Mohit Tater's Blog, page 490

Ways to Use Twitter Scheduling to Enhance Your Marketing

Twitter is a powerful social media platform and search engine that brings in 326 million users per month. This means that the network provides a huge platform for marketers to build brands and drive sales. However, there are 500 million tweets sent out each day, meaning that you have to strategize well in order to stand out.

Knowing how to automate and schedule quality tweets is one of the best ways of doing this, but you also need to combine this with a few Twitter marketing strategies. In this guide, we will look at some strategies you can use to make the best out of Twitter scheduling.

What is Twitter Scheduling?

Twitter scheduling is a functionality that allows marketers to create a tweet and then schedule a date and time when they want that tweet to be sent out. Scheduling can be set up with an advertiser account under ads.twitter.com.

To schedule tweets, you can either select the “Compose Tweet” button or go to the “Creatives” tab, select “Tweets,” and then “Only Scheduled Tweets.”

Ways to use Twitter scheduling to enhance your marketing



Know when most of your followers are active

The best way to reach out to your followers with scheduled tweets is to know when they are most likely to interact with your tweet. This means understanding when your audience is online and scheduling your tweets for these times.

One of the best ways to know such is by using Tweriod, a twitter app that analyzes both your tweets and your followers’ tweets to give you the best time to tweet. This way, you will be able to tweet when your followers are most active.

Understand/ Profile your audience

Different businesses target different audiences, and understanding your audience’s behavior can give you an edge in tweet scheduling. Are they busy workers who often scroll through their timeline during evening commute? Do they like to go online during brunch on weekends? You can use various analytics tools to sort out your audience.

Location Matters

The location of your audience determines their time zone, and so your scheduling needs to reflect this if you have an international audience. If your audience is usually most active at 11 a.m and you have huge audience in different countries that have varied time zones, you may need to schedule multiple tweets for 11 a.m in multiple time zones.

Test for Optimal Interactions

Apart from relying on analytics to know when best to reach your audience, you can do a practical test. Come up with a plan to schedule tweets during various times of the day, and try to create a pattern over several days or weeks. You can then establish when you get the most engagements.

Keep your Scheduled Tweets in Check

Just because you have scheduled your tweets doesn’t mean that you can relax and let twitter do its thing. Certain events can affect the relevance or even appropriateness of your tweets, so you need to review them regularly. For example, you do not want to be NRA and post this after the Colorado shootings.

After a major tragedy or big news event, it’s advisable to pause your scheduled tweets, or at least go over them.

The post Ways to Use Twitter Scheduling to Enhance Your Marketing appeared first on Entrepreneurship Life.

Making Life easier with Keyboard Applications

How many times have you tried to register for something, or typed in a long wifi password, only to get an error message. There are few things less frustrating than having to retype those small and impossibly long codes, over and over again. What about those long and repetitive registration forms when booking an airline flight or booking a hotel room – even registering for a new service – like a bank or mobile phone provider. 

Needless to say, human brains just aren’t built for manually entering lists of jumbled numbers and letters over and over again. To make it worse, the errors caused by misreading a number are more common than we all care to admit – and incredible frustrating at that! 

That’s why people who are tired of manually typing data are downloading Keyboard Extension apps to make their everyday life easier. But we aren’t talk about the latest Giphy or Emoji Keyboard. We are talking about those that will actually change how you interact with and collect data on a daily basis. Be it for registration forms or simple sharing information in a message or email, this technology is worth knowing about.

Introducing Keyboard Scanner apps

Keyboard Scanner apps save the user time by enabling them to scan data with their phone’s camera, and then paste it anywhere, like in a browser, email, or messaging app. 

It looks just like a normal keyboard that you use on any app on your phone. The difference is that you can click a ‘scan’ button to capture data instead of typing. For example, the Anyline Keyboard app scans text, such as WIFI passwords, IBAN numbers, and passport information, as well as barcodes and QR codes.

When can you use a Keyboard Scanner app?

Once you start using a Keyboard Scanning app, your life will never be the same and you will likely never go back to manually entering this type of data. Here are just a few examples of various uses for Keyboard Scanning apps: 

Streaming TV:  As people spend more time at home, one convenient use of the Keyboard app is helping viewers connect their TV or devices to streaming services, like Youtube, ESPN and Amazon prime video. By simply scanning the pairing code on their TV screen, users can instantly connect their device and stream their favorite show in seconds.

Getting online quickly: If you are in a public place or visiting a friend’s house, it’s easy to get the WIFI password wrong again and again. With a Keyboard app that includes an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Scanner, you can just scan the password and enter it immediately. Bring on the long and complex passwords! 

Holiday bookings and check-in: Using a Keyboard Scanner app also lets holiday makers book flights and hotel rooms in a fraction of the time. By simply scanning your passport information or driver’s license, you can complete purchases faster and without mistakes. Then, when you need to check in, it’s easy and fast to scan your data to fill in the necessary information without typing a single word.

What should you look for in a Keyboard application?

Ideally, a keyboard scanner app should give you maximum flexibility: combining OCR scanner technology with barcode scanner specifications. For example, if you are using a banking app, you might need a QR code scanner as well as an IBAN reader. When booking services such as a flight or hotel reservation, you will want features such as Passport and ID readers. They key here is flexibility – a “one stop shop” application that gives you the most options for keyboard scanning. 

Speaking about identification documents, If you want to collect the information from an ID, the Keyboard needs to be capable of reading the MRZ (machine readable zone) at the bottom of your passport, or PDF417 (the funny looking barcode) on the back of your driver’s license (US only). It’s best to check beforehand that the Keyboard has these functionalities before downloading to get the most out of this type of application. 

What about data privacy and security?

This is a topic that has risen in popularity over the past years as we have learned more about the data we actually have out in the open. From personal information to credit card and banking details, we are always second guessing the data we share with others – now more than ever. So, what about these Keyboard Scanning apps; what actually happens to the data we are taking pictures of and who has access to it? 

While we strongly encourage users to look into the privacy policies of each keyboard scanning app, the main thing to look for is details on how the captured data is processed. When it comes to the Anyline Keyboard app, the captured data is completely processed on the device thanks to clever coding built directly into the application. This means that when you select an item to scan, say a Passport, the text is automatically processed on your phone and the data digitalized without the need for any internet or mobile data connection. 

Why is this important? Simply put, your data stays completely secure. With the Anyline Keyboard app, your phone does all the magic and you will never need to worry about data privacy again.

How much do they cost?

When you go into the application store and search for Keyboard Apps, will see a wide variety of options. Some keyboard apps are ‘freemium’, while others are available at a fixed cost. Some applications feature a few scanning capabilities while others a solely focus on one thing – say a barcode or QR scanner. 

However, the Anyline Keyboard app is completely free for anyone to download and includes a full and impressive variety of scanning features. From various ID documents to banking IBAN numbers, Voucher codes, and the most useful, a Universal Serial Number reader which is life changing for those random and long numbers – like car VIN numbers or WiFi passwords. 

The post Making Life easier with Keyboard Applications appeared first on Entrepreneurship Life.

How to Make the Most Out of Options Trading

When you decide to invest in securities, you have a lot of choices. Options trading can be a great way to make some money and diversify your portfolio. Before you get started, learn a bit more about what options trading is, how it works, and some of the best strategies to use.

What Is Options Trading? 

Image via Flickr by investmentzen

Options are contracts that give investors the option to buy or sell an underlying asset, such as an index, ETF, or security, at a predetermined price before the contract expires. These contracts are bought and sold on the options market. Like a majority of asset classes, options can be purchased with brokerage investment accounts. There are two basic types of options:

Call options: Call options allow you to buy a specified number of shares at a certain price over a set amount of time.Put options: Put options allow you to sell a set number of shares at a certain price over a specific amount of time.



How Does Options Trading Work? 

Options trading usually involves securities and takes place on the bond or stock market. When purchasing a call option, the stock option’s strike price is determined by the stock’s current price. When a strike price exceeds the share price of a call option, it’s considered “out of the money.” It’s considered “in the money” if the strike price is lower than the call option’s share price. 

Put options, on the other hand, are considered out of the money when the strike price is less than the current share price. In either case, out of the money options are worthless once the contract expires. Options usually expire on Fridays, but the length of the contracts can vary from monthly to bi-monthly, quarterly, and so on. In most cases, however, the options contracts last six months.

What Are the Best Strategies for Options Trading?

When you have an effective strategy, there are plenty of opportunities to make money with trading options. Here are some tips for earning a profit while trading options:

Do your research: Learn a stock’s history and future plans so that you can determine how much it is expected to rise.Evaluate a stock’s volatility: Think about the impact of large price moves on the underlying assets. Even if a stock moves in the desired direction, it could have the opposite effect on the price of the option.Diversify your purchases: Out of the money options are great because they’re cheap, but they can be risky. Instead of only buying out of the money or in the money options, improve your odds. Purchase some out of the money options to get a quick turnaround and a few in the money options that have a high likelihood of staying that way until the contract expires.

As with any type of investing, in options trading, it’s key that you have an understanding of the market and its trends. The more you know about the process, the more successful you will be.

The post How to Make the Most Out of Options Trading appeared first on Entrepreneurship Life.

Hiring During The Pandemic? Here Are A List Of Questions To Ask The Applicant During The Skype Interview

Even during a global pandemic, there has been quite a lot of dynamic activity in the field of hiring and recruitment. For instance, several companies let go of their workforce, while others have ramped up their hiring activities.

The increase in hiring activities is particularly apparent in companies that provide essential services, eCommerce stores, and digital technologies. Thus, you may have seen a significant rise in the demand for digital marketers or wordpress developer for hire. 

At the same time, the mode of recruitment has transitioned from physical interviews to virtuals platforms. For instance, companies are using Google Forms to collect candidate database. While video conferencing software like Zoom and Skype, registered a spike in its user base due to digital interviews.

Hence, if your organization is hiring employees during the pandemic, here is a list of a few Skype interview questions that you may ask:

What Have You Discovered About Yourself During the Pandemic?

A typical ice-breaker in most interviews involves, “tell me a little bit about yourself.” But given the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, several individuals may have been presented with the unique opportunity to introspect and self-evaluate their skills and potential.

Hence, you may follow up on the traditional opening with this follow-up question. It gives an overview of the emotional intelligence and preparedness, especially while facing a crisis. 

Look out for qualities that depict their resilience, attitude, and motivation that has helped them through the pandemic. If they have utilized this opportunity to acquire a new skill or master the existing ones, it adds another brownie point in their kitty.

What is Your Work From Home Strategy?

This question will generally divide the candidates into two main groups. On the one hand, you will have individuals who have some amount of experience working remotely. While for the others, it would be a first time experience.

Regardless of the category to which these candidates may belong, it would help you to formulate an effective onboarding strategy. The candidates may offer you some brilliant inputs on what they expect from companies and how they have been working from home. You will get an overview of the resources available at their disposal to carry out the job at hand.

Look for someone who plans on having a dedicated WFH station along with a well-defined routine. Such questions will help you and the candidate tackle the ongoing issues and help prepare for the future where remote working may emerge as the new normal.

Would You be Willing to Work On-Site Once the Pandemic is Over?

Even though a significant chunk of the workforce operates remotely, they may have to adapt to attending office in the time to come. Hence, employees must be willing to transition to the traditional office setting after the pandemic is over.

Hence, companies must advertise posts as “remote” if they are exclusively looking for individuals who do not have to come to the office. Only some positions may function well remotely, while others may require the employee to visit the office premises. 

For instance, marketing and sales could work over a collaborative platform. However, an ios developer for hire may have to visit the office and work with the designers to execute the design.

Asking this question in the early stages of the interview screens out the candidates who may not meet the company requirements in the future.

How Have You Been Spending Your Time Since the Lockdown?

Candidates who were already employed even during the lockdown may have witnessed their workload lightening. Hence, engaging them in a conversation of how they have utilized this extra time may help you understand their passions. Further, it also grants access to their ability to adapt to changes and deal with stress proactively.

How do You Plan on Handling Work-Life Balance?

Several individuals are coming up with new and innovative ways to ensure that they can enjoy working from home without losing productivity. Thus, someone who has the perfect formula for maintaining a work-life balance would be in a better position to manage their time and lead by their organizational skills.

It gives you a peek into how they plan on working even when they are not monitored by the team members that sit around them. Candidates do not necessarily have to be available every hour of their shift, as long as they can display and justify that the breaks and activities that they participate in are contributing to their productivity.

Have You Used Slack/Google Hangouts/Microsoft Teams Before?

Companies have already been using digital communication and collaboration tools extensively, even before the pandemic struck. Now, it becomes even more critical than ever to use these tools to get work done.

Hence, depending on the technologies that you use, you can question the candidate on how adept they are at using it.

Do You Have Any Questions for Us?

While you may have asked the candidates questions about their pandemic experience, they may want to do the same to you. It grants them an opportunity to assess your preparedness during the pandemic and how you resolved the issues that it presented.

One of the most sought-after questions in this regard would be relating to your onboarding process. Remote working opportunities will have to emphasize onboarding so that the employees can stay productive right from day one. 

Some companies are also providing the necessary resources, such as sharing VPN access, providing company-sponsored devices to help their staff. 

Explain at length all the initiatives that you have taken to ensure employee safety and all the proactive measures that you decided to maintain business continuity. In this manner, you present your company as one of the best destinations for the candidates.

Concluding Thoughts

Companies are using video interviews to select the right candidates that are worth hiring. While candidates will naturally practice before the camera, the HR team should also do their homework. 

These questions diverge from the typical interview questions involved in the recruitment process and grant the candidate more opportunities to prove their worth.

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Why Evolution Gaming Wants to Buy NetEnt–These 8 Reasons

On June 24, software provider Evolution Gaming made a public offer to acquire Stockholm-based NetEnt at a valuation of SEK 19.6 billion (€1.8 billion). As part of the deal, the live-casino games’ supplier will compensate NetEnt stockholders at roughly 0.1306 per share.

The investors have until October to come to an agreement. NetEnt is allegedly encouraging them to accept the deal, meaning executives are on board with the offer. However, the deal isn’t negotiable and will only complete if Evolution Gaming can acquire over 90% of the shares.

Why does Evolution Gaming want to acquire NetEnt so badly? Let’s get into it.

An Ambition to Lead the World

NetEnt is one of the top three biggest online software providers in the world. In contrast, Evolution Gaming is the leading supplier of live casino games. A merger would place the Latter at the helm of the software business, elevating it into a league of its own.

Evolution Gaming is genuinely one of the most respected brands in the online casino industry. It specializes in one genre of games, but it is excellent at it. Furthermore, the 2006-founded company is a fast-growing company.

And that means it wants to maintain or increase its dominance. Acquiring a company jam-packed with talent and resources is an excellent way to conquer the industry and establish itself as a leader for many decades to come.

To Eliminate a Tough Competitor

Let’s face it. Evolution Gaming isn’t the only live-casino software provider around anymore. There’s more competition, mainly from Playtech and NetEnt. Playtech is too big with a net income of €133.6 million.

NetEnt is also a huge brand with annual revenue of roughly €170.4 million. But considering it’s much smaller than Playtech and offers significant competition to Evolution Gaming, an acquisition is a smart decision.

It makes even more sense when you consider that NetEnt had plenty of products Evolution Gaming lacks. Even its live-casino games are different from those of the Latvia-based company. As a result, Evolution Gaming is at a strategic position to grow its brand without changing much of what it offers.

Huge Variety of Top-Rated Games

NetEnt isn’t your average developer. First, there are over 200 NetEnt slots and card games distributed in over 100 online casinos. Many of these games are top-rated and in high demand. And as a testament, nearly every new casino wants to acquire a NetEnt license.

Purchasing the software provider is, therefore, not a fruitless effort. Instead, it is an opportunity to own a wide range of beautiful, timeless and in-demand slots and card games. It is a chance to make money from titles such as Gonzo’s Quest, Twin Spin and Starburst.

And depending on how Evolution Gaming manages NetEnt henceforth, it’s a chance to control the biggest software providers in the world. 

Support from Board Members

Both Evolution Gaming and NetEnt believe a merger is what’s best for both companies. NetEnt’s investors will have a chance to profit after periods of fluctuating share prices. In contrast, Evolution Gaming will fulfil its dream to become an unstoppable force in the casino sector.

Presently, shareholders are the only people in the way of the merger. At least 45% of the group accepts the offer, so it’s up to the remaining 55% that control 79% of shares to make it happen. Across the board, roughly 35% of Evolution Gaming’s shareholder plan to approve the deal according to the software provider. Employees in both companies wouldn’t be affected by the acquisition, and neither will they benefit in it materially.

Annual Cost Savings

One of the reasons many companies merge is to share resources and hopefully save on costs. According to a study published on Research Gate, cost savings begin immediately an acquisition happen and increase for a year before declining.

Nevertheless, a merger is a perfect way to unify production and eliminate costs that overburden either company. In NetEnt’s case, an acquisition might lead to more profits. Its shares have been on a decline since last year.

By joining up with Evolution Gaming, it could lower its costs of game production and thus magnify its profits. As studies show, however, these improvements aren’t always long-lasting. 

Commanding the US Market

Something magical is happening in the US. Every month since May 2018, there’s a state proposing or actively considering to legalize online gambling. These jurisdictions are allowing up to 30 operators, casinos that need software providers.

NetEnt has a foothold in the few US states with legal online gambling policies. Evolution Gaming also supplies games to a few casinos in New Jersey. And once it acquires NetEnt, it hopes to dominate the North American Market one step at a time.

There’s a lot of money to be made in the US, of course. If a merger strengthens both NetEnt and Evolution Gaming, the two companies could grow bigger than Playtech, Scientific Games and all other alternatives.

More Resources to Invest in Research

This might come as a surprise, but software providers invest millions of dollars in research and development annually. A significant percentage of this money never comes to fruition. That means there are tons of slots or in-games features we might never see because they weren’t completed.

A merger will help increase NetEnt’s financial muscles. And if used correctly, this money can lead to games as innovative as Starburst and Gonzo’s Quest. It could also lead to games that support VR efficiently or more features than only exist as concepts presently.

Diversification

Playtech is so prominent today because it expanded beyond slots. After launching in 1999, the company started to acquire smaller companies immediately. Then it dabbled with card games, sports betting, banking and financing.

All these acquisitions contribute to the company’s estimated valuation of €5 billion. Evolution Gaming dreams of a similar future. But presently, acquiring NetEnt will take it a step closer towards diversification.

It will no longer be recognized for its live casino games alone. Instead, it will also grow its brand as a slot developer. In turn, the diversification could bolster its net income and cushion losses in case one sector hurts financially. 

The post Why Evolution Gaming Wants to Buy NetEnt–These 8 Reasons appeared first on Entrepreneurship Life.

How to Create an Impressive Resume If You Want to Work in The IT Industry?

Are you sick of writing resumes after resumes and yet hear no good news from your prospective employer? 

Are you falling in the abyss of hopeless thoughts regarding your employment?  Is it because of the economy or perhaps the rapidly growing competition in the industry?

The whole process becomes much more competitive and gruesome when you set your eyes on the IT industry. 

Check out a sample resume for an IT industry, and you’ll realize the magnitude of competition and skillsets required to land an IT job.

Resume Writing Tips For The Industry

The IT industry is much more competitive unlike any average startup. You need a resume that will not only leave a positive impression but would also help in landing you a job.

Here is what you need to do to create an impressive resume if you want to work for the IT industry:

 1. Create the Right Header and Professional Summary

A recruiter can pretty much assess you from these two sections of your resume. Your header should contain personal details such as:

NamePhone NumberEmail AddressSocial Media Profiles (LinkedIn)URL (If any)City or Country (You can leave out your physical address)

Your professional summary is what makes you stand out in a crowd. Because you can adequately summarize your skillsets and add value in a few lines, which is often the most a recruiter may read into. If you think a summary is accessible, you just need to write a brief biography.

2. Education

Of course, your degree matters. You certainly need to mention your university if you have been to the Ivy League or any other higher education institute but leave out the unnecessary details. The idea is to include the degree in descending order, the highest ordered first in the list. If you scored an outstanding CGPA you may include it here. Moreover, if you hold a postgraduate or higher degree, you may omit including your high school diploma.

3. Create A Specific Skills List

In today’s world, the skills have crucial importance too. Make sure that you emphasize on your skillsets that are relevant to the job. Your skill sets should include your level of expertise, notable projects, variations, and ability to operate. Your skill list will be a determining factor in getting you hired.

Here are the skillsets required for each level of expertise:

Beginner Level: Ruby on Rails and Python, Intermediate Level: J2EE, Java, Hibernate, Spring, Eclipse, Jenkins, JDBC. Expert Level: C/C++, C#, ASP.NET, VB.NET, CSS, SQL, REST, SOAP, HTML, Visual Studio 

Note that you have to mention the level of learning because that will enable your employer to gauge your skill level. 

4. Sell Your Experience and Achievements to Your Prospective Employer

As someone aiming to get in the IT sector, you need to show that you are an eligible candidate for it. A common mistake some people overlook is that the prospective employer wants to know about your credibility and not your previous company’s. Some candidates project their company`s achievements rather than their achievements. So, make sure to include your role and contribution in your company`s successes or perhaps failure at some point.

 The same rule implies to your LinkedIn profile or digital resume; a single click by your hiring manager can change your fate. Therefore, include all of your relevant achievements in your profile/digital resume.

Here is what you need to do while writing about your achievements:

User Powerful Verbs

You need to begin every sentence, if possible, with a powerful verb possible in connection with a suitable adjective, for instance,

Successfully mentored 10 research students.Carefully developed Python application for earth sciences field. 

Make sure to add the real data and figures while describing your achievements. This will enable the recruiter to get a gist of what you have achieved so far. 

Leave Out the Irrelevant Details

You don`t need to include your company`s history or non-essential projects. For instance, if you`re a Python developer, you don`t need to explain or reflect upon your C++ or SQL experience if it`s not required. An IT job description is precise, and you need to leave out all the non-relevant details. Make sure that you include details that are relevant to your intended field of work. 

You may leave out your social media handles, for instance, if you think your Twitter handle can be problematic due to some controversial ideas/posts.

Mention Your Awards and Certifications

Many applicants are complacent about their achievements or certifications. They think it`s not necessary to include them, but you need to add your certifications relevant to your work. It’s perhaps these awards or specific certifications that can differentiate you from others. In the IT industry, even an endorsement from an IT expert or a famous developer can land you a job.

5. Smart Detailing of your Resume

Your resume needs to be detailed yet concise. A complete resume doesn’t only mean too many words. It reflects all your relevant achievements on a single page, such as:

Include Key Words  

When including keywords, don’t fit in too many buzz words, if you’re an Android developer, do mention Android relevant keywords. But you don’t need to say all the other applications.

Similarly, be specific about the keywords you use because too many keywords may backfire. If you’re a front-end developer, don’t mention back end development and vice versa. 

Important Links 

The most important aspect is to layout key links, for instance, your URL, your LinkedIn, or Twitter profile, but do that only if you think it can contribute towards your professional experience. Again, don’t rely on your hiring manager to even click on these links, therefore if there is any critical information, you need to have it on your resume.

Avoid Red Flags

While you’re creating your resume for IT sector, you need to make sure to avoid the red flags, for instance:

Vague wording, like super headed, founded, negotiated, simplified, diagnosed etc. Too personal information; the employers don’t need to know about your social activities that doesn’t concern the job.Poorly organized; a messy and overcrowded resume will end up in garbage. So, make sure to use the space smartly and use simple formatting to highlight your best skills and achievements.



Key Takeaways

Before you apply these tips to curate an effective IT resume, you need to be clear-headed and right about your approach. Hence, a smartly used resume space will bring out your skills potential to the employer. A perfectly-curated resume won’t only look impressive but be a surely pave the way to your new job!

The post How to Create an Impressive Resume If You Want to Work in The IT Industry? appeared first on Entrepreneurship Life.

The Best Stock Trading Apps of 2020

Technological innovations since the turn of the century have led to the rapid expansion of online businesses. One of these businesses, which was earlier hampered by high fees charged by brokers, is stock trading. Other popular online businesses include surveys for money from your phone. 

Fast forward to 2020, and you can now download a trading app conveniently on your phone or computer and start trading. However, the popularity of these trading apps has skyrocketed with the younger generation individuals open to the idea of making money through these platforms. This influx of stock trading apps has made it increasingly hard to know which app is the ideal pick. Because of this, we’ve listed the best stock trading apps you need to consider to buy or sell stocks and other digital assets.

1. Robinhood Stock Trading App  

If you’re new to stock trading, then look no further than the Robinhood app which is simple to use and free. It’s an excellent choice for beginners also because you don’t get charged any commissions for the trades executed on this app. You can also subscribe to the premium membership to access the golden features. 

This trading app is available for both Android and Apple devices for trading in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and stocks. It also comes linked to some of the most popular banks, including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase. The user interface of this app on both these gadgets is secure and straightforward. So, you don’t need to worry about the safety of your personal information and assets. It’s no surprise that its appealing and innovative design won the Material Design Award in 2016. 

The sign-up process is simple and there’s no mandatory minimum deposit. This raises the appeal of this app for all traders. Therefore, you can start trading immediately, selling and buying ETFs, options, and stocks. Furthermore, you’re given stocks valued at $500 from Sprint, Ford, or Apple for every friend referral. 

Integrated into this trading app are well-designed charts that are ideal if you’re a novice trader. It also features a customizable news feed that shows real-time price changes and provides information related to options, dividends, stocks, and the like. 

2. Fidelity Stock Trading App 

This is one of the best stock trading apps in 2020 that you should consider for investing your money. When signing up, you’re required to complete a questionnaire that allows the app to establish your investment methodology and your trading objectives. You can also modify the features incorporated in this app depending on your trading expertise. 

On top of paying the $4.95 registration fee, you also have to pay more than 90 commissions which are labeled as “Free”. However, you must maintain an expense ratio between 0.10% and 0.50% of the total amount you’ve invested. 

Many of the app’s software features can be modified, and these relate to the app’s functionality and appearance. Other incredible features on offer include an adjusted tax schedule, a personalized feed, customizable alerts, ability to automatically pay bills, and account review and management. You can also link the Fidelity app to Amazon’s voice response gadget Echo and receive instant updates on changes in stock prices. 

There’s an audio Learning Center in this app where you can go to gain more knowledge on how to trade. You also have access to mutual funds and ETFs for investment.

3. TD Ameritrade Mobile Trading App 

As a new stock trader, you need to consider the TD Ameritrade mobile app. This is because the app is intuitive, powerful, and filled with plenty of useful features that guarantee a superb trading experience. Consequently, this app is recommended for novice traders that are looking to understand how the market works on how to make money from it. 

If you’re a new stock trader, this app’s appeal is on the account page. Here, you get to see your trades, orders, active positions, and your balance history. All this information is available on one screen and you can view the details with ease. It also incorporates unique features that work differently depending on the kind of smartphone you’re using. For example, as an iPad owner, you get a larger unpacked view for new trade notifications, while for the Apple Watch you only get simple notifications. 

Using this app is easy and straightforward. This means you can quickly do comprehensive research on stocks, add stocks to your watchlist, put a price alert, or place an order. Furthermore, the TD Ameritrade app and other technology platforms such as Apple Business Chat, Alexa, and Google Home are getting substantial investments. This shows the company’s dedication to improving your user experience by making sure you face no issue whatsoever when trading on this app. 

4. Schwab Mobile

The Schwab stock trading app features a simple and intuitive design that makes it an appealing choice for novice traders. It’s also an excellent choice for intermediate and experienced traders because it features many advanced features that enhance the trading experience. It’s because of this unique combination that this stock trading app is a popular choice among stock traders. 

When opening a stock trading account on this app, the minimum accepted account balance is $1,000 with a 0% service fee. After signing up for this account, you get a $100 gift bonus, and the applicable trade commission is $4.95. 

All transactions that you do when trading the 250 ETFs and more than 4,000 mutual funds are commission-free. This is quite useful as it helps to lower your overall trading cost because you don’t need to pay any additional fees. However, the transaction-free trading only applies to limited stocks, and a payment of $76 is required for any stock that isn’t included in this list. 

5. IG Trading App 

This stock trading app is customized for various gadgets, including the Android tablet, Android smartphones, the iPhone, and the iPad. It’s free to download while still guaranteeing a superb trading experience with access to 10,000 markets. So, your trading options aren’t limited. By using the IG app, you get access to live market data and analysis while trading forex, shares, indices, commodities, and CFDs. 

6. Acorns Stock Trading App

If you have limited funds available to invest in the stock market, Acorns is the best stock trading app to meet your needs. This is because you can put as little as you want in your trading account. The app’s tagline, “Invest your spare change,” was especially appealing to the younger generation. With 256-bit security encryption, you don’t need to worry about your money’s security, thereby giving you time to focus on your trades.

The Acorns and Found Money features make you more responsible when shopping with your debit card and the spare change gets invested on your behalf. On this trading app, you’ll find a portfolio of ETFs that span seven asset classes as well as a 0.10% average expense ratio. It also includes useful features that simplify complicated and daunting tasks into simpler actions. This is something that novice traders much appreciate. When investing in this app, you can either opt for a one-time investment for an amount of your liking, or you can choose to go as low as $5 on a recurring basis for making investments. 

Acorns is also a suitable stock trading account because you can diversify your investment to maximize returns. This happens because the profit made gets automatically reinvested into the app’s interface and this varies depending on the changes in the market. You can also get useful knowledge about forex trading and advice on how to execute your trades on this market. You receive continuous updates on the changes in stock prices and remain informed on whether to exit or enter a trade. Furthermore, withdrawing your profits is simple and you don’t have to pay a penny for that. 

7. Interactive Brokers Stock Trading App 

Are you an active trader? If so, you need to look no further than Interactive Brokers. The Interactive Brokers app is the best choice to meet your trading needs. This is because the mobile app includes useful features that enable you to trade while on the go. It also contains a powerful Trader Workstation (TWS). While the stock trading app incorporates most of the necessary features found on the company’s web-based platform, it’s somewhat restricted when compared to the TWS desktop app. However, you can still execute trades in real-time for different data streams and classes. 

This app also features incredible charts, a broad range of indicators, and excellent research. Nonetheless, it doesn’t include drawing tools and has other weaknesses. Hence, most users opt for full TWS experience. Despite this, the Interactive Brokers app outperforms many stock trading apps on the market, meaning it still is a practical option. 

Conclusion 

Choosing a stock trading app can be quite confusing. However, after reading this article you can choose from the best stock trading apps available. If you select the best trading app for your needs, you can be sure that your trading experience will be fun and, most importantly, profitable. 

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Are Banners and Yard Signs Still In?

In marketing, there are a lot of areas that you need to be familiar with like what this page tells us. It is not just some useless topic that your school may have pushed down your throat. Like math, you can see its application almost everywhere. It might be a bit complex, but its basics are rather simple to understand. For example, advertisement is one of its main concepts.

You may already have an image in your mind on what an advertisement is. Some might conjure a 30-second clip that is shown on TV. This is the most common example of the last 50 years and has shaped the way we see a lot of things. Others would just say that it is an audio clip, and this is for those who have lived with the radio for a long time.

Ever since we have discovered how to write on a surface, people have been using this to send messages. From the cavemen of yore to the basement dwellers of today, we all have a specific medium to use when it comes to the written format. For ads, print is still one of the most popular choices.

Why This Is The Case

The reason behind this can be a bit complex. For one, the internet is already the biggest medium of information on the planet. It is even more difficult to find someone who does not know what it is or its capabilities. Many people are already depending on it for their everyday needs, as you can almost always find it online. Shops can be set up without a physical location, and all you need is a good internet service.

Some experts in the field have already labeled the printed media as a dead option. This is because many of them perceive it as impractical. There are a lot of things that you need to prepare when it comes to this particular choice. Most of them are thought of as unnecessary and too time-consuming.

For example, the printing process itself can take a long time. Sure, there are many printers these days that can do it faster compared to the much older versions. However, there is still ample time that you need to allow yourself before it can finish a piece. A simple poster on its own can take at least half an hour depending on the color and dimensions.

Another thing that people lob against the printed media is excess. There is a lot of trash that this industry accumulates in just a year. For example, you may have seen all the banners used in the past elections. Maybe you have attended a parade, and everyone has their own to carry. After all of it, you can see the trash piling up because many of us do not know how to dispose of it properly.

This is why many people are switching to virtual options. Search engine optimization is still one of the most popular methods for advertisement. This refers to the manipulation of data with the widest coverage possible. Google has propagated this idea for years, and everyone else has also followed suit. You can see its influence from social media to government websites.

Therein lies the main issue of SEO and its related strategies: you need to have a website before you can make it work. Now, almost all businesses should have one by now since everyone is online these days. With people having access through their phones and other gadgets, not having one makes you miss out on a lot of possible customers.

On the other hand, you still have an advantage if you are going for traditional i.e. printed advertisement. Contrary to the popular notion, it is not dead yet. One can say that it is thriving amid technology and other options that have entered the market. How so, you may ask as there are still many people who are skeptical about this option.

Consider The Layout







1. Easier to Understand

One of the benefits of using physical banners such as these is its grasp on the people. You can easily point out a billboard and say that it is an advertisement. There is no need to have a lot of dramatizations and other strategies. It is an ad after all, so there is no need to over complicate matters.

Also, you cannot deny that the older generation still holds a lot of purchasing power. Even though millennials are slowly taking over, they are still in the position for influence. Many of them might have social media sites, but banners and billboards are still an eye-catching solution. It can also last through varying degrees of weather as long as you choose quality materials.

2. More Accessible to the Public

Before choosing a medium, it is still important to consider your audience. As previously mentioned, the older population appreciates a more physical approach to marketing, such as vinyl banner companies like https://www.printmoz.com/vinyl-banners create. For millennials and the new generation, it might be the same thing.

However, no matter what generation you belong to, you can still be affected by any kind of marketing strategy. This would include printed media. They are still rather influential in helping you choose which product or service you are going to pay for. The general public might have access to the internet, but it doesn’t mean that everyone uses it to the fullest potential.

3. More Affordable Price

No one can deny that this is more affordable compared to SEO. Some might say otherwise, but this would depend on your strategy. For example, SEO can be more affordable if your product or service is a niche. This means that you do not have a lot of competitors regarding search words and other aspects.

Unfortunately, this can just get more expensive the more common your products and services. Most of the time, you would be facing an auction for the best search words with the biggest companies in the globe. It can be difficult to have a fighting chance against these giants, so you can focus on a local market. This way, you do not need to rely too much on the internet, and you can use banners and stickers as well.

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Common Ways We All Waste Money – And How to Break the Cycle

Have you ever sat down at the end of the month to review your budget only to find that you spent way more than you should have with nothing to show for it? Maybe you are in debt, or you simply spend too much. In the first case, it might be worth considering some of the best debt relief options to help you clean your slate financially and move forward. But if you fall into the second category, then you might need to take a careful look at your spending and saving habits.

According to a Business Insider report, an astonishing majority of Americans waste money. Of more than 2,000 Americans surveyed, eighty percent admitted to wasteful spending. Do you know how much money you waste each month? Here are a few common ways we all waste money – with some suggestions on how to course-correct.

Paying Full Price

With an abundance of sales, coupons, rebate apps, and rewards programs available, there is no shortage of discount prices. With so many options for saving money, it is wasteful to pay full price for anything. Check out what programs are available where you shop, download one of the many free apps that offer coupons or cashback savings, and watch your mailbox and email for coupons and sale announcements.

If you want to avoid the overwhelming solicitations that can come with providing your personal information, consider setting up an e-mail account specifically for shopping. Most stores will allow you to only provide an e-mail to register for rewards programs or coupons, so using a special e-mail specifically for this purpose will keep your personal e-mail safe from the excess and spare you from those annoying robocalls.  

When you need something that you cannot find on sale, consider using a credit card that gives you cashback or rewards points for every purchase. So long as you make sure to pay the balance off each billing cycle, you will still benefit from the purchase even if you had to pay full price in the store.

Purchasing in bulk is another way to get a discounted price. This is a great option for dry goods and toiletries that have a long shelf life or are non-perishable. Toilet paper, trash bags, uncooked pasta, and rice can cost much less per unit when purchased in bulk than smaller packaging. However, avoid purchasing perishable goods in bulk unless you are confident you will freeze it timely or use it before it goes bad to avoid waste.

Buying Name Brands

Most consumer goods have a generic version of comparable, if not identical, quality. There are generic versions of prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, skincare, groceries, and cleaning items. Always check the label to compare ingredients; however, even a slight variation in the ingredients may be worth the savings. The generic version is usually much less expensive than the name brand. Even when the two products are priced competitively, remember that every extra dollar spent on the same item is waste.

Clothing is another consumer good where paying for a can cost a lot. Avoid wasting money by shopping for clothing that fits well, is of good quality and comfort, and meets your needs. Shift your focus from who makes it to how it makes you feel. Often, there will be a much less expensive option to meet your needs than the name brand. If the idea of purchasing an off-brand garment makes you nervous, keep in mind that no one will know or care who made your clothes.

Inefficient Homes

If your home is drafty, you are wasting money. Spend a few dollars to replace the seals under doors and around windows to improve your home’s insulation and cut down on heat and air costs. To keep utility bills down, invest in energy-efficient appliances and install a smart thermostat for better temperature control when you are home and away.

One of the simplest ways to avoid wasting money in your home is to turn off electronics and unplug appliances that are not in use. Leaving a lamp on all day just to avoid coming home to a dark house at night is a quick waste of money. Instead, use a timer or install smart lightbulbs that you can control from your phone. Unplug your phone charger and other small items when you are done using them. Though having things plugged into outlets only uses a little bit of energy, every penny it costs is money wasted.

Paying for the Privilege of Spending

Why pay for the privilege of spending money? Spending money is enough of an expense without having added fees tacked on. Pay your bills on time to avoid late fees and if there is a fee to pay online or use a credit card, then write a check and put it in the mail or drop off the payment in person. Avoid ATM fees or overdraft fees.

Using a credit card for reward points or cashback is a great way to benefit from spending money; however, make sure to always pay more than the minimum toward your credit card bill to reduce the amount of interest you pay on your purchases. It is best practice to never use a credit card for anything you do not have the cash to cover and to pay your credit card balance off every billing cycle.

Impulse Buys

Never shop without a plan. Whether you are grocery shopping or picking out new clothes at the mall, always take a shopping list and stick to it. If something is not on the list, it stays at the store. Even your fuel purchases should be planned, giving you the opportunity to shop around for the best price. There are plenty of free apps like GasBuddy that will tell you where to find the cheapest gas.

Food is one of the most common impulse buys. Whether it is extra snacks in the grocery cart or a food court break at the mall, retail food purchases can be a sneaky source of wasted money. To avoid impulse food purchases, always have a plan for food. Eat before you go to the grocery store so you are not shopping hungry. Keep a quick snack in your purse or car to keep you full and focused during a mall venture. Have your meals planned with quick variations available so you can confidently drive by your favorite fast food joint without feeling the need to pick up dinner on the way home. 

Smart Spending

If you’re caught in a cycle of excessive spending, it’s never too late to change your habits. By cutting out these few common money-wasting behaviors, you’ll make significant strides toward a financially-secure future.

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6 Ways to Help Your Office Team Stay Healthy and Productive

Your office team’s productivity is essential to your company’s overall efficiency and performance. You can help staff to stay productive by encouraging safe working practices and promoting personal health. Here are six things that you can do to maintain a healthy and productive workforce.

1.Train Staff About Office Safety

It may be helpful to address office safety topics when you do other types of training for your staff. Topics addressed can include moving equipment safely, maintaining good posture, and taking breaks to stretch and move periodically. Your staff will appreciate that you care about their health and comfort and you’re taking the time to provide useful information about it.

2. Use Visual Reminders to Promote Safety

When your team is hard at work and rushing to meet deadlines, they may occasionally forget to perform their work safely. This may include moving equipment around the office, accessing supplies, and even performing work at a desk. Helpful visual reminders such as office safety posters can help staff to stay conscientious about working safely and maintaining good posture while at their desks.

3. Provide Ergonomic Office Equipment

Your staff may benefit from office furniture and equipment that is designed to offer ergonomic support. It’s important for everyone to have comfortable seating that has adjustable height as well as lumbar support. Some staff may also benefit from having a small footrest to alleviate strain on their knees, hips, or lower back. In addition, using a vertical mouse or a split keyboard can help to reduce the occurrence of wrist injuries caused by using a computer for an extended period of time. When your staff is able to complete job tasks with more comfort and less pain, they’ll work more productively and have better focus.

4. Offer a Wellness Program

You may wish to consider incorporating an employee wellness program into your benefits package. Program components may include fitness club or gym memberships, telehealth services, and tobacco cessation support. When your staff is physically well, they’ll be absent from the office less often and also be better able to do their best work.

5. Pay Attention to the Air Quality Inside of Your Office

Some large office buildings have what is sometimes referred to as “sick building syndrome.” This results from poor air quality within a large space, commonly caused by improperly serviced HVAC systems that circulate air containing irritants, dust, and even mold. If you’re concerned about the quality of the air coming out of your office’s vents, it’s advisable to get professional help from an HVAC or mechanical engineering company to identify any possible problems and learn more about what you can do to improve air quality.

6. Encourage Employees to Work From Home When They Need To

When people are ill with a cold or a virus but not feeling so run down that they can’t work, they’ll be likely to come into the office rather than call in sick. When employees come in sick, there’s a strong likelihood that they can spread a sickness throughout the office, even when they’re careful about covering coughs and washing their hands. If possible, it may be a good idea to give people the option of working remotely when they are sick. Making this option available allows people to avoid taking time off and stay productive while also protecting the rest of your office staff.

Promoting health and productivity by providing training materials and posters about safety, investing in employees’ wellness, and allowing people to work from home when needed can enhance efficiency and individual job performance. In addition, it will foster a positive company culture and strong individual work ethic among your staff. 

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