Internet Marketing – Page 209

How to set and manage PPC expectations for teams and stakeholders

Have you ever been in a situation where not everyone was on the same page?

It happens often in the workplace and usually is caused by different expectations among stakeholders.

Here are some ways to set and manage expectations for PPC clients and agency teams.

Outline expectations during the sales process

Setting expectations at the beginning of a client engagement or project is crucial for success.

For advertising agencies, the time to set expectations is before the advertiser even becomes a client – during the sales process.

Giving the client an idea of how your team operates will help you both decide if the relationship is a good fit.

For example, does your agency have an account or media lead who oversees the client relationship, or do individual practice leads handle the relationship? Or is it a hybrid? Who is the main point of contact?

Be clear about how your team operates generally while you’re still negotiating.

Dig deeper: How to build and maintain client trust in your agency

Agree on parameters in the statement of work

It’s critical to lay out the engagement parameters in the statement of work.

The clearer you can be about the parameters of the relationship and how it will operate, the better you can manage expectations once you’re actually doing the work.

Agree on what work will be performed

What services will you be providing to the client? Here are some common agency services:

Paid search
Paid social
SEO
Programmatic and display advertising
Traditional media (print, out-of-home, etc.)
Website or landing page development
Analytics
Strategy development
Revenue operations/CRM work
Organic social management
Creative design

This is only a partial list!

Agencies can offer a wide variety of advertising and marketing services.

Some agencies provide strategy and execution of the services listed above and some only provide consulting, with the client responsible for implementation. Spell out what work you intend to perform.

If you’re not clear in the statement of work about what work you’re performing, clients will ask you to do work that you’re not staffed for.

Make it obvious what’s in scope and what isn’t. Be detailed.

It’s impossible to list every possible scenario in a statement of work – and that’s why it’s crucial to be clear about the services the agency will handle.

Tell the client what work is in scope and be clear that anything else is out of scope.

For example, how many search engines will you manage for paid or organic search? How many social engines will you advertise on? Which ones? Are analytics services included? If not, who handles that troubleshooting? What about CRM?

For B2B advertisers, closing the loop between the initial website lead and down-funnel CRM actions is an important piece of the puzzle. Are you prepared to provide these services, or will the client be responsible for this work?

The same thing goes for landing page optimization and development.

Not being able to create optimized landing pages can be a performance blocker that can ultimately doom your relationship with the client. Be clear about who owns this responsibility.

By outlining who is responsible for CRO and landing page optimization, you can help stave off disappointment down the road.

Meeting and reporting cadences

Another aspect of client service to deal with during the sales process is deliverables and cadences.

How often will you meet with the client? Will the meetings be held online, or in person? Who from the agency will attend?

Meetings can become a giant time suck, yet they’re also necessary. Be thoughtful about how to make them efficient for both the agency and the client.

Reporting is another deliverable to address in the statement of work.

What types of reporting will be provided and on what cadence? Will you use Looker dashboards, PowerPoint reports, QBRs, or all three? How will you handle ad-hoc reporting?

Dig deeper: 3 steps for effective PPC reporting and analysis

Response times and client communications

You’ll also want to agree on client communications.

How will day-to-day communication be handled? Will you use email, instant messaging (IM) platforms like Slack or Teams, project management boards like Asana or Trello, or a combination of all of these?

What response times should be expected?

One pitfall of using IM for client communications is that everyone starts to expect instant replies. That’s neither feasible nor productive for anyone.

Agree with your clients that regular communications will be responded to within 24 hours.

For urgent messages, perhaps a 6-hour response time is reasonable. Agree to this ahead of time – that way, no one is disappointed.

Think too about how easy it will be to search for relevant communications later.

I find it much more difficult to find messages and topics in Slack than email, although Slack is easier to organize into channels. Each has pros and cons! Think this through before you engage with the client.

Account staffing

Every statement of work should include a staffing plan. You don’t need to name names, but list the roles and percentage of time each role will be allocated to the engagement.

For example, staffing on a large paid search account might look like this:

Director – 5%
Manager – 50%
Analyst – 25%

Being clear about roles and percentage allocation helps clients understand who their key contacts are and how much time they will spend working on the account.

Dig deeper: Client onboarding and offboarding: The PPC agency’s guide

Dealing with unexpected issues

Unforeseen challenges can arise on an account. Perhaps the client’s conversion tracking breaks, or they need help spinning up a landing page when that’s normally something they would handle themselves.

Outline in the SOW how you’ll handle issues that would normally be out of scope.

Will you charge an hourly rate? Will a change order or new SOW be required?

Good agencies will often pitch in and help without compensation. That’s part of being a good business partner.

Still, it’s important to set expectations on out-of-scope work to ensure the engagement remains profitable.

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Managing expectations during the engagement

Once the contract is signed, the work begins!

Now is the time to manage expectations.

It’s important on kickoff calls or meetings to establish your rules of engagement.

Reinforce how you will communicate, meeting cadences, turnaround times and other key service-level agreements (SLAs). Getting agreement from the client and buy-in on both sides is critical.

An effective way to get everyone’s buy-in is to whiteboard the rules during the kickoff, either virtually or in person. Then, take time to discuss the rules and hear all perspectives.

Be willing to add items you may not have thought of initially, or to adjust to meet everyone’s needs. Just make sure you can still deliver in the time frame you agree to.

Once you’ve aligned on the rules, distribute them to all stakeholders.

One agency I worked at printed and laminated the rules of engagement for each client. They shared a copy with everyone working on the account, both internally and client-side.

While this may sound quaint in 2024, it’s effective – a physical reminder stakeholders can keep at their desk and easily review at any time.

The rules of engagement could also be in an online document that’s pinned to a Slack or Teams channel.

It’s important to reiterate that getting everyone’s buy-in is key here.

One of Dale Carnegie’s principles in “How to Win Friends and Influence People” is to “Let the other person feel that the idea is his or hers.”

It’s important to remember this principle when establishing the rules of engagement with clients. If clients have a hand in developing the rules, they’ll be more likely to follow them.

Dig deeper: How to retain clients in PPC

How to deal with issues during the engagement

Inevitably, issues will crop up during the engagement that require a review of the SOW.

The client might ask for more meetings than you’ve contracted for.

Or they start to expect faster turn times on the work you’re delivering.

It’s tricky because, on the one hand, you want to do everything you can to keep your client happy.

On the other hand, your agency needs to be profitable.

Think carefully about whether you should accommodate the client’s request or push back.

There are pros and cons to each approach.

If you’ve established ground rules and SLAs in the contract process, it’s not wrong to gently remind the client of what you agreed to.

In this case, I’ll usually say something like, “We understand how important this launch is for your business. Our contract stipulates a 5-day lead time for new campaign launches. Given the urgent timing of this campaign, we can aim to deliver it in 2 days. We’ll have to reprioritize some of your other work to accommodate this and we’re happy to do so to help you meet your goals.”

A statement like that does several things.

It acknowledges the importance of the ask to the client’s business.
It reminds them of the lead times you’ve laid out in the contract.
It accommodates their ask, while also pointing out the ramifications of compressing the timeline.
It reinforces the client-agency partnership in the last statement: “we’re happy to do so to help you meet your goals.”

Making exceptions for clients is part of being a good partner. But if the exceptions start to become a regular thing, you’ll want to give a more forceful reminder of the rules of engagement and you may want push back.

Renegotiating the contract is another option.

For example, you could add staff to the account that would enable faster turn times – at an additional cost.

Or you could charge the client the hourly rates you provided for in the contract.

If you’ve set expectations clearly in the beginning, you have a good chance of avoiding a big mismatch between your reality and the client’s.

Clear expectations make for profitable relationships for everyone!

Dig deeper: 6 tips to build PPC client relationships

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/set-manage-ppc-expectations-teams-stakeholders-439715

7 ways to elevate your responsive search ads

While Google’s responsive search ads (RSAs) have come a long way from the simple text ads of the past, there are still plenty of opportunities to optimize and take your PPC performance to new heights.

Let’s dive into seven proven strategies that can help you elevate your Google responsive search ads game.

1. Less is sometimes more

We’re starting with a concept rather than a feature here, but just because you can add 15 headlines and four descriptions doesn’t mean you should also populate all of those slots. A few reasons why:

You could be diluting the key USPs with filler content, just so the ad strength improves (not a quality indicator).
- So often, you try to scrap the website content in a desperate attempt to reach title double figures.
- However, the more copy added, the less your primary messaging will be shown. Always aim for quality over quantity and resist Google’s pressure to add more.
The more titles/descriptions used in an RSA, the more ad variations there are for Google’s algorithm to use.
- That’s all well and good for campaigns and ad groups that have big budgets and big volumes.
- Still, for small campaigns with smaller keyword demands, Google and Bing (especially Bing) won’t have enough impressions to run all the possible ad variations enough times for a conclusive result.
- Learning periods will be ongoing and performance insights will be limited. Do you ever check the ad asset report for an RSA and see “pending”? This is why.
Less titles and descriptions can also give you better scope to do manual testing, as there are fewer variations in play.
- As the above point applies to Google automation testing, it applies to the A/B tests we carry out, which we will go into more detail shortly.

2. Keyword insertion

This is a really useful way of making your ads more relevant and improving your quality score. When applied, Google will populate the RSA with whatever keyword your search term triggered the ad for.

You can also add copy before and after the keyword insertion to tailor the message. For example:

Your title could read “Buy {keyword insertion: {Nike Running Shoes} Today.”
The keyword will appear between “Buy” and “Today.”

If the keyword triggered pushes the character limit over, Google will use the fallback copy you included, “Nike running shoes” in the above example.

It should not be used in every circumstance, as it can get messy when overused. And you are in danger of the ad not reading right.

This is especially true in consolidated ad groups with more keywords. Less control with more keywords eligible to appear in the keyword insertion.

Extra word of caution: Never use this for competitor keyword campaigns.

3. Countdown insertion

This is a really cool feature and an absolute essential for your sale or event ads. Including a countdown timer is such an effective way to add urgency to your RSAs.

You can customize how many days in advance you’d like the timer to begin. As with the keyword insertion feature, you can include copy before and after insertion. For example:

“Sale Ends in {countdown yyyy/mm/dd}.”

Even when there is less than a day before the end of the countdown, Google tells you to the second how long you have left. Very eye-catching for users.

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4. Ad pinning

Not happy with giving Google the control to put your copy in any order that suits them? Well, then pinning is the answer.

This allows you to tell Google what title and description you want to remain constant in your ad and in which position. You can also pin multiple headlines and descriptions in the same position, which Google will alternate.

Your ad strength will suffer using pins, as Google doesn’t like not being in control. But advertisers sometimes just need the ability to decide what order the copy goes in.

For example, putting your product in the first two titles (long name) and including the price as the final title is not ideal if Google decides to mix that order, even if the algorithm thinks it has a better CTR.

I’d recommend testing two RSAs at once for ad groups with high volume. Use the same copy, but one with pins and one without. Test yourself against the algorithm.

Remember, Google often prioritizes RSA variations based on CTR, but if the objective of the ads is conversion-based, then you should judge the results toward conversion rate, CPA or ROAS instead.

5. Ad experiments

As Google will often prioritize the best CTR performance in ads, if you are testing two RSAs in the same ad group, then they will quickly favor one and show it more often.

Experiments are what you want if you want a fairer, less biased testing framework.

The experiment feature can effectively test different keywords, landing pages, bid strategies, etc. Testing ads is another feather in its cap.

You can set up experiments to show each ad evenly at 50/50 over a selected time period (currently maxed out at 64 days). During setup, Google will duplicate your campaign into a test version. You make whatever changes to the RSA you need to, then just schedule a start date.

Once the test begins, you can access a testing dashboard within the experiment tab that compares control and test campaigns.

When setting up the experiment, you will tell Google your two performance priorities, so the dashboard will focus its reporting on those metrics.

6. Campaign-level headline and description assets

This is the newest feature in the list and, as of this writing, is still in beta. It’s a great addition designed for use during a specific period (e.g., a sale or an event).

At the campaign level, you can schedule up to three headlines and two descriptions to appear in all of the campaign’s RSAs rather than updating all of your ads individually.

If messaging is a priority, you can also pin these extra assets and schedule a start and end date.

RSAs - Campaign-level headline and description assets

They are ideal for large Search accounts with a high volume of RSAs that require frequent copy changes to highlight promotional periods.

What could’ve taken hours to regularly update, schedule and revert back to the original copy now takes only a few minutes. Preparing for Black Friday might not seem as daunting this year.

7. Ad variations

This is probably the most underutilized feature for RSA ads. Experiments are the most common A/B testing framework. Still, if you want to test specific titles or descriptions against other variants (as opposed to RSA vs. RSA), this is the ideal solution.

This is very cool for creating tests at a forensic level. If you have a legacy USP scattered across multiple RSAs (e.g., “Free Shipping Available”) but are thinking of replacing it with a similar but refreshed take (e.g., “Free shipping when you spend over $50”), then you simply select the “Find & Replace” variation type, input the original copy and replace with the new.

Just like setting up experiments, you select the start and end date, how much the experiment split is (which for me is always 50%) and then create. There are other types of ad variations that can update whole headlines and descriptions, as well as URLs, but I would use find and replace more commonly.

What about AI content?

I couldn’t go through the whole article without mentioning the hottest industry topic: AI. So, I thought it deserved its own bonus section.

Now, the truth is that the practical application of AI for RSAs lies outside of the advertising platform (Performance Max asset group copy is a different story with the new generative AI feature).

One of the first PPC use cases of ChatGPT, when it came on the scene, was generating additional and alternative creative for RSAs based on expanding the existing copy.

The danger is being too reliant on AI for content. Yes, ChatGPT, Gemini and the rest are great tools for carrying the creative burden. However, using AI to create the majority of the copy can lead to generic output or even a separation away from the brand identity if your prompt engineering isn’t up to scratch.

To strive toward compelling ad copy, simplicity is often the best method, so try not to overcomplicate the process. I’ve found the best use is identifying the best-performing titles and descriptions (hopefully, most of the ad asset report data isn’t pending, so you can see these insights) and using AI to expand and enhance the poor performers with alternative variations.

Lean on AI and use it to generate fresh ideas, but don’t rely on it. Remember, you will know the brand and the USPs better than AI. Humans still have a use, after all.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/elevate-responsive-search-ads-439734

Maximising Benefits: Advantages of Offshore Software Development

Home Business Magazine Online

In today’s globalized economy, offshore software development has become a strategic choice for many businesses that want to maximize benefits and efficiency in their software projects. One of the primary advantages of offshore software development is cost savings. By outsourcing software development to countries with lower labor costs, companies can significantly reduce their expenses without compromising on quality. This cost-effectiveness is particularly attractive to startups and small businesses looking to stretch their budgets while accessing great talent.

Broader Talent Pool

Another of the many advantages of offshore software development is access to a broader talent pool. Offshoring allows companies to tap into a diverse range of skilled professionals worldwide. This means gaining access to specialized expertise that may not be available locally. For instance, companies can leverage the technical prowess of developers in countries like India or Eastern Europe for complex projects requiring specific skills.
Offshore development also offers flexibility and scalability. Businesses can quickly scale their development teams up or down based on project needs without the constraints of local talent availability. This agility enables companies to adapt to changing market demands better.

Accelerate Project Timelines

Moreover, offshore software development can accelerate project timelines. With teams working across different time zones, companies can achieve round-the-clock development cycles. Tasks completed during one part of the day can be further advanced by another team during their working hours, leading to faster project delivery. This continuous workflow can significantly shorten development cycles and time-to-market for software products.

Anticipating Challenges: Risks and Hurdles of Offshore Software Development

Despite the numerous advantages of offshore software development, there are also certain risks and challenges that businesses must anticipate and address proactively. One of the primary concerns is communication barriers. Differences in language proficiency and cultural nuances can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, affecting project clarity and coordination. To mitigate this risk, clear communication channels and protocols should be established from the outset of the project.

Time Zone Differences

Another significant challenge is time zone differences. While time zone disparity can facilitate continuous development cycles, it can also pose coordination challenges. Scheduling meetings and ensuring real-time collaboration between onshore and offshore teams can be demanding. Adopting flexible working hours or overlapping shifts can help bridge this gap.

Quality Assurance and Control

Quality assurance and control are critical challenges in offshore development. Ensuring consistent quality standards across distributed teams can be complex. It requires robust processes for code reviews, testing, and feedback loops to maintain the desired level of quality throughout the project lifecycle.

Data Security

Data security and intellectual property protection are also paramount concerns. Offshore development involves sharing sensitive business information and intellectual assets with external teams. Companies must implement stringent data protection measures and establish legal frameworks to safeguard their intellectual property rights.

Cultural Differences

Cultural differences can impact team dynamics and project outcomes. Varying work cultures, holidays, and business etiquette can influence collaboration and project management. Building cultural awareness and fostering a cohesive team environment are essential to overcoming these challenges.

Geopolitical Factors and Regulatory Compliance

Lastly, geopolitical factors and regulatory compliance can introduce uncertainties in offshore software development. Changes in political landscapes or evolving data protection regulations in offshore locations may impact project continuity and legal compliance. Staying informed about relevant laws and regulations and working with reputable offshore partners can help mitigate these risks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there are many advantages of offshore software development such as cost savings, talent access, and flexibility, it also comes with its share of challenges. To maximize the benefits and minimize the risks of offshore development, businesses should adopt proactive strategies focusing on effective communication, quality assurance, data security, cultural integration, and regulatory compliance. By addressing these challenges head-on, companies can harness the full potential of offshore software development to drive innovation and achieve their business objectives efficiently.

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The post Maximising Benefits: Advantages of Offshore Software Development appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/management/technology-management/advantages-offshore-software-development/

A Handbook on Foreign Payments for Business

Home Business Magazine Online

Globalization’s arrival has permanently altered trade. People from all around the world may buy goods from nations they have never even gone to with only a click of a mouse. Easy and inexpensive cross-border payments are in high demand, whether it’s from a Hong Kong housewife buying Peruvian linen or a start-up in Sacramento employing a company in Finland to handle their marketing.

So what is the process behind foreign payments for business and why are they so crucial? Here, examine all the information you want about international business payments.

What Does an Overseas Payment Entail?

To put it simply, an international payment is any kind of cross-border money transfer between accounts. This includes a wide range of transactions, such as individual, retail, and trade transactions. Since payments are often made in different currencies, some kind of foreign exchange is needed to mediate the transfer in international commercial payments.

The significance of international corporate money transfers cannot be overstated. After all, global trade and business would not be possible without the infrastructure that enables these kinds of cross-border payments.

Payment Methods Used in International Trade

There are a variety of foreign payments for business options that you may want to take into account. Below is a summary of some of the most popular techniques:

International Bank Transfer

When doing business internationally, one of the best ways to make payments is via an international bank transfer. While processing timeframes might vary, the quickest bank transfers will be finished the same day. This is likely the easiest way to transmit international bank-to-bank payments. The comparatively high costs associated with this technique are a drawback, at least when compared to other transfer methods.

Online Payment Gateways

An international payment gateway is a fantastic additional choice. PayPal, Worldpay, Sage Pay, Braintree, Stripe, Amazon Pay, and many more are available as options. These payment gateways might be a good option if you need to transfer or receive money internationally. But, every manufacturer will have a different price structure, exchange rate, and feature set, so it’s crucial to shop around before selecting a supplier.

Specialty Forex brokers

Using a foreign exchange broker could be a smart choice if you’re sending a bigger payment abroad. Since these brokers often buy and sell foreign exchange in higher amounts, they can provide better prices. Spot contracts (based on an agreed-upon exchange rate) and forward contracts (fixed rate, scheduled at a future date) are your options.

How Much Does It Cost to Transfer Money Internationally for Business?

The cost of making foreign payments for business transactions varies based on the source. You may have to pay a variety of costs, such as fixed transfer fees, cross-border interchange fees, currency conversion fees, and so forth. Furthermore, there may be several unstated costs associated with foreign wire transfers, which might drive up the total cost significantly.

In the end, foreign payment fees might vary so much that it’s preferable to research the cost of the transfer yourself using the mode of payment you’ve selected for an international company.

What Is the Duration of International Business Payments?

Transfer timeframes for international payments typically range from one to five business days, depending on the destination nation, mode of payment, time of day, and extent of transactional verification procedures. Furthermore, a variety of variables, such as weekends and public holidays, antiquated local banking infrastructure, or destination banks employing obsolete accounting systems, might cause delays in international corporate money transfers.

It’s crucial to closely monitor the estimated time of payment when making foreign payments for business in response to a dated invoice since failure to do so might result in missing the payment deadline.

How Should I Go About Accepting Payments from Overseas?

The need to determine the most effective payment method for international companies is growing as cross-border transactions become more frequent in business, especially for e-commerce enterprises. Receiving money from overseas may be done with Transferra UK.

With local bank debit options, Transferra allows companies to accept international payments from more than 100+ countries at the actual local exchange rate, allowing consumers and merchants to interact in their currency. It is a very useful choice for companies that deal with a lot of international business payments daily since it connects ACH debit systems across local marketplaces and allows merchants to collect international payments from multiple countries from a single platform.

The post A Handbook on Foreign Payments for Business appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/money/how-to-guides-money/handbook-foreign-payments-for-business/

Dominate search results with your SEO dream team by Edna Chavira

Ever wondered how to structure an SEO team for unparalleled success? Join us on Tuesday, April 23rd for this webinar where our panel will guide you through the proven strategies to build a dynamic and scalable SEO program.

You’ll discover how a well-structured team can overcome and outperform unpredictable algorithm updates and dive into the art of determining the ideal SEO team structure (and where SEO should sit) that aligns with your business goals and ensures optimal collaboration between departments.

RSVP today for Beyond the Search Bar: Crafting an Impactful SEO Team Structure and Defining its Place in Your Organization and uncover the secrets to building your dream SEO team.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/dominate-search-results-with-your-seo-dream-team-439714

5 alternatives to the missing Page Timings report in GA4

Page load speed, among other Core Web Vitals, is a known Google organic ranking factor. While we have the PageSpeed Insights tool, it unfortunately only works on one page at a time.

The Page Timings report in Universal Analytics surfaced specific pages on your site that were slowest, allowing you to prioritize which pages to evaluate and optimize.

The tool was particularly helpful if you have a large site with thousands of pages to analyze. Armed with the list of problem URLs, you could then prioritize pages for review using the PageSpeed Insights tool.

But Google didn’t include the Page Timings report in GA4, so where can you find similar information now?

Below are several free and paid tools that can help you pinpoint your problem pages and prioritize their optimization.

1. Google Search Console

Pros: Free.
Cons: Highly manual, no API connections.

Google Search Console (GSC) provides a Core Web Vitals report and even separates the data by mobile versus desktop.

However, while GSC provides some examples of URLs affected, it doesn’t provide a full list. Instead, it groups pages together and shows examples from the group. The data is also not easily downloadable to a CSV for monitoring.

If your goal is regular monitoring, you’ll need to log in to GSC and review the data within the tool. The GSC API does not support exporting core web vitals report data, so you can’t pull GSC data into Looker Studio or other visualization tools.

2. Screaming Frog

Pros: Thoroughly indexes sites, connects to PageSpeed Insights API (with a key you provide), scheduling available.
Cons: Paid tool, desktop-based.

A long-time favorite of SEO professionals, Screaming Frog software has many helpful SEO applications, but the most important thing for this article is that it provides page load times.

It can further be connected to the PageSpeed Insights tool using a key from the PageSpeed Insights API to import Core Web Vitals data directly into the PageSpeed report:

The only real drawback to Screaming Frog is that because it’s a desktop-based application, the computer you host it on has to be turned on and connected to the web when the report runs. This makes the tool less optimal for dashboarding and highly regular data monitoring.

One workaround is to have a desktop computer that is always turned on. I did this in my agency for many years with a dedicated, old desktop computer running Screaming Frog.

Because the tool allows for scheduling, the scheduled report can run at the appointed time as long as the computer is on and connected to the internet. Additionally, you can connect Screaming Frog to a Google Drive account and export the report tabs to Google Sheets:

If you want to use the upload for dashboarding, choose the Overwrite files in output, which will allow you to just update the same Google Sheet.

Once the data is in a Google Sheet, you can import it into other platforms, such as Looker Studio, to create dashboards and visualizations or create thresholds to send email alerts using Apps Script.

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3. Ahrefs

Pros: Thoroughly indexes sites, scheduling available, cloud-based application, connects to the PageSpeed Insights API (with a key you provide).
Cons: Paid tool, manual data export.

Ahrefs has long been an SEO favorite for tracking backlinks, but the tool also has a robust site audit tool that tracks page load speed as it indexes a website.

Like Screaming Frog, you can connect PageSpeed Insights directly to the site audit to see specific core web vitals optimizations that should be made:

While you can export reports to Google Sheets, it’s a manual process. Site audits can be scheduled for regular intervals.

Unfortunately, the Ahrefs API doesn’t appear to have a way to automatically export the results, leaving it a bit of a manual process and less than ideal for dashboarding and near real-time reports.

4. Semrush

Pros: Thoroughly indexes sites, scheduling available, cloud-based application, connects to the PageSpeed Insights API (no key needed).
Cons: Paid tool, manual data export.

Another popular SEO tool is Semrush, and it also has a site audit feature that reviews page load speed and lists the pages with the longest load times:

Unlike Ahrefs and Screaming Frog, you aren’t required to enter a personal PageSpeed Insights API key to connect core web vitals optimization information directly to the audit.

Again, with this tool, however, the data export for this report is manual. Semrush has an API, though, and it will report on page load speed issues. However, the API is only available for business plans and higher, which start at $499/month.

5. Add page speed into GA4 using custom dimensions

Pros: Free, measures actual user data for page load speed by page, scheduling not required, cloud-based application.
Cons: Only begins tracking data once implemented (no historical data), doesn’t automatically connect with PageSpeed Insights API.

Another option to restore page load speed in Google Analytics is to create a custom dimension. You can use that custom dimension to create an Explorations report, import data into Looker Studio or export data using the GA4 API or various tools that incorporate the API.

Measure School has an excellent tutorial on how to track page load speed using Google Tag Manager and custom dimensions in GA4.

Multiple free and paid tools can export your list of slow pages using the custom dimension to Google Sheets, including the free Google Sheets extension GA4 Reports Builder for Google Sheets.

Unlike its predecessor in Universal Analytics, this extension does not have scheduling capability. I personally use Supermetrics, which is a paid tool but provides me access to multiple APIs, including GA4, and allows me to schedule reports.

Connecting with the PageSpeed Insights API

Once you have your list of the site’s slowest pages, though, you’re not completely finished! Screaming Frog, Ahrefs and Semrush pull Core Web Vitals optimizations into their platforms using the PageSpeed Insights API.

If you’re not using one of those tools, you’ll either need to interrogate each URL in the PageSpeed Insights tool manually, one by one, or you can also use the PageSpeed Insights API to make those queries for you.

If you’re not a web developer or skilled with coding, there are fortunately tools that you can use to tap into APIs, including the PageSpeed Insights API, to get the specific core web vitals details you need for optimization.

My personal favorite is Zapier, which has a webhook zap allowing even non-developers a simplified way to connect your list of slow URLs to the PageSpeed Insights and pull in whichever data points are most important:

Connecting with the PageSpeed Insights API - Zapier

Optimizing images can often be a quick way to improve page load speed. In the zap example above, I only pull in image details for each URL for a site with over 10,000 pages. This allows me a fast way to find:

Which pages are slowest.
Of those pages, which ones are slow due to images that should be resized.
Make a list of the images that should be resized and prioritize them by greatest load time saved per image.

The benefit of this approach is that it truly can provide near-real-time reporting and dashboarding, whereas the other solutions still have drawbacks that make them less than ideal for dashboard reports.

However, you continue to measure page load speed for organic search optimization, each solution requires some set-up and work. So, if you haven’t already started on a solution, get started immediately so that you can quickly mine quick wins for SEO and improve your problem pages.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/alternatives-page-timings-report-ga4-439720

The Future of Lending: How Technology is Shaping the Loan Industry

Home Business Magazine Online

The world is at an intensely interesting time in history with the development of new technologies such as blockchain and Artificial Intelligence. These technologies are shaping the direction of change in many industries, such as banking and finance, which is affecting the future of lending perhaps most of all.

Fintech Solutions for Loan Applications

Financial Technology (Fintech) is being used to make the process of loan applications from lending websites much easier. Lenders can use the latest versions of Loan Origination Software (LOS) to pull together information on the finances of loan applicants. They can bring in other information that relates to the borrower, such as their utility information and address confirmation from the electoral roll.

Being able to access all of this information quickly and leveraging real-time data analytics to sort through it, transforms how loans are provided, not just in the UK but around the world from loan industry websites. The future of the financial services sector is both data-rich and cloud-based. The advances in blockchain technology are now allowing for much more secure transactions as well.

Speedy Disbursement and Instant Approvals

This use of fintech allows for more comprehensive checks than ever before on the financial status of individuals applying for loans. It can even allow for rules-based decisions to be taken automatically, depending on several different factors and how they interact together. In this way, decisions can be made on a much faster timescale, and employees can free up some of the time that these tasks might otherwise have taken them. They are able to offer very quick loans to their clients.

The faster disbursement of loans is something that the industry has aspired toward for some time now, and the technology underpinning this is now finally at the stage where it works at the required level. It is now possible to approve loans instantly when people apply online and meet certain criteria.

Personalised Loan Solutions

The more extensive use of data that the latest generation of fintech solutions has enabled means that consumers can be offered much more personalised loan products based on their own unique financial situations. This is a game changer for the future of lending, and it can make a real difference in the viability and profitability of personal loans.

Being able to make micro-tailored loan offers based on the depth of data that is now available means that consumers can receive offers that they are far more likely to accept. This also reduces the risks for the lenders as they have a vast pool of data to draw from, including credit scores, utility costs and spending habits.

When this information is fed in along with marital status, whether they have any dependents and all manner of other data points, it is possible to create a very detailed lifestyle profile. This profile can then be used to extrapolate the most relevant loan products to target the customer individually. It can also be used to compare with similar profiles and look at which products worked for them, as these may also prove relevant.

AI in Fraud Prevention

In the future of lending, companies are using artificial intelligence in fraud prevention. The machine learning models currently being developed can look at the characteristics of fraudulent cases and pattern match, extrapolating which loan applications may merit more human attention and verification.

These are often patterns that may be missed by humans involved in fraud prevention but can be analysed and picked up on by the lightning-fast computational abilities available to financial institutions through the use of cloud-based computing. The mixture of on-site computers and linked cloud computers, all working in unison, can crunch calculations in real-time and alert human operators to anything that fits the patterns most commonly seen in fraud.

The post The Future of Lending: How Technology is Shaping the Loan Industry appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/money/raising-money-money/future-lending-technology-loan-industry/

Maximizing Profits: How Cash House Buyers Are Revolutionizing the Real Estate Market

Home Business Magazine Online

In a world where change seems the only constant, technology and innovative strategies have transformed traditional marketplaces, even in the realm of real estate. A new breed of buyers called ‘cash house buyers’ is disrupting norms and remapping the real estate market. This revolutionary shift could spell lucrative opportunities for sellers and provide a fresh take on property investment.

Cash Buying Explained

The emergence of cash house buyers brings fresh intrigue. These entities are largely investors who, with readily available capital, purchase properties outright without relying on mortgage financing. You might be wondering why they would risk their funds in such large amounts. Well, their business model banks on lucrative returns after refurbishing the properties for either resale at higher prices or rental income.

Their offering is unique – a fast transaction, eliminating hassles tied to property chains or loan delays that sometimes plague traditional buying methods – quickly turning into an attractive option for home sellers seeking quick deals. Traditionally, purchasing a house often involves drawn-out bank procedures and hefty paperwork which can create room for potential hiccups making cash buying a solid choice.

With fewer contingencies and demands for inspections or appraisals, there’s an increased rate of deals closing successfully with minimal complications. For cash house buyers too, this speedy process means they can secure their newest house investment ahead of potential competition.

Cash House Buyers USA

In recent years, the USA has seen a surge of cash house buyers penetrating its real estate market. Notable names like Cash House Buyers USA, Opendoor, and WeBuyUglyHouses have become standard bearers operating.

Such growth has been driven by several factors. First, the USA presents a diverse landscape with plenty of distressed properties – from foreclosures to inherited homes – ripe for cash buying. Secondly, the marked increase in institutional investors willing to invest heavily in the housing market has supported this growth and broadened its reach farther.

Enhanced by adept use of technology for property assessments and pricing models, these players have effectively tailored their strategies for profitable scalability. They’ve established end-to-end digital platforms allowing seamless transactions with homeowners while orthodoxy continues to rely largely on age-old techniques.

Impact on the Real Estate Industry

The advent of cash buyers has undeniably rippled across the industry. In challenging traditional buying methods, they’ve sparked both intrigue and skepticism. Yet their impact is predominantly positive. They often step in where typical buyers fear to tread, taking up distressed, vacant or hard-to-sell properties.

This willingness to handle complex or ‘ugly’ situations provides a welcome solution for owners eager to sell but marred by tricky property issues. Consequently, neighborhoods benefit from revamped houses replacing derelict eyesores. Lastly, their rapid purchase timelines ease pressure on local real estate stocks.

In essence, cash buyers are not just market disruptors; they’re catalysts driving change within the industry by challenging antiquated norms, pushing for faster transactions and injecting immediacy into an otherwise protracted process.

Benefits for Home Sellers

For homeowners looking to sell quickly or struggling with unique property issues, cash house buyers could be the lifeline needed. The benefits they offer are matchless in comparison to conventional selling paths; these include fast sales often wrapping up within a week unlike months-long waits when listing with realtors.

Sellers also get to bypass the cost and stress of sprucing up their homes for potential buyers since cash buyers purchase properties ‘as is’. No need for tiring negotiations around repairs or improvements – it’s a smooth sail to a quick sale. This spares sellers from struggles with fussy buyers, inconvenient house staging, or missed work days due to incessant viewings.

Elimination of typical sale contingencies such as bank financing approvals reduces a potential deal’s collapse chances. With a cash offer, once an agreement on price is reached, it’s more or less a done deal.

Competitive Advantage

Finally, the competitive advantage cash house buyers wield over traditional players is undeniable. Their ability to make instant offers and close deals rapidly gives them an upper hand in a cutthroat market.

Sellers favor fast, guaranteed transactions; hence they likely lean towards guaranteed cash offers over mortgage-dependent ones. Furthermore, the simplicity offered by these companies – handling every aspect of the sales process, allowing homeowners to sell without lifting a finger – is an alluring prospect in an otherwise stressful journey.

In contrast, traditional methods pose several barriers that can deter prospective sellers. With cash buyers, however, homeowners can enjoy a hassle-free experience coupled with certainty that the transaction will conclude successfully and swiftly…all in all, it’s easy to see why they’re redefining the real estate market.

Avoiding Traditional Sale Hassles

With cash house buyers, one of the major benefits is the avoidance of typical issues that can arise during the conventional selling process. It’s not uncommon in traditional sales for contracts to fall through due to financing predicaments, unexpected home inspection results, or buyer cold feet.

However, in a cash sale, these potential roadblocks are practically rendered obsolete – circumventing most problems that might slow down or outright halt the transaction.

Besides this, homeowners can sell their properties ‘as is’. This means bypassing the common stressor of embarking on potentially costly and time-consuming repairs or renovations to make the property more attractive to traditional buyers. It creates an avenue for homeowners who may not afford such improvements beforehand but still wish to sell.

Potential sellers do not have to concern themselves with the open-house staging circus that comes with conventional methods either. Homeowners are spared from multiple home viewings that disrupt their daily routines.

Lastly, paperwork associated with property transfers can be a nightmare for those unfamiliar with real estate jargons. Traditional home selling means enlisting lawyers or other professionals averting possible legal pitfalls – hence extra costs. However, respectable cash house buying companies typically handle all legal aspects, making the process smoother and worry-free for the homeowners.

Market Trends and Forecast

There’s no question that cash house buyers continue to shape real estate market dynamics. Aiding this trend is the increasing instances of distressed properties hitting marketplaces amidst economic uncertainties – creating a fertile ground for cash buyers operations.

Cash transactions already account for a significant share of overall residential sales in dominant markets like the USA. However, there’s strong potential for proliferation in emerging markets as technology eases barriers to entry and operations.

Demand for swift, hassle-free home sales isn’t going anywhere soon, neither are distressed properties or homeowners needing a quick sale. Moreover, as innovations continue to burgeon, these companies will keep finding ways to assess properties and engage sellers more efficiently – further fueling growth.

While the prospect of a 100% cash-house-buyers-dominated market might seem far-fetched in the near future, it is clear that their influence will persist given current course and speed.

Navigating Seller Misconceptions

The emergence of cash house buyers hasn’t been without occasional criticisms or misconceptions. One common illusion is that these companies prey on homeowners’ desperation to offload their properties only to severely undervalue them in return. While there are unscrupulous actors in any industry, reputable cash-buying firms substantiate their offers using accurate market data and provide transparent breakdowns of how these prices are derived.

Another misunderstanding is that the guarantee of a fast sale means sellers get their cash instantly upon agreement. However, legal procedures such as title deeds transfer and paperwork processing can take a few days. Sellers should bear this in mind – yet this process is considerably quicker than conventional routes. Educating yourself on what to expect can help debunk misconceptions and ensure a smoother transaction and experience.

Expanding Real Estate Opportunities

Skeptics might view cash house buying as an affront to traditional real estate norms but, on the contrary, they expand opportunities within the industry.

Their presence enriches diversification within real estate portfolios for savvy investors looking for faster returns. Homeowners get expanded selling options while potential home buyers gain access to renovated properties that would’ve otherwise remained distressed and uninhabitable.

Cash transactions expedite processes allowing quick ownership transition. This contributes immensely towards reducing housing inventory pressure in popular markets hence maintaining a healthy real estate industry balance.

Risks and Drawbacks

While the cash house buyers model carries numerous benefits for both sellers and the larger industry, it’s not entirely without drawbacks.

Firstly, there’s the question of price. It’s no secret that some cash buyers may offer below market value for properties due to their as-is buying policies and the quick sale guarantee. Homeowners in no hurry to sell may find better prices via traditional pathways by investing time and money into home improvements and marketing.

Secondly, homeowners should be wary of scams. Although major players like Zillow and Opendoor have legitimized this arena, not every cash-buying entity is trustworthy. Before engaging with any cash buyer, research their reputation extensively to avoid decentralizing con artists posing as genuine buyers.

Conclusion: The Shift

Cash house buyers are unquestionably redefining the real estate market – offering unparalleled speed, convenience, and certainty to sellers. Their imprint extends beyond individual transactions to broader market dynamics. While this approach may not suit everyone’s property-selling goals or circumstances, it’s undeniable that cash house buyers are here to stay – further reshaping the real estate landscape in years to come.

The post Maximizing Profits: How Cash House Buyers Are Revolutionizing the Real Estate Market appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/businesses/real-estate/cash-house-buyers-real-estate-market/

5 Professions Desperate for Workers

Updated 18th April 2024

With recovery slow after the huge economic impact of the pandemic, and current global upheaval disturbing markets, PLUS the cost of living crisis, it’s easy to see why many people are worried about their jobs, while others know it could be time to change careers to secure their future.

Here are some professions you should consider if you’re looking for a change:

Adult Social Care
Architects
Programmers and Developers
Plumbers
Drivers
Got a question about employment?

1. Adult Social Care

Adult social care is a bigger employment sector than the NHS – and yet there are around 152,000 open vacancies. This number reduced slightly when the Government introduced the Health and Care Worker Visa, but with strict immigration laws in place now, the number of open vacancies remain open as retirement living centres, residential carers, and those working with adults with learning or physical disabilities in independent living homes cry out for support workers.

You don’t need qualifications to get started in many adult social care professions, as training will be provided. Hours can also be more flexible if you want a part-time job, and others might offer accommodation with the role as a live-in carer. If you’re compassionate and like people, adult social work could be for you. Most jobs will require a DBS check – it is worth registering for the annual check update to ensure your DBS is always up to date which makes moving jobs much easier.

2. Architects

This is one of those long-game professions that will pay off big time. Training to be an architect takes seven years – but the end result can be a healthy salary of £80,000 or more.

You can train solely on a university course, or take an architect apprenticeship which gives you work experience and a salary to learn ‘on the job’. Starting salaries for fully qualified architects are around £30,000 quickly rising to £75,000 or above, particularly in London and other metropolitan areas.

Architects are in demand as the UK tries to keep up with the need for more housing as well as improving city centres with public architecture that is accessible and provides pleasant surroundings. It is the type of job that will always be needed, even as we move into a digital age – computers can do the drawings, perhaps, but the vision and skill required will always be human-focused.

3.Programmers and Developers

Software developers and computer programmers are in increasingly high demand as world digitisation shows no sign of slowing down. Companies that previously had openly spoken against tech developments like AI are now investing in the UK and crying out for staff – such as Microsoft’s new centre for AI, which is opening in London soon.

It might seem that getting a computer job while we’re teaching computers how to run without our input is putting yourself out of a future job, but that won’t be the case. AI is a tool that will always need human input at some stage – and we’re still very early stages in the technology development. A software developer starting salary is around £26,000 but can quickly and easily rise to well into six figures for those who show they can handle complex scripts and have good problem solving skills.

4. Plumbers, Bricklayers, Construction Workers

Professions that can’t be automated, like plumbers and construction workers, are in dire need of new recruits. A recent study by Checkatrade revealed over a million new recruits are needed in the trades to fill the huge skills gap the industry currently faces.

Some of the problem is recent changes to UK immigration law, which has eliminated a large portion of the potential workforce from qualifying and taking up vacancies. Schools are also not promoting the possibilities of apprenticeships to their students, while parents are worried about the stigma of taking an apprenticeship instead of following a university-based further career path and that it might limit their child’s financial opportunities.

These fears are unfounded: the average salary for a qualified contract plumber in the UK is £31,000 – and self-employed plumbers earn around 8% more. Bricklayers can expect to start on around £20,000 rising quickly to an average £46,000. Carpenters and joiners earn an average of £37,000 a year rising to over £50,000 with experience. These salaries also rise considerably if you take further qualifications and specifications, such as being able to operate heavy machinery.

5. Drivers

Logistics companies and local courier services are crying out for drivers. The pandemic saw so many businesses turn to online ordering and delivery – and most have kept it in the years since. Food delivery, for example, is a popular way for many people to earn some extra money on the side a few nights a week – and there are always vacancies because it’s a service that is in constant demand.

There is a national shortage of bus and coach drivers, which impacts travel infrastructure. Since the pandemic, there has also been a shortage of national and international HGV drivers. In response to this, the Government is considering relaxing the age rules from the current minimum age of 21, to allow for recruiting drivers from a wider age range.

Professions in driving don’t have to be something that takes you away from home for a long time – such as bus and coach drivers working relatively regular shifts in a local area on a salary around £30,000 a year. However, if you are prepared to drive longer distances, the salary can be significantly higher: an HGV driver can earn upwards of £50,000 a year.

Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.

The post 5 Professions Desperate for Workers appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Original source: https://www.moneymagpie.com/make-money/5-professions-desperate-for-workers

Qualities of the Best Group Insurance Broker: A Comprehensive Guide

Home Business Magazine Online

When it comes to navigating the complex landscape of group insurance, having the right broker by your side can make all the difference. Group insurance brokers play a crucial role in helping businesses select and manage their employee benefit plans, ensuring they meet both the company’s needs and the needs of its employees. But what sets the best group insurance brokers apart from the rest? In this guide, explore the qualities that define top-tier group insurance brokers and why they are essential for businesses of all sizes.

Expertise and Experience

The best group insurance brokers possess extensive knowledge and experience in the insurance industry. They stay up-to-date on the latest trends, regulations, and products, allowing them to provide informed guidance and recommendations to their clients. Look for brokers who have a proven track record of success and a deep understanding of group insurance plans.

Customized Solutions

Every business has unique needs and priorities when it comes to employee benefits. The best group insurance brokers take the time to understand their clients’ specific requirements and tailor solutions that align with their goals and budget. Whether it’s designing a comprehensive health insurance plan or implementing a cost-effective wellness program, customization is key to meeting the diverse needs of businesses and their employees.

Transparent Communication

Clear and transparent communication is essential for building trust and fostering a positive working relationship between brokers and their clients. The best group insurance broker communicates openly and honestly, providing timely updates, explanations, and guidance throughout the insurance selection and implementation process. They are responsive to their clients’ questions and concerns, ensuring they feel informed and empowered to make decisions.

Strong Carrier Relationships

Group insurance brokers work closely with insurance carriers to negotiate rates, coverage options, and terms on behalf of their clients. The best brokers have established relationships with a wide network of reputable carriers, allowing them to access competitive pricing and comprehensive coverage options for their clients. These strong carrier relationships enable brokers to offer value-added benefits and services that may not be available through other channels.

Proactive Service and Support

Group insurance needs can evolve, and the best brokers are proactive in anticipating their clients’ changing needs and circumstances. Whether it’s conducting annual plan reviews, exploring new coverage options, or addressing unexpected challenges, top-tier brokers are there every step of the way to provide support and guidance. They act as trusted advisors, helping businesses navigate complex insurance decisions with confidence and peace of mind.

Compliance Expertise

Staying compliant with federal and state regulations is a top priority for businesses offering group insurance benefits. The best group insurance broker has in-depth knowledge of regulatory requirements and compliance obligations, ensuring their clients remain in good standing with governing authorities. They help businesses navigate the ever-changing regulatory landscape, mitigate compliance risks, and avoid costly penalties or fines.

Commitment to Client Success

Above all, the best group insurance brokers are deeply committed to their clients’ success and well-being. They prioritize client satisfaction and go above and beyond to deliver exceptional service and results. Whether it’s advocating for their clients’ best interests, resolving issues with insurance carriers, or providing ongoing support and guidance, top-tier brokers are dedicated to helping businesses thrive.

The best group insurance brokers possess a unique combination of expertise, experience, and qualities that set them apart in the industry. By partnering with a reputable broker who prioritizes customization, transparency, proactive service, and client success, businesses can navigate the complexities of group insurance with confidence and achieve their employee benefit objectives effectively.

The post Qualities of the Best Group Insurance Broker: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/management/insurance/qualities-best-group-insurance-broker-guide/