Marketing & Strategy – Bloggingtips.com https://bloggingtips.com Start, Grow, and Monetize a Blog Wed, 05 Oct 2022 09:01:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Marketing Tips: Real Estate Agents give 10 Social Media Ways https://bloggingtips.com/marketing-tips-from-real-estate-agents/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=marketing-tips-from-real-estate-agents https://bloggingtips.com/marketing-tips-from-real-estate-agents/#respond Tue, 27 Sep 2022 21:46:52 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?post_type=growth&p=97440 Read more]]> Marketing tips real estate agents is unique. Real estate business requires the use of a variety of marketing forms to be successful, many of which are also used by traditional companies. Social media, for example, can be an advantageous marketing platform for any realtor.

It’s the perfect outlet for spreading the word about properties and attracting more consumers. But it’s not as simple as creating a Facebook page or growing a Twitter following. Those who master marketing for their business know that engagement on social media is the key to successfully marketing property listings and growing their clientele.

Here are a few important tips to consider.

#1 Get on Facebook – Marketing Tips Real Estate Agents

Any real estate agent will tell you that Facebook is the best tool for marketing rental properties and raising awareness for your business. “Facebook is by far the most lucrative network for marketing your rental property,” says a blog post from Green Residential, a property management and real estate company based in Texas. “Seventy-one percent of all adults have a Facebook account, which is approximately three times as many people as those who use any of the other social media networks.”

#2 Build Multiple Social Profiles

Although Facebook is the most rewarding of social pages, it’s not the only one that should be utilized. Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and even Snapchat can offer inter-connectivity for your clients. This doesn’t mean you need a profile on each of these platforms, but using a variety of them helps you reach a wider audience and interact with consumers.

#3 Update with Images on Instagram

Since Facebook bought Instagram, its growth has been explosive. In fact, it has more users than Twitter, which started much earlier. This platform offers you the ability to post and tag images of new listings daily, including geo-tagging, which helps you get your photos in front of your preferred demographic.

“With Instagram for real estate, you can share unique photos and videos featuring listings, record testimonial and interview videos, and share homeowner tips all in one aesthetically pleasing, fun-to-use channel (and a very popular and constantly growing one, at that),” says a blog post from Placester, a real estate marketing academy.

#4 Post About the Neighborhood

If you have a few listings in a single neighborhood, then post information about the happenings. When new businesses open, venues offer special deals, or other interesting things happen in the area, make the social world aware. This keeps the content relevant.

The image above shows marketing activity undertaken by Polygon Homes on their Facebook Page. Their market in Vancouver is engaged by showcasing amazing events in a very friendly tone.

#5 Host a Contest

Contests and sweepstakes create more engagement than most posts, particularly if you have a large following. Find something you can offer your customers, such as a weekend getaway package in one of your rental homes or a cash incentive, and encourage your consumers to like and share one of your listings. This puts your listings not only in front of your followers, but also their friends, and it boosts your chances of finding a buyer.

For example, you can run a Vote content where Fans are asked to vote for their best photos (see below).

Or, you can run a Photo contest where people from neighbourhoods or new home buyers share their best photos. Further, you can use these collected photos for better marketing materials.

These contests are fun and relevant for the real estate company.

#6 Utilize Geo-Targeted Ads

Facebook offers the ability to specifically target your ads to certain demographics. This means that your listings will show up in front of people who aren’t necessarily your followers. This is the best way to drive both engagement and conversions on the social network. If you’ve an active email list, upload it on Facebook Advertising dashboard and setup an ad – best ROI ever.

#7 Tweet Quick Tips and Updates

Although the amount of characters allowed for a tweet has lengthened significantly, consumers still prefer short and sweet information on Twitter. Tweeting quick tips about home improvement, home sales, and other information (instead of lengthy blog posts) is a great way to garner consumer attention and gain a better following. Also, always follow up after sending a tweet. “Twitter can produce leads for you,” says a post from Easy Agent Pro. “In fact, Realtors on Twitter typically see twice the number of leads. But it’s more about engaging, retweeting, replying, and exchanging information so that you start the sales process later.”

You can tweet about staging and moving, local news, real estate questions, charity events, listings, contests, sweepstakes and to keep in touch with clients.

#8 Set Up Pinterest Boards

There are dozens of boards you can create to attract consumer attention. Boards about the neighborhood, design and home decor tips, landscaping, your listings, and more will help you gain followers and spread your social presence.

Pinterest for real estate business comes recommended because the social platform is image-based. Real estate marketers can share beautiful images of homes and offices, with geo-tagging, price and more details. You can create image Boards and invite other members to contribute. You can create these Boards on neighborhoods, lifestyle choices, home décor ideas and home listings.

Always use hashtags to keep the content discoverable.

#9 Get Endorsements on LinkedIn

Becoming an established real estate agent isn’t as easy as it sounds. Setting up your business page and ensuring that your personal LinkedIn page is completely updated (including a summary of yourself, your business goals, and why you’re a great realtor) allows you to stay connected with your clients and gain referrals. When clients endorse your skills, it reflects positively on your business.

Marketing tips real estate agents use LinkedIn to build their company brand.

10. Cross-Promote

Above all, don’t forget to cross-promote your content. For example, you can enhance social reach by getting the Pinterest updates on a Pinterest Tab on your Facebook Page.

You can read about setting up Pinterest and Facebook here. Blog posts, landing pages, and even social posts should be interconnected, not only to other social media pages, but also to your website. Utilize cross-promotion and you’ll bring significant attention to your brand.

Endnote

These marketing tips real estate agents are very effective. Real estate agents from around the world can use them and grow the business.

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Geotargeting Primer: What Is It, Who Needs It, and How to Do It Right https://bloggingtips.com/geotargeting/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=geotargeting https://bloggingtips.com/geotargeting/#respond Tue, 27 Sep 2022 21:36:20 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?post_type=growth&p=97433 Read more]]> The decision to offer your services or products to a global audience is one that cannot be taken lightly.

Consumers’ mindsets, behaviors, and preferences may differ from region to region, so it requires a lot of work to create a universally accepted brand, product, and website that will attract and satisfy consumers regardless of where they are located.

Geotargeting Primer

Once you have a viable product and brand to share with the rest of the world, it’s time to sell it. So, how do you do that?

Translating your website is the first—and most important—step. Optimizing your site for search with translated keywords is the next.

Once your content is in place and your solutions are ready for sale, you may want to consider giving a go at geotargeting.

In this primer on geotargeting, I am going to discuss what it is, why your international business needs it, and provide you with some tips and tools for using it on your WordPress website.

An Introduction to Geotargeting

In sum, geotargeting is a way for websites to serve specific content to visitors based on their IP address or GPS location.

For websites with geographic-specific content or with completely different subdomains containing translated versions of the main site, geotargeting will come in handy.

It ensures that the right people see the right content on your site. It also helps the search engines know which regional audience to send your way.

Geoblocking, on the other hand, is a way for websites to prohibit access to users (or to select content) based on their geographic location.

While that might not seem relevant to a website trying to expand its global footprint, geoblocking can actually prove to be helpful in funneling the right traffic to your site.

For one, geoblocking helps block entire regions or specific IP addresses known for malicious spam activity, so it’s great for keeping your site safe if you’ve previously experienced security breaches.

It also helps block irrelevant traffic if you’re not set up to serve all consumers around the globe.

By blocking out the countries that you can’t accommodate at this time, you can in turn keep your server free to deliver high-speed content to the visitors that you can.

There is a lot of work involved in getting your site ready to move from serving a local audience to serving a global audience.

Luckily enough, WordPress has a number of third-party integrations that will simplify and streamline the process of geotargeting.

4 Plugins for Implementing Geotargeting on Your WordPress Website

WordPress plugins can be a major lifesaver when it comes to making complicated changes and optimizations on a website.

There’s no need to do much (or any) coding and the technical assistance of a developer usually isn’t required.

The same applies to the following list of geotargeting plugins. Simply activate these on your site and customize based on your business’s geographic preferences.

Plugin #1: Google Analytics

Everyone is already familiar with Google Analytics for its ability to provide drilled-down insights into web traffic.

But did you know that you can find out more about who your audience really is and where they’re viewing your website from around the world? (Hint: it’s under Audience > Geo.)

If Google Analytics is not yet set up for your website or on your dashboard for easy viewing, use the Google Analytics plugin.

That way, you can instantly pull up your Geo user stats without having to ever leave WordPress.

While this isn’t specifically a geotargeting plugin, it will help you better assess where your strongest sources of traffic come from and spot any changes in trends.

By keeping all your geography-related data and controls in one place, you can better streamline all geotargeting efforts.

Plugin #2: GeoTargeting Lite/Pro

For a good introduction to WordPress geotargeting capabilities, the free GeoTargeting Lite plugin from the WordPress repository is a good place to start.

For more advanced functionality, try the premium upgrade GeoTargeting Pro from Timersys.

Regardless of your budget or current geotargeting needs, you’ll undoubtedly find these plugins to be helpful in your mastery over your site’s traffic. Here are some of the features and functionality you’ll get with each of these:

GeoTargeting Lite

Use shortcodes to designate which pages of content are shown to visitors from specific countries.

Add geotargeting functionality to popups, so localized deals and messages are delivered only to relevant users.

GeoTargeting Pro

Comes with all of Lite’s functionality.

Add geotargeting to widgets, navigational menus, and individual products.

Include a country dropdown menu on your site so users can easily find their country’s version.

Get super granular by targeting users based on country, state, and even city.

Create and save commonly targeted regions for easier geotargeting assignments.

Detection of the user’s real IP address.

Create redirects so that visitors from specific regions go to the right version of your website.

Plugin #3: Icegram Geotargeting

Once your site’s geotargeting capabilities are up and running, you can then start to think about how to use geotargeting specifically to generate leads.

If you’re not already familiar with Icegram, it is an all-in-one lead generation plugin for WordPress.

In addition to providing ways to deliver attention-grabbing messages to visitors, it also includes a premium geotargeting feature.

Icegram’s Geotargeting add-on works the same way traditional geotargeting does: it targets users based on their location. However, rather than focus on directing users to the correct localized pages, this plugin’s goal is to deliver dynamic messages to users based on where they’re located.

This means you can provide region-specific deals, personalized humor, local testimonials, and more to different geographic subsets of visitors.

Plugin #4: IP Geo Block

The last of the plugins you should check out if you’re interested in geotargeting is IP Geo Block.

As I mentioned earlier, geoblocking isn’t always about blocking spammers from hitting your website. While that is one of the use cases, geoblocking does also come in handy when you want to optimize your server’s loading speed.

For anyone who doesn’t want to compromise their site speed by attracting visitors from a region that you can’t offer services to, you’ll want a geoblocking plugin like this one.

Bonus: Webmaster Tools

Most search engines provide users with a set of webmaster tools. These tools are meant to give developers and other webmasters access to tools needed to improve search results (e.g. sitemap submissions, crawl issues, mobile friendly tests, etc.)

Both Google and Bing provide assistance in geotargeting, so before doing any on-site work, be sure set these up.

Summary

Opening your business up to a global audience is a big deal. That’s why it would be a shame to let all that hard work building your WordPress site go to waste.

Work with a reliable translation expert like ICanLocalize to ensure that your site is prepared to reach any visitor from around the globe.

The more work you do to create a convenient and personalized experience for your visitors—especially by translating your content and serving up geographic-specific messaging through geotargeting—the better received your site will be overall.

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What are Personas all About? https://bloggingtips.com/what-are-personas-all-about/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-are-personas-all-about https://bloggingtips.com/what-are-personas-all-about/#respond Tue, 27 Sep 2022 21:29:32 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?post_type=growth&p=97430 Read more]]> Personas are an important marketing tool used to develop and understand your target audience. They lead to greater user engagement and loyalty.

Using personas can make your marketing scheme more effective, easier and quicker. A buyer persona or reader profile is a portrayal of what your intended target audience symbolizes.

Buyer personas

These personas can be anywhere from a few short sentences to pages of detailed material. They are researched based and represent the who, what, why as to buyers decisions.

Personas are important

The need for a buying persona as a marketing tool is crucial to narrowing down your target audience. It also helps you when brainstorming ideas for topics.

Specifically knowing who your target audience is makes it easier to develop topics based on their needs and interests. A buyer persona allows you to target a particular person rather than a general demographic.

Data in a Persona

  • Industry, job title and responsibilities
  • Preferred content formats such as blog posts, slides, podcasts, infographics etc.
  • Technical expertise and level of experience
  • If relevant information like age, nationality or gender
  • Preferred style of communication
  • Preferred sources of information such as media networks or blogs etc.
  • Questions they are asking about challenges faced, a typical buyer’s journey and common objections

Ways to gather data

You can interview your customers and use this information to create customer case studies or post success stories to your website. Another method is to send out a survey to gather the data you need.

Use analytics which provide a template of general audience demographics to build a persona with accuracy. After compiling your data you can use the communalities to create a true data-based buyer persona.

The benefits of personas

Personas provide the ability to talk one-on-one instead of feeling like you are shouting to a crowd. You will be able to find the users easier by knowing what they like and where they are located.

By using personas you will have the ability to segment your audience and find different types of ideal customers. This will enable you to produce content to target different groups.

The downside of personas

Creating these can be costly and take very time-consuming. You have to spend time doing research if you want accuracy in your data-base.

It can actually be detrimental to your business to spend time putting together personas during the initial stages of growth. It’s difficult to know who your ideal personas are until you have worked with an assortment of people.

Avoid “analysis paralysis”

It is best to wait until you produce content and see what does and doesn’t get results before creating buyer personas. You can spend too much time gathering data with complicated processes, and postpone any actual marketing.

Personas are an investment

Whether you decide to conduct surveys, sift through analytic data or personally interview clients buyer personas are worth the investment in terms of targeting a specific audience.

You will definitely benefit by putting together a data base of personas if your business has been around for a while and you have enough customers and readers from which to glean information. If you have a general idea of who your specific audience is then working to attain buyer personas will benefit your business or blog.

Otherwise if you are just starting out and haven’t yet built up a client base and aren’t sure who you are specifically targeting a more basic persona may be useful to you. This will take time to get your customer audience build up and to study there behavior to see how to start building out a profile . This should be done after the first 6-8 months in business. There are numerous tools to use to do this.

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A Simple Guide to Collecting Feedback from Your Blog Users https://bloggingtips.com/collecting-feedback-from-blog-users/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=collecting-feedback-from-blog-users https://bloggingtips.com/collecting-feedback-from-blog-users/#respond Mon, 26 Sep 2022 19:53:36 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?post_type=growth&p=97236 Read more]]> Poor feedback from your readers and customers can spread like wildfire. So sometimes it’s best to go to the route of a problem and fix it before you lose your readers or hear them discuss your site around the web.

By making it easy for people to share their feedback about your website or service you’re providing, you can find out what your site users really think, improve your work and then watch your subscribers and conversions grow.

Prevent the trouble

Before going into much detail on how to collect and address your readers’ feedback, let’s start with the most important aspect of that: Prevention.

Whether you are starting a new blog or setting up a site to promote affiliate products, you can avoid a lot of problems by monitoring your competitors or the brands you are going to advertise on your site.

Let’s say you are going to resell a hosting service, and you may even like it yourself. But have you ever thought of unhappy customers of that brand? How likely are they to accuse you of promoting a poor service? Do a quick Google search and read though the customer review to understand common problems their customers are dealing with.

Run a quick question research to get a better idea of what their customers are dealing with and whether you can answer those questions. Text Optimizer is a great tool for that as it goes right to Google to extract data around any search query. Its question research feature will give you a good idea of the type of struggles your readers may be dealing with:

image showing an overview of collecting feedback from blog users using text optimizer

Don’t ignore the numbers

An easy and simple way of honing in on the problems of your site is to keep an eye on the numbers that your blog provides you with.

Web analytics will very clearly show you what pages on your site bring in the clicks and views, and which ones drive your customers away. You will also see what is and isn’t working and what requires your attention.

Get techy with it

If web analytics isn’t giving you all the answers, think about investing in some technology that goes straight to the source and tells you what’s going on in the background of your site.

Exit-intent technology is perfect for collecting customer feedback in terms of statistics so you can see exactly how many people are leaving your site.

Alter is a great option to use here as it uses Artificial Intelligence to personalize exit-intent popups and keep your blog readers on your site.

Alter needs 1 minute to install and no time customizing it (unless you really want to play with the features). The tool will analyze your blog visitors’ behavior and learn to engage each of them in a most effective way. It is also completely free unless you have too much traffic coming in to analyze.

Survey your readers

Surveys are often the easiest way to get feedback from your readers. The fact that they can be embedded straight into your blog means that they are eye-catching and difficult to miss when positioned correctly. A quick search online can show you many different ways to create surveys that can be attached to your blog, from the simple to the majestic, depending on your budget. Here’s a good option to get you started.

The problem with surveys is that people often get bored of them halfway through and click off before completing, particularly when the questions seem to go on forever, or are too long. So keep them short and sweet. Make the questions open-ended when possible to ensure that the answers you’re getting are not only honest, but also creative. This will lead you to original insight you may never have thought of yourself – and this can be like gold dust when it comes to improving your site.

Incentivize those opinions

Having trouble getting people to complete your survey? Well then make it worth their while! The easiest way to get people to do what you want (especially if it means their taking time out of their day) is to incentivize them, make them want to do this for you.

Make sure to do this by providing them a free gift, template, or entrance in a giveaway upon their contacting you with feedback. The choice depends on you and what your website is about.

Pick an incentive that is relevant to your blog to make sure that it’s something your users will be interested in and watch the feedback coming in… Just make sure to follow through on your promise of incentives or that feedback might end up being entirely negative.

Chat your way to success

If you are looking for a far more personalized form of feedback from your users and want to make sure that they are aware of you being behind the website, you could use a live chat to have a two-way conversation. This will help get to the heart of their opinions and struggles.

Not only is live chat convenient and affordable to utilize, but it also bridges the gap between the reader and the blogger which can help form bonds and ultimately build community around your site.

This also means that if anyone is particularly angry or has a complaint, they’ll be dealing with someone polite, apologetic and enthusiastically wanting to improve their service. So you can win their hearts back. This is something an automatic email cannot always achieve.

If you’re concerned about where to put a live chat, remember to put it somewhere clear that your readers will be able to see it. There are many different forms of live chat software out there for you to choose from. Make sure the one you decide upon is simple to use and won’t intimidate anyone who plans to use it. Here are a few live chat plugins for WordPress blogs.

If you are into lead generation business, it is a good idea to use a CRM solution to collect and organize feedback as well as turn those readers into leads.

What happens after you get your feedback?

Gaining feedback on your site is only useful if you actually go ahead and do something with it! Don’t have an ego about your work and make sure to listen to what your readers are saying. They have no reason to lie to you, so if you listen to them, your business will definitely be improved, even if it stings at first to see negative feedback.

Make an effort to reach out to the people who shared feedback not only to thank them but also to ask them any more burning questions you may have – what led them to their opinion? What do they think will help improve the problems? Make them feel included in the development of your site. They could be a great (free!) resource for you to make the most of.

And finally, declare any positive feedback you get as loud and as proud as possible – highlight it on your website and social media. Show people why other people were impressed with you and why they would be too!

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ERP Vs CRM: Understanding The Key Differences https://bloggingtips.com/erp-vs-crm/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=erp-vs-crm https://bloggingtips.com/erp-vs-crm/#respond Wed, 14 Sep 2022 13:12:18 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=95918 Read more]]> Are you trying to decide which software system is best for your business?

It can be tough to decide between an ERP system and a CRM system.

In this blog post, we will discuss the key differences between these two systems so that you can make an informed decision.

Keep reading to learn more!

vector graphic showing an illustration of erp vs crm

What Are ERP Systems?

ERP systems are computer software that helps businesses manage and automate their daily operations.

They can be used for inventory management, manage customer data, and generate financial reports.

ERP systems often integrate with other business software, such as CRM and accounting systems.

This gives businesses a complete view of their customers, sales, and finances.

ERP systems can be complex and expensive, but they can also offer significant benefits to businesses.

For example, they can help businesses improve their efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making.

The key is to find an ERP system that meets the specific needs of your business.

With the right system in place, you can streamline your operations and take your business to the next level.

What Are CRM Systems?

CRM software is an application that helps businesses manage customer data.

The system centralizes customer information, including contact information, purchase history, and preferences.

This data can be used to develop marketing strategies, improve customer service, and increase sales.

In addition, CRM systems often include features such as task management and email integration.

By using a CRM system, businesses can gain a better understanding of their customers and build long-term relationships.

What Are Standalone CRM Systems?

A CRM system helps businesses manage customer data.

It can track interactions, store customer information, and generate reports.

CRM systems can be deployed as software-as-a-service (SaaS), on-premises, or via a hybrid model.

A standalone CRM system is usually deployed on-premises or as a SaaS solution.

Most standalone CRM solutions are offered as a subscription service, with prices based on the number of users or the amount of storage required.

Some standalone CRM systems offer a free trial period, while others require a monthly or annual subscription fee.

Standalone CRM solutions typically offer more features and functionality than web-based CRM solutions.

However, they can be more expensive to implement and maintain.

When choosing a CRM system, it is important to consider the needs of your business and compare the features and pricing of different solutions.

Benefits Of ERP

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software provides organizations with a number of benefits.

ERP centralized data and processes that were previously scattered across various departments and locations.

This gives organizations a 360-degree view of their business processes, which leads to better decision-making.

ERP systems also automate many manual processes, which leads to increased efficiency and accuracy.

In addition, ERP systems provide real-time insights into business operations, which helps organizations to identify and resolve issues in a timely manner.

Finally, ERP systems are highly customizable, which means that they can be tailored to the specific needs of any organization.

Benefits Of CRM

CRM, or customer relationship management, is a system that helps businesses manage their interactions with customers and potential customers.

By tracking customer data and purchasing history, businesses can gain insights into customer behavior and preferences.

This information can then be used to improve marketing and sales strategies, as well as to provide better customer service.

In addition, CRM systems can automate many of the tasks associated with managing customer relationships, such as creating and tracking customer records, sending marketing emails, and scheduling appointments.

As a result, businesses that use CRM can save time and money while improving their relationships with customers.

Cons Of ERP

There are several cons of ERP that organizations should be aware of before implementing an ERP system.

One con is the high cost of ERP systems.

Not only do organizations have to pay for the software, but they also need to invest in hardware, licenses, and consulting fees.

In addition, ERP systems can be complex and difficult to customize, which can lead to issues with data accuracy and user adoption.

Another con is that ERP systems are inflexible, meaning that they cannot be easily adjusted to meet changing business needs.

As a result, organizations may find themselves stuck with an outdated system that does not meet their current needs.

Finally, ERP systems can be disruptive to business operations, particularly during the implementation process.

For these reasons, it is important for organizations to carefully weigh the pros and cons of ERP before making a decision.

Cons Of CRM

CRM, or customer relationship management, is a system for managing customer data and interactions.

CRM systems can be used to track leads, customers, and sales.

They can also be used to store contact information, monitor customer activity, and automate marketing tasks.

While CRM systems offer many benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider.

One downside of CRM systems is that they can be complex and difficult to use.

If a CRM system is not properly configured, it can be very difficult for employees to access the data they need.

Additionally, CRM systems can be expensive to implement and maintain.

Another potential downside is that CRM systems can lead to information overload.

If too much data is entered into a CRM system, it can become difficult to find the most important information.

Finally, CRM systems can create a false sense of security.

If a company relies too heavily on a CRM system, it may become less focused on developing relationships with individual customers.

While CRM systems offer many advantages, it is important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if a CRM system is right for your business.

Types Of ERP Applications

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a type of software application that helps businesses to manage and streamline their operations.

The three most common types of ERP applications are financial, human resources, and manufacturing.

Financial ERP applications help businesses to track their finances and make better decisions about spending.

Human resources ERP applications help businesses to manage employee records and payroll.

Manufacturing ERP applications help businesses to get a better overview of their production process and make better decisions about inventory management.

All three types of ERP applications share a common goal: to help businesses run more efficiently and effectively.

By choosing the right type of ERP application for their needs, businesses can gain a competitive edge in today’s marketplace.

Types Of CRM Applications

CRM applications manage customer data to help businesses build better relationships with their customers.

There are four main types of CRM applications: lead management, sales force automation, customer service, and support, and marketing automation.

Lead management applications help businesses track and manage leads throughout the sales cycle.

Sales force automation applications help sales teams automate their sales processes and track their progress.

Customer service and support applications help businesses provide better customer service and support.

Marketing automation applications help businesses automate their marketing processes and track their progress.

All of these CRM applications are essential for businesses to build better relationships with their customers.

Which Is Best For Sales Process: ERP Or CRM

vector graphic showing an illustration of erp vs crm

In the business world, there are many different tools that can be used to help improve sales processes.

Two of the most popular options are enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) systems.

Both of these tools can offer a number of benefits, but it can be difficult to decide which one is right for your business.

Here is a closer look at ERP and CRM systems to help you make the best decision for your business.

ERP systems are typically used by larger businesses because they offer a comprehensive solution for managing all aspects of the business, including finance, manufacturing, and human resources.

CRM systems, on the other hand, are designed specifically for managing customer relationships.

As such, they typically offer more features related to customer management, such as contact lists and customer segmentation.

In general, ERP systems are more expensive than CRM systems and require more complex implementation.

However, they can offer a number of advantages, such as improved efficiency and greater visibility into all aspects of the business.

CRM systems are usually a better option for smaller businesses because they are less expensive and easier to implement.

Additionally, CRM systems offer a number of features that can be tailored to the specific needs of your business.

For example, CRM systems allow you to track customer interactions in order to better understand their needs and improve customer service.

Ultimately, the best option for your business will depend on your specific needs and budget.

However, both ERP and CRM systems can offer a number of benefits that can help to improve your sales processes.

ERP Vs CRM: Understanding The Key Differences

ERP and CRM software are two important acronyms in business that are sometimes confused.

While they both have to do with software that businesses use, they actually serve very different purposes.

ERP, or enterprise resource planning, is a system that helps businesses manage their core processes, such as accounting, finance, and inventory management.

CRM, on the other hand, stands for customer relationship management.

As the name suggests, CRM software is designed to help businesses manage their relationships with their customers.

This includes tasks such as managing customer data, tracking sales and marketing activities, and providing customer support.

While ERP and CRM systems can both be beneficial to businesses, it’s important to understand the key differences between them in order to choose the right solution for your business.

Now you can know which is better for you, ERP or CRM.

Wrapping Up

ERP and CRM are two of the most important pieces of software for businesses.

However, they have different functions and serve different purposes.

It’s important to understand the key differences between them so that you can choose the right system for your company.

Have you decided which system is best for you?

If not, our team can help you make the decision.

We offer a free consultation to help business owners like you find the perfect software solution for their needs.

Let us know in the comments about your thoughts.

Contact us today to get started!

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Why Does Brand Honesty Always Pay https://bloggingtips.com/brand-honesty/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=brand-honesty https://bloggingtips.com/brand-honesty/#respond Wed, 14 Sep 2022 13:07:05 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=95930 Read more]]> There’s a reason why brand honesty always pays.

It’s not just because customers appreciate it when companies are upfront and transparent about who they are and what they stand for.

It’s also because being dishonest can actually damage a company’s reputation in the long run.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the reasons why honesty is always the best policy when it comes to branding.

We’ll also look at some examples of companies that have embraced honesty in their branding, and how it has paid off for them.

What Is Brand Honesty?

vector graphic showing an illustration of brand honesty - a business person jumping off a cliff blindfolded and into somebody's hand

Brand honesty is the act of being straightforward and truthful with your audience about who you are, what you do, and what you stand for as a company.

It means being authentic, transparent, and genuine in your customer interaction.

In today’s age of social media and constant connectivity, customers are more savvy than ever before.

They can quickly see through marketing ploys and empty promises.

It harms the brand reputation as well and the customer trust.

As such, brand honesty has become increasingly important in establishing and maintaining trust with your target audience.

Being honest with your customers does not mean that you have to air all of your dirty laundry.

But it does mean being upfront about your limitations, admitting when you make mistakes, and being open to feedback.

It’s about having the courage to be yourself, even if that means ruffling a few feathers along the way.

At its core, brand loyalty is about staying true to who you are and what you believe in – even when it’s not the popular thing to do.

In a world full of facades and smoke-and-mirrors tactics, consumers are craving brands that they can trust.

By practicing brand honesty, you can create lasting relationships with your customers based on mutual respect and understanding.

And that is something that will benefit both your bottom line and your overall brand transparency in the long run.

Why Is Brand Honesty Important For Businesses Today?

Businesses have always been built on trust.

Consumers need to trust that businesses will provide quality products and services, fair prices, and good customer service.

In today’s digital world, where information is more readily available than ever before, consumers are also increasingly looking for transparency from the brands they support.

They want to know where their products come from, how they were made, and what impact they have on the environment.

They want to be sure that the brands they support share their value and are working to make a positive difference in the world with an honest communication.

Brand honesty is therefore essential for businesses today.

Honesty builds trust with consumers and helps businesses to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

It also sends a strong signal to employees, partners, and investors that a company is committed to doing business ethically.

When done right, brand honesty can be a powerful differentiator for any business for the best customer experience.

How Can Companies Be More Honest With Their Branding?

In a world where “fake news” has become commonplace, it’s more important than ever for companies to be honest in their branding.

And yet, many companies still resort to misleading or outright false claims in order to sell their products.

So why is honesty the best policy when it comes to branding?

And what are the benefits of being an honest company?

There are several reasons why honesty is the best policy for companies when it comes to branding.

First, honesty builds trust and offers complete transparency.

And consumer trust is essential for any relationship, whether it’s between a company and its customers or a company and its employees.

When customers trust a company, they’re more likely to buy its products and recommend them to others.

The same is true of employees; if they trust their employer, they’re more likely to be loyal and committed to their job.

Second, honesty contributes to a positive brand image.

Customers and employees aren’t the only ones who appreciate honesty; the general public does as well.

An honest company is one that is perceived as being fair and trustworthy, and that’s the kind of reputation that can attract new customers and business partners.

Finally, honesty is good for business. Studies have shown that companies who communicate honestly with their stakeholders outperform those who don’t in both the short-term and the long-term.

In fact, one study found that publicly traded companies who adopted “honesty” as one of their core values saw their stock prices increase by an average of 6 percent within two years.

So there you have it: three good reasons why companies should be more honest in their branding.

By being honest, most supply chain companies can build trust, create a positive brand image, and even improve their bottom line.

Examples Of Brands That Have Embraced Honesty In Their Marketing Campaign

There are many examples of brands that have embraced honesty in their marketing.

One such example is the Body Shop.

The Body Shop was founded on the belief that business could be a force for good, and it has always been transparent about the ingredients it uses in its products and the sourcing of those ingredients.

The company also advocates for fair trade and animal rights, and it was one of the first brands to introduce recyclable packaging.

Another example of a brand that has embraced honesty is Ben & Jerry’s.

Ben & Jerry’s is well-known for its use of all-natural ingredients, and it has always been upfront about its commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

The company sources its milk and cream from family farms that practice humane animal husbandry, and it uses certified sustainable cocoa in its ice cream.

In addition, Ben & Jerry’s donates a portion of its profits to charitable causes.

These are just a few examples of brands that have embraced honesty in their marketing.

There are many others out there, and I’m sure you can think of some yourself.

How To Create An Honest Brand Strategy For Your Company Or Product Line?

In order to create an honest brand strategy, you must first do your research.

Know your target audience and what they are looking for in a product or service.

Be clear about what your company or product line has to offer and be sure that your messaging is aligned with that.

You should also be aware of your competition and how they are positioning themselves in the market.

Once you have a good understanding of all of this, you can begin to craft an honest brand strategy that will resonate with your target audience and help you achieve your business goals.

Some key elements of an honest brand strategy include being transparent, authentic, and consistent.

You need to be clear about what your company stands for and make sure that everything from your website copy to your social media posts reflect that.

It is also essential to be consistent in both your messaging and your visual branding across all channels.

If you can do all of this, you will create an honest brand strategy that will serve you well both now and in the future.

The Benefits Of Being An Honest Brand

Being an honest brand comes with a lot of benefits.

For one, customers are more likely to trust an honest brand.

They know that they can count on the quality of the products or services that they will receive.

Furthermore, honest brands tend to be more successful in the long run.

This is because customers are more likely to remain loyal to a brand that is honest and transparent.

In addition, honest brands often build a good reputation, which can attract new customers.

Finally, being an honest brand can help to build a strong relationship with customers.

Customers appreciate being treated with honesty and respect, and this can lead to them becoming lifelong fans of the brand.

Tips For Creating An Honest Brand Strategy For Your Business

vector graphic showing an illustration of brand honesty - a business person jumping off a cliff blindfolded and into somebody's hand

A successful business is built on a foundation of trust.

Customers need to believe that they can rely on your products or services to meet their needs, and that you will deliver on your promises.

Similarly, employees need to know that they can count on you to be fair and honest in your dealings with them. In short, trust is essential to the success of any business.

One way to build trust is to create an honest brand strategy.

This means being clear about who you are as a company and what you stand for.

It also means being transparent in your communications, both internally and externally.

Honesty builds credibility, and credibility builds trust.

Ultimately, this trust is what will help you to succeed in the long run.

The Potential Consequences Of Being Dishonest In Your Branding Efforts

Dishonesty in branding is never a good idea.

Not only can it damage your reputation, but it can also lead to legal penalties.

In some cases, companies have been forced to shut down or pay heavy fines as a result of dishonesty in their branding.

Below are some of the potential consequences of being dishonest in your branding efforts:

1. False Advertising

If you make false claims about your products or services, you could be accused of false advertising.

This is illegal in many countries, and you could be fined or forced to shut down your business if convicted.

2. Deceptive Marketing

Making deceptive promises or using misleading marketing practices is also illegal in many countries.

You could be fined or forced to shut down your business if caught engaging in this type of activity.

3. Lost Customers

Dishonest branding can damage your reputation and cause customers to lose trust in your company.

This can lead to lost sales and a decline in overall profitability.

4. Poor Employee Morale

Employees who feel that they are working for a dishonest company may become demotivated and less productive.

This can lead to high turnover rates and difficulty attracting top talent.

Dishonesty in branding is never a good idea.

Not only can it damage your reputation, but it can also lead to legal penalties.

In some cases, companies have been forced to shut down or pay heavy fines as a result of dishonesty in their branding.

Therefore, it is important to always be honest and transparent in your branding efforts to avoid these potential consequences.

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10 Best Data Visualization Tools in 2022 https://bloggingtips.com/data-visualization-tools/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=data-visualization-tools https://bloggingtips.com/data-visualization-tools/#respond Thu, 25 Aug 2022 14:07:15 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=94230 Read more]]> We explored the 10 best data visualization tools in 2022 in-depth to help you make the right decision for your business.

We found the best overall solution to be Datawrapper, but read further to find the best solution for your use case.

An Overview of Data Visualization Tools

Data visualization tools can help you understand information quickly.

These visualizations can provide deep insights in a way that is easier to comprehend than raw data alone.

What Is Data Visualization?

Data visualization is any way of sorting data visually.

Usually, data visualization refers to graphs and charts, but it can also mean heat maps, word maps, and infographics.

Why Is Data Visualization Important?

Data visualization is one of the best ways to get a general grasp of information quickly.

By looking at these depictions of data, you can also understand general trends and patterns without running a full-scale data analysis.

Best Data Visualization Tools

We’ve found the ten best data visualization tools available and thoroughly researched the best and worst parts of each one.

We discovered that Datawrapper is the best overall, but our complete analysis is available below.

Tableau

Overview: Tableau is one of the leading businesses in data visualization.

It can handle massive datasets and rarely has performance issues, but it is limited in its data processing and is more expensive than most competitors.

Our Rating: 4.5 stars

Best For: Users analyzing large amounts of data

Notable Features

Tableau is one of the top industry leaders in data visualization, and they’ve gotten there for a reason.

Tableau’s security features are unbeatable, so your data will always be safe in their programs.

Pros

  • A quick way to create interactive visualizations: Tableau has a simple drag-and-drop way of creating interactive visualizations.
  • Handles large amounts of data: If done strategically, Tableau has been able to handle billions of rows of data.
    This amount of data can be extraordinarily difficult to manage, much less analyze, but Tableau can do both.
  • Mobile support: Tableau has mobile apps for both iOS and Android.
    The apps make it easy to check your data anytime, anywhere.
  • Minimal performance issues: Tableau’s limitations are truly minimal.
    Users rarely report performance issues.
  • Easy to upgrade: It is simple to upgrade users to new tiers in Tableau.

Cons

  • Limited data processing: While Tableau is great for visualizing data, hard analytics, data transformation, and modeling features are lacking.
  • Expensive: While Tableau is one of the best data visualization software on the market, it’s also one of the most expensive.

Is Tableau Hard To Use?

No, Tableau is one of the most intuitive and easy-to-understand data visualization software available.

While some users report a bit of a learning curve, once you have a grasp on the essentials, Tableau should be simple for most users.

Pricing and Plans

Tableau offers a variety of plans, but the Explorer and Viewer plans are only available if another user in the enterprise is a tableau creator.

Individuals will only have access to the Tableau Creator plan.

  • Tableau Creator, $70/month per user, billed annually: The creator tier allows users to access all of Tableau’s features, from data preparation to visualization.
    This tier includes Tableau Desktop, Tableau Prep Builder, and a creator license on Tableau Cloud.
  • Tableau Explorer, $42/month per user, billed annually: Users at this tier will be able to manage content and other users (with permission), download complete datasets, and create visualizations. They will not be able to create data sources or perform administrative duties.
  • Tableau Viewer, $15/month per user billed annually: Viewers will have access to created visualizations and summary data but will not be able to prepare or govern any data.

Our Take

Tableau does well with even the most massive datasets and works well for large organizations.

For individuals or small businesses, there are far more suitable alternatives that cost significantly less money.

Large companies or organizations with datasets in the millions will not find a better or more reliable alternative to Tableau.

Infogram

Overview: Infogram is software that helps users create infographics, maps, reports, charts, and posters.

Our Rating: 4 stars

Best For: User-friendly interface

Notable Features

Infogram makes sharing your infographics and charts simple, as they have conversion into PDF, JPG, and GIF formats.

Pros

  • User-friendly interface: Like Tableau, Infogram has simple drag-and-drop functionality.
    Most users report that Infogram is easy to learn and simple to use.
  • Saves you time: Simple chart tools will save you time learning more complicated software.
  • Variety of graphic elements, charts, and visualizations: Infogram has more than 37 customizable charts and 550 customizable maps, creating endless options for you to work with.
  • Has integration options: You can integrate Infogram with Google Drive, Youtube, Vimeo, Giphy, Iframe, and more.
  • Extensive graphic library: Infogram has more than one million icons and images you can use to customize your infographics and charts.

Cons

  • Minimal control over graphics: The premade templates are difficult to customize, and free users can’t change much.
  • It can only be used online: You will need an internet connection to run Infogram.
    Most of the time, this isn’t an issue, but if you’re traveling while creating and your connection isn’t consistent, it may become a problem.

Is Infogram Hard To Use?

No, Infogram has a simple and intuitive UI.

Pricing and Plans

  • The basic version, free: Up to ten projects and up to five pages per project.
    All creations made with the free version will have the Infogram logo on them.
    Limited access to templates.
  • Pro, $19/month billed annually: Up to 100 projects and up to ten pages per project.
    Full access to templates, privacy controls, and graphics library.
  • Business, $67/month billed annually: Up to 1,000 projects with unlimited pages per project.
    You can have your logo as a ready-to-use asset and create color palettes based on your brand.
  • Team package, $149/month billed annually: Up to 3,000 projects, real-time collaboration, link tracking, and single team functionality.

Our Take

Infogram is a great beginner option. It’s easy to use and integrates with most other platforms.

It’s the perfect choice for creating graphics you’re going to use on social media or share with a general audience.

Infogram cannot handle the amount of data that Tableau can, and it is not designed for complex data visualization.

Qlikview

Overview: Qlikview offers deep analytics and visualization tools to help you distribute information and gain insights.

Our Rating: 3 stars

Best For: Data compression

Notable Features

Qlikview offers some of the best cloud storage and data sharing of any of the services listed here.

Their smart analytics can help you understand the data that you’re sharing as well.

Qlikviews automatically scheduled data updates will also save you tons of time.

Pros

  • Allows for data sharing: You can use Qlikview to store and share data in the cloud securely.
  • Low maintenance: You can set Qlikview to update your data on a set schedule, saving you time and energy.
  • Fast: Qlikview has a drag-and-drop functionality to create visualizations quickly.
  • Data Compression: Qlikview does an excellent job of compressing your data to reduce the amount of space used.
  • Cost-Effective: Qlikview is reasonably priced for the features and tools you get.

Cons

  • Poor customer support: Many users report being unhappy with the customer support that Qlikview offers.
  • Features old functions: Qlikview only recently adopted things that have been standard practice for years, such as drag-and-drop creation.

Is Qlikview Hard To Use?

Qlikview has a steeper learning curve than other options explored here.

However, once you grasp how to use Qlikview, it should be relatively easy for you to use.

Pricing and Plans

  • Qlik Sense Business, $30/month per user, billed annually: This plan is for smaller teams and will get you all of the features of Qliksense.
  • Qlik Sense Enterprise, custom pricing: Qlikview offers custom pricing models for larger businesses and enterprises.
    Enterprise plans will also get you all of the features that Qliksense has to offer.

Our Take

Qlikview is best for those with large amounts of data that need some way of compressing that data to save space.

Qlikviews cloud storage is a much better deal than most of its competitors, but it lacks creative visualizations and customer support.

ChartBlocks

Overview: ChartBlocks is a data visualization software service

Our Rating: 3 stars

Best For: Easy-to-use dashboard

Notable Features

ChartBlocks is a minimalist service that is entirely free.

You can upload your data directly from a CSV file or Excel file in minutes.

Pros

  • Seamless data importation: You can import your data into ChartBlocks directly from a CSV or Excel file.
  • Charts are shareable: ChartBlocks offers some of the easiest-to-use sharing features of any of the options listed here.
  • The dashboard is easy to use: The dashboard itself on ChartBlocks is easy to navigate because there isn’t much to look through.
  • Features a free plan: Not many data visualization services have a free version, but ChartBlocks offers you lots of functionality without any cost.
  • Excellent layout: ChartBlocks has a clean, minimalist layout that makes your data stand out.

Cons

  • Limited Customization: There aren’t a ton of customization options in ChartBlocks. Things like changing fonts or more in-depth color options just don’t exist.
  • Navigating functions is complicated: Some of ChartBlocks’ functions are clunky and difficult to understand.

Is ChartBlocks Hard To Use?

ChartBlocks has a sleek-looking UI, but it’s not always the most intuitive.

Importing data into ChartBlocks is easy, but building charts can be tricky.

Pricing and Plans

  • Free: All of ChartBlocks’ services are available for free.

Our Take

ChartBlocks offers a small selection of charts and graphs that you can make by inputting your data.

It’s quick, easy, and free.

However, they don’t offer the customization or depth that other services provide.

Datawrapper

Overview: Datawrapper allows you to make charts, maps, and tables quickly and easily.

Our Rating: 4.5 stars

Best For Flexibility

Notable Features

The free version of Datawrapper is more than adequate for most people.

At all tiers, including the free tier, you can create visualizations that are publishable and clean.

Pros

  • Easy, simplified UI: Datawrapper intentionally chooses charts and maps that are easy to use.
    They’ve even gone so far as to say that they avoid implementing additional features that may confuse casual or new users.
  • Features design flexibility: If you are subscribed to a higher tier, Datawrapper has some of the best design flexibility on the market.
  • Conveniently straightforward: Datawrapper’s UI and building features are easy and quick to use.
    You don’t need to know any coding to use Datawrapper.
  • Free plan: You can get most of the features of Datawrapper completely for free.
  • Can view data on the BI tool of your choice: If you’re subscribed to Datawrapper at higher tiers, their export file options make it easy to integrate your visualizations into other software.

Cons

  • Limited color customization: The free version of Datawrapper does not allow you to customize themes, fonts, or colors.
  • Difficult to store data: Datawrapper does not have the same data storage options as other services.

Is Datawrapper Hard To Use?

No, Datawrapper is easy to use and requires very little additional training.

Pricing and Plans

  • Free: The free version of Datawrapper allows you to create and publish visualizations and export them to PNG.
    Everything you create with the free version will have the Datawrapper logo on it.
  • Custom, $599/month: Includes access to all features for 10 users, and you can add additional users for $21/month each.
    Can export files to PNG, SVG, and PDF without logos or watermarks.
  • Enterprise, custom pricing: Includes all features of Datawrapper.
    Enterprise plans are for teams of 25 or more.

Our Take

Datawrapper is perfect for getting simple jobs done.

If you want to share visualizations on social media or with clients, other software that allows for free customization might be a better fit.

For visualizations that need to be shared within teams, however, Datawrapper is perfect.

Google Charts

Overview: Google Charts is a visualizer tool that integrates seamlessly with other Google products.

Our Rating: 4 stars

Best For: Various charts

Notable Features

Google Charts works flawlessly with other Google tools and products.

It’s easy to use and completely free.

The community-contributed charts mean that you can make almost any visualization you want.

Pros

  • Aesthetic appeal: The charts that you can design with Google Charts are clean, sleek, and timeless.
  • Easy to use: Google Charts is designed with the most casual users in mind.
    You will find that building visuals with Google Charts is accessible regardless of your skill level.
  • Has chart variety: Google Charts has many charts to choose from.
  • Integrated with Gsuites products: As a Google product, it’s simple and easy to integrate Google Charts with other Google products such as Google Sheets.
  • Impressive Graphics: Google sources templates from the community, meaning tons of gorgeous free options are available.

Cons

  • No offline access: You’ll need internet access to use Google Charts.
    While this is rarely an issue, it may become a problem if you take your work with you while you travel and don’t have a consistent connection.
  • Chart embedding is tricky: You will likely need some coding knowledge to embed a Google chart into your website.

Is Google Charts Hard To Use?

No, it is not difficult to create a chart with Google Charts.

They offer a step-by-step walkthrough and easy integration with other Google tools.

Pricing and Plans

  • Free: Google Charts is free for all users, all the time.

Our Take

Google Charts is easy to use but challenging to share.

If you’re looking for a free option to use for your purposes, Google Charts is a good choice.

If you don’t have a lot of coding knowledge and you want to embed your visualizations into your website, there are easier tools that you can use.

Zoho Analytics

Overview: Zoho Analytics can help you prepare, analyze, and share your data in sleek visualizations.

Our Rating: 4.5 stars

Best For: Detailed reports

Notable Features

Zoho Analytics integrates with other platforms easily and offers some of the best support in the business.

Pros

  • Customizable reports and dashboards: You can customize Zoho Analytics to display what’s most important to you.
  • Excellent Support: Users report being happy with support when they need it.
  • Affordable: Zoho Analytics is reasonably priced for what you get.
  • Efficient Interface: Their main interface offers your most needed tools, all in one place
  • Easy Integration: Zoho integrates with most other platforms without issue.

Cons

  • Requires coding knowledge: To get the most use out of Zoho Analytics, you will need some understanding of coding languages.
  • Merging datasets presents a challenge: It can be difficult to merge different datasets.

Is Zoho Analytics Hard To Use?

Compared to other services, yes, Zoho Analytics is hard to use.

You will need more foundational knowledge to use Zoho Analytics effectively.

Pricing and Plans

  • Basic, $24/month billed annually: Two users, 500k data rows
  • Standard, $48/month billed annually: Five users, 1 million data rows
  • Premium, $115/month billed annually: 15 users, 5 million data rows
  • Enterprise, $455/month billed annually: 50 users, 50 million data rows

Our Take

Zoho Analytics is worth learning how to use.

It can help you build amazing visuals while helping you understand what those visuals mean.

Visme

Overview: Visme is a visualization builder perfect for beginners that want to make stunning designs.

Our Rating: 4 stars

Best For: Customer service

Notable Features

The free version will allow you to try Visme and see if it will suit your needs before upgrading.

Higher levels of Visme offer large amounts of data storage for a reasonable price.

Pros

  • Ideal for business presentations: The engaging and exciting visuals you can create with Visme are perfect for business purposes.
  • Excellent customer service: Users who have needed assistance with Visme report getting the help they needed quickly and effectively.
  • Engaging: The visualizations you can make with Visme are stunning and will keep your audience’s attention.
  • Efficient and easy: Visme is simple and easy to use.
  • Cost-effective: Visme offers excellent features for the price.

Cons

  • Customization limitation: Limited amounts of customization are available with Visme.
  • Limited themes in the free version: The number of themes offered in the free version doesn’t keep pace with the themes you can get in other free services.

Is Visme Hard To Use?

No, Visme is easy to use, even without much experience making visualizations.

Pricing and Plans

  • Basic, free: 100MB storage, limited templates
  • Personal, $12.25/month billed annually: 250MB storage, JPG, PNG, and PDF
  • Business, $24.75/month billed annually: 3GB storage, full download options

Our Take

Though you can make some great-looking visualizations with Visme, if you’re an expert or want to explore your design options more in-depth, you may find Visme limiting.

Datapine

Overview: Datapine allows you to integrate data sources and offers advanced analytics.

Our Rating: 3.5 stars

Best For: Data sources

Notable Features

Datapine offers intelligent alarms for premium users that alert you as soon as certain thresholds are met.

Datapine has some of the best data reporting of all the options explored here.

Pros

  • Amazing chart library: Datapine has tons of chart options.
  • Good dashboard reports: Datapine can synthesize and provide you with the most essential information on your dashboard.
  • Efficient interface: The clean interface and sleek UI make fast work of creating visualizations.
  • Easily connected data sources: You can combine multiple data sources in Datapine, making for more accurate data reporting.
  • Fast performance: Datapine can work with your data quickly and efficiently.

Cons

  • SQL mode is complex: Some of the most advanced options will not be usable for many users.
  • Expensive: Datapine costs far more than most competitors.

Is Datapine Hard To Use?

Datapine is not as easy to use as some alternatives but is possible to learn and understand with effort.

Pricing and Plans

  • Basic, $249/month: 1 user, 3 data sources
  • Professional, $449/month: 2 users & viewers, interactive dashboard, and sharing options
  • Premium, $799/month: 3 users & viewers, data monitoring
  • Branding & embedded, $1099/month: 3 users & viewers, embedded dashboards, and branding

Our Take

If you have multiple data sources and you need software that can synthesize and analyze them, Datapine is the best option available.

It is not a good software for beginners without SQL experience.

Whatagraph

Overview: Whatagraph can integrate data from multiple sources, provide analytics reports, and create visualizations you can share.

Our Rating: 4 stars

Best For: Data integration

Notable Features

Whatagraph has custom branding for high-level subscribers, integration with other BI software, and data monitoring.

Pros

  • Attractive start-up: Excellent user interface upon opening.
  • Excellent customer support: Whatagraph has some of the best support in the industry.
  • Saves time: The simplicity of Whatagraph will save you time in creating visualizations.
  • Good quality reports: Whatagraph synthesizes relevant information in their reports.
  • User-friendly interface: Whatagraph has a clean UI that is easy to use.

Cons

  • Constructing your modules can be challenging: Some users report that creating complex visualizations can be difficult
  • 30-day cancellation policy: Whatagraph requires that you inform them of your cancellation 30 days in advance, often resulting in an additional monthly payment.

Is Whatagraph Hard To Use?

While some of its offerings are challenging, the platform is easy to use once you’re over the steep learning curve.

Pricing and Plans

  • Professional, $199/month billed annually: 5 users, 25-50 data sources
  • Premium, $299/month billed annually: 10 users, 50-100 data sources
  • Custom pricing: Custom pricing has all the same features as premium, with added onboarding sessions and 100+ data sources

Our Take

Whatagraphs has the same level of data integration from multiple sources as Datapine for a lower price.

Features To Look for in Data Visualization Tools

You can save time and money by knowing what to look for in a visualization tool before you buy.

Clear, Concise, and Customizable Dashboard

Your dashboard is the part of the software you will see most, and use the most often.

You want something that works for you in your current workflow and isn’t bogged down with extra material you don’t need.

Interactive Reporting

Look for a tool that tells you what you’re looking at.

You want to choose software that everyone can understand and use, not just your data experts.

Data Collection and Sharing

Data is no good in the hands of just one person, so sharing features is essential in visualization software.

Your visualization tools should be able to collect the most critical data from your raw data as well to save you time.

AI Integration

As AI becomes more advanced, it is often tasked with interpreting and analyzing data.

AI can do a better job of reading data and analyzing it without bias.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still not sure which tool is the best for you?

Let’s look at some commonly asked questions!

Why do we use data visualization?

Data visualization is used to create fast, deep insights into data.

What are data visualization techniques?

Any visual representation of data, whether a graph, chart, or matrix, is a data visualization technique.

How to choose the best data visualization tools?

Choosing the correct data visualization tool depends on understanding what you need to represent in your data.

For example, data collected over time is best described by a line graph, but a line graph would be useless for understanding where sales are coming from.

Conclusion

The very best data visualization tool for 2022 is by far and away Datawrapper.

Datawrapper is free, secure, simple, and flexible.

While the customization is slightly lacking in the free version, most people will find their sleek designs do just fine.

Our runner-up is Tableau, which is perfect for those exploring vast amounts of data.

Our favorite tool for beginners is Infogram.

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15+ Best Marketing Conferences To Check Out In 2022 https://bloggingtips.com/marketing-conferences/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=marketing-conferences https://bloggingtips.com/marketing-conferences/#respond Tue, 23 Aug 2022 15:46:15 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=94122 Read more]]> Marketing conferences are effective ways for marketing pros to learn and network simultaneously.

While you’ll find plenty of general conferences, you’ll also find ones focusing on digital advertising, social media marketing, and content marketing.

Keynote presentations often feature top experts and kick-off messages from well-known names to raise the excitement.

Separate learning sessions focus on developing skills you may already be executing.

Discover new tips and ways to execute digital or traditional campaigns.

Professionals can also meet others in the industry and check out vendors that may offer viable solutions.

Here are 15+ marketing conferences you’ll want to check out this year.

What is a Marketing Conference?

vector illustration of a woman talking at a podium in front of an audience to illustrate marketing conferences

A marketing conference is an in-person, virtual, or hybrid gathering of marketing professionals and experts.

Conferences can last for one day or several days.

Each day contains presentations and sessions on various marketing topics, but attendees don’t have to attend all of them.

There are usually sessions on different topics that happen simultaneously and attendees can choose which sessions to go to.

However, they may pay a premium for in-depth learning or smaller sessions.

What are the Types of Marketing Conferences?

Besides general marketing conferences, some focus on specific disciplines.

Here are some of the more common ones.

1. Digital Marketing Conferences

These gatherings focus on online marketing strategies and tactics.

Digital marketing may include pay-per-click ads, websites and e-commerce, and ads on streaming platforms.

2. Social Media Marketing Conferences

A social media marketing conference discusses social media strategy, including leveraging online influencers.

Topics like targeting and creating audiences per platform are also on the table.

3. MarTech Conferences

MarTech is a combination of marketing and technology.

Experts often discuss how to use automation and other technical tools to promote products and build customer relationships.

4. SEO Marketing Conferences

SEO stands for search engine optimization and it’s how people find online content.

Blog posts, landing pages, you name it.

Topics may include keyword research and SEO best practices.

5. Advertising Marketing Conferences

Yes, traditional advertising is still alive.

Advertising marketing conferences discuss conventional strategies and tactics that apply to radio, television, and print.

The Best Marketing Conferences In 2022

With so many scheduled marketing conferences, it’s challenging to decide which ones are worth your time.

To make your choices easier, below are some of the best marketing conferences for 2022.

vector illustration of a woman talking at a podium in front of an audience to illustrate marketing conferences

The list classifies each conference by type and title.

Digital Marketing Conferences

These three conferences represent the best of the digital marketing world.

All of these professional gatherings are well-renowned and known.

And more than one offers virtual and hybrid options.

1. Creator Economy Expo

Creator Economy Expo 2022 is now available to see on demand.

The speaker lineup includes best-selling authors Daniel Pink and Ann Handley, the Chief Content Creator for MarketingProfs.

Anyone who creates online or digital advertising content can benefit from this conference.

Viewable sessions include “How to Make Writing Your Superpower” and “Web3 Business Models: Everything Creators Need to Know.”

For digital marketers who would rather attend Creator Economy Expo in person, conference details for 2023 are forthcoming.

This year’s conference was in sunny Phoenix, Arizona, so expect a comparable location.

2. Content Marketing World

It’s not too late to sign up for 2022’s Content Marketing World.

You can attend in person from September 13th to 16th in Cleveland, Ohio.

Attendees can also choose the online option and catch all the sessions they want between September 21st and 22nd.

Keynote speakers include Jessica Bergman, Salesforce’s VP of Content Marketing, and Joe Pulizzi, the founder of The Tilt.

Speakers from content marketing leadership positions lead the individual sessions.

They represent companies like Bitly and Everyday Health.

3. digitalsummit

This conference is the largest conference series for digital marketers.

For starters, digitalsummit isn’t just in one location or city.

You can attend conferences in Seattle, Boston, Chicago, and Miami/Ft. Lauderdale.

People can also choose to attend virtual sessions or a mix of online and in-person events.

Spanning two days, in-person digitalsummit conferences include master workshop sessions, keynote presentations, and individual sessions that dive deep into various topics.

Categories include social media, analytics, and strategy.

Social Media Marketing Conferences

Dive into all things social at these three conferences.

Learn the ins and outs of social posts and content, strategic campaign integration, and working with influencers.

1. Social Media Marketing World

Social Media Marketing World covers the following areas:

  • Content marketing
  • Social strategies
  • Organic social marketing
  • Paid social marketing

While 2022’s conference is already done, 2023’s lineup promises to be amazing and knowledge-packed.

More than likely, it will be similar to 2022’s sessions and key speakers.

Learn how to get better results with Facebook ads and build an engaged community on TikTok.

2. Social Fresh

Social Fresh 2022 is available for replay on-demand.

The conference’s organizers have been at this since 2008.

Touted as one of the original social media meetups, Social Fresh educates marketing pros about building Twitter content and the future of Web3 and social.

This is one of those conferences social media managers, social content specialists, and marketing directors won’t want to miss.

Get tips on how to tell engaging stories on social platforms and perfect an influencer strategy.

3. Influencer Marketing World

Influencer Marketing World takes place in North America and Europe.

North America’s 2022 agenda takes place in October at the Santa Clara Convention Center in California.

This year’s engaging sessions include how to market in the Metaverse and understanding the DNA of customers’ journeys.

2022’s Influencer Marketing World will happen on October 5th and 6th. Speakers come from top companies like Meta, Capital One, and Netbase Quid.

MarTech Conferences

Learning the technical side of marketing can be enlightening and challenging.

MarTech conferences expose marketing professionals to the possibilities technology can offer.

Here are some of the more useful gatherings so you don’t have to make your way through the weeds.

1. Marketing Analytics Summit

Marketing Analytics Summit is where you’ll make connections between data literacy and visualization and get the details on Google Analytics 4.

This is a conference for pros that pour over the numbers and interpret their meanings.

But beyond coming up with insights, digital marketing analysts need to convince the C-Suite.

At Marketing Analytics Summit, you’ll learn how to show executives the value and ROI of digital campaigns.

You’ll also become aware of tech hacks and digital technology tactics marketers are using to appeal to cross-cultural audiences and maintain privacy laws.  

2. ContentTECH Summit

This MarTech conference is for strategic marketing leaders and specialists who help execute digital campaigns.

Speakers include directors of content marketing, brand consultants, and loyalty program directors.

ContentTECH Summit 2022 is currently available for on-demand viewing.

Watch sessions about driving email metrics, personalizing the buyer’s journey, and leveraging website content.

Overall, ContentTECH Summit aims to help marketers answer the question of how they can ensure they’re using the right marketing technology.

3. #MarTechFest Global

#MarTechFest Global is exactly what it sounds like.

It’s several days of breakout and learning sessions about how to align marketing and technology initiatives.

Last year’s sessions included deets on the “4 Ps of Marketing Technology” and “Listening to Your Smart Speaker.”

While this year’s agenda is still in the works, you can hear from leaders in the MarTech space.

Think companies like Gartner, Twitter, and Marketo.

This is a meetup where you’re bound to gather actionable insights.

SEO Marketing Conferences

Content creators can learn everything SEO-related at these conferences.

From strategy to optimizing keywords on the page, it’s all there.

1. Friends of Search Conference

This is an international marketing conference that brings SEO and SEA specialists and experts together.

The speaker lineup for 2022 includes SEO strategists, product marketing leads, and founders of digital marketing agencies.

Sessions focus on pay-per-click ad management, using first-party data, and operating in a cookieless world.

Since the Friends of Search Conference is international, its gatherings take place throughout the world.

For instance, 2022’s June conference was in Amsterdam.

Stay tuned for more details on 2023’s agenda and location.

2. MozCon

MozCon boasts that it’s not your typical marketing conference and that it’s like a summer camp for marketers.

That may mean it’s more fun and games than serious presentations.

But hey, why not?

Everything you need to know about SEO can become boring if you’re simply digesting what someone’s saying.

After all, keywords aren’t the only piece of the search engine puzzle.

Link building, topic maps, and Moneyball are part of SEO’s future direction.

3. brightonSEO

This SEO conference is in Brighton, U.K.

Yes, it’s over the pond.

From what I can see, you can still pitch a presentation and speak at 2022’s brightonSEO.

The finalized agenda is not on the website.

But you can bet that you’re going to learn the tools you need to master search engine optimization.

There’s also a free online option for those who can’t make the journey to England.

Advertising Marketing Conferences

Get the lowdown on the advertising world at these marketing conferences.

Some of the top advertising publications sponsor the gatherings and content.

1. AdWeek: Outlook

AdWeek: Outlook offers insights and predictions into the world of advertising.

Learn about connecting with consumers, meeting customers’ expectations, and defining a brand’s values.

The job of advertising is to tell stories.

It’s these stories that motivate consumers to purchase your products and services.

But you can’t do that effectively if you don’t know the basics of how to communicate and appeal to consumers in an ad.

You’ll also get the details about market and advertising trends, including what’s here to stay and what may fizzle out.

2. ANA Content Marketing Conference

The ANA Content Marketing Conference offers in-person and virtual options.

Speakers explore topics like maximizing your content results and reinventing advertising.

Most of this conference deals with creating content that’s of value to your audiences.

Sponsors include big names like Google, Meta, and A&E Networks.

Learn from the best of the best before you go back to the campaign drawing board.

3. Ad World

Ad World is the number one online marketing conference for advertisers.

You don’t have to jet-set anywhere for this event.

Watch all the sessions you want in your PJs from home.

Choose from different tracks like lead generation and media buying.

You can also see what’s on the schedule and mix and match various subjects.

Some of the speakers hail from companies like Spotify and Hawke Media.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you a newbie to the world of marketing conferences?

You probably have lots of questions.

Find those answers below!

image showing an illustration of content marketing elements

How Much Do Marketing Conferences Cost?

Prices can vary between locations and venues.

Some tickets cost $500 or below, while others run into the thousands.

Many conferences offer different tiers or ticket levels with basic and premium features.

For example, a premium conference ticket might include extra sessions, lounge seating, and in-depth workshops.

However, a basic ticket will only allow attendees to get into keynote and major topic presentations.

Are Marketing Conferences Worth the Investment?

If you do your research, conferences can be a valuable learning tool.

Nonetheless, it helps to account for travel costs, current skill or knowledge gaps, and the value of the presentations.

You should also consider the value of networking with other industry experts from around the U.S. or the world.

Are Travel Accommodations Included?

No, you must arrange your own travel.

That means purchasing airline, bus, or train tickets, in addition to hotel reservations.

While some hotels are near or adjacent to conference centers, you may need to get rental cars or buy public transportation tickets.

Your meals may also be a separate cost.

However, some conferences include lunch and snacks.

Wrapping Up

Marketing conferences can be insightful, add tools to your toolbox, and offer networking opportunities.

Whether you want to focus on digital marketing tactics or SEO, there are many meetups to attend.

Navigating through the sea of options is sometimes difficult, but you’re bound to learn something if you stick to well-known conferences.

Have questions or thoughts about the conferences on this list?

Share your comments below.

The best marketing conferences are those that offer flexibility and helpful content.

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10+ Best Reputation Management Software in 2022 https://bloggingtips.com/reputation-management-software/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=reputation-management-software https://bloggingtips.com/reputation-management-software/#respond Wed, 17 Aug 2022 13:02:28 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=93744 Read more]]> The landscape of doing business on the internet has changed dramatically during the past decade.

Since then, both the internet and online advertising have seen significant changes.

Nowadays, internet marketing strategies can’t succeed without having a website, a social media presence, and some sort of online advertising.

In addition, the connected, digital culture we now inhabit has made it nearly impossible to separate one’s online reputation from one’s offline reputation.

That’s where reputation management software comes into play.

Why Your Online Reputation Is EVERYTHING

There will always be internet chatter about you, no matter what field you work in.

People are talking about your brand all the time, whether it’s to rave about your new items, criticize your customer service, or anything in between.

Having good dialogues about your organization is essential to its success, which is why investing in reputation management is a smart move for nearly any startup or small company.

In a perfect world, your company would provide excellent service to its target demographic while also satisfying the needs of its employees, suppliers, and shareholders.

The problem is that reality isn’t perfect.

Your products may have flaws or be subject to debate in the actual world.

The corporate world is full of potential for making poor choices.

Your rivals are adept and prepared to exploit whatever weaknesses you may show.

Online, each and every one of those blunders can be shared (and exaggerated).

Even a seemingly insignificant mistake can snowball into a massive PR catastrophe, resulting in a flood of negative results when people look up your company online.

Customers, investors, and industry colleagues are all swayed in one way or another by a company’s internet reputation.

As of 2016, 90% of shoppers said they read internet reviews before visiting or purchasing from a local business.

The first thing they see about you is a nasty review or media coverage, and you want to make a good impression.

It could lead to a single lost sale if a buyer decides to go with a competitor after reading negative reviews on your site, or it could lead to a whole brand boycott if enough people get wind of the negative press.

Numerous people and businesses have risen and fallen in the online world.

It’s been reported that some people have been fired because of tweets they sent that were deemed inappropriate.

The failure of the restaurant industry to cope with negative evaluations has led to its demise.

Some of the world’s most recognizable companies have had to shut down operations and lose lucrative business relationships because of a branding blunder.

One major slip-up is all it takes to incite widespread indignation and irreparably harm a company’s image.

As one might expect, the inverse is correct.

Gaining and maintaining a positive reputation is the key to skyrocketing your brand’s visibility and facilitating unprecedented levels of customer interaction.

With just a 1% boost in ratings on Yelp, your business might see a gain of 9 percent in revenue.

The bottom line is that if you have a good plan in place for managing your reputation, you may avoid potentially disastrous situations and gain the trust of your clientele.

What is Online Reputation Management?

Refining your company’s online image is the goal of online reputation management, which employs a variety of methods and approaches to achieve this end.

Social media, participation in online communities, and organic search results are all parts of managing your company’s online reputation.

The Win-Win Results of Reputation Management for Both You and Your Clients

It’s common knowledge that having a stellar internet reputation is extremely beneficial to business.

Reputation Management Increases Transparency and Trust

Transparency is extremely important to consumers.

Customers are more likely to buy from you if they feel like they can trust you, and you can only earn that trust by being trustworthy yourself.

Being transparent displays a willingness to put yourself out there, absorb constructive feedback, and grow as a person.

Customers will be more willing to do business with you if you show that you care about them and not just about your reputation by taking responsibility when mistakes are made, responding quickly to inquiries, and resolving issues.

You Have More Control Even When Things Go South

Business are run by people, and people are fallible.

The majority of the time, the mistakes you make won’t have a major effect on your business.

Mistakes happen all the time, but sometimes they can have a significant impact, or a minor one can snowball into a major one.

When this occurs, protecting your internet reputation is a top priority.

Participating in online discussions regarding your brand’s reputation allows you to respond to criticism, set the record straight, and make corrections if necessary.

You can more easily influence how customers feel in the moment, when it really counts.

Reach New Customers & Strengthen Your Relationship With Existing Ones

Potential customers who conduct a Google search for your company will likely come across results other than your website.

These results could include a review from an influential member of your industry, a comparison article pitting you against a competitor, or reviews posted on review websites like Yelp.

If those search results are uniformly positive, it could be the deciding factor in whether or not that person becomes a paying customer.

Where You can Monitor Your Online Reputation

Know what makes up your “internet reputation” before you start working on it.

The fact that your internet reputation might exist in multiple places makes it challenging for most newcomers to keep track of it all.

The following are some of the channels that your company should be keeping an eye on.

Social Media

No matter how old or young your typical customer is, they are definitely using social media.

Customers can get in touch with your company via Twitter for assistance, give you feedback via your Facebook fan page, and write reviews on Instagram.

Due of the sheer number of potential viewers and participants, social media cannot be ignored in today’s world.

Social media is one of the most important tools you can use to manage your reputation.

Forums

People often think of forums as the “older brother or sister” of social media.

Forums work a bit differently than social media sites like Facebook or Twitter.

Some forum sites are very popular, like Reddit.

Others, like niche or industry-specific ones, are aimed at a smaller but very passionate part of the internet.

The people who use Reddit are close and often say what they really think about online services.

People who use Reddit tend to trust a good review from another Reddit user.

Forums don’t reach as many people as social media, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore their power.

Forums are meant to be places for people to talk to each other and share information.

Fitness forums, tech forums, and car forums, for example, get thousands of hits a day from people looking for advice and recommendations from people in their communities.

Forums are a great place to talk to your customers, find out what they think about you, and find out what they want and need..

News Sites

Features in well-known newspapers and magazines, such as The New York Times or The Washington Post, can be both good and bad.

On the one hand, most small businesses can only dream of getting that kind of attention.

On the other hand, it can be hard or even impossible to fight back against bad press.

How a news site presents you, whether in a good or bad way, will have a big effect on how customers see you months or even years from now.

Blogs

Most blogs won’t reach as many people as a news or feature site, but the right blog can be even more powerful.

Blogs still get a lot of traffic from the people they are meant for because they are seen as experts in their communities.

Large blogs are very reliable places to find information about business services, even if they are in a niche.

If there is a popular industry-specific blog in your niche, like Pitchfork for music or TechCrunch for tech/gadgets, then getting a good review from them can make a big difference in how their readers, who are your real target market, see you or your product/service.

Review Sites

A big part of managing your online reputation is your rating, which is a number that shows how people in general feel about your brand.

If you have a Facebook business page, a Yelp listing, or can be found on Google My Business, you probably already know how review sites affect your online reputation and how important they are.

Before buying a product or going to a business, most people look at reviews.

Reviews are one of the most reliable ways to learn about your brand because your customers can share their thoughts on your business and give specifics about their experiences with you.

Surveys show that a good review from a stranger is almost as valuable as a recommendation from a friend.  

People are more likely to trust a business with a 5-star rating and a lot of reviews than one with a lower rating or no rating at all.

Customers who aren’t sure about buying your goods or services could be swayed by positive reviews, while negative reviews could turn away potential customers.

An Overview of Reputation Management Software

What is Reputation Management Software?

Your company can reply to unfavorable reviews and encourage positive ones with the help of reputation management software.

Today, your online reputation is more important than ever; with these software, you can make sure it stays that way.

Why Is Reputation Management Important?

People constantly rate and comment on local companies on a scale from 1 to 5.

As a result, what customers have to say about a company is extremely significant to the company itself.

A business’s survival is at risk in the face of consistently negative feedback.

Likewise, a possible customer may decide to go elsewhere.

Better Search Engine Ranking

The SEO value of positive online reviews can be substantial.

Customers put a lot of stock in internet reviews of the company because search engine algorithms are fully aware of this fact.

Because of this, SEO rankings might rise for a company that invests much in managing its online reputation.

Increasing Customer Trust & Credibility

Acceptance by the algorithm is not the only goal of online reviews.

Furthermore, how a brand is recognized by its target audience is crucial.

Customers’ increasing reliance on internet reviews highlights the need of earning that confidence.

It’s common knowledge that a company’s good name is essential to its continued success.

Customers will start recommending a firm once they feel comfortable doing so.

When deciding whether or not to trust a brand, many people go to online reviews for guidance.

A company’s credibility can be increased by careful management of its online image.

Because of this, prospective clients’ confidence in a company can grow in response to positive reviews.

If a company has a solid standing in the community, customers will have greater faith in it than in its rivals.

Higher Revenues

Customers’ reliance on a brand’s reliability can serve as a powerful differentiator in the marketplace.

Trust in a company’s brand can result into increased business.

Managing a company’s online reputation is crucial.

The Harvard Business Review found that companies that ranked higher had an increase in revenue of 5-9 percent.

10 Best Reputation Management Software in 2022

BrightLocal

Our Pick
BrightLocal

Brands such as Roto-Rooter use BrightLocal because it manages their customer reviews and includes reputation management and social media features.

BrightLocal does not have a dedicated mobile app, but the web-based interface works well on any modern computer or mobile device.

It’s ideal for businesses who want to utilize Google My Business management, website review display, and local search engine optimization.

Overview

Brands such as Roto-Rooter use BrightLocal because it manages their customer reviews and includes reputation management and social media features.

BrightLocal does not have a dedicated mobile app, but the web-based interface works well on any modern computer or mobile device.

It’s ideal for businesses who want to utilize Google My Business management, website review display, and local search engine optimization.

Our Rating: 4.4 /5

Best For: Sorting Reviews

The get reviews feature is an integral part of brightlocal’s armory.

You can obtain consistent ratings from major platforms like Yelp, Facebook, and Google once you’ve put it up.

Once you’ve got everything set up, reviews will start rolling in automatically.

Sending out targeted campaigns is a great way to collect insightful data and encourage customers to leave positive reviews on the platforms that matter most to your company.

Notable Features:

  • Locate and manage mentions of your company’s NAP (name, address, phone number) across online and offline sources (NAP)
  • Monitor feedback from over 80 sources, including Trustpilot and Yelp.
  • Write evaluations for more than 40 different types of businesses and submit them to more than 200 review sites.

Pros:

  • Checking your 3-pack and local organic ranks is a breeze using Bright Local’s rank checker.
    See where you stand on Bing as well. Knowing where you stand in the search engines is essential, regardless of your search engine optimization technique.
  • Check out how your business stacks up locally with Bright Local’s local ranking tracking tool for all of your Google My Business profiles.
  • Find SEO problems and resolve them quickly by learning the answers to the top 8 questions every company should be asking about local marketing.
  • Every report in Bright Local can be “white labeled” to fit your needs.
    Any report can be customized with your company’s colors and logo.
  • Increases brand recognition in SERPs by revealing how your rankings vary throughout a city and how you can improve them using brightlocal.
  • By using automated auditing tools, such as the one provided by brightlocal’s SEO suite, you may identify the bottlenecks in your search engine optimization strategy and the areas where you can make the most progress toward increasing your site’s exposure.

Cons:

  • Poor customer service despite the company’s recent success.
    This results in slower and more inconsistent customer service times.
  • Users frequently note that the wrong citations are selected, requiring them to go in and manually edit the citations, which they find frustrating.

Is Brightlocal Hard to Use?

Despite its poor customer assistance and complicated interface, Brightlocal is still a good option.

You’ll be astounded by how rapidly they can fix your problem if you end up getting them.

Pricing & Plans

Pick from one of four monthly BrightLocal plans and save 20% with annual payment.

Limits for keywords, reports, and audits are raised in more advanced setups.

Included in each package is:

Single Business: using SEO and reputation management solutions in up to three regions costs only $29 a month.

Multi Business: Access to the API and white label features for a network of up to six offices is available for a monthly fee of $49.

SEO Pro: The SEO Professional plan is $79 monthly and allows you to track up to 100 locations on Google and your competitors’ mobile apps.

Just Reviews: White label tools and reputable management cost $8 per location per month.

Our Take:

BrightLocal should be considered if you give a hoot about managing your internet reputation.

It’s a one-stop shop that can save you a lot of money and time, and it can pay for itself in a few short months.

Grade.us

Runner Up
Grade.us

Grade.us is a marketing and online review management platform that provides a centralized hub for monitoring, responding to, and analyzing customer evaluations.

The web-based program is compatible with all popular browsers.

Create branded reports, whitepapers and widgets with its white label features.

Overview

Grade.us is a marketing and online review management platform that provides a centralized hub for monitoring, responding to, and analyzing customer evaluations.

The web-based program is compatible with all popular browsers.

Create branded reports, whitepapers and widgets with its white label features.

Our Rating: 3.9 stars

Best For: Local Client Finder

Utilize this tool’s many lead generation features to help you target, engage, and convert your ideal customers.

Notable Features:

  • Incorporate review forms, buttons, and QR codes into your website
  • Set up review funnel landing sites.
  • Control your company’s listings with ease by setting them to update themselves

Pros:

  • Grade.us makes it easy to keep track of your online reviews.
  • Due the grade.us easy to use features, it helps to generate significant profit margin
  • With the grade.us ROI calculator, you can figure out how much money your agency will make.
  • You can read reviews from a lot of different websites online.
    No matter if you’re in the car business or the real estate business
  •  Get new leads

Cons:

  • The reporting interface is  a bit lacking in comparison to some of the other software on our list
  • Its not very easy to use, as it has too many features.

Is Grade.us Hard to Use?

Because of the amount of features this software as, its is not considered beginner friendly and has a steep learning curve.

Pricing & Plans

Grade.us has four plans, each of which costs a certain amount per-seats.

If you pay once a year, you can save 10%.

Also, for $440 a year, you can add white label premium to the Agency or Professional package.

Packages are:

  • Solo: One seat and basic white label tools cost $110 per month; an additional 200 text messages costs $10 per month.
  • Professional: $180 per month for basic white label tools and three seats.
    An extra $10 per month for 200 text messages.
  • Agency: $400 per month for premium white label tools, 200 text messages,10 seats,  and integrations.
  • Partner: $2,500 per month for 100 seats and a single sign-on (SSO) function for everything in the Agency package.

Our Take

Grade.us is an excellent Reputation Management solution, and the development team is always adding new features to make their product better.

The platform offers great support.

SproutSocial

Also Great
SproutSocial

Sprout Social has been making a platform for managing social media since 2010.

Schools like Dartmouth College and companies like Trello use it.

Because of its many integrations, social listening tools, and easy-to-use dashboard, Sprout Socialis extremely popular for monitoring social media.

Overview

Sprout Social has been making a platform for managing social media since 2010.

Schools like Dartmouth College and companies like Trello use it.

Because of its many integrations, social listening tools, and easy-to-use dashboard, Sprout Socialis extremely popular for monitoring social media.

Our Rating: 4.7/5

Best For: Reporting

The reporting and data analysis features of Sprout Social are almost perfect for an SMB.

The Group Report shows you an overview of your different profile networks.

In some graphs, they are all shown together, and in others, they are shown separately.

The Group Report also breaks down the information by the profiles and pages that are linked to it, so you can see things like the number of fans and followers, messages sent, and links clicked.

Notable Features:

  • Use the bulk social media scheduling tool to make your editorial calendar quickly.
  • Qucikly read messages and mentions  from Meta, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and respond to them .
  • The CRM, (customer relationship management) tool adds internal notes and a record of conversations.

Pros:

  • Sporutsocial data analytics allows you to uncover trends
  • The data analytics can also provide critical insights that can push forward your business
  • Sproutsocial has one of the best customer support, and are very responsive to customer concerns
  • The Sprout calendar is a useful tool for keeping track of upcoming campaigns, holidays, and other events. Avoid last-minute panic by plotting out your social media initiatives in advance.
  • If you’re having problems with a customer, sprout social will give recommendations on how to resolve it

Cons:

● The standard plans connects up to only 5 social media profiles.

● Sproutsocial does not provide a comprehensive analytics for linkedin.

Is SproutSocial Hard to Use?

SproutSocial is easy to use, has a big presence on social media, and comes with a lot of tutorials.

Pricing & Plans

The Sprout Social plans include:

  • Standard: $99 a month per user for up to five social profiles used for review management, social scheduling, and CRM tools.
  • Professional: $149 per user each month for up to ten social accounts, which includes competitive reports, helpdesk services, and custom processes.
  • Advanced: $249 a month per user for ten social profiles, plus automated link tracking, a digital asset library, and chatbots.

Our Take

Sprout Social is an extremely effective social media management tool.

It has a plethora of capabilities that you and your team can utilize to optimize your social media marketing strategy and speed up the publication process.

Unfortunately, Sprout Social has numerous limitations that make it unsuitable for a variety of enterprises.

The most serious offender is cost.

As mentioned in the Pricing section of this review, Sprout Social’s plans are priced per user.

Sprout Social charges a minimum of $99/month per user, but comparable solutions offer more users on higher plans or subsidized fees for more users.

LocalClarity

LocalClarity

Multi-location companies can benefit from LocalClarity’s cloud-based review management system.

Insights into consumer feedback trends, pinpointing low-performing sites, and stumbling onto novel best practices are just some of the many benefits that clients may reap from the suite of solutions.

Overview

Multi-location companies can benefit from LocalClarity’s cloud-based review management system.

Insights into consumer feedback trends, pinpointing low-performing sites, and stumbling onto novel best practices are just some of the many benefits that clients may reap from the suite of solutions.

Our Rating:4.2/5

Best For: Insight

LocalClarity compiles daily data from Google My Business for all of a company’s locations into a unified dashboard for easy sorting, filtering, and analysis.

Notable Features:

  • Add your company’s branding to white label reports and alert emails.
  • Keep an eye on feedback in real time to respond effectively.
  • Make use of smart auto-response strategies

Pros:

  • LocalClarity is very scabales and offers great control and visibility for key metrics
  • Works well with Google my business and Meta
  • Users can easily schedule and make posts to social media.
  • Has a a features taht shows the compeietors strengths and weaknesses and how your company matches up
  • Gives deep performance insight for your business

Cons:

  • The messaging aspect of the platforms leaves much to be desired.
  • The platform has some minor bugs that can get a little frustrating.

Is LocalClarity Hard to Use?

Somewhat intuitive, LocalClarity also offers support in the form of tutorials and real-time online chats.

Pricing & Plans

There are three inexpensive plans to choose from with LocalClarity, and savings are available for businesses with several locations. Included in the LocalClarity suite are:

Plus: Add $10/month per location to have access to reports, management tools, and alerts for all major review sites.

Pro: For only $12 per location per month, you can get access to APIs, real-time competitor review tracking, and a personal account manager.

Enterprises and agencies: Get a custom quote for personalized training, white glove onboarding services, and a dedicated client success manager.

Our Take

While Local Clarity does work to boost your visibility on Google and attract new customers through search, it does not promote your reviews on any other platforms that could bring in clients who aren’t actively searching for your company by name.

Birdeye

Birdeye

There are thousands of companies who utilize Birdeye to enhance their web presence and acquire new clients by means of the platform’s experience marketing capabilities.

The platform provides a mobile app, customer surveys, referral management, two-way text messaging, and online review generating to enable businesses connect with and engage with their target audiences.

Whether you’re using an ERP, PMS, POS, or CRM system, Birdeye can connect with it.

Overview

There are thousands of companies who utilize Birdeye to enhance their web presence and acquire new clients by means of the platform’s experience marketing capabilities.

The platform provides a mobile app, customer surveys, referral management, two-way text messaging, and online review generating to enable businesses connect with and engage with their target audiences.

Whether you’re using an ERP, PMS, POS, or CRM system, Birdeye can connect with it.

Our Rating: 4.2/5  

Best For: Online Reviews

Birdeye’s popularity stems largely from the platform’s ability to easily create and manage consumer reviews on several platforms.

This boosts your search engine optimization and brings in new clients.

A recent survey found that 57% of consumers won’t patronize a firm with fewer than 4 stars on review sites.

Notable Features:

  • Listings – When you utilize Birdeye, you can easily construct a profile for each of your stores in a short amount of time.
    Profile information consists of your company’s NAP data (name, address, phone number), as well as its category and description, photographs, and operating hours.
  • Campaigns – Using Birdeye’s Campaigns function, you can build and send out mass emails and SMS messages to specific groups of clients.
    It could be a review drive, a survey of customer opinion, or just a regular old advertising push.
  • Unified inbox – As part of its platform, Birdeye offers a central inbox where your team can handle all client discussions in one place.
    Everything you ever talked to a customer about is now in one convenient place.

Pros:

  • Birdeyes easily integrates with over 3,000 software systems  to make it easy to automatically get new reviews, be found online, improve operations and increase revenue.
  • Birdeye’s allows you to automatically get new reviews
  • Birdeyes allows you to manage your listings across 150+ sites, send automated reviews and post these reviews on social media, increasing your local seo footprint.
  • Birdyeye software allows you to convert customer experience into revenue.
  • Customer feedback data acquired from review sites, social media, and surveys can be put to good use with the help of real-time business analytics.

Cons:

  • Birdeye integrations is often praised heavily, however the website doesn’t integrate with certain major platforms like WordPress, slack, stripe, google ads and even Instagram.
  • Unfortunately, many potential customers are turned off by Birdeye because the service does not provide a free plan or trial period. The quality of their demo, though, is impressive and could persuade users to sign up.

Is Birdeye Hard to Use?

Birdeye is known for being easy to use and seeming to have a set of features that are easy to understand.

Pricing & Plans

BirdEye makes quotes based on the number of locations and the needs of the business.

If you pay once a year, you can save 12%.

The prices below are based on one site where payments are made every month:

  • Standard: $349 per month for review management, listing, and campaigns
  • Professional: $449 per month to add video chat, website chat, and more integrations
  • Premium: Get a quote for specific needs, including surveys, referrals, advanced insights, and customer service ticketing functions

Our Take

Over 60,000 companies have benefited from Birdeye’s experiential marketing platform to boost their internet visibility and expand their consumer base.

In terms of the breadth and depth of its features, it dominates the competition.

There aren’t many platforms out there that offer a full-featured survey tool or the ability to manage business listings.

MentionLytics

MentionLytics

With Mentionlytics, a user can easily monitor brand and product mentions across the web and social media outlets, even if they aren’t specifically tagged in any of the posts.

It’s the best option for small businesses, large corporations, and agencies alike that want to monitor and report on every social media mention of their brand and/or competitors.

Overview

With Mentionlytics, a user can easily monitor brand and product mentions across the web and social media outlets, even if they aren’t specifically tagged in any of the posts.

It’s the best option for small businesses, large corporations, and agencies alike that want to monitor and report on every social media mention of their brand and/or competitors.

Our Rating: 4.3/5  

Best For: Media Monitoring

The media monitoring features of Mentionlytics make it possible to compile fresh stories from millions of sources across any target audience.

Its automated news clipping service saves mentions as graphics, making them more accessible.

Notable Features:

Social Intelligence Advisor- The Social Intelligence Advisor (SIA) from Mentionlytics is an artificial intelligence brand analyst and consultant built to fill the gap between raw data and actionable insights.

To boost your online and social presence and learn how to streamline your monitoring processes while saving time and energy, you can utilize this handy tool.

Customizable Reports -An innovative approach to data visualization, Social Media Report Builder is Mentionlytics’ latest service.

It’s a brand new option that comes with adaptable features to enable you design unique reports for monitoring your systems that provide clear, actionable insights.

The function can be used to generate three different sorts of predefined reports.

Pros:

  • Searching for a keyword, brand, competition, or issue on Mentionlytics returns results from across the web (websites, news sites, blogs, reviews sites, forums) and social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, YouTube).
  • Mentionlytics’ data can be used to compile a wide variety of reports.
    Mentionlytics takes all the information from the reports and then draws attention to the most relevant details.
    First, you’ll need to choose the metrics and KPIs that are most important for your marketing activities, and then the program will give you a clear picture.
  • With the help of Mentionlytics, you’ll be able to quickly and simply pinpoint potential customers and industry leaders.
  • You can reliably keep an eye on your client’s brand reputation, gain useful insights, and generate qualified sales leads.
  • Excellent crisis management  features are included. It aids in detecting a viral event so that you may make the most of the chance to engage with your target audience and respond appropriately before it’s too late.

Cons:

  • It may take some time for larger business mentions to load upon first using the platform because of the platform’s continuous caching of new  mentions.
  • Although the dashboard is easy to use, it cannot be customized.

Is Mentionlytics Hard to Use?

The dashboard in Mentionlytics is made to improve the user experience by providing a comprehensive overview of the user’s online presence in an intuitive and user-friendly format.

Pricing & Plans

Currently, Mentionlytics offer four pricing tiers:

  • Essential – $99 per month
  • Advanced – $199 per month
  • Pro – $299 per month
  • Agency – $450+ per month

Note: The prices above are broken down by month.

If you choose to pay for a year at a time, the prices will go down.

Our Take

Compared to other Social Media Monitoring tools, Mentionlytics gives you more and better mentions.

It also has some features that aren’t found anywhere else, such as the Social Intelligence Advisor (SIA), which gives smart insights and personalized advice.

Brand24

Brand24

Brand24 helps you find new customers online by keeping an eye on comments and mentions and analyzing them.

It gives you information that you can use to your advantage about how your competitors use the Internet.

Overview

Brand24 helps you find new customers online by keeping an eye on comments and mentions and analyzing them.

It gives you information that you can use to your advantage about how your competitors use the Internet.

Our Rating: 4.3 /5

Best for: Data

Companies of all sizes use Brand24’s platform to look at what people are saying online.

The tool gives organizations data in real time, which helps them make better business decisions.

Notable Features:

  • Mention Analytics- On your Brand24 dashboard, you can see how many times your brand is mentioned on the Web right now.
    You can also use the quality and quantity analyses of buzz to come up with new marketing plans.
  • Influence Score- The software from Brand24 can help you figure out who the most important people in your business are.
    This is important because one of the best ways to attract customers is to get outside validation from the right people.
  • Report customizability – Gives users the freedom to change and dig deeper into the data that the tool gives them..

Pros:

  • Brand24 will tell you a lot about your brand, including how people feel about it online and where and what they say about it.
  • Brand24 Businesses can check how their audience, customers, experts, influencers, or the news talk about them online with sentiment analysis tools.
  • Brand24 keeps an eye on important metrics and alerts users in-app, by email, text message, or in other ways.
  • Brand 24 measures the effectiveness of your marketing by keeping an eye on local, national, and international news.
  • Brand24 automatically sends out performance reports that can be pre-made or made to fit your needs.

Cons:

  • Brand24 doesn’t have any tools for managing relationships with customers.
  • Brand24 sometimes shows mentions and notifications that don’t have anything to do with your Company .

Is Brand24 Hard to use?

The interface and ease of use of Brand24 are often praised in user reviews.

Brand24 has a simple dashboard with a newly redesigned user interface (UI) to make it easier to navigate, set up, and use.

There is also a Help Menu with a video tutorial, webinars, a fan page, a demo project, and a list of frequently asked questions.

Pricing & Plans

Sign up for the Brand24 free trial if you want to try out the service before spending money on it.

It lasts 14 days and doesn’t require your credit card details.

If you want to buy a subscription, however, Brand24 has four different paid plans:

  • Individual at $49/month yearly or $59/month monthly
  • The team at $99/month yearly or $119/month monthly
  • Pro at $149/month yearly or $179/month monthly
  • Enterprise at $249 yearly or $299/month monthly

Our Take

Brand24 is a good social media analytics tool for digital marketers who work with small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

It has a wide range of features and a clean, easy-to-use interface that even beginners can use.

Opinew

Opinew

Although it has only been around for a short while, Opinew Reviews has already established itself as a frontrunner among review services for e – commerce websites.

They make it simpler for store owners to handle and show product reviews from several platforms by collecting and importing them automatically.

Overview

Although it has only been around for a short while, Opinew Reviews has already established itself as a frontrunner among review services for e – commerce websites.

They make it simpler for store owners to handle and show product reviews from several platforms by collecting and importing them automatically.

Our Rating: 3.5/5

Best For: Ecommerce

Because it was developed with Shopify in mind, Opinew works flawlessly with the industry’s leading e-commerce  platforms.

Notable Features:

  • Send reviews by email, text message, or QR code.
  • Put widgets on your site that automatically show the most popular reviews.
  • Reviews from Amazon, AliExpress, eBay, and more can be imported!

Pros:

  • Automatically gathers reviews – Opinew automatically gathers your reviews from many e-commerce sites.
  • Once you have your reviews, you can automatically sort them.
  • Most plugins slow down your Shopify store, but Opinew doesn’t, giving you the fastest page load speed possible.
  • Opinew lets you get twice as many reviews for your ecommerce stores as your competitors.
  • Opinew  can also be used with your favorite Shopify apps and tools.

Cons:

  • Even though Opinew will get your reviews very quickly, you can’t share them on social media.
  • There are still a few small bugs in Opinew.

Is Opinew Hard to Use?

Opinew is easy to use and comes with a lot of directions on how to do so.

Pricing & Plans

Opinew has four plans

  • Starter: $19/month, $190/year
  • Growth: $69/month, $690/year
  • Advanced: $149/month, $1,490/year  
  • Enterprise: $399/month, $3990/year

Our Take

Opinew is an ideal solution for Shopify store owners who want to quickly and easily increase their store’s conversion rate and credibility.

They’re creating a brand new standard for how Shopify handles customer feedback.

It’s not strictly speaking reputation management software, but it’s a handy tool for any online retailer.

Swell

Swell

With Swell, gathering client feedback is simple for small businesses.

By facilitating the collection of instantaneous responses to online surveys, reviews, and other types of consumer satisfaction research.

Overview

With Swell, gathering client feedback is simple for small businesses.

By facilitating the collection of instantaneous responses to online surveys, reviews, and other types of consumer satisfaction research.

Our Rating:4.6/5

Best For: Business that Schedules appointments –

Swell streamlines the process of writing and sharing testimonials for clients and patients.

During setup, Swell connects with your existing PMS/CRM to streamline workflows and improve efficiency.

This gives Swell access to the appointment and procedure code information required to initiate campaigns.

The campaigns consist of a series of communications sent to patients by email and text message, and can be tailored to direct patients to specific review sites.

Notable Features:

  • NPS Surveys – The Swell platform allows users to easily generate and distribute NPS surveys through both electronic mail and text messaging.
    Sending these questionnaires to recent patients is a great way to gauge patient satisfaction and identify areas for practice improvement.
  • Customer Experience Surveys- Swell can be used to distribute customer experience surveys in addition to producing reviews and monitoring conversations.
    On a scale from one to five stars, patients can assess your practice and elaborate on their rating in the comments section.
  • Review Management – The Swell dashboard is updated with feedback once reviews are closed.
    The dashboard displays the average rating, the rating trend over time, and specific evaluations that patients have left for your business.

Pros

  • Converts website visitors  
  • Generate positive online reviews  
  • Customizable  
  • Chat with all customers  
  • Accurate insights

Cons:

  • Their facebook integration is buggy and breaks all the time.
  • It’s challenging to remove individuals from  Swell’s lists.

Is Swell Hard to Use?

It may come as a surprise that Swell is not as intuitive as the majority of the items on our list, but rest assured that its high level of documentation makes it a breeze to learn and use.

Pricing & Plans

There is only one plan available at Swell, and it starts at $59 per month.

However, pricing varies depending on the number of sites you have.

Our Take

Swell was designed to help dentistry and medical offices improve their internet reputations and attract new consumers at an affordable price.

It has everything you need to efficiently collect input from a large number of patients, manage two-way interactions with them, and generate positive evaluations.

Podium

Podium

Podium is a convenient hub for managing all of your customer communications and transactions, including Webchat, online review generation, text message marketing, and payment processing.

Overview

Podium is a convenient hub for managing all of your customer communications and transactions, including Webchat, online review generation, text message marketing, and payment processing.

Our Rating: 4.5/5

Best For: Understanding Your Customer

Podium is a local business operating system that has been used by 150,000 satisfied customers.

It allows for the creation of reviews, the transmission of personalized text conversations, the modification of outbound marketing campaigns, and the powering of payments via text message and credit card readers.

Notable Features:

  • Increase the number of reviews on platforms like Google, Facebook, TripAdvisor, and others where they matter most to your business.
  • One inbox for all client communication (email, Facebook, SMS, etc.).
  • Communicate with the client via phone, email, and social media.:

Pros:

  •  Attract more customers to your business
  • Connect with customers easily with Podium
  • With the Podium payments tool, you can conclude deals over text message by just giving a link to your consumer, preventing them from losing interest.
  • Podiums easy to use inbox makes communicating with customers a breeze
  • Podium converts web traffic form reviews to  paying customers

Cons:

  • Podium occasionally has minor glitches  
  • Podium users have reported issues with their payment portal

Is Podium Hard to Use?

Podium is considered fairly easy to use.

Pricing & Plans

Podium has three plans:

  • Essentials: $289/month up to 1,000 contacts
  • Standard: $449/month unlimited contacts, 500 marketing contacts
  • Professional: $649/month unlimited contacts, 1,000 marketing contacts

Our Take

If you need help managing your internet reputation and want to get more Google reviews, Podium is a good choice.

The SMS messaging platform makes it simple to start engaging discussions with customers and increase brand loyalty.

Features to Look for in Reputation Management Software

In addition to letting you know what consumers are thinking about your brand through customer feedback, a good reputation management platform will provide you with a plethora of other advantages, such as:

Real-Time Monitoring – Review monitoring gives you the chance to engage with your customers and improve your business.

Customers will appreciate and respond positively to the high level of service you give if you are able to respond quickly to any problems that arise.

Data Analytics –  Social media generates a lot of data.

Data analytics help business optimize their performances by cutting out the noise.

Review Tracking – Customer feedback in the form of online reviews is a terrific way to learn more about your target audience.

The failure of a program to monitor customer feedback online might have disastrous consequences for its users.

Sentiment Analysis -Software for analyzing customer sentiment is crucial for gauging and responding to the mood of your clientele.

Companies can gain valuable insights into how they might improve customer care and the customer experience through the use of sentiment analysis technologies.

User friendly dashboard Your reputation management software dashboard  provide critical reporting and metrics information.

Much like the dashboard in your vehicle, dashboards display real-time key metrics and performance indicators, guiding decisions and better navigating the surrounding landscape.

Multi-Response System -Integrating with as many platforms as feasible is essential for any reputation management program.

Customers can leave feedback on a variety of review sites, but they are most likely to do so in specialized forums devoted to your business’s offerings.

The effectiveness of any reputation management program depends on its ability to track down reviews and other references of your product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s take a look at some common questions regarding the best reputation management software in 2022:

How does reputation management software work?

Software for managing one’s internet reputation can keep an eye on customer feedback about a company’s goods and services.

In this way, good reviews can be shared more widely.

How to choose an online reputation management tool?

Choose the best online reputation management service by first determining what you need and want from such a service, then contacting that company to find out how thorough their customer research is, and finally, checking out what others have to say about both the service and its representatives.

What features do you need in a reputation management software?

There should be media monitoring features, databases, and metrics included in any reputation management software.

Sent in the nick of time.

They need to be able to alert customers in a timely manner about their experiences with their products and services by sending out notifications in real time.

Conclusion

The reputation of a business can be severely damaged by online comments and reviews that are critical of the company.

Contrarily, positive reviews boost sales and brand recognition, which in turn boosts search engine rankings.

However, keeping your company’s good name requires constant vigilance across a variety of online mediums, including social media, review sites, and directory databases.

It’s next to impossible to do this without the help of online reputation management tools.

There are a number of expensive solutions for ORM software, but BrightLocal is a simple and cost-effective method of handling client feedback, accumulating citations for your company, and displaying testimonials on your site.

In addition to bolstering local SEO initiatives, it grants complete management over your Google My Business page.

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Top 10 Order Management Systems in 2022 https://bloggingtips.com/order-management-systems/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=order-management-systems https://bloggingtips.com/order-management-systems/#respond Sun, 14 Aug 2022 11:29:02 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=93516 Read more]]> An order management system helps your business run smoothly.

You can take a step back from the storefront to work on other aspects of your company.

But to do this, you need to find the right order management system.

QuickBooks Commerce is the best solution because it comes from a brand with a solid reputation in the financial and business fields.

Read on to see what we think of the ten best systems.

An Overview of Order Management Systems

Setting up a store is hard work; your reward is watching customers order your products.

You know you’re offering something unique that they’ll love, but there are a lot of steps to follow between the customer placing the order and getting the item in their hands.

An order management system simplifies these steps so you can focus on other things.

The software automates the order process and eliminates the possibility of human error.

What Is an Order Management System?

An order management system is a software that manages the fulfillment process for your business.

You don’t have to manually check each package’s inventory status or handwrite address labels.

This type of software simplifies the order management process to let you focus on your business while keeping your customers happy.

Why Is an Order Management System Important?

An order management system is essential because it takes care of your shop’s logistics.

When you have a high volume of orders flowing in, you don’t have the time to handle it all.

If you try to manage orders while also dealing with your website, financials, and customer service, you’re likely to make an error.

Sending the wrong goods to your customer or entering an address incorrectly and making them wait for their package will cause clients to shop elsewhere.

They want a quick and easy experience when they order from you.

Letting a management platform handle it ensures everyone ends up with what they want.

Fulfilling orders is only part of what you’re juggling when you run a store.

Inventory management is essential because you need to know what’s in stock, what you need, and what’s on backorder.

The proper order management system handles it all for you.

Best Order Management System

There are countless order management systems on the market.

Knowing that you’re subscribing to the right one makes all the difference in your business process.

These top ten order management systems reviews will help you find what’s best for you.

1. QuickBooks Commerce

Overview: QuickBooks Commerce is so easy to use that small business owners can learn the ropes, but its best asset is how it scales up for large business management.

Our Pick
QuickBooks Commerce

QuickBooks Commerce is so easy to use that small business owners can learn the ropes, but its best asset is how it scales up for large business management.

You can use this software if you have multiple warehouses and outlets.

Our Rating: 5 stars

Best For: Large Businesses

Notable Features:

  • Start with a basic plan and upgrade anytime if necessary
  • Works with popular eCommerce apps for streamlined service
  • Integrates with QuickBooks software for easy accounting

Pros:

  • Inventory management to prevent overselling and running out of stock while also staying aware of what you need to reorder.
  • Order management to ensure you’re fulfilling all sales and meeting your shipping deadlines.
  • Supply chain management insights, so you know what’s on the way from all vendors and what’s on backorder.
  • 24/7 support via email if you hit a snag in the system and need immediate help to get your platform back up and running.
  • Syncs inventory and orders across multiple warehouses, so you always know where to find your products.

Cons:

  • Limited warehouse features that can gum up the works when you’re trying to access specific goods on a deadline.
  • Hard to access certain reports, like sales during a specific period, without running more reports and manually searching for the information you need.
  • Significant learning curve unless you contact support for a training session.

Is QuickBooks Commerce Hard to Use? It can be challenging to use, but you don’t have to do it alone.

The company’s onboarding specialists help you get the software running and show you around the dashboard.

If you find yourself having trouble, you can contact customer service for more help and training.

Pricing & Plans: 

  • Founder: $39/month
  • Lite: $79/month
  • Small Business: $199/month
  • Business: $599/month

Paid plans are ideal ways to allow collaboration across your employees.

The Lite plan offers access for two users, the Small Business has access for five, and the Business plan allows eight.

You can keep all your crucial information in one place and allow users to access the main dashboard for added security.

Before committing to a plan, sign up for a 14-day free trial.

There’s no need to enter your credit card information, so you can try with no strings attached.

Our Take: QuickBooks Commerce is our favorite order management system because of all it offers.

It’s easy for small businesses to use but grows with you.

Thanks to QuickBooks Enterprise, large companies can handle multiple warehouses with no problem.

The company uses its expertise to create software that truly helps stores by giving them everything they need to fulfill orders and streamlining the process for their accounting needs.

If you’re wary about adopting another platform for your business, use something that seamlessly integrates with what you already use.

2. Brightpearl

Overview: Brightpearl is an order management system that keeps track of your inventory, sends alerts when you need more products, contacts vendors and suppliers, and interacts with your customers.

Runner Up
Brightpearl

Brightpearl is an order management system that keeps track of your inventory, sends alerts when you need more products, contacts vendors and suppliers, and interacts with your customers.

One of the best features is the ability to group customers and make changes to each segment without needing to access individual profiles.

Our Rating: 4 stars

Best For: Integration With Online Payment Systems

Notable Features:

  • Interaction with suppliers and customers to keep your business on one platform
  • Link several warehouses to the same supply chain
  • Customer groupings to change favorite products and statistics

Pros:

  • Automated accounting in real-time so you’re always updated about the state of your business’ finances.
  • Integration with online payment systems to accept payment regardless of device and payment option.
  • Shipping management gives you complete oversight of the shipping process so you can track orders at every step.
  • Simplifies inventory management by giving you a bird’s eye view of your warehouses.
  • Allows for tags and groups to make it easier to find and contact your customers and vendors.

Cons:

  • No free trial or pricing on their website, so you don’t know what you’re getting into until you’ve already contacted the company for more information.
  • Limited integrations with other apps and platforms, so you can’t cut back to just one main order management system.
  • Customer support isn’t very helpful, which can impact your overall profits.

Is Brightpearl Hard to Use? No, Brightpearl is easy to use. It’s cloud-based, so you can access it from any platform.

That availability, plus how it syncs all your warehouses and points of purchase, makes it top of the line in terms of staying informed about the status of your inventory.

Pricing & Plans: There’s no set pricing for Brightpearl.

If you like what you’ve read here, you can contact them to book a demo.

They’ll show you how the product works, so you fully understand before you commit.

Then they’ll help you create a custom package that best suits your business needs.

Our Take: Brightpearl is a great order management system overall.

It offers a lot of perks that make it more appealing than other options on the market.

However, you have to balance that with poor customer service.

When you’re dealing with profits, you don’t want to risk any downtime or struggle with the platform itself, so not getting timely help is a major downside.

For businesses that want a solid order management system without overhauling other aspects of the company, Brightpearl is for you.

But those who want to rely on one main system for the entire fulfillment process will find this software lacking.

3. Skubana

Overview: Skubana’s order management system lets you set up multiple stores under one account, saving setup and maintenance fees.

Also Great
Skubana

Skubana’s order management system lets you set up multiple stores under one account, saving setup and maintenance fees.

It also streamlines the process of selling on other platforms, including Amazon and eBay.

It accepts all major payment portals so your customers can complete purchases with one click, by entering information, or whatever they prefer.

Our Rating: 4 stars

Best For: Analytics

Notable Features:

  • Analytics include forecasting projections of your sales based on performance, which can help you scale your business
  • Allows you to create multiple stores without paying for multiple options, including selling on Amazon
  • Supports all major payment options so your customers can always complete a purchase

Pros:

  • Manage, control, track, and optimize inventory, so you know what you have on hand and what you need to reorder.
  • Automate, manage, and process purchase orders so you can process each order quickly and balance your accounts.
  • Lots of integrations such as Amazon, eBay, and others, so you can use existing profiles to reach more customers.
  • Tools to help manage returns, so you don’t skew the results of your inventory and finances.
  • Advanced analytics to help you understand what you’ve sold, what products are popular, and what customers look at most.

Cons:

  • Not cheap, though customers say the program is worth the money.
  • There are so many features that it can get overwhelming and tough to learn.
  • The existing shipping label function isn’t very efficient, so you have to rig an integration.

Is Skubana Hard to Use? Skubana can be hard to use because it offers so many diverse features.

But you never have to do it alone—each client has an account manager that can walk them through the dashboard.

It’s great to have someone help you, but it can be frustrating to need to contact someone else just to keep your business running.

Pricing & Plans:

  • Starts at $1000/month

Skubana wants to provide the best software for their customers, so they ask you to contact them for a demo of the order management system.

Before committing, you’ll see how everything works and ensure it suits your business.

Our Take: What we like most about Skubana is the ease of selling on other platforms.

When you check out our posts about monetization, you’ll see how we like to try as many options as possible to diversify potential income streams.

Being able to do that from one dashboard simplifies the entire eCommerce system.

With those upsides, however, come some negatives.

The expense can be prohibitive for smaller businesses.

It’s also tough to learn how to handle all the features the program offers.

It’s convenient that you have an assigned account manager.

The help dashboard also offers some troubleshooting tips if you want to handle everything yourself.

4. Freestyle Solutions

Overview: Freestyle Solutions is one of the most affordable order management systems on this list.

Freestyle Solutions

Freestyle Solutions is one of the most affordable order management systems on this list.

Their software makes it easy to integrate with third-party apps and marketplace platforms.

You can also take advantage of other services, such as training and hosting, so you can stick with a company you know and trust.

Our Rating: 3 stars

Best For: Technical Support

Notable Features:

  • Customer support is incredibly helpful; it’s obvious they know the software well
  • Integrates with many third-party programs, and they continually add new options
  • Lots of analytical data about customers, sales, tracking, and more

Pros:

  • Comprehensive management of extensive inventory so you’re never caught overselling or out of stock.
  • Easy to use for small businesses new to this type of recordkeeping.
  • Good technical support that’s knowledgeable about the software and how businesses use it.
  • APIs to integrate to third-party shopping carts so you can meet your customers wherever they are to complete a sale.
  • Extremely affordable, so it’s a good way for small businesses to streamline their eCommerce process before scaling up.

Cons:

  • Cumbersome to set up, which can take you away from your other work tasks.
  • Though it’s inexpensive, you don’t get all the features and perks you would from a more expensive software on this list.
  • Desktop version crashes periodically, which can cause you to lose data if not backed up.

Is Freestyle Solutions Hard to Use? The setup process for Freestyle Solutions is pretty difficult.

Thankfully, the company has good technical support that knows the software and how businesses use it.

That makes it easy for you to give them a call and get a walk-through to familiarize yourself with the product.

Once you learn what the program offers, it’s much easier to use.

Just give yourself time for the initial learning curve.

You can also contact them to set up training for all employees who will use the software.

It saves you the hassle of teaching others yourself and can also help you learn shortcuts and how to take advantage of all the platform can do.

Pricing & Plans: Freestyle Solutions is yet another order management system that requires interested users to contact the company for pricing.

You can’t find the information on their website, though users state the price is extremely affordable.

However, they also say you get what you pay for, so you might want to investigate this software on your own.

Our Take: Freestyle Solutions is an affordable order management system that gives small and mid-sized businesses the chance to streamline their process without breaking the budget.

While it doesn’t provide the features of other options on this list, it’s a great starting point.

The biggest perk of Freestyle Solutions is how they’re constantly updating the platform.

They pay attention to the payment providers and work to ensure your business can use these features to make the most sales.

5. Veeqo

Overview: Veeqo is the order management system you want if you’re determined to use one platform for everything.

Veeqo

Veeqo is the order management system you want if you’re determined to use one platform for everything.

You have the ability to integrate all points of purchase, order fulfillment, shipping, and tracking through one concise dashboard.

Start using Veeqo as a small business and change your plan as your company grows.

Our Rating: 5 stars

Best For: eCommerce businesses who want an all-in-one inventory and fulfillment platform

Notable Features:

  • Offers more than 30 store and shipping integrations to simplify your business operations
  • Provides detailed data about inventory, shipping process, tracking, and the supply chain
  • Reports let you see performance according to time or product and make accurate forecasts about the future of your business

Pros:

  • Backorder management keeps you informed about when new merchandise is on the way and passes that information to your customers.
  • Container shipping to fulfill orders securely and at affordable rates.
  • eCommerce management to stay on top of your sales and profits.
  • Inventory management tells you what you have in stock and what you need to reorder.
  • Offers a free trial with no credit card needed so you can explore the dashboard before paying.

Cons:

  • Slow customer service can leave you hanging when you have a problem that interferes with order fulfillment.
  • Must manually link each product with the supplier codes to get detailed inventory data, which takes a lot of time on the front end.
  • Extra steps in the invoice process mean you have to download the files before emailing them instead of sending them straight from the platform.

Is Veeqo Hard to Use? No, Veeqo is one of the easiest order management systems to use.

Setup is a breeze, and the ability to link third-party apps and tools simplifies your daily business tasks.

This ease is crucial since customer service is lacking.

If you can get in touch with someone, you’ll get great information, but they’re not readily available like other services.

Pricing & Plans:

  • Accelerator starts at $10/month
  • High Growth starts at $25/month
  • Premium starts at $45/month

The best thing about Veeqo’s pricing is that they scale it according to the orders you process.

For example, the base prices listed above refer to making 50 sales a month.

If your business makes 1,000 sales a month, the price increases proportionally.

This model means you’re not paying for a service you’re not using, which can eat away at your profits.

Our Take: The scaled pricing is one of the biggest perks of Veeqo because not many services offer that.

It makes it possible for small businesses to start using an order management system without feeling like they’ve bitten off more than they can chew.

That pricing model also makes it easy to scale your business as you gain traction and increase your sales.

If you’re fairly tech-savvy, you’ll have no problem using Veeqo for your business.

As with any new software, there’s a bit of a learning curve, and not having access to customer support can make the process frustrating.

But the dashboard is very straightforward, and you can use it on mobile devices as well, so you can always check the status of your eCommerce shop.

6. BigCommerce

Overview: BigCommerce is an open software version of an order management system.

BigCommerce

BigCommerce is an open software version of an order management system.

This model makes it easy for small businesses to start using the product and learn the ins and outs as they grow their customer base.

Open software also means there are tons of customizations and upgrades available, depending on what you need.

Our Rating: 4 stars

Best For: Advanced Features

Notable Features:

  • Open software model means businesses get frequent updates and access to new features
  • All-in-one system means you can keep all business information centralized for security
  • Different plans give businesses plenty of room to grow and still use the system they know best

Pros:

  • Free trial gives you 15 days to try out the software before investing financially.
  • 99.99% guaranteed uptime, so you never miss a sale.
  • Good reporting tools to see how your store’s data trends regarding time, products, and customers.
  • Unlimited number of staff accounts on any plan, so everyone has access to the same information.
  • Open-source platform makes it simple to find new integrations or take advantage of patches and upgrades as the developers release them.

Cons:

  • Add-ons require additional fees that elevate the base plan price into something that might go beyond your budget.
  • The cost can be prohibitive for businesses that need all these features but don’t yet make the sales to justify the expense.
  • Steep learning curve for beginning users can make it difficult to add this service into your daily business operations.

Is BigCommerce Hard to Use? Getting BigCommerce set up can take a lot of technical know-how.

Some updates also require HTML or CSS skills, so it’s frustrating to need to devote that much time to a service that is usually very efficient.

However, if you’re having trouble, customer service can help you troubleshoot problems.

Pricing & Plans:

  • BigCommerce Standard: $29.95/month
  • BigCommerce Plus: $79.95/month
  • BigCommerce Pro: $299.95/month
  • BigCommerce Enterprise: pricing varies depending on your business requirements

Before you pick a plan, take advantage of BigCommerce’s free trial.

If you like what you see, committing to the annual plan will save money for Plus and Pro options.

Our Take: BigCommerce is a great order management system because you can use its templates to quickly set up a store and start selling.

The data you get based on customers, time, or products gives you insight into what’s working and what you should change.

Since there’s no limit to user access, the whole team can log in to stay updated.

For an order management system, the prices are very fair, but the fact that you pay extra for plugins and special features can blow your budget.

You’re getting great quality for what you pay for, though, so it’s worth pricing out everything your business will need to ensure BigCommerce can deliver.

7. Orderhive

Overview: Orderhive is a premium order management system that diversifies your storefront to include outlets like Etsy, Amazon, BigCommerce, and others.

Orderhive

Orderhive is a premium order management system that diversifies your storefront to include outlets like Etsy, Amazon, BigCommerce, and others.

You get detailed data about all sales and inventory, so you always know the status of your business.

Whether you’re starting small or already have multiple warehouses, Orderhive can manage your sales.

Our Rating: 4 stars

Best For: Integrations

Notable Features:

  • Alerts for sales tracking, so you get notifications when you hit certain goals
  • Integrations for all major selling platforms so you can reach customers all over the internet
  • Automated workflow to prevent the need to authorize each step

Pros:

  • Integrations with all the main marketplaces so you can use one dashboard to oversee multiple business channels.
  • Ability to export any information you need for financial reports, stakeholder presentations, and more.
  • Quick technical support, so you never experience downtime with your store.
  • Custom automation features simplify the work process and make shipping easier.
  • Set up alerts for specific products or sales goals so you can keep track of what’s going on without needing to check in constantly.

Cons:

  • Lots of features create a steep learning curve for new users.
  • No listing tool means you’re spending time inputting your products before you can use the program.
  • You have to pay for a lot of extras that should come standard, considering their base prices.

Is Orderhive Hard to Use? Orderhive has a straightforward dashboard that makes it easy to use.

If you’re not technically inclined, you can pay a one-time fee to have the company set it up for you.

You can also pay for data importation and team training, so you learn how to use the software efficiently.

Pricing & Plans:

  • Essentials: $95/month
  • Standard: $195/month
  • Enhanced: $295/month
  • Enterprise: $500/month

Orderhive pricing is on the high end compared to many options on this list, but it’s worth the expense.

You can save a lot of money by paying a year in advance.

Our Take: Orderhive is one of the best order management systems on the market if you can afford it.

They have stellar customer service to help you through any issues, or you can pay for training and implementation.

The inventory tracking is accurate and generated reports give businesses a lot of insights into sales so they can project future success.

8.SkuVault

Overview: Businesses looking for a reliable cloud-based order management system love what SkuVault has to offer.

SkuVault

Businesses looking for a reliable cloud-based order management system love what SkuVault has to offer.

It’s built for small businesses but can scale up to handle the sales traffic of a medium-sized company.

Our Rating: 4 stars

Best For: Multiple warehouses

Notable Features:

  • Uses quality control, cycle counting, and serialization to reduce human error
  • Customer service always available for problems with the software or your account
  • Integrates with countless eCommerce apps and payment portals

Pros:

  • Allows for multiple warehouses so you can get snapshots of all inventory.
  • Reporting system for tracking sales to help with accounting and business projection.
  • Require multiple checks for accuracy, so you’re not estimating more sales than you’re on track to complete.
  • Customer support is very quick to respond if you need help troubleshooting or with your account.
  • Quality control helps you pinpoint what happened if you experience an error.

Cons:

  • Not the easiest to use unless you have a certain level of technical knowledge.
  • Only ideal for small and medium businesses, so you shouldn’t get started with it if you plan to grow large.
  • Can take a long time to run reports about updated inventory availability.

Is SkuVault Hard to Use? SkuVault is a little hard to use if you don’t have much technical knowledge.

In that case, you can contact customer support for information.

You can also access their help center to look for answers to your problem.

Because you can integrate with so many different apps, it’s easy to manage once you get started.

Pricing & Plans:

  • Growth: $329/month
  • Pro: $699/month
  • Enterprise: $1149/month
  • 3PL Plan: $629/month

SkuVault is one of the most expensive options on the list, but you get amazing features for the price.

If you’re serious about growing and maintaining a profitable business, SkuVault is worth the investment.

Our Take: SkuVault is a modern order management system that uses a mobile app to keep you updated on your inventory at all times.

It’s able to track information from multiple warehouses, so you don’t have to worry about overselling or not reordering merchandise when necessary.

You can pull reports for specific data to help grow your business, but the software isn’t scaled for large businesses.

If you have a small or medium business and plan to maintain that level of sales, then SkuVault is right for you.

9. Zoho Order Management

Overview: Zoho Order Management is one of the most well-known names in the fulfillment field.

Zoho Order Management

Zoho Order Management is one of the most well-known names in the fulfillment field.

It helps you run your eCommerce store from end to end, including managing sales, creating shipments, tracking packages, and reordering products.

You can try the software for free to see how it can streamline your business.

Our Rating: 5 stars

Best For: Keeping Track of Inventory

Notable Features:

  • Free plan for small businesses that have limited orders each month
  • Multiple users on all plans to give everyone access to the same information
  • Allows integration with many third-party platforms to expand your sales portals and payment options

Pros:

  • Free trial and free plan so you can test the service before paying or adequately manage a small business without additional expenses.
  • Integrates with marketplaces so you can sell on multiple platforms with no hassle.
  • Keep track of the movement of each item in your inventory, so you’re always aware of what you have and where it’s going.
  • Set workflows and automate some of your regular operations to streamline the process and make business easier on you.
  • All plans allow multiple users, so you don’t have to share sensitive information beyond the Zoho secure portal.

Cons:

  • Glitchy third-party integrations that are tough to install and connect then don’t function properly for streamlined sales.
  • Free plan has limits in terms of how you can classify products and process orders, which doesn’t make it an option for many businesses.
  • Infrequent updates can make this seem less functional than you’d want from such a crucial aspect of your company.

Is Zoho Order Management Hard to Use? Zoho Order Management is one of the easiest platforms on the market, which is why it’s so well-known.

You can get started with virtually no setup.

You’ll have no problem checking information with daily use because of the customer-friendly interface.

Pricing & Plans:

  • Free: $0.00
  • Standard: $79.00 per organization
  • Professional: $129.00 per organization
  • Premium: $199.00 per organization
  • Elite: $299.00 per organization

Zoho Order Management has competitively-priced plans for the services they’re offering.

As every plan allows two or more users, there’s little need to pay for extras, though you can do so for just $2.50 a month.

Even the free plan allows two users, which is just right for a small business.

The fact that this software has a free plan at all is impressive.

Only a few services on this list offer a free trial, which Zoho Order Management does as well.

If you have a small business shipping less than 50 orders a month, you might be able to get by with the free option.

In terms of pricing, you need to stay aware of the extras.

Besides paying for additional users, you’ll also have to pay more for extra warehouses and shipping labels.

Larger businesses might find that they’re paying more than their monthly plan’s base rate.

Our Take: Zoho Order Management is a big name in eCommerce, and sometimes it’s worth paying for such established software.

They know what businesses need and work to offer it in an intuitive dashboard.

We love how the program is easy to set up and get started with, so you don’t miss any sales as you switch to a new order management system.

The fulfillment aspect might not be best for all industries.

Users who run clothing companies expressed problems with item sizing during purchases.

Take advantage of the free trial before investing in this software to ensure it works for your product.

10. Cin7

Overview: Cin7 is an automated order management system aimed at businesses growing toward $1 million in revenue.

Cin7

Cin7 is an automated order management system aimed at businesses growing toward $1 million in revenue.

When you’re selling products, you can eliminate the need to manage inventory and sales yourself by outsourcing it to Cin7, which handles it all for you.

Our Rating: 4 stars

Best For: Startups

Notable Features:

  • Allows users to assign statuses and tags to stock for quick snapshots of your business
  • Ship directly from the supplier if you don’t have inventory available in your warehouse
  • Syncs all data for accurate information and detailed analytics

Pros:

  • Provides powerful automation to free up your employees for other tasks.
  • Dashboards and insights provide a full picture of how your business is doing in terms of sales, inventory, and revenue.
  • Warehouse management is simple due to the comprehensive dashboard.
  • Easy to use to keep track of inventory, backorders, supply chain issues, sales, and profits.
  • Allows multiple users on all plan tiers so everyone can access the same information without needing to transcribe it via email.

Cons:

  • Poor customer support can be troublesome if you have an issue preventing customers from completing purchases.
  • Users report instances of lost data that isn’t backed up, negatively impacting their business paperwork.
  • As it’s cloud-based, you can experience crashes and trouble logging in at certain times.

Is Cin7 Hard to Use? Cin7 isn’t hard to use.

The dashboard itself is intuitive, and if you hit a snag, you can use the online help platform to search for solutions.

If all else fails, you can contact customer support, though they’re not the most reliable option.

Pricing & Plans:

  • Small business: $299/month
  • Business: $539/month
  • Advanced: $999/month
  • Enterprise: Custom Pricing

Cin7 pricing is higher than some options on this list, but since they aim to help businesses with such high revenue, the cost is worth it.

When you think of the features, plus the ease of use, it’s really a small price to pay.

You’re able to focus on other aspects of your business because Cin7 takes care of the eCommerce side.

Our Take: Cin7 has something to offer all businesses, whether you’re just getting started or have multiple warehouses across the country.

It gives you the tools you need to sync all your data, so employees are aware of inventory levels, sales projections, and other analytics.

With all the possible integrations, you can add Cin7 to your current workflow.

The data from Cin7 can populate your accounting software to make things easy during tax time.

You can also use the program for multiple marketplaces.

Features to Look For in an Order Management System

Purchasing order management software is an investment in your business, and not just financially.

You’re bringing in a service that streamlines your company so much, that it’s almost like an additional employee.

The ten systems reviewed above have a lot to offer, but they might not be the best solution for your business.

This section helps you understand what you should consider before committing to a service.

1. Centralized System

A centralized system provides unified commerce for your business.

You can access your inventory, sales channel, and order processing from the same dashboard.

There’s no need to have different departments handling certain aspects of the company because it’s all accessible through the order management system.

2. Inventory Management

There are many avenues to sell your goods, but keeping up with inventory across those channels can be tough.

The right software helps with order fulfillment and automates your inventory records with each sale.

You don’t want to run out of products, but you also don’t need too much that will cost you profit in the long run, so it’s a delicate balance.

3. Fulfillment Center Synchronization

The fulfillment center synchronization takes place after the customer places their order.

It’s the main body of the supply chain that functions to make sure the right product goes to the right person on the set timeline.

As this factor makes such a big difference in your shipping schedule and customer satisfaction, it’s important to ensure nothing goes wrong.

That’s where an order management system comes into play.

4. Integrates Shipping Services

An order management service that integrates shipping services simplifies a major piece of the order fulfillment puzzle.

Quick shipping services mean you don’t have to manage packing and postage yourself and increase customer satisfaction.

Find software that communicates between the eCommerce platform of your shop and your warehouses for the best results.

5. Order Processing Scalability

The supply chain connects all processes of eCommerce together, from placing an order to fulfillment and beyond.

With scalability, you know the platform can handle your business and grow with it instead of needing to transition to a new software shortly down the line.

The scalability also relates to integrations with other programs to simplify the backend.

6. Multiple Payment Options

Offering multiple payment options enhances the customer experience.

Some users won’t get up to find their credit card, so if you don’t allow Paypal or CashApp integrations, you might miss a sale.

But instant payments aren’t the only option—you can offer installments as well.

Online retailers do this to meet customers where they are and make the purchase easy for them.

7. Refund Processing

Processing a refund involves more than just stellar customer service.

You want to reassure the customer that you’ll return their money in a way that keeps them satisfied with your business, but that’s only the outward-facing aspect.

You need to know what products they’re returning so you can update your inventory for the next sale.

Refunds also involve a lot of work on the backend.

Instead of ensuring that you’ve processed everything correctly, an order management service can take care of it for you.

Though no business wants to think about refunds, knowing your software can handle it will take a lot of work off your plate.

How Do You Choose an Order Management System?

The features section above gives you an idea of what to consider when you’re searching for an order management system.

You should look at your business style and overall purpose to ensure the software makes things easier for you and your customers.

Some key questions to ask when you’re looking for an order management system include:

  • What services do you want the software to perform?
  • Does the system grow along with your business?
  • Is it easy for both you and your customers to use?
  • Does the service fit into your budget?

The answers to these questions will help you find the right software for your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

You’ve learned about the top 10 order management systems.

If none of those offer what your business needs, you also know what to look for as you shop around.

In case you want some more information before committing to an order management system, check out the answers to these frequently asked questions.

What does an order management system do?

An order management system is a way businesses can track orders from start to finish.

Even before customers place orders through your site or eCommerce shop, you can use this software to check your inventory level.

When a customer makes a purchase, the software keeps track of all relevant information so you and your employees can ship out the necessary items.

Order management systems don’t stop after you mail the package.

They keep up with tracking numbers, possible refunds, and overall customer satisfaction.

The right order management system doesn’t only help a business but also provides a positive customer experience.

Why does a business need accurate order management?

Running a store is a lot of work. If you’re doing it on your own, you’re shipping orders, tracking packages, and following up with customers on top of managing other aspects.

Juggling all these tasks makes it more likely that you’ll make a mistake and send the wrong item or ship to the wrong address.
These mistakes cost your business money, and you might lose customers.

Accurate order management prevents these errors and increases customer satisfaction.

Using an order management system to accomplish these goals frees you up to work on other tasks.

Distributed order management keeps your costs low while still ensuring your customers get what they ordered in a timely manner, having a positive experience with your business overall.

Wrapping Up

QuickBooks Commerce is the clear winner because of its affordability, features offered, and seamless integration with accounting software.

However, if you’re willing to pay more and plan to scale your business, you might also like Zoho Order Management.

Create an appealing store and start getting benefits from your order management system today.

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How To Set Up Google Alerts In 2022 https://bloggingtips.com/how-to-set-up-google-alerts/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-set-up-google-alerts https://bloggingtips.com/how-to-set-up-google-alerts/#respond Sat, 30 Jul 2022 14:16:37 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=92402 Read more]]> Most people get their news and other information from the internet these days.

However, with the rapidly shifting nature of news and information, keeping up with what’s recent can be challenging.

To help combat that, Google created Google Alerts.

This feature makes keeping up with the latest news on your chosen topics a breeze.

But how do Google Alerts work, exactly?

And what can they do for you?

Keep reading to learn how to set up Google Alerts.

Google Alerts: The Basics

Before digging into how Google Alerts work and what you can use them for, let’s get into the basics a bit.

What Is a Google Alert?

A Google Alert is an email notification that Google sends to you each time new information on a chosen topic is published online.

You’ll be able to get a notification each time a mention of your keyword appears on the web, making it easy to stay up to date.

How Do Google Alerts Work?

When you sign up for Google Alerts, Google will proactively search the web for you as often as you’d like for a term, phrase, or topic.

Then, Google will notify you with a roundup of the most recent results.

Email Sample - The Complete Guide to Google Alerts

Are Google Alerts Free?

Google Alerts are completely free to use.

You can set up as many as you’d like and have them sent to your email at a designated frequency.

Google Alerts makes it easy to stay up to date and protect your online identity without paying a cent.

Before You Start

Before you set up your alerts, you’ll need to determine the type of alerts you can use.

There are plenty of topics to choose from, not to mention limitless keywords.

When you know how to wield the power of Google Alerts properly, it can be invaluable.

What Type of Alerts Can I Set Up?

You can set up Google Alerts that alert you to new information on keywords, business, people, news, and even yourself.

A person looking at news on their phone

1. News

If you want to keep up with the 24-hour news cycle but don’t want to sift through the piles of articles, Google Alerts can help.

Simply set your preferences to email you when new content gets published on your chosen topic.

For example, you could set up alerts for elections, sports game scores, or a specific movie.

2. Company or Brand Mentions

A Google alert will keep you in the loop when you want to get the latest updates for specific companies or brands.

Each time someone publishes information relating to your chosen brand or company, Google will send you an alert.

An alert for a company or brand is also helpful if you’re following information for recalls, shortages, or sales.

3. Personal Details

Everyone who uses the web should do an internet search for themselves at least once a month.

No matter how carefully you cultivate your online presence, you still need to monitor what others say about you.

This is especially critical if you run a personal brand.

So, if you want to control what personal details are available on the web, set up a Google Alert for yourself.

Google will notify you immediately if your name, email, or home address appears anywhere.

4. Plagiarism

People who create content for a living, whether social, professional, or academic, want to ensure their work always gets attributed to them.

To combat plagiarism, set up a few Google Alerts for sections of your content, such as a unique sentence in the middle of an article or social media post.

5. Other Topics Important to You

Do you have other topics you want to follow?

You can create Google Alerts for those, too.

For example, if you want the latest updates on your child’s school or local restaurants opening, you can use Google Alerts to find out as soon as new information is available.

Can You Set Up Google Alerts Without Gmail?

A Google Alert feature many users like is that you don’t need a Gmail account.

Although Google’s suite of services tends to work best together, you can set up a Google Alert using any email address.

However, a Gmail account will make it easier to use features like autofill.

What You’ll Need To Set Up Google Alerts

Setting up Google Alerts is easy and takes only a few minutes to complete.

All you need is your list of keywords and a Google account to get started.

The Keyword You’d Like To Be Alerted About

When setting up your Google Alerts, you’ll need to be precise with your keywords.

Some topics, such as your name, are simple.

However, other topics, such as politics, are more complex and often require multiple keywords.

For example, if you want to get news on the 2022 midterm election, consider getting alerts for “2022 election,” “2022 midterms,” and “2022 Congressional election.”

A Google Account

Although you don’t need a Gmail address to set up Google Alerts, you’ll need a Google account.

Signing up for a Google account is an easy process, so you’ll be able to get your alerts up and running in no time.

How To Set Up Google Alerts

If you’re ready to get started with Google Alerts, follow these steps.

Once there, you should see a screen that looks somewhat like this:

image showing the steps on how to set up a google alert

If you do, proceed to the next steps.

  • Type your chosen keyword or keywords in the “Create an alert about” field
  • Click “Create Alert.”
  • If you want personal information alerts, choose the appropriate option from “Me on the web.”

How To Customize Google Alerts After Setup

Sometimes getting your Google Alerts right takes some trial and error.

For example, perhaps a keyword is returning too many results or too few.

If that’s the case, you can edit your Google Alerts.

What Can I Customize?

Google makes it easy to customize various aspects of your Alerts.

You can change your delivery time, keywords, and frequency to best suit your needs.

How To Customize an Alert

If you need to customize a Google Alert, follow these steps.

  • Go to the Google Alerts page
  • Select the edit option to the right of the alert you want to edit
  • Make the necessary changes
  • Click “Update alert.”

How To Delete a Google Alert

At some point, you might decide you no longer need to receive regular updates about specific topics.

In that case, Google makes it easy to delete your Google Alerts.

Deleting an Alert From the Alerts Page

If you want to delete your Google Alert from the Alerts page, follow these steps.

  • Go to the Google Alerts page
  • Find the Alert you want to delete
  • Click the trashcan icon next to the Alert

Deleting an Alert From Email

When you don’t feel like going through the hassle of navigating to the Google Alerts page, you can delete your Alert from the Google Alert email you received.

1. Find an Alert email on the topic you want to delete

2. Scroll to the bottom of the email and select “Unsubscribe.”

Final Thoughts

Did you enjoy this tutorial on the convenience of using Google Alerts?

This Google feature is an excellent way to keep up with personal information and stay abreast of the latest news.

You won’t have to sift through long lists of links to find the information you need.

Instead, Google will send the latest updates to you as often as you need.

Have you used Google Alerts in the past?

Leave a comment below to tell us what you think.

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How To Deal With A PR Crisis: Effective Strategies to Deploy https://bloggingtips.com/pr-crisis/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pr-crisis https://bloggingtips.com/pr-crisis/#respond Sun, 26 Jun 2022 13:28:20 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=90723 Read more]]> If your company has ever faced a public relations crisis (PR Crisis), you know that it can be a daunting and challenging experience.

How do you deal with negative attention from the media and the public?

How do you protect your brand’s reputation?

In this blog post, we will explore some tips for dealing with a PR crisis.

We will also discuss how to create a crisis management plan to help ensure that your company is prepared for any potential situation.

Let’s get started!

What Is A Public Relations (PR) Crisis?

A PR crisis is a sudden and potentially negative event that can threaten the reputation of an individual, organization, or brand.

In the age of social media, a PR crisis can quickly go viral, magnifying the potential damage.

PR crises can be caused by a variety of things, including negative media coverage, employee misconduct, natural disasters, and more.

image showing a man jumping over an ocean with sharks to demonstrate a pr crisis

Managing a PR crisis requires quick thinking and a well-crafted communication strategy.

The goal is to minimize the damage and protect the reputation of the individual or organization.

This can be a difficult task, but with careful planning and execution, it is possible to successfully navigate a PR crisis.

Readable: How To Write A Blog Post

PR Crisis Management, PR Crisis Response Team, and PR Crisis Management Tools

PR crisis management is the process of identifying, assessing, and responding to a public relations crisis through a PR Crisis team.

Crisis management planning should be an integral part of any PR strategy.

By being prepared for a crisis, you can quickly and effectively respond when one occurs.

A PR Crisis response team should have a plan in place that includes the following steps:

  1. Monitor social media and other channels for signs of a crisis
  2. Assemble the team and assign roles
  3. Develop a communication strategy
  4. Implement the communication strategy
  5. Evaluate the results and make adjustments as necessary

PR Crisis Management Tools are essential for monitoring social media and other channels.

There are a variety of tools available, including Google Alerts, Mention, and Hootsuite Insights.

These tools can help you quickly identify potential PR crises and take action to mitigate the damage.

If you are new blogger the read the blog post “What Is A Blog? Definition, Types of Blogs, Examples & More”

Top 10 Tips To Deal With A PR Crisis

Here is the answer to your question “how to deal with a PR Crisis?”, and below are the top 10 important tips used in a crisis management plan.

image showing a man jumping over an ocean with sharks to demonstrate a pr crisis

Tip 1. Assess The Situation And Determine The Best Course Of Action

The first step is to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.

If the crisis is caused by an error on your part, own up to it and apologize.

If possible, take steps to remedy the situation.

For example, if you’ve released a faulty product, offer to replace it or provide a refund.

If you’re dealing with false rumors or negative press, be upfront and honest with your audience.

You may also need to adjust your strategy moving forward.

For instance, if you’re facing criticism for not being transparent enough, make a point of being more open and accessible in the future.

By taking the time to carefully assess the situation and develop a well-thought-out plan of action, you can minimize the damage of a PR crisis and get your business back on track.

You can find the blog post interesting: How To Monetize A Blog In 2022

Tip 2: Communicate With Your Team

Once you have assessed the situation and developed a plan of action, it is important to communicate with your team.

Make sure everyone is on the same page and knows what to do in the event of a crisis.

You should also designate a spokesperson who will be responsible for communicating with the media.

PR Crisis

It is also important to develop a crisis communication plan.

This document should outline how you will communicate with your employees, customers, and the general public in the event of a crisis.

By having a clear and concise plan in place, you can ensure that everyone knows what to do and who to contact in the event of a problem.

Tip 3: Take Control Of The Narrative

In the age of social media, it’s more important than ever to take control of the narrative.

If you don’t, someone else will. In a crisis, you need to be the one to define what is happening and how it will be perceived.

Companies communicate when a PR crisis occurs, through a number of several press releases to key stakeholders including their marketing team.

Business news circulates when a PR crisis hits the company’s reputation, brand reputation, etc.

The best way to do this is to proactively release accurate and timely information.

This can be done through a variety of channels, including social media, your website, and even traditional news outlets.

By getting ahead of the story, you can help ensure that the public hears your version of events first.

Tip 4: Be Transparent

When dealing with a PR crisis, it is important to be as transparent as possible.

This means being open and honest with your audience about what is happening.

It also means providing timely updates and keeping people informed of any changes.

By being transparent, you can help build trust with your audience.

This is especially important if you’re facing criticism for being secretive or less than forthcoming in the past.

By being open and honest, you can show your audience that you’re committed to being transparent moving forward.

Tip 5: Be Responsive

In the age of social media, it is important to be responsive to any questions or concerns that people may have.

This means monitoring your social media channels and quickly responding to any comments or messages.

It is also important to have a plan in place for how you will respond to negative press.

This may include issuing a statement, holding a press conference, or even reaching out to the media directly.

You may assist manage the narrative and minimizing the harm caused by a PR disaster by being responsive and by implementing better PR Crisis management.

Tip 6: Manage Your Online Reputation

In today’s digital world, your online reputation is more important than ever.

This is especially true in the event of a PR crisis.

In this situation, it is important to monitor what is being said about you online and take steps to protect your reputation.

There are several ways to do this, including setting up Google Alerts, monitoring social media, and even hiring a reputation management company.

a) Setting Up Google Alerts:

One of the easiest and most effective ways to monitor your online reputation is to set up Google Alerts.

This service allows you to track any mention of your business online, including news articles, blog posts, and even social media comments.

b) Monitoring Social Media:

Another important way to protect your online reputation is to monitor social media platforms.

This includes tracking any mention of your business on sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

If you see anything negative being said about your company, you can quickly address it.

c) Hiring A Reputation Management Company:

If you’re worried about your online reputation, you may want to consider hiring a reputation management company.

These companies can help you monitor your online presence and take steps to protect your reputation.

By taking steps to protect your online reputation, you can help ensure that your business can weather the storm of a PR crisis.

Tip 7: Learn From Your Mistakes

When it comes to dealing with a public relations crisis, you must learn from your mistakes.

One of the best ways to do this is to take a step back and objectively assess what went wrong.

Once you have identified the root cause of the problem, you can put together a plan to prevent it from happening again in the future.

This may involve making changes to your communication strategy, developing new procedures, or investing in additional training for your staff.

By taking the time to learn from your mistakes, you can help ensure that your business is able tocan effectively deal with any future PR crises.

Important blog: 7+ Free Tools to Help You Increase Website Traffic Exponentially

Tip 8: Always Have A Crisis Plan

When it comes to dealing with a PR crisis, it is important to have a crisis plan in place.

This means knowing who to contact, what steps to take, and how to communicate with your audience.

By having a plan in place, you can help ensure that you’re able to effectively deal with any situation that may arise.

One of the best ways to develop a plan is to create a crisis communications playbook.

This document should outline the steps you need to take in the event of a crisis.

It should also include contact information for key personnel, as well as template messages that can be used in a variety of situations.

Having one helps guarantee that you’re ready for whatever life throws your way.

Tip 9: Take Action Quickly To Resolve The Issue:

Crisis hits every organization’s reputation and therefore it is important to take action quickly.

This means identifying the problem and taking steps to resolve it as soon as possible.

By taking quick action, you can help limit the damage of a PR crisis and ensure that your business can recover quickly.

Tip 10: Be Prepared For The Future

Even if you take all of the necessary steps to avoid a PR crisis, there is always a chance that one could occur.

This is why it is so important to be prepared for the future.

One way to do this is to create a crisis communications plan.

This document should outline the steps you need to take in the event of a crisis.

It should also include contact information for key personnel, as well as template messages that can be used in a variety of situations.

By having a plan in place, you can help ensure that you’re prepared for anything that may come your way.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, a PR crisis can be a daunting challenge for any business.

However, by taking the necessary steps, and following a PR crisis management plan, you can help ensure that your business can effectively deal with the situation.

By remaining calm, being transparent, and taking quick action, you can help limit the damage of a crisis and ensure that your business can recover quickly.

So, if you find yourself amid a PR crisis, don’t panic. Just follow these simple tips and you’ll be back on track in no time.

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