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The official Blog for Informed Bloggers
Think about the last thing you searched on Google. Whether that was information, a service, or […]
Business Search Engine Optimization
If you’ve utilized a Veterans Affairs loan to buy a house in the past, you […]
Business Home and Garden Investment
Small business owners often find themselves in a difficult situation when it comes to marketing […]
Business Marketing
Branding helps your company stand out in your city and your online presence. You want […]
Business Marketing
Currently, only around 10% of the world’s population owns some form of cryptocurrency, such as […]
Business
A company logo is important to any business – that first impression. Your authentic logo […]
Business
Achieving a job promotion is an impressive feat, and you should be very proud of […]
Have you been using your time at home effectively? If you are like many people, […]
Education Technology
Currently, there is so much content on the web that anyone would have a hard […]
Blogging
A company logo is important to any business – that first impression. Your authentic logo […]
BusinessA company logo is important to any business – that first impression.
Your authentic logo says a lot about you, whether it be telling what your business does, who you do business with, or even the type of atmosphere your company provides.
It is a visual representation of your company and provides context to other people and your business. If you have a brick-and-mortar business then the logo is also important for your business signage.
A logo is a representation of you and your business. When someone first encounters your logo, they can read this is happening in “real-time” by observing your logo.
No matter the business rules, your logo must ensure that a consumer will choose your company over another and keep coming back.
Your logo represents your company as a whole in many ways. You can take this opportunity to develop creative ideas or add special elements that help describe your company’s story and history.
When presenting your business, an important component is how you put together information in a clear manner for others to understand and remember. Your logo provides an instant reference for how “stable” you may be, how long you have been around, etc.
It’s difficult to know where your creativity will take you when brainstorming logo design ideas – many people do not know where they will take their brands and have no idea what they want the finished product to look like. First, start with all aspects of your company in mind and see what that means. When designing your logo, all elements should play into the final design – color schemes, fonts, shapes, etc.
Many companies have taken advantage of using a logo that incorporates certain design aspects, such as putting a border around their logo to “frame” it or using certain color schemes that are popular. You do not want to use something like this without giving it at least some thought – the internet has become a great tool for researching your logo designs and elements so you can be sure you are on the right track.
Now that you have an idea of your company’s logo create one or two mock-up versions of what it may look like in real life. This can take various forms – sketching a logo on paper, creating vector (.ai) files for the design software, and photographing your logo in different lighting conditions.
Design is constantly changing and evolving, so now that you have chosen your elements and created your mock-up, stay on top of the changes by using many tools such as GraphicRiver and LogoChampion to read design trends and find new ideas to explore.
Now that you have your design, it is time to test it out. Many companies have a team that tests their logo to ensure it will be useful for many applications in the future.
Once you have the final logo, you will want to make sure it is presented in the most professional way possible.
A logo should be simple enough to identify at first glance. Your logo is what people use to identify your brand, so make sure it stands out positively.
Your brand identity is important for any business – whether it be how you place your logo onto different items or use color schemes within the business itself. One thing to remember is to make sure all the colors you use are unified in the way they are used and fonts.
It doesn’t hurt to study other brands around you. What makes them good? What makes them not so good? Please take all your findings and apply them to your logo.
A logo is a great way to set yourself apart from the competition, but you want to ensure everyone knows it. Using your company’s logo to work with your branding is important- whether on the company website, business cards, brochures, or what you have.
Many people do not get the memo when it comes to making their logo memorable – though printing and embroidery services websites will help you with this, they can also make your logo “stuffy” or too overwhelming. The simple fact is that people need a reason to remember your company.
One thing that can make or break a logo design is where the logo is placed. You could have the best-looking logo in the world, but if it is not aligned correctly onto your label or shirt, it will not do you much good. Place your logo where you see fit – on a table, on a banner on a wall, etc.
The world of logos is constantly changing and evolving more than ever before. If you only plan to use your company’s logo once – maybe once every two years – then that is okay because things often change with companies over time. However, suppose you plan to use the same logo for your company’s identity over the next decade. In that case, it is important to be flexible in finding out how to use your logo and place it onto different items.
A new report commissioned by the British Business Bank shows that 45% of bounce back […]
FinanceA new report commissioned by the British Business Bank shows that 45% of bounce back loan borrowers didn’t need the funds at the time – but took advantage of the government backed lending scheme to obtain them anyway.
The survey found that the value for money of the scheme was threatened by the idea that any business could apply for and receive up to £50,000 – not just those that badly needed it to survive during the Covid-19 pandemic.
This is more important when the overall level of losses from fraud or repayment defaults could reach as much as £5.5 billion.
The report states that there is mixed evidence that the survival of borrowing businesses depended on the speed at which their applications were approved and accessed which is a key defence when questions are asked about why more robust security checks weren’t in place to stop fraudsters from being able to access the fund.
A British Business Bank spokesperson said: “Had lenders conducted their standard checks on the sheer volume of applications received then it could have created an extensive backlog with small and medium sized businesses having to wait significantly longer for loans during which their very survival could have been at risk.”
The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee is conducting an ongoing review into the effectiveness of the bounce back loan program and the progress of recovering loaned out funds.
Chairwoman Meg Hillier MP said: “Chasing bounce back loan fraud is a good way of spending taxpayers money and worth the investment.
“Not only is it important to claw back as much improperly obtained money as possible but also as a deterrent effect that will make criminals think twice before targeting any future government schemes.”
The British Business Bank also recently revealed that the overall default rate of bounce back loans was just over 2%.
This is based on a total of 2,000 out of 97,000 loans already being in repayment default from their first eligibility when the scheme launched in March 2020.
Catherine Lewis La Torre, Chief Executive Officer of the British Business Bank defended the bank’s record. She said: “The Covid-19 emergency loan schemes were designed to address a drastically altered economic landscape for small businesses as lockdowns took effect.
“This evaluation is the first indication of just how important those schemes were in saving livelihoods, businesses and hundreds of thousands of jobs, and we are proud to have played a vital role in their delivery.”
According to their own estimates, without the bounce back loan scheme some 146,000 to 505,000 businesses – a third of the total number of borrowers – would have failed with the loss of between 500,000 and up to 2.9 million jobs would have been lost.
Chris Horner, insolvency director with BusinessRescueExpert, said: “The bounce back loan scheme was especially effective for some businesses in getting access to funds quickly that were essential to their survival.
“Unfortunately, with such a large scheme and with the size of the funds involved, it was always going to attract fraudsters. It’s a pity that there wasn’t more security in place to detect them and make it tougher for them to obtain these funds that thousands of honest business owners and directors needed.
“Repayments are going to be an issue for a lot of companies now because of the difficult trading environment they’re facing. Costs everywhere are rising along with interest rates and of course, energy bills.”
“This is why we offer a free initial consultation to any business owner or director that is facing difficult choices right now to help them find a way through this difficult period for everybody.”
Decorating a fireplace mantel is no easy task: it is nearly always the focal point […]
Home and Garden LifestyleDecorating a fireplace mantel is no easy task: it is nearly always the focal point of your living room, so it must provide visual appeal without seeming crowded or hectic.
Mantels are excellent focus pieces for interiors. Working with your overall design and considering balance and symmetry can aid in bringing your mantel décor to life. Suppose you’re unsure how to decorate your mantel for your home renovation project.
In that case, the following information will assist you in determining what looks good on a fireplace mantel and how to transform your fireplace ideas and current mantel appearance into an eye-catching standout piece for your house.
Fireplaces and their mantels are naturally the focal points of any room, and a piece of colorful, eye-catching artwork may help them stand out even more. This magnificent exhibit has a large artwork with brilliant colors that coordinates with the rest of the room’s décor. A pair of candlesticks and a trio of identical vases surround the artwork, creating a well-balanced arrangement employing the Rule of Threes.
While it may be tempting to put identical sets of vases or candlesticks on your mantel just because they will match, there is something wonderful about mixing pieces with varying patterns, shapes, and textures that also complement the rest of the living room like a green sofa for example.
Mirrors, rather than paintings of varying sizes, can be used to achieve a similar effect. We like the mismatched forms and finishes of these mantel mirrors flanked by a few spindly plants in simple containers. There is no need to spend a fortune on new mirrors—head to your local charity store to get some secondhand beauties, which are certain to have more character.
Another attractive mantel feature is that it provides perfect storage space for some of your favorite items, such as souvenirs, art pieces, sculptures, and knickknacks. You have several decorating possibilities when you have a mantle above your fireplace.
Because a mantel is often a small space, balance and size are critical interior design principles to consider. A flower arrangement is an excellent way to add height to your mantel, particularly if your living room is tiny.
Flowers are lovely at any time of year, but I have a specific fondness for dried blooms and leaves, as well as red and orange flowers throughout the autumn months, she adds. They are gorgeous and lend a touch of life to your mantel.
Installing a unique mantel and surround will substantially improve the appearance and feel of the area in which it is installed. There are several architectural types to pick from, so you’re certain to find something that complements the design and décor of your house.
You may select something basic and subtle or something intricate, elaborate, and one-of-a-kind to make your fireplace become the main point of the space in which it is placed. There are several materials to choose from and a variety of finishes that enable you to tailor the color of the mantel, whether it is painted, stained, or features the natural tones of the material.
Another excellent approach to including your fireplace is to have an elegant, colorful mantle like the Chesneys mantles. Not only does a mantle give you a wonderful area to exhibit a few of your favorite items – and a convenient location to hang your stockings during the holidays – it also enhances the overall attractiveness of your fireplace.
This impression may be amplified even more by painting it a bright, complementary color to the rest of your area.
Break with convention and arrange your favorite artwork and frames differently. Instead of hanging them above the mantel, carefully arrange them over it. It may give your disused fireplace a casual, carefree, and contemporary appearance, as well as an air of subtle elegance.
Utilize the transformative properties of marble adhesive to create a show-stopping fireplace. While you are often unable to use contact paper or other adhesives near an operating fireplace due to the heat’s impact, your inactive fireplace is not restricted in this way.
The mantel is not just decorative; it also protects the wall around the fireplace while it is in use. Of course, any fireplace installed in a house must adhere to local building codes, so safety should not be a problem, but additional protection in the shape of the mantle and surround would undoubtedly help.
A classic fireplace is topped with a mantel, but not all houses with fireplaces are finished with mantels. There are several advantages to having a fireplace mantel. Traditionally, the mantel was placed above the fireplace to exhibit unique artifacts and was typically a mark of grandeur. Hopefully, with the above ideas, you’ll make your fireplace stand out.
Small business owners often find themselves in a difficult situation when it comes to marketing […]
Business MarketingSmall business owners often find themselves in a difficult situation when it comes to marketing their business. They don’t have the budget that larger businesses do, but they still need to find ways to get their name out there and attract customers.
Starting a small business can be challenging, especially when it comes to marketing. Not only do you have to compete with larger businesses, but you also have to find a way to do it all on a shoestring budget. The problem many small business owners face is that they don’t have the budget for traditional marketing methods like advertising and PR. The only viable marketing channels they have at their disposal are digital marketing and word-of-mouth.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t compete with the likes of some big names in your industry. There are several digital marketing channels that can make your business soar without breaking the bank.
Now is the perfect time to develop a website for your company, if one doesn’t already exist. Your website serves as your digital storefront and is where clients will first turn to discover more about your company. And in today’s digital age, having a website is not optional; it’s a must-have! It gives your business a face on the web.
It’s important to ensure your website is well-designed, user-friendly, and informative. You want potential customers to be able to easily find the information they’re looking for, and you want them to be impressed with what they see.
Social media is a powerful tool that all businesses should be utilizing, regardless of size. It’s a great way to connect with potential and current customers, build brand awareness, and boost your SEO. Plus, it’s free to create accounts on most platforms!
However, it’s crucial you choose the right platforms to launch your marketing campaign. Facebook is great for B-to-C businesses, while LinkedIn is better for B-to-B. Once you’ve identified the right platform for your business, start creating engaging and informative content. As a rule of thumb, never post walls of words in your social media posts. Instead, use dynamic small business flyers to get your marketing messages across. Apart from crafting the perfect posters for your small business, you can use PosterMyWall for social media marketing and launching your very own email marketing campaign.
If your business requires a major visual component in its marketing strategy, Instagram is the place to be because it’s all about visuals. And if you want to connect with other businesses, Twitter is a great platform for networking.
No matter which social media platform you choose, ensure you’re active on it and posting regularly. Consistency is the secret to social media success!
One of the most critical but often overlooked digital marketing strategies is SEO. Search engine optimization is optimizing your website to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs), and it’s essential for driving organic traffic to your website.
The good news is that there are many free SEO tools you can use to boost your website’s ranking. Google’s Keyword Planner is a great place to start, as it allows you to research relevant keywords for your business and see how much competition there is for each keyword.
Once you’ve identified some high-traffic keywords, start incorporating them into your website content, blog posts, social media posts, and your website’s title and meta tags. But beware of keyword stuffing! Too many keywords will not only turn off potential customers, but it can also get you penalized by Google.
Email marketing is a great way to connect with current and potential customers without breaking the bank. You can use email to send out newsletters, announcements, coupons, and other promotional materials.
To get started, create a list of email subscribers by asking customers to sign up for your newsletter or providing a sign-up form on your website. Then, start creating compelling email content that will encourage people to open and read your emails.
Remember that you have only one shot at making a lasting impression, so ensure your subject line is catchy, and your email’s design is visually appealing. Finally, don’t forget to include a call to action!
Even in today’s digital age, word-of-mouth marketing is still the most potent form of marketing. It’s personal and trustworthy, and it can be incredibly effective.
To take advantage of word-of-mouth marketing, start by delivering outstanding customer service. If you make a sale, follow up with the customer to ensure they’re satisfied with their purchase. Customers can be urged to provide evaluations on your website or social media profiles. And if you receive any negative feedback, be sure to respond promptly and professionally.
Online review sites are the best way to garner word-of-mouth marketing, so it’s important to claim your business’s listing on sites like Yelp, Google My Business, and TripAdvisor. Then, start monitoring your reviews and responding to both positive and negative feedback.
One of the best ways to market your small business is to maintain a blog on your website. By creating informative and keyword-rich blog posts, you can attract new visitors to your website and convert them into leads.
Not sure what to write about? Try coming up with a list of FAQs that relate to your business or industry. You can also write and start blog posts that showcase your products or services in action. For example, if you sell jewelry, you could write a blog post about how to style your jewelry for a special occasion.
No matter what you decide to write about, be sure to optimize your blog posts for SEO and share the URLs in your social media posts. This will help direct traffic to your website, which is the place you’re most likely to make sales.
Digital marketing is a vast and complex field, but if you’ve done your research and know who your target audience is and what it wants, you can devise the perfect marketing strategy with the right marketing messages without breaking a sweat. Keep in mind, however, that every business is different. So, if you’re thinking of adopting the same approach your competitor did, stop right there because you need to tailor and tweak your marketing strategies according to your business’s unique needs.
Data is the lifeline that fuels everything in the business world in the digital age. […]
Business TechnologyData is the lifeline that fuels everything in the business world in the digital age.
The economy lives and breathes on data gathered from customers, clients, and owners alike. But have you ever wondered what will happen to your company if data suddenly becomes unavailable?
Data loss often stems from system failure, data corruption, human error, or natural disaster. However, the most common plaintiffs are cybercriminals who do their best to commit cyberattacks such as data breaches and frauds.
Nonetheless, it can be detrimental to your business — it may even lead to bankruptcy and a halt to your operations.
And in recent times, most companies have adapted cloud-based SaaS applications. These range from Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Salesforce. They aim to improve the workflow for remote-based employees significantly as COVID-19 rose in 2020. However, although cloud-based applications lead to efficient team collaboration, it’s important to note that the cloud isn’t immune to data loss.
The HIPAA Journal reported that 70% of companies have already suffered from public cloud data breaches in 2020. And to help businesses from being attacked by cybercriminals, the use of Data Loss Prevention (DLP) strategies has become an essential aspect of running a business.
DLP is a multifaceted approach that combines processes, technologies, and strategies to prevent data leaks. The main goal is to prevent an organization’s sensitive data from falling into the wrong hands. In fact, it protects data while in use, in motion, and at rest.
Securing data in endpoints, applications, or other platforms where it’s being processed. It’s typically processed by authenticating users while controlling access to private information.
Protecting confidential data while in transit across a network using data encryption technology. It may also refer to data transfer using email or other messaging security tools.
Securing data stored in databases, cloud-based storage, and other storage mediums by using a combination of encryption, access control, and data retention standards.
One of the most crucial vulnerabilities that play in terms of cybersecurity and data protection is human error. Although those with higher positions hold more responsibility, even regular workers shouldn’t be overlooked, especially remote workers.
Remember: everyone in the company has access to company data. So, if their work laptop, tablet, or mobile device gets stolen, sensitive company information might get leaked.
With this in mind, both small and large companies must educate employees regarding proper DLP strategies and compliance. To do this, adequate training and detailed guidelines should be implemented across the entire company. In addition, by setting clear and compelling data loss prevention policies, your employees will have a helpful guide on how to protect data.
Another DLP strategy to impose is identifying where data is, where it’s going, and how it’s being used. For example, larger corporations invest in DLP tools such as Endpoint Protector. It scans the entire company network to monitor sensitive data, allowing IT experts to interpret their movement.
So, by accurately tracking the data lifecycle and the associated cybersecurity risks, your organization can make intelligent decisions. Moreover, you’ll know how to protect your data correctly because you know how it’s moving.
If you ever find data in unauthorized locations, you’ll have the choice to delete or encrypt it for safety purposes.
For maximum safety against cyberattacks, data encryption would be an excellent DLP strategy. It’s an essential step that will protect your company from data breaches. So, you should implement encryption of USBs, hard drives, smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other devices used for work before transferring data to the cloud.
Data encryption is a simple fix for two common data protection concerns in this day and age: remote working and employees’ instant movement. In case of theft, loss, or other concerns regarding loss of work devices, your data won’t be accessible to people outside your company.
Nowadays, companies are slowly embracing bring-your-own-device policies to promote productivity and reduce costs. However, it’s important to note that some DLP security measures are to be taken along with this policy. Using personal devices means that company data is traveling outside the confines of a company’s database. In this case, it’s already a security hazard that the company must take care of.
Nowadays, organizations restrict data that users can transfer outside the company circle. At the same time, you may also apply device control policies to ensure that only secure devices can be used. This way, your employees are given a chance to align their personal devices’ security with the company standard.
As the world moves into the age of data protection by default and by design, all businesses, small or large, must implement DLP strategies to protect their company information. Moreover, HIPAA regulations require companies to protect data at all costs not to compromise their credibility.
With this, you should constantly evaluate potential security hazards and apply proper DLP strategies to eradicate them in the future. By following the strategies provided on this list, you’ll be a few steps ahead of cyberattacks.
Juices are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Juices can be very healthy […]
HealthJuices are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Juices can be very healthy if you include them in your everyday diet.
Some people who support juice cleanses claim that juice cleanses can help remove toxins from your body and aid weight loss.
These fruit and vegetable juices have nutrients that can help work kidneys. Also, increasing liquid intake is beneficial for our kidneys.
People who are supporters of juice cleanses claim that juice cleanses can help remove toxins from your body and aid weight loss. Toxins are harmful substances to our bodies, such as synthetic chemicals and pollutants.
If we increase our liquid/fluid consumption, it can help work the kidneys. Some of the nutrients present in these vegetable and fruit juices help remove some of the non-organic wares in the body. But no sufficient data supports that juice cleanses can detoxify our bodies.
If we consume vegetable and fruit juices in our daily diet, which potentially should be balanced, they can be very healthy for our bodies. This way, it can aid the natural detoxifying functions of our bodies.
It is extremely important for a person who wants a juice cleanse to strictly do it under a doctor’s supervision.
The supporter and advocates of juice recommend some ways to do these juice cleanses as follows:
Some recommended juice blends for you to include in your juice cleanses
Let us take a look at some recommended juice blends for you to include in your juice cleanses to detoxify your body:
You are supposed to drink six juices of the above combinations daily, which will provide you with around 1,310 calories per day.
If you decide to go on a juice cleanse to detoxify your body, we recommend you to be very careful and follow the tips given below:
We recommend you to research all about this from Ikaria, GeeksHealth.com
Currently, only around 10% of the world’s population owns some form of cryptocurrency, such as […]
BusinessCurrently, only around 10% of the world’s population owns some form of cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, and this figure has only seen a real increase over the past 2 or 3 years.
If you aren’t quite sure about cryptocurrency and its volatility, then you’re not alone, but regardless of your thoughts on the market, there is a rather large possibility that in the near future, cryptocurrency will be impacting a number of areas, including businesses.
Businesses need to grow, develop, and keep up with the times to be successful, so it makes sense that more and more companies and businesses are looking at how they can implement cryptocurrency into their day-to-day structure.
But just how will cryptocurrency transform businesses and what does this mean for the future? Let’s find out more.
A number of companies are already adopting cryptocurrency into their business plans in some way or another. MicroStrategy, a publicly-traded company dating back to 1989, has already endorsed its use of Bitcoin on a number of platforms, with CEO Michael Saylor even saying that the cryptocurrency was superior to cash. Although this comment raised eyebrows at the time, a number of companies followed suit and have found a way to add it to their business strategy.
Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, is a self-proclaimed “tech king” so it is no surprise that the company is heavily invested in Bitcoin and cryptocurrency, with up to $1.5 Billion of company shares invested. Up until last year, you could buy a Tesla vehicle outright with cryptocurrency, until mining shares temporarily paused crypto sales.
With the increase in popularity of cryptocurrency, it’s to be expected that more and more eCommerce stores are offering cryptocurrency as a payment method. PayPal, which is already hailed as one of the early pioneers in digital and online payments, recently rolled out the feature to both buy and make transactions using cryptocurrencies, such as Litecoin, Bitcoin, and Ethereum.
Whilst some traders criticised PayPal’s decision to not allow users to transfer their coins into a private wallet, it makes sense that the company that simplified the process of international payments become invested in cryptocurrency.
As well as PayPal, Mastercard and Visa have also explored avenues for simplifying the process of using cryptocurrency as a payment method. Two of the world’s biggest payment networks have publicly endorsed the use of cryptocurrency, particularly Bitcoin, as a payment method. Visa was allowing transactions using stable coins on the Ethereum blockchain up until recently.
Mastercard followed a similar path and announced last year that customers would be able to make transactions using cryptocurrency. With these two big companies jumping on the crypto bandwagon, the doors are opening for wider mainstream adoption and use amongst business owners in the near future.
If a global company has a team of employees who are located all over the world, then ensuring that wages are processed correctly can be a real hassle. Businesses need to convert their currency into potentially dozens of different international currencies just to simply pay employees, which can be time-consuming and costly. This is where cryptocurrency payments come in.
Cryptocurrency allows you to make transactions to any country in the world, no matter the time or day of the week, for minimal transaction costs. These transactions are instant, meaning that there’s no wait for bank processing and as Bitcoin transactions are public on the blockchain, this means that all parties involved can see the detail and immediately know the status. Cutting out the bank process involves big wins for both the employer and employee and makes the process of getting paid much simpler.
A lot of would-be investors have so far steered clear of cryptocurrencies due to the fear that it is hugely unregulated, often referring to it as the ‘Wild West’ of investments. There is a high volume of scams within the market, whether it be through regulated brokers making and losing investments using traders’ money for their own personal gain, or scams using crypto wallets and transactions.
Regulations differ in almost every country around the world, but more and more pressure is being placed on governments to implement some kind of protection in the form of regulations. As well as this, investment fraud lawyers are becoming increasingly more available to help victims of crypto and trading scams recover lost funds they may have lost through bad trade decisions, or using a regulated broker.
With the introduction of better regulations and guidelines, cryptocurrency is highly likely to be adopted by more businesses soon as it develops a more “legitimate” and “safe” persona. Although some of the risks involved with cryptocurrency are down to the individual making the trades or investments, the introduction of better regulations can help to ease any uncertainties investors may have.
Credit is everything. It makes the world go round. And as long as you have […]
Lifestyle ServicesCredit is everything. It makes the world go round.
And as long as you have a credit score, you can get your hands on practically anything!
Credit and loans make our lives easier in so many ways. Most of us take this for granted, and that’s precisely why we want to give you a few quick tips on boosting your credit score.
A credit score is a number that a lender, such as a bank or a mortgage company, uses to determine if you’ll be able to pay back a loan. It’s calculated based on your payment history. A scoring model weighs various aspects of your credit report and assigns it a number between 300 to 850. The higher the number, the better the score and your creditworthiness.
1. More Housing OptionsSome landlords and property managers may use the credit-based scoring model to determine if you’ll be able to make rent payments and have a timely payment history. It’s simple math: the higher your score, the more likely you will pay on time.
A good credit score can help you receive life insurance or vehicle insurance discounts. Getting the same coverage at a lower cost can be challenging if you’ve got a bad credit history.
A credit score will help you secure a lower security deposit on utilities, such as electricity, gas, or water. It lets you prove that you won’t cut off service and stop paying the bill. In most cases, the higher your score, the lower the deposit requirement.
A good credit score can save you tons of money over time because you’ll get better interest rates on loans. This is especially true for mortgages due to their long-term nature.
1. Review Your Credit ReportsPlease review them for accuracy. Not all business transactions are reported to the bureaus, so ensure that your positive and negative accounts are written correctly. If anything looks suspicious, dispute it with the credit bureau.
Late payments can hurt your credit score. Paying late is the fastest way to build up a bad history. Please keep track of your bills and pay them on time each month.
Your credit utilization ratio tells you exactly how much of your available credit you use on any given month. A lower ratio indicates that you’re less likely to default on your debts.
Your score’s age of credit portion represents how long you’ve had credit. Keeping old accounts open is one of the most effective ways to keep this part of your score high. Deal with any delinquencies on credit cards or loans by making on-time payments and closing the account balances.
The credit utilization ratio doesn’t just consider the amount of debt you have but also the available credit. The more credit you have available, the less likely you’ll be to default on debts. Request a higher credit limit on your existing accounts.
If you’re having trouble managing your debt, consider taking a debt consolidation loan from a bank or a credit union. You’ll get a lower interest rate, and it could potentially cut down on your monthly payment.
Many companies provide free credit monitoring services. These companies will tell you exactly how your credit is doing at any given time. They’ll even send you an email letting you know when the bureaus have updated your report.
Score boosting tools such as Experian Boost help you increase your credit profile by tracking other types of financial information, such as mobile phone payments, deposits, and utility bills.
1. Making Late PaymentsLate payments can significantly impact your credit score because they appear as negative items in your report. They can also show up on your credit reports and affect other lenders who may be considering extending your credit. Late payments can stay on your report for seven years, so if you’re trying to build a good score, this shouldn’t be something that you’re frequently doing.
Too many credit applications can negatively impact your credit score because there is a risk that you’ll default on the new debt. It’s generally not wise to apply for a large amount of credit at one time. This can skew your credit utilization ratio and make it look like you’re desperate to obtain more credit. It can also show numerous inquiries on your report, which lenders don’t like seeing either.
A high debt to credit ratio shows that you’re overextended and spending more money than you should be. This can result in a lower credit score, so it’s important that you keep your balances low, pay off your debts and avoid increasing your debt load.
If you close an account, that account won’t show up on your credit report and will shorten your credit history. This can hurt your credit score and debt to credit utilization ratio.
Conclusion
Maintaining a good credit score is an essential asset in life. Credit scores and reports can affect everything from job offers to the interest rates you pay on loans. These are just a few of the ways that you can increase your score. Taking these steps can also help you prevent identity theft and protect against fraud.
After being unable to travel for so long you have decided to take a huge […]
LifestyleAfter being unable to travel for so long you have decided to take a huge leap and travel to the East Coast of the United States. You have started your research about where to go and what to do but you get overwhelmed and desperately need help.
You have plenty of time available and no restrictions about where to go but are seeking a list and description of some of the best and most enjoyable places to go along the stunning Atlantic Coast.
You may choose one area of the East Coast to hone in on or you can drive or fly to areas up and down the coast.
No list that anyone will give you will be comprehensive, there is just too much to see and do but you must start someplace so check out these seven must-see locations.
Niagara Falls, New York is one of the most breathtaking sights on the East Coast. The natural beauty of the falls cascading over the rocks is an amazing sight. A lot will depend on the weather conditions when you go but the scenery changes with each season.
While there you can see many related sights, but one is extra special. The Maid of the Mist boat ride is a wet and wild trip adjacent to the falls. Luckily you will be given a rain poncho but don’t be surprised if you still get soaked!
The Statue of Liberty in New York City, New York alone is worth the trip to what natives call “the city”. Located on Ellis Island, you can reach the statue by boat. Approaching it in that way gives you a great sense of the immensity of this work of art.
Ellis Island and the statue have a wonderful history and you will learn a lot about the journey of immigrants to the US.
Of course, if you are already in New York City, find time to stay for as long as you can because the sights to see in NYC are numerous and varied. NYC is truly the “City that Never Sleeps.”
State Parks are a thrill for those who like to stay in nature and enjoy the sights in the small but beautiful state. If you enjoy staying in a setting with lovely campgrounds completely ready for your visit, there are great accommodations for those seeking West Virginia State Park camping.
The state has over 25 state parks each with a unique view of the natural sights of the state. In some of these settings, you can reserve camping sites that come with all you need to enjoy your stay.
Companies like Tentrr can set you up with tents, beds, tables and chairs, fire pits, and grills. You will also have access to park facilities including showers and toilets. Anything you can imagine you might see or do in a state park can be enjoyed in West Virginia.
The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. is just one of many things to see in the nation’s capital. Dedicated in 1922, the monument is nearly 100 feet high and the pictures of it never live up to seeing the real thing.
While you are in Washington there are many more sights to see. The Smithsonian is a large collection of museums all of which are free to visitors. D.C. is also home to the Capitol, the White House, and the National Archives.
Mount Vernon, Virginia was the home of George Washington. If you have traveled to Washington D.C., it is not a far trip to visit this plantation. A new endeavor for the plantation is making the whiskey that George himself made and drank! President Washington and his wife Martha are buried on the grounds.
Biltmore Estate and grounds are further down south if you are traveling from Virginia. Located in North Carolina, the mansion was owned by the Vanderbilt family, one of the richest families of their time.
The house and grounds are magnificent and if you are able you should go during the Christmas holiday as the house is beautifully decorated to celebrate. In addition, the grounds of the estate were designed by Frederick Law Olmstead who designed Central Park in New York City.
The Everglades in Florida, should you get that far south, are a totally unique ecosystem. If you are afraid of alligators, don’t go because you will definitely see them as you travel by airboat in the area.
As you may be able to discern, this list barely scratches the surface of what you can see and do on the East Coast. Many Americans live their whole lives just traveling in the area and even they cannot see it all. Pack your bag, get set, and go have fun and enjoy some of the best the world has to offer.
Branding helps your company stand out in your city and your online presence. You want […]
Business MarketingBranding helps your company stand out in your city and your online presence. You want your company to be immediately recognizable, allowing customers to continue returning to you to purchase products and services.
Your brand marketing plan should include your logo, colour scheme, mission statement, and other details you want to provide. It should reflect the personality of your company and the message you want to put across to your potential customers.
It needs to complement your values, products, and services. Brand marketing is an essential tool for any company. Learn more about why you should focus on your branding below.
You need to develop a logo and theme that your customers will immediately recognize. If you think of McDonald’s, you immediately imagine the golden arches. If you visit a Nike store or buy fashionable items from the brand, you will recognize the swoosh.
You want your customers to know your company by its brand. They can refer other individuals to your company, and if they forget the name, they can tell others about the logo. Customers will know where to find your retail location because of the images on your signs. Ultimately, you want people to know your business when they first see information from it.
Finally, branding can help to further enhance the trust your customers have in your business. They will purchase from you if they perceive that your products are high-quality. You should also make your brand look credible to attract and retain more customers.
After you develop that sense of relationship and trust, you can begin other marketing efforts. Use an automated texting service to send promotions and other information. Provide messages to those customers who sign up for your email newsletter.
You will likely have competitors in your industry, no matter your business idea. You can make your company stand out by having a unique brand, including a different logo and mission statement. You want your business to be set apart so customers will immediately recognize it.
Potential clients will want to come to your company to learn more about it, especially if your branding is different. Use fonts, colours, graphics, and other details that are not popular in your industry. Focus on an icon that is memorable when developing your brand.
As mentioned earlier in this article, you can promote your mission statement in your branding. Customers want to shop at a company that has the same values as they do. Making your morality clear and concise will bring potential clients to your company if they can relate to you.
Customers who hold the same values as you are more likely to stay loyal to your brand. They will, again, spread the information about your company to your friends and family members. Your company will grow with a sense of transparency and honesty.
If you devote part of your budget to your brand, you will show the value you place in your company. A good brand design will show potential customers that you care about the work and products you offer. If you do not care about the look of your brand, how will your clients know you care about them?
You want your message to be of the highest quality, which starts with the marketing material you use. Again, you need to maintain a sense of consistency to showcase the value you put into your company.
Branding is one of the most powerful tools you have at your disposal as a business owner. You can make your company look immediately recognizable, which will help you attract new customers. A brand will also develop customer loyalty and trust, allowing you to use new marketing tactics with these individuals. You can promote the values your business holds when developing an effective campaign. Showcasing your morality can help attract the right customers to your company. People are more likely to come to and stay loyal to a business with whom they share values.
