the particular equipment uses, wavelengths can vary considerably, making the fiber laser suitable for a wide range of tasks.

Fiber lasers work in five specific stages:

1. First, electricity powers the laser. Then diodes convert the electrical energy into light energy.
2. A coupler combines the light energy from the diodes, then it flows through the optical fiber to the laser medium.
3. Next, the light energy reaches the laser cavity, which is the doped part of the laser unit.
4. Once the laser comes into contact with the doped rare earth elements, it goes into a state of population inversion, which amplifies the light. This process is essential for the creation of a standard laser.
5. The final stage is the further amplification of the laser light into a concentrated beam. This is achieved by means of fiber Bragg gratings, a system of mirrors that reflect and focus the laser beam.

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Common Uses of Fiber Laser Engraving Machines

A wide range of industries rely on fiber laser engraving machines for a multitude of purposes. Some of these include:

• Industrial environments
• The jewelry industry
• Workshops
• Crafting firms
• Car component manufacturers
• Signage companies
• The aerospace industry
• Manufacturing

Portability of Modern Fiber Laser Equipment

Modern fiber laser equipment has several benefits. Portability of the units is a key one. Early designs tended to be large and bulky, which often meant that they could only be used in one location in a factory or workshop. It would take a considerable amount of time and effort to move one of these early machines to other parts of the premises.

Today it is possible to purchase a desktop fiber laser engraving machine, or desktop laser engraver, that is truly portable, thanks to its smaller area. This makes such equipment ideal for use in smaller workshops such as jewelers or compact industrial units. It also means that workers can easily move the equipment to different locations in the premises for a range of specific tasks having to do with the production line of a manufacturing firm.

Accuracy and Consistency

Another key benefit of these systems is that they can work to extremely high levels of accuracy and consistency. Depending on the chosen size of the beam, they can engrave on exceptionally small areas while producing script or coding that is still legible to the human eye. This is perfect for engraving on extremely small components or when jewelry or similar items require intricate engraving. The consistency of this equipment is such that it guarantees uniformity of results every time.

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No Need for Chemicals

In the modern world, there is a need for all businesses to be able to demonstrate that they operate in an environmentally responsible fashion. Companies must take steps to ensure that they eliminate waste from their production or manufacturing processes and minimize the effects that they have on the wider environment.

When your company uses a fiber laser unit for engraving tasks, however, you will have no need for any chemicals for this part of your process. The laser beam will engrave by accurately burning the host material, producing no waste or hazardous products. This may also offer your business a cost saving when compared to engraving methods that rely on the use of other solutions or chemicals to operate.

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Featured image by Dmitry Kalinovsky

Water damage refers to various losses caused by water entering where it shouldn’t. Losses can occur quickly, or it may take some time for the full extent of the damage to become evident.

Depending on the type of water and the material affected, the timeline for damage can vary significantly. For instance, the effects may be felt immediately if a storm or a flood is the cause. On the other hand, if the water damage is caused by a slow leak, such as a pipe or a roof leak, the effects may take some time before they become evident.

Furthermore, water damage can be different depending on the type of material that it affects. For example, wood flooring and drywall may warp or swell over time when exposed to moisture, while carpet may start to rot and fabrics may become mildewed.

Water damage can come from multiple sources, such as floods, hurricanes, plumbing problems, roof leaks, and so on. Regardless of the source, however, the effects of water damage can be far-reaching and costly. They can cause structural damage to walls, ceilings, and floors; damage to electrical systems and equipment; and growth of dangerous mold and mildew.

For businesses, owners may be forced to close their doors temporarily while repairs are made. They must also consider their employees’ and customers’ health and safety. In addition, the disruption of daily operations may lead to lost revenue, higher operating costs, and reputational harm. If you’re in Oregon, consider services offered by companies like Summit Cleaning & Restoration Portland Oregon to address water damage effects quickly and effectively.

Steps for Rebuilding Your Business After Water Damage

If your business has recently been affected by water damage, you may be feeling overwhelmed about how to rebuild it. Read on to find out how to make the most of this difficult situation and get your business back on track.

1. Assess the Extent of the Water Damage

The first thing to do after learning your business has suffered water damage is to assess the extent of it. When determining this, there are several criteria to consider.

First and foremost, it’s crucial to determine the source of the water. If the damage is due to a broken pipe or flooding, the extent of the damage may be more severe than if it was simply due to water from a leaking faucet. It can also be that it originated from more concerning sources such as sewage and groundwater. In this case, taking more serious actions may be necessary.

Additionally, it would help if you considered any potential risks to your customers or employees. For instance, if the damage was due to a sewage backup, it’s vital to assess potential health risks and take action to ensure everyone’s safety. Doing so may mean testing the water for bacteria and other contaminants before beginning any cleanup. Testing will also reveal any toxins present in the water and help you identify the appropriate cleanup and decontamination procedures to ensure the safety of your employees and customers.

This is equally true in assessing the severity of any potential mold or mildew growth. If the damage is extensive and there are potential risks to your customers, you may need to close your business until it is safe to reopen.

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It’s also important to inspect any electronic equipment in the area and determine whether they are safe to use. Electronic equipment exposed to water can pose a shock hazard. It must be adequately inspected for damage and dried before use.

Lastly, assess the possible restoration versus replacement costs of the damaged equipment, tools, and machinery. When determining the repair versus replacement costs, you should consider the labor costs, materials costs, potential risks, and time needed for restoration or replacement.

You may also need to inspect documents, furniture, artwork, or other items affected by the water, and determine what can be salvaged and replaced. If ever restoring things is possible, it can be a less expensive option than replacing them. Additionally, restoring items may be preferable from an aesthetic point of view, and such a step can keep an item’s sentimental value.

However, when the water damage is severe and there are potential health risks associated with restoring items, it may be necessary to replace them instead. This approach can be more cost-effective than restoring them.

2. Contact Your Insurer

Water damage is one of the different business insurance claims you may need to file. That’s because when your business has suffered from water damage, your insurer is a vital resource to turn to. They can help you assess the extent of the damage, provide coverage for some of the costs, and ensure you get the help you need to rebuild. Depending on the policy you have in place, your insurer may cover repairs, replacements, or even temporary relocation while the repairs are taking place.

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When dealing with your insurer, it’s essential to take the time to explain the full scope of the water damage and its effect on your business. Review with them the initial assessment you made. Additionally, check your policy to see what coverage is available and how much you can expect to receive. By understanding your policy details, you’ll be better prepared when dealing with them. Finally, document any conversations with your insurer so you can reference them later if necessary.

3. Develop a Restoration Plan

While it may be sensible to clean up immediately to avoid further damage, it may also be essential to first have a plan in place. A restoration plan is a detailed, step-by-step outline of all the actions you’ll need to take to restore your business to its former state. It can help you better manage the process and ensure everything runs smoothly. It also gives you security knowing that you have a clear roadmap to get your business back on track.

When developing a restoration plan after water damage to your business, there are several factors to consider:

• Establish a budget. Estimate how much it will cost to repair the damage and any necessary replacements or upgrades. This step may also consider rebuilding your business on your own, or hiring water restoration companies to do them for you.
• Identify any potential risks or problems that could arise during the restoration process. It would help if you considered other safety concerns related to water damage, such as standing water, slippery surfaces, or hazardous chemicals. Make sure to include strategies for dealing with these issues.

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• Create a timeline. Determine how long it will take to complete the restoration and set milestones for each process step.
• Take steps to ensure the safety of your employees and customers throughout the process.
• Consider the effects of any necessary repairs on your operations. Make sure to factor in any downtime or disruption of services that may occur during the restoration.
• Prepare yourself for unexpected issues. It is essential to remain flexible and ready to adjust your plan if something unforeseen occurs.

By developing a comprehensive restoration plan, you can help ensure that your business will be restored quickly and efficiently. Doing so can also help minimize the disruption to your operations caused by water damage and keep your employees and customers safe throughout the process.

4. Implement the Restoration Plan

Once you’ve developed a restoration plan, it’s time to implement it. This process will involve different steps depending on the type and extent of the damage. To begin, you’ll need to create a list of tasks that need to be completed. Then add a realistic timeline for their accomplishment. Consider prioritizing tasks by importance and urgency and assigning each task to an individual or team.

When implementing the restoration plan, it’s also essential to remember that not all tasks can be completed on time. There may be delays due to a lack of materials or workforce. It’s also important to recognize that some functions may require more effort or time than initially anticipated. As such, it’s essential to be patient and flexible as you implement the restoration plan.

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External factors that may affect your implementation also include weather or availability of materials. Structural issues can cause delays or the need to modify the restoration plan. Thus, it’s important to remain prepared and flexible to manage the restoration plan’s implementation effectively.

Another important area to consider is ensuring that all safety protocols are followed during restoration. This includes ensuring that all workers wear protective gear and that they dispose of all hazardous materials correctly. Additionally, ensure that workers do any electrical or plumbing work safely. You won’t need to give this area a great deal of attention if you’re hiring trustworthy water restoration experts. They’re usually licensed and follow protocols set in the industry.

Finally, it’s essential to be proactive. This area includes scheduling regular meetings with contractors and suppliers to review progress and discuss any challenges that may arise. Moreover, make it a habit to update your insurer during the implementation of the restoration plan. Having insurers is one of the many options to manage disaster recovery. They can have additional advice and information about the process and can assist if necessary. Informing them of the progress of the restoration plan will also ensure that you’ll receive payments or reimbursements promptly.

Following these steps, you can successfully implement your restoration plan and start rebuilding your business after water damage.

Conclusion

Rebuilding your business after water damage can be a long and challenging process. Still, it’s crucial for restoring your company to its former success. Therefore, taking the time to contact your insurer, assess the extent of the damage, develop a restoration plan, and implement the plan are all essential steps in rebuilding your business.

To find other helpful suggestions for running your small business during challenging times, bookmark our blog and come back often.

Selling in multiple currencies is vital for businesses looking to expand their sales internationally. By offering products or services in different currencies, companies can make it easier for customers in other countries to make purchases.

A multi currency business account is one essential tool for businesses selling in multiple currencies. A multi-currency business account allows companies to hold and manage funds in different currencies. This makes it easier to process transactions and manage finances when selling far and wide.

Expanding sales into international markets gives businesses the potential for increased profits, as companies can tap into new markets and customer bases. It can also diversify a company globally. Diversification can protect against economic downturns or other challenges in a specific market. Additionally, it can help businesses learn and grow by exposing them to new cultures and ways of doing business.

If you’re considering selling in multiple currencies, read on to learn the critical things to consider.

1. Exchange Rates

Exchange rates are an essential factor to consider when selling in multiple currencies. They refer to the rate at which financial institutions or currency exchange platforms exchange one currency for another. Keeping track of exchange rates is crucial because they can fluctuate over time.

For instance, if you’re selling a product in euros and the value of the euro increases relative to the US dollar, the price of your product in US dollars will also increase. On the other hand, if the value of the euro decreases relative to the US dollar, the price of your product in US dollars will decrease.

Fluctuating exchange rates can significantly affect the price of a product or service in different currencies. Thus, businesses must stay updated on exchange rates and consider how they may affect prices when selling in multiple currencies.

2. Fees

There are several fees that businesses should be aware of when selling in multiple currencies. One such fee is the currency conversion fee. This fee is charged by financial institutions or currency exchange platforms when converting one currency to another. It’s typically a percentage of the transaction amount.

Another fee to consider is the cross-border fee. This fee is charged by credit card companies and payment processors when it involves a transaction between two countries. Cross-border fees can vary depending on the specific credit card company or payment processor.

Other fees to consider when selling in multiple currencies include those for accepting payments in particular currencies and for using specific payment methods. It’s important to carefully review the fees associated with different payment methods and currencies. Doing so will help to ensure you can offer competitive prices to your customers.

3. Localization

Localization is an important consideration when selling in multiple currencies. It refers to adapting your marketing and sales efforts to specific regions or countries. It includes tailoring your messaging, pricing, and other aspects of your sales strategy to meet the needs and expectations of customers in different locations.

One crucial aspect of localization is translation. If you’re selling in countries where the language is different, you must translate your website and other materials into the local language. Doing so can increase the accessibility and appeal of your products or services to local customers.

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4. Taxes

Some countries may have higher sales tax rates than others. This could affect the price of your products or services in those countries. Moreover, other taxes, such as value-added tax (VAT) or goods and services tax (GST), may apply to sales in certain countries. Awareness of these taxes and their effects on your prices in different currencies is crucial.

In addition to understanding the tax laws in different countries, you must be aware of any tax implications for your business. For instance, you may need to pay taxes on your international sales. Or there may be tax implications for your business if you have a presence in multiple countries.

With that, it’s best to consult with a tax professional or seek guidance from relevant authorities to ensure compliance with all applicable tax laws.

5. Payment Options

Offering various payment options can make it easier for customers in different countries to make purchases and can help to increase sales.

Consider offering local payment options, such as popular payment methods in a particular country or region. It may include options like bank transfers, mobile payments, or e-wallets. Offering local payment methods can make it more convenient for customers to make purchases, helping increase the appeal of your products or services.

Another option is to offer international credit cards. These credit cards can be used for transactions in different countries and can be accepted by merchants worldwide. Similar to local payment methods, offering international credit cards as a payment option can make your products or services more appealing to a global audience, as purchasing from you becomes easier.

Conclusion

Overall, selling in multiple currencies requires careful consideration. By being aware of the key factors discussed above and taking the necessary steps to address them, businesses can effectively sell in various currencies and expand their reach and customer base internationally.

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Featured image by Mohammed Hassan via Pixabay

Did you know that your brain waves can affect your mood, concentration, and overall well-being? Alpha brain waves, in particular, are associated with a state of relaxed alertness.

If you can learn to increase your alpha brain waves, you may be able to improve your mental and emotional health. Please keep reading to learn more about alpha waves and how to increase them.

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What Are Alpha Brain Waves and What Do They Do?

Alpha brain waves are the most common, ranging from 8 to 12 Hz.

These brain waves occur when an individual is in a state of relaxation and mental focus. They are associated with creativity, problem-solving, and improved memory function.

Activities such as yoga, visualization, or meditation can amplify our alpha waves by promoting specific mental tasks. Many studies show that increased alpha brain wave activity can lead to higher IQ scores, increased clarity of thought, better memory functioning, and improved concentration levels. With regular practice and by maintaining a relaxed state of mind, one can benefit from the power of alpha brain waves.

How Can You Amplify These Brain Waves?

According to research, there are various ways in which you can increase your alpha brain wave activity. The brain can naturally increase its alpha wave production by using specially formulated supplements and meditation drinks.

Taking time to practice mindfulness and deep breathing can be beneficial in increasing your alpha brain wave activity. Additionally, participating in activities such as yoga or tai chi may help to increase alpha brain waves. Another helpful technique involves focusing on the present moment and being aware of body sensations, such as your heart rate and breath.

Furthermore, since alpha waves are linked with creativity, engaging in artistic pursuits could also help to activate this type of brain wave pattern. Overall, incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine can increase alpha brain wave activity.

What Are the Benefits?

Alpha brain waves are associated with various potential benefits, from increased self-efficacy and creative thinking to improved focus and mindfulness. Research indicates that alpha waves can boost alertness, resulting in better decision-making, problem-solving, and clarity of thought.

While scientists are still exploring the effects of alpha waves on general psychology, there is evidence to suggest that increased alpha levels result in optimized mental functioning.

Increased alpha wave activity improves the quality of sleep, leads to higher overall energy levels, and enhances the ability for meditation practice. All these findings point to the conclusion that having more alpha brain waves can have substantial implications for the state of one’s well-being.

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How Can You Use Alpha Waves to Improve Your Life or Achieve Specific Goals?

Alpha brain waves enhance one’s ability to focus, reduce stress, and gain clarity. Recently, studies have shown that consistent production of alpha waves can increase attention span and creative problem-solving skills.

Whether you’re looking to become calmer in daily activities or you simply want to strengthen overall mental sharpness, understanding how to incorporate alpha brain waves into our lifestyle effectively is an important step toward living a healthier life.

For example, audio recordings of guided meditations can encourage relaxation, improve mood, and help cultivate a mindful state. As a result, you will enjoy more ease in organizing your thoughts, formulating plans, and setting effective goals.

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Are There Any Risks and If so What Are They?

We generate alpha waves when we are in a more relaxed state of mind. These brain waves can help improve concentration, focus, and creativity.

However, constantly stimulating alpha brain waves can lead to an imbalance and bring about associated side effects. Adrenal fatigue, migraines, anxiety, and depression are all potential risks that can come from increasing your alpha brain wave activity.

Therefore, it’s best to monitor your alpha wave activity and regulate it accordingly to prevent an imbalance. Limit how much time you engage in activities that activate alpha brainwave activity or practice relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation to encourage a sense of balance in your mind.

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