You might think Black Friday advertising is just about yelling “SALE!” and endless discount banners. The reality is quite different. Black Friday has produced some of the most creative marketing campaigns we’ve seen. Brands like Samsung created reverse auctions while Patagonia took an anti-consumerism stance. These approaches showed that Black Friday advertising goes beyond price cuts.
These campaigns turned a simple discount day into something bigger – a cultural phenomenon. Some brands took bold steps. They raised prices when others lowered them. They connected shopping with social causes. A few brands even told their customers not to buy anything. Here we look at some state-of-the-art campaigns that did more than boost sales – they reshaped our view of Black Friday completely. These campaigns teach us valuable lessons about creativity, courage, and marketing that shape retail strategies today.
Samsung redefined Black Friday advertising with a game-changing concept in 2022. The company turned traditional discounting upside down by launching a reverse auction platform that gave customers control over pricing.
Campaign Strategy and Implementation
The concept was simple yet revolutionary. Samsung’s reverse auctions started at full retail price and dropped until someone placed a bid or the price reached INR 83.77. This was different from traditional auctions where prices go up. The platform came with several features:
Dynamic content and live bidding capabilities
Up-to-the-minute price drops visible to all participants
Automatic bid processing system
Mystery product reveals to keep excitement high
Premium products became available through this unique pricing model. These included the 85″ QN900B Neo QLED 8K Smart TV (RRP INR 1,005,104.69) and Galaxy Z Fold4 (RRP INR 209,330.49).
Consumer Response and Engagement
The auctions generated tremendous enthusiasm. Over 51,600 people signed up to participate. Customers grabbed products at significant discounts:
Smart Monitor M8 UHD went for 49.7% off RRP
The Freestyle Portable Projector sold at 46.5% off RRP
The industry recognised this breakthrough approach. The campaign won multiple prestigious awards including Silver Cannes Lions for Data-Driven Direct Strategy and Use of Digital Platforms, along with Bronze Cannes Lions for Consumer Goods and Small-Scale Media.
Patagonia’s ‘Don’t Buy This Jacket’ Campaign (2011)
Patagonia’s ‘Don’t Buy This Jacket’ Black Friday Campaign
Patagonia shocked the advertising world during Black Friday 2011. While other retailers slashed prices, they ran a full-page New York Times ad with an unusual headline: “Don’t Buy This Jacket.”
Campaign Message and Values
The campaign showcased Patagonia’s steadfast dedication to environmental responsibility. The brand boldly revealed their best-selling R2 jacket’s environmental cost:
36 gallons of water consumed (equivalent to 45 people’s daily needs)
20 pounds of carbon dioxide emitted (24x the jacket’s weight)
Two-thirds of its weight in waste produced
This message lined up with their mission: “Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire, and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.”
Marketing Strategy and Execution
Simple yet powerful describes the campaign’s execution. A full-page ad displayed their popular jacket next to detailed environmental data. The Common Threads Initiative made this Black Friday advertising stand out by asking consumers to:
Buy only what they need
Repair what breaks
Reuse or recycle everything else
The campaign’s influence reached way beyond the reach and influence of immediate sales. Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia’s founder, observed: “Every time we’ve done the right thing, it’s ended up making us more money.” Many brands now follow similar value-driven approaches, showing that environmental responsibility and business success can go hand in hand.
Patagonia became the trailblazer of environmentally responsible Black Friday campaigns. They continued this tradition through initiatives like their 2016 campaign, where they donated 100% of Black Friday revenues to environmental protection groups.
The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic devastated businesses worldwide. Yet it sparked one of the most meaningful Black Friday marketing initiatives. Google turned the year’s biggest shopping day into a powerful movement that supported Black-owned businesses as they fought to survive.
Campaign Development and Goals
A harsh reality sparked this initiative: 41% of Black-owned businesses had shut down during the pandemic. Google partnered with the US Black Chambers, Inc. to build a campaign that went beyond traditional advertising. They set out with clear objectives:
Build long-term economic strength
Help people find businesses through Google products
Reshape consumer shopping habits
Social Impact and Reach
The campaign grew remarkably. It featured partnerships with renowned artists like Wyclef Jean, Ari Lennox, and Keke Palmer. The 2023 version turned “100% Pure Love” into “100% Black-Owned” – a perfect blend of culture and purposeful marketing.
Business and Community Results
Participating businesses saw exceptional growth. GROUNDED, one featured business, saw its Instagram traffic jump by an incredible 3000%. The program introduced useful tools such as:
Black-owned business badges on Google Maps and Search
AI-powered Product Studio to create better product images
A dedicated microsite showcasing Black-owned products
This campaign stands out in Black Friday advertising because of its dedication to permanent change. Google built a support system that helps Black entrepreneurs year-round, instead of focusing on just one day of sales.
“Where America spends their dollars really can make change,” became more than words – it grew into a movement that changed how people think about conscious shopping during the holidays.
TWOJEYS Casino Heist Campaign (2020)
TWOJEYS Casino Heist Campaign
Black Friday advertising reached new heights when TWOJEYS, a Spanish unisex jewellery brand, turned their 2020 campaign into a Hollywood-style heist film.
Creative Concept and Execution
The brand created an amazing 5:40-minute movie with a star-studded cast. Actor Oscar Casas, model Jessica Goicoechea, YouTuber Nil Ojeda, and singer Lil Moss teamed up with TWOJEYS founders to tell a thrilling story about a €10 million jewellery heist from a casino bank.
These production elements stood out:
Cinema-quality filming that matches Hollywood standards
A story that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats
Natural placement of brand elements
Entertainment and marketing that work hand in hand
Campaign Success Metrics
The results were a big deal as they meant traditional Black Friday marketing standards were left in the dust. The first 24 hours showed:
5,000+ new orders came flooding in
An incredible 5 million Instagram views
Brand awareness skyrocketed across European markets
Engagement rates hit record levels for a jewellery brand
This campaign stands out because it took Black Friday advertising from basic promotional content to must-watch entertainment. TWOJEYS proved that great storytelling can turn advertising into something people want to watch and share. Sometimes the best way to boost sales is to give people something they truly enjoy.
The best marketing wins sometimes come from apparent mistakes. Our team analysed one of the most intriguing Black Friday advertising moments. McDonald’s posted what looked like an incomplete tweet: “Black Friday **** Need copy and link****.”
Social Media Strategy
A social media nightmare at 2 AM turned into a masterclass in brand management. McDonald’s took a potential PR crisis and reshaped the scene into marketing gold. The tweet stayed live for hours, which showed remarkable restraint in crisis management.
Their response strategy turned out brilliant:
They managed to keep the tweet instead of deleting it
They followed up with a clever self-deprecating response
They utilised the moment to show brand authenticity
The way competitors joined the conversation fascinated us. Wendy’s, known for their social media wit, couldn’t resist jumping in, which amplified the campaign’s reach even further. The “mistake” created more awareness than any planned Black Friday marketing could have achieved.
Brand Engagement Results
This campaign’s success taught us valuable lessons about modern marketing:
Authenticity Wins: The human element of the “mistake” struck a chord more than polished marketing
Quick Thinking Matters: Their follow-up tweet about needing McCafé coffee first showed the perfect brand voice
Engagement Over Perfection: The imperfect tweet created more interaction than their typical promotional content
This case turned from a potential crisis into a textbook example of modern social media marketing. Brands have tried to copy this “authentic” approach, but McDonald’s accidental success showed that the best Black Friday advertising comes from embracing imperfection rather than chasing perfection.
Successful campaigns shared key ingredients: they stayed true to their values, had a clear purpose, and knew their customers well. Samsung created excitement with reverse auctions while Google’s #BlackOwnedFriday showed how technology could drive social change. McDonald’s proved that authentic imperfections appeal more than perfect marketing. Barnes & Noble reminded everyone that physical stores still create unique experiences.
These stories teach crucial lessons about marketing today. Brands need to stand for something real, take bold creative risks and build real relationships with customers instead of chasing quick profits. The numbers tell the story – Patagonia’s sales grew 30% after asking people not to buy their products. TWOJEYS got 5,000 orders through creative storytelling.
StartupTalky’s Instagram page offers great content, reels, case studies, memes and more to help you learn about retail breakthroughs and marketing insights.
Black Friday’s future belongs to brands that build meaningful customer connexions while staying authentic. These campaigns prove that customers notice and respond when brands dare to be different and true to themselves.
FAQ
What are some of the best Black Friday marketing campaigns in history?
Some of the best Black Friday marketing campaigns of all time are:
Samsung’s Reverse Auction Campaign (2022)
Patagonia’s ‘Don’t Buy This Jacket’ Campaign (2011)
Google’s #BlackOwnedFriday Initiative (2020-2022)
TWOJEYS Casino Heist Campaign (2020)
McDonald’s ‘Mistake’ Tweet Campaign (2017)
What sells the most on Black Friday?
Electronics, home appliances, clothing, and toys are the top-selling categories on Black Friday.
How do you run a successful Black Friday campaign?
We are in December, and Christmas is just a few days ahead. These days, most of you are thinking about how you can celebrate Christmas in the office with your colleagues. If you belong to the usual category of people, then you will follow the regular tradition of celebrating Christmas at work.
But if you are someone who would love to celebrate Christmas in an unusual way, then we have plenty of ideas for Christmas celebrations in office or Work-from-Home (WFH). December comes with the promise of Christmas. This winter month brings the joy of festivals, love, and happiness. It is a time of celebration all around the world. Christmas is a festival that brings coziness to people’s hearts. Be it a celebration at home or the office, it holds a big place in our hearts.
The festive vibes have become quite different since the pandemic. Some activities have returned to their normal phase, yet they are not quite like regular fun. The pandemic has made the celebrations different for the offices and home. The people working from home are not able to celebrate it with their colleagues and have the fun they used to have. But there are always ways to celebrate, no matter what. Here are a few ideas for Christmas celebrations in office to make Christmas a fun event in your office.
You must be thinking, what are the traditions of Christmas celebrations? Various cultures around the world consider this time of the year as the end of dark days and the beginning of new bright days. Everyone and every culture celebrates it in their own way. Well, first, families and friends gather in church and then for a mass party. Then, the exchange of gifts and wishes happens.
Most people celebrate the festival with some basic traditions. These might include decking up the Xmas tree, performing church services, distributing candies, having feasts, and most importantly, becoming a Santa Claus.
Christmas Celebration in Office
The Christmas celebrations have now become different. The work-from-home culture has created mixed feelings among the employees. Some feel happy to be at home and chill in their own coziness. On the other hand, some tend to miss the office Christmas festival.
Offices have an appealing atmosphere during the time of Christmas. There are events hosted; offices get decked up, secret Santa is played, and much more. However, due to such amazing ceremonies at home, the event organizers in the office have tried to make the Christmas party more fun and happening for the office employees.
How To Celebrate Christmas in Offices?
Since employees want to leave home early to enjoy their time with their friends and family, celebrations can be a bit lethargic at the office. So, there are certain things that you can do to make the Christmas party in offices exciting. These include:
It’s Time to Bring in The Secret Santa
This is one of the best ways you can spice up the Christmas celebrations in offices. Play Secret Santa with your colleagues. It creates excitement and engagement among the employees to be a secret Santa for someone and receive a secret gift too.
Desk Décor Competition
Christmas Celebration in Office – Desk Decor Competition
The first thing to do at office Christmas celebration is to make it like a party house, for this decoration is the key to lighting up the eyes of the people. Another fun activity that you can perform is organizing a fun competition. In this, you can ask all the employees to decorate their desks. You can also select a judge who can later look at their desks and announce the winner. This helps to create a healthy and fun-filled team spirit during Christmas.
Asking employees to decorate together will also enhance team bonding. Along with that, it will create excitement among them for Christmas Eve. This is a good idea to keep up the celebrating spirit in the office. Hosting events promotes teamwork among the employees. It can be a fun activity to prep and have fun at festive events.
Since most employees want to leave the office and have fun with their family and friends, this could be a good Christmas celebration idea in the office. A day can be organized when the employees can bring their family and friends to the office. This not only brightens up the festive spirit but also develops a personal bond between colleagues and their families. Their family will also feel connected with the organization.
Host a Fun Awards Ceremony
How about having a fun Christmas celebration at the office during the holidays? You can make it fancy or chill and give awards like Best Team Player, Most Improved, and Best Attitude. Don’t forget to include the important ‘Employee of the Month’ award! You can also add some Christmas fun by creating special awards for the holidays. This is a great way to show your appreciation and make everyone smile!
Festive Carol Sing-Along
Get into the holiday spirit at work by throwing a festive Christmas office celebration party! Bring some extra joy to the season with a classic sing-along. Christmas carols are a perfect way to lift everyone’s spirits. Don’t stress about hitting the right notes – the main thing is that everyone has a great time and gets into the festive mood. After all, nothing says “happy holidays” like singing together and creating lasting memories with your colleagues.
Plan a Festive Feast for Christmas
It’s a great idea to treat your colleagues to a Christmas celebration at a workplace with lunch or dinner as a way to show your appreciation. Whether you choose to order catered seasonal delights or make homemade treats, hosting a festive office meal can be a wonderful opportunity to bond over delicious food and engaging conversation. So, put on your Santa hat and start planning a memorable Christmas lunch for your coworkers!
This is a great time to distribute small yet memorable gifts. The company can distribute certain gifts to all its employees. This raises enthusiasm among the employees during the holiday season. Thus, it is a good way to add to the celebrations of Christmas.
Tree Decorating Competition
Christmas Celebration in Office – Tree Decor Competition
How about having a contest to decorate a Christmas tree this year? Employees can team up or do it independently to make the office look festive and win prizes. Just set up a tree in the lobby or break room and give everyone lights, garlands, and hooks for ornaments. You can also think of more ideas for Christmas decorations. Then, let everyone be creative! Decorating a Christmas tree is super fun, and there are many ways to do it. Tell everyone to think of cool ideas. It’s a great way to make the office look Christmassy and have fun!
Christmas Decoration Market
Gift Wrapping Contest
Christmas is all about giving gifts, so let’s make it even more fun with a gift-wrapping contest! Receiving a beautifully wrapped gift makes it feel extra special.
Set up a gift-wrapping station with all the supplies your employees need. Give them time to show off their creativity and see who can wrap the gifts the fastest and neatest. It can be one of the best ways for Christmas celebration in office.
Add some fun to your holiday party with a DIY photo booth! Use simple items like Santa hats, elf ears, and reindeer antlers, all of which are easy to find at the dollar store. Create a festive backdrop with lights, garlands, or snowflakes. For instant prints, keep a mini photo printer nearby. If you’d rather not do it yourself, you can hire a professional photo booth with holiday props. Capture the moments and give your employees fun memories to take home.
Cookie Decorating Contest
Sweet treats are a must for Christmas, and what better than cookies to enjoy with hot chocolate?
Organize a cookie decorating competition to let your employees show off their creativity. Give them different cookie shapes and let them get creative with their designs! It can be one of the most creative Christmas tasks for colleagues.
Christmas Celebration Ideas in Office
How to Celebrate Christmas Virtually at Work?
The pandemic has made the work-of-home culture a new normal. It is important to keep the festive spirit alive even from home. Here are some ways you can celebrate Christmas along with the WFH regime:
Christmas Décor
This is the simplest and the most effective idea to keep up with the Christmas tradition in India or any part of the world. You can set up a small Christmas tree in your home and put some lights on it.
Have a Virtual Party
Another idea is that you can host an online Christmas party. If you miss your office and colleagues, you can invite them to a virtual party. This way, you can enjoy office fun at home.
Volunteer At An NGO
Christmas Celebration Ideas – Christmas Toy Drive
This is a generous idea to make your Christmas from home more beautiful. You can go or send some useful things to an NGO. Seeing the smiles on many faces is sure to brighten up your festive season.
Be Your Own Santa
Christmas is a season of fun and happiness. The WFH regime can be lonely if you are away from your friends and family. So be your own Santa and get yourself something that you love. It is time to know that you must keep yourself happy, too.
There can be various other ways by which you can make your WFH Christmas a fun one. These can be playing online games, virtual dinners with colleagues, virtual karaoke, virtual baking contests, etc.
You might want to consider using Christmas Ice-Breaker Questions. This activity is designed to help employees get to know each other better and ease any awkwardness before the Christmas party vibes kick in. Create a set of holiday-themed icebreaker questions and have your team answer them individually.
Ugly Sweater Competition
Motivate your team to don their quirkiest and most hilariously festive Christmas sweaters. Arrange a virtual fashion show for everyone to flaunt their creations and let the team vote for the most outrageously ugly sweater. Consider giving a fun prize or special recognition to the winner. For those who are shy, I suggest they design and share their ugly sweater creations using photo editors and neural networks for added creativity and fun.
Gift Boxes
Want to surprise your remote team with Christmas gifts? No worries, use the mail!
Check out online stores for ready-made holiday gift boxes or personalized corporate presents. Send yummy snacks or cute Christmas souvenirs to your team, no matter where they are. For a budget-friendly option, give online gift cards or subscriptions to streaming services and virtual classes. It’s a way to save on shipping but still bring lots of holiday happiness to your team.
Christmas Potluck
Christmas Celebration Ideas – Christmas Potluck
Working from home gets you near your family and old friends. Most of the time during the WFH, everyone stays busy during the day and tired at night. This leaves no time to catch up with old friends.
So, you can organize a potluck where your friends and family can bring a dish, and you can all enjoy it together at home. This is a fun-filled and happy idea for your Christmas at home.
WFH Scavenger Hunt
Remember that awesome feeling when you find something you thought was lost or solve a tough problem? It’s a great feeling! You can give your colleagues that mix of stress and happiness by organizing a Work-from-Home Scavenger Hunt.
Just make a list of things they need to find to win. But here’s the twist: don’t just say what the things are. Make it fun by making them guess and wonder if they even have that mysterious item at home. It’s a game that adds excitement to working from home!
Holiday Bingo
Christmas Celebration in Office – Holiday Bingo
Virtual Holiday Bingo is a fun way to get everyone talking and connecting at your online party. Give each participant a Bingo card and encourage them to interact with others during the event.
Players mark the squares on their cards with the names of people who match the descriptions. The first one to fill five squares in a row and shout “Bingo!” wins, adding a fun and interactive touch to your virtual holiday celebration.
Conclusion
Christmas is the festival that brings holidays, love, and happiness. This is a fun time in the office, too. With exquisite décor and various activities, employees find it an appealing time. The fun at the offices during Christmas has been affected by the pandemic.
Work From Home has taken the place of offices. More and more people are now working from home. This can be comforting for some, but it lacks the enthusiasm of the office celebrations. But in the end, always remember that keeping up with your happiness and festive spirits starts and ends with you.
FAQs
How to celebrate Christmas in office?
Arrange a Desk Décor Competition, Organize a Family and Friends Day, or you can play Secret Santa with your colleagues.
What are Christmas celebration ideas for the office in India?
The different ways in which Christmas can be celebrated at work are:
Organize a festive office party with decorations, music, and a Secret Santa gift exchange.
Plan a team-building activity like a holiday-themed game or volunteer together for a charitable cause.
How do you celebrate office Christmas virtually?
Have a Virtual Party, Arrange a Christmas potluck at your house, or Be your own Santa.
What Christmas games can you play virtually?
Jingle Mingle Bingo, Seasonal Scavenger Hunt, Holiday This or That, Never Have I Ever: Christmas Edition, Secret Santa.
How do you ensure the office Christmas party is fun?
The most upright way to enjoy a party is to leave worries at home. People feel comfortable with you when you live in the moment you enjoy and love the most.
In recent years, e-commerce has become a very important part of shopping worldwide. Like other industries, buying and selling products has changed a lot with the internet. Now, because of digital technology, people everywhere enjoy the benefits of online shopping. With over five billion people using the internet, more and more people are buying things online. As per Statista report, in 2024, global eCommerce sales are expected to be over 4.1 trillion U.S. dollars, and this number is likely to grow even more in the future.
In 2023, worldwide online shopping sales reached about 5.8 trillion U.S. dollars. Experts expect this number to grow by 39% in the coming years, likely passing $8 trillion by 2027.
As per a survey, more than 50% of customers are ready to pay more for a faster experience. An ample number of players are now in the market to end the monopoly of a few billion-dollar eCommerce giants. The rapid expansion of the market in such a short time equally pushes the pressure on the web traffic control system and generates issues like system down or pending payments. For an eCommerce business to grow healthily and consistently, a coordinated effort between the client and hosting provider is a must while being adaptive to the transformations and keeping the prices reasonable at the same time.
Nowadays, there are various eCommerce web hosting providers present in the market that can help companies with their processes. Some of the most popular names include Shopify, Hostinger, Bluehost, etc.
When you want to open an eCommerce store, you’ll need a platform to host it, which is known as a web host or hosting. Hosting provides you with a server on which you can host your website. The site will connect to the internet via this server, and users will be able to access it. In simple words, you need a virtual space for your store. So, you are purchasing the right to use unused server space on someone else’s server. You can acquire hosting in a variety of formats and specialties from different hosting providers available.
Types of Hosting
The following are different types of Hosting:
Shared Hosting
As the name suggests, in this type of hosting, you have to share the server’s resources with other websites. In simple words, in this type, many websites reside on a single server. It is less expensive than other types of hosting, but you may experience slower speeds here.
Dedicated Hosting
Cloud hosting is dedicated hosting. This is one of the top hosting options for eCommerce businesses. It is highly scalable and may quickly overrun your eCommerce store’s server environment. Here, if the traffic is high, the scalability can be increased, and vice versa.
VPS Hosting
VPS stands for “Virtual Private Server.” VPS hosting is more secure than shared hosting because it is a closed environment. If a shared host website is infected with malware, it can easily spread to other sites, including yours. But in the case of VPS hosting, you will get private resources on a server that has other users as well.
Things to Consider While Choosing an Ecommerce Hosting Provider?
When comparing all of the different hosting services, there are numerous things to consider while choosing a hosting provider:
Make sure it has enough storage and bandwidth.
Make sure the service provider supports your CMS.
Your hosting supplier must provide you with 24-hour assistance.
Check the security of the payment method, SSL certificate is a powerful tool for this.
Make sure it is secure and ready to tackle high databases.
The hosting solution should be fast & reliable so that customers do not need to run a slow site.
Auto-scaling availability when traffic is high.
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Advantages of Choosing the Right Ecommerce Hosting Provider
Retail Ecommerce Sales Worldwide from 2017 to 2022
Customers will get a fast and smarter experience. Your eCommerce store’s hosting would be able to handle the volume of traffic in the best possible manner. A hassle-free experience for the customer will push your branding & marketing and will also help to boost sales. You, as an owner will be able to save time, money, and resources.
24×7 Availability
One of the most significant commercial benefits of eCommerce software is that it allows you to keep your online store open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Your business hours are not restricted by your actual location or your employees’ schedules. You are not necessary to constantly check your online store through your dashboard because everything is automated.
Security
Hackers often target eCommerce sites because they store sensitive information such as clients’ debit or credit card numbers, account information, bank passwords, user information, etc. It is easy for them to hack a website that isn’t safe, and most new businesses don’t know how to protect their online store.The eCommerce web hosting providers will ensure the encrypted payment information will SSL certification.
Boosts Marketing and Sales
Many eCommerce website hosting providers include marketing tools and SEO features to help rank higher in search engine results and attract more visitors. Built-in analytics and statistical tools may give you real-time analytical data, allowing you to create targeted marketing campaigns, special deals, and offers and make product mix or promotion adjustments.
The following are the most popular eCommerce hosting providers that will help you scale your business to newer heights:
Cloudways
Ecommerce Hosting Provider
Cloudways
Rank
4.7 out of 5
Starting Plan
$14 per month
Cloudways – Best Ecommerce Hosting Provider
Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting platform designed for high performance and ease. It takes care of server management and app setup, so you can focus on growing your online store.
Cloudways integrates with top cloud providers like DigitalOcean, AWS, Vultr, Linode, and Google Cloud, offering speed and flexibility. It supports popular apps like WordPress, WooCommerce, and Magento with one-click installations and automatic backups.
With 24/7 support and a customer-first approach, Cloudways helps businesses save time and boost productivity. It is trusted by over 100K agencies and small businesses around the globe.
Pros
Easy integration with top cloud providers (AWS, DigitalOcean, Vultr).
One-click installation for popular applications like WooCommerce and Magento.
24/7/365 customer support.
Flexible plans to suit different needs, including managed cloud hosting.
Cons
Pricing is higher compared to shared hosting options.
Does not offer server root access.
Pricing Plans
Cloudways offers the following pricing plans:
Vendor
Price Range (per month)
DigitalOcean
$14 – $487
VULTR
$16 – $334
AWS (Amazon Web Services)
$38.56 – $3569.98
Linode
$14 – $1,253
Google Cloud (GCP)
$37.45 – $1593.58
Bluehost
Ecommerce Hosting Provider
Bluehost
Rank
3.5 out of 5
Starting Plan
$4.95 per month
Bluehost – Best Ecommerce Hosting Provider
Bluehost has something for everyone, regardless of what hosting level you require, from basic to boost-up plans. It offers VPS hosting, shared hosting, and WordPress-friendly plans. Bluehost is a seasoned hosting provider that keeps its costs reasonable and competitive while providing quick and reliable services. When the site’s traffic is strong, Bluehost substantially performs better than the competition.
The platform offers unlimited bandwidth, SSL-certified security, industry-standard spam blocking, and limitless SSD storage(for speed, power, and durability). Reliable uptime and the speed offered ensures a smooth service. Some clients are upset with site migration costs and renewal plans. Bluehost WooCommerce provides customized mobile-responsive templates, setup-call, and well-coded themes.
Pros
Easy WordPress setup with one-click installation.
Free domain for the first year
WooCommerce plugin pre-installed with free storefront designs and extensions.
Cons
Only Linux servers are available, and no Windows options.
Some plans have storage limits.
Pricing Plans
BlueHost offers the following pricing plans:
Plans
Pricing
Shared hosting
$4.95/month
VPS hosting
$18.99/month
Dedicated hosting
$79.99/month
Hostinger
Ecommerce Hosting Provider
Hostinger
Rank
4.4 out of 5
Starting Plan
$1.99 per month
Hostinger – Best Ecommerce Hosting Provider
Hostinger is the most cost-effective eCommerce hosting service. You won’t have to compromise quality to save money. While the platform’s functionality is limited, you can expect some of the fastest page load speeds and the most reliable performance. It assures a 99.9% uptime guarantee. Google PageSpeed rewarded them full marks for fast page load time.
Hostinger provides one-click installation for a variety of content management systems. Both Windows and Linux hostings are available with multilingual client support. To provide the best security for your online business, you get SSL and weekly backups, multiple accounts, firewalls, and server monitoring. For example, its premium plan offers 100 websites, 100 GB SSD, unlimited bandwidth, and more for $2.99 per month.
Pros
AI-powered website creation
Free custom domain name for the first year on annual plans.
24/7 live chat and email support.
Cons
E-commerce plans are limited to 500 products.
No app marketplace to expand features.
Pricing Plans
Hostinger offers the following pricing plans:
Plans
Pricing
Single
$1.99/month
Premium
$2.99/month
Business
$4.99/month
SiteGround
Ecommerce Hosting Provider
SiteGround
Rank
4.3 out of 5
Starting Plan
$3.99 per month
SiteGround – Best Ecommerce Hosting Sites
When it comes to online store hosting, SiteGround checks all the boxes, checking for speed, power, and dependability. SiteGround is simple to use and scalable. SiteGround, which focuses on WordPress hosting, is not the cheapest eCommerce hosting provider on the list, but it does deliver the finest support. Every basic business necessity is covered by it. You have email accounts for marketing purposes, and SSL is automatically set to secure sensitive data being sent.
Extra features for your website are added in the eCommerce website hosting plans to help your online store develop well. This includes free shopping carts, installation, free eShop transfer, and numerous physical server locations.
SiteGround creates its tools to help WordPress sites load as quickly as feasible. This includes a custom PHP configuration, three levels of caching, the Nginx web server, and on-site optimizations. Constant monitoring, Web-Application Firewalls (WAF), daily backups, and SSL certificates are all in place for complete protection.
It includes SSL certificates and payment gateways as mandatory for all eCommerce hosting packages. Its non-stop chat support helps budding startups overcome confusion. The Business plan includes a free Positive SSL update, a free dedicated IP address, a free domain, and free SEO Tools that walk you through how to optimize your website for search engines and boost your RoI. Hostgator is ranked 4.7 out of 5 by the Websitebuilderexpert’s survey.
The pocket-friendly shared web hosting offers unmetered bandwidth and free SEO support. The Gator eCommerce package integrates eCommerce capabilities into the powerful Gator web builder. Inventory management, shipping data management, tax calculation, and coupons are all included in the Gator Website Builder store. With VPS hosting, you can rent and use a secure private space in the data center. For more safety, you have an option for Firewall and DDOS protection.
Pros
Budget-friendly pricing plans, ideal for beginners
Easy one-click installation for popular e-commerce platforms like WordPress and WooCommerce
Complimentary website migration service
Cons
Restoration of backups comes with an extra fee
Website speed can be inconsistent, occasionally slower than competitors
Pricing Plans
HostGator offers the following pricing plans:
Plans
Pricing
Hatchling plan
$2.75/month
Baby plan
$3.50/month
Business plan
$5.25/month
Shopify
Ecommerce Hosting Provider
Shopify
Rank
4.4 out of 5
Starting Plan
$29 per month
Shopify – Best Ecommerce Site Hosting Provider
Shopify is a well-known eCommerce web-building platform in the online store hosting market. It uses themes to assist and arrange the layout of your store’s appearance, which you can replace in the way you like. Even newbies can use it without HTML or basic coding tutorials for an easy access system. Users can directly use Shopify POS to sell or set up their web platform. CMS, which is superior to their open-source, hosted platforms, offers a simpler shop setup process and easy day-to-day management.
Without additional payment burden, clients enjoy hosting, shopping cart capabilities, and sales channel integration. Additional advantages include limitless bandwidth and quick updates like Apple Pay. Shopify hostings include PCI DSS level 1 advantage for robust security.
Shopify’s content delivery network is backed by Fastly and Cloudflare. Shopify has 3200+ apps for clients to choose from.
Pros
Simple interface and easy setup, perfect for beginners
Integrated SEO and marketing tools
Various secure payment processing options
Cons
Advanced customizations may need coding skills
Transaction fees apply if Shopify Payments isn’t used
One of the largest domain hosting services is provided by this US-based web hosting company, GoDaddy. You’ll get unmetered bandwidth, cPanel-powered Linux hosting, free backup and restore services, unlimited storage, and 24/7 customer support in addition to a free domain.
It guarantees a 99.9% uptime like other competitors. The biggest disadvantage is that GoDaddy does not provide free SSL, which most of the top web hosting businesses offer. On the other hand, customers have access to a variety of user-friendly web-building tools. It offers various hosting options, including shared, VPS, dedicated, and managed WordPress hosting. It provides a user-friendly cPanel service, which is perhaps the best quality of web hosting available.
Pros
Quick and easy setup to launch an online store in minutes
List up to 5,000 products on basic plans, unlimited on higher tiers
Sell across multiple channels like Amazon, Etsy, and social media
Cons
May not be ideal for large or fast-growing businesses
Fewer design templates than some competitors
Pricing Plans
GoDaddy offers below pricing plans:
Plans
Pricing
Starter
INR 119/month
Economy
INR 219/month
Deluxe
INR 299/month
Ultimate
INR 499/ month
Magento Cloud Hosting
Ecommerce Hosting Provider
Magento Cloud Hosting
Rank
4.0 out of 5
Starting Plan
$20 per month
Magento Cloud Hosting – Best Ecommerce Hosting Provider
Magento cloud hosting is one of the most reliable, adaptable, and scalable open-source eCommerce platforms in the market. Magento comes with various tools for creating and managing an online business. It is well-known among programmers for its use of object-oriented programming (OOP) and, in particular, the Entity–Attribute–Value (EAV) model. This gives Magento the flexibility to store a wide range of data.
With the support of Jelastic PaaS, Magento can be automatically deployed and hosted on the cloud. NGINX or LiteSpeed are two installation packages that use distinct web servers in the topology.
Magento is not only user-friendly, but it also benefits merchants because it allows them to manage various stores from a single administrative panel. It’s an ideal shopping cart that matches the demands of today’s competitive marketplace.
Pros
Scales resources to handle traffic spikes and growth
Strong security with SSL, firewalls, and regular updates
Cloud infrastructure with multiple data centers for better global performance
Cons
Some industries may struggle with cloud hosting due to regulatory issues
More costly than basic shared hosting, especially for high-traffic sites
Jamstack, which stands for JavaScript, APIs, and Markup, is a web development architecture. In simple words, it is an advanced, user-friendly web application creation service.
To build and set up a Jamstack website, you do not need to use API or JavaScript. Jamstack offers several key advantages, including improved performance, security, developer experience, and scalability. Its product catalog keeps track of product information and marketing content. Its technologies include headless CMS, CDNs, JavaScript frameworks, and static site generators.
The expanding number of CMS alternatives for site generators eliminates the need to maintain a separate stack for content and marketing, while the separation of controls and loose coupling allows for more targeted development and debugging. Jamstack has helped brands like Shopify, Nike, and PayPal establish an online presence.
Pros
Lower attack surface and reduced server-side vulnerabilities by serving static files
Fast load times and static content boost search engine rankings
Efficiently manages traffic surges
Cons
Can be difficult for developers unfamiliar with the architecture
Fewer plugin options and may need custom development for integrations
A2 Hosting
Ecommerce Hosting Provider
A2 Hosting
Rank
4.4 out of 5
Starting Plan
$2.49 per month
A2 Hosting – Best Ecommerce Hosting Provider
A2 Hosting, founded in 2001 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, by Bryan Muthig, began as a personal project before expanding to meet the demand for high-speed, reliable web hosting. By 2013, A2 Hosting had fully shifted its focus to high-performance solutions, becoming one of the first providers to use solid-state drives (SSDs) to improve site speeds. Known for its Turbo Servers, which claim up to 20x faster page load times, A2 Hosting supports major e-commerce hosting platforms like WooCommerce, Magento, and OpenCart. Its plans come with free SSL certificates, robust security features, and a 99.9% uptime guarantee, along with 24/7 customer support from the “Guru Crew.”
Pros
High-performance hosting with fast, reliable speeds ideal for e-commerce.
User-friendly setup with one-click installs and strong security, including free SSL.
24/7 responsive support and flexible plans for businesses of all sizes.
Cons
Complex for beginners in terms of learning curve.
Limited Data center locations.
Pricing Plans
A2 Hosting has below pricing plans:
Plans
Pricing
Premium
$2.49/month
Business
$3.49/month
Cloud Startup
$7.59/month
DreamHost
Ecommerce Hosting Provider
DreamHost
Rank
4.1 out of 5
Starting Plan
$2.95 per month
DreamHost – Best Ecommerce Hosting Sites
Founded in 1997 in Los Angeles, DreamHost is a trusted web hosting provider known for its reliable performance and commitment to open-source technology and provides one of the best hosting for eCommerce website in India. It supports eCommerce with WooCommerce integration, allowing for quick setup of WordPress-based stores with essential pre-installed features. DreamHost offers unlimited bandwidth and storage on its plans, ideal for managing high traffic, especially during busy shopping seasons. Security is a priority, with free SSL certificates, daily backups, a web application firewall, and PCI compliance to safeguard transactions. With an uptime guarantee exceeding 99.99% and average load times around 231ms, DreamHost ensures that online stores run efficiently, backed by a strong focus on privacy and dependable customer support.
Pros
Intuitive control panel for easy e-commerce site management.
Robust security features to safeguard customer data.
Unlimited data transfer to handle traffic spikes at no extra cost.
Cons
Support is available via chat and email, but no phone support.
Most servers are US-based, which could impact performance for international users.
Pricing Plans
DreamHost offers below pricing plans:
Plans
Pricing
Shared
$2.95/month
DreamPress
$16.95/month
VPS
$13.75/month
InMotion Hosting
Ecommerce Hosting Provider
InMotion Hosting
Rank
3.9 out of 5
Starting Plan
$4.17 per month
InMotion Hosting – Best Ecommerce Hosting Sites
InMotion Hosting, established in 2001, is a leading web hosting provider with specialized eCommerce hosting solutions optimized for WooCommerce, Magento, and OpenCart. Catering to businesses of all sizes, they offer a range of hosting options, from shared to VPS and dedicated servers, with a strong focus on performance and reliability. Their servers feature NVMe SSD storage for faster page loads and include free SSL certificates, custom firewalls, and automatic backups for enhanced security. With one-click installers for popular e-commerce platforms, InMotion Hosting is designed for user convenience and easy setup. They offer scalable plans to support business growth, round-the-clock customer support, and PCI-compliant data centers, with multiple server locations across the U.S.
Pros
High-speed NVMe SSD servers for strong performance.
99.99% uptime for dependable reliability.
Supports multiple e-commerce platforms with solid security, including free SSL.
Cons
Higher-tier plans may be pricier than some competitors.
Does not include a free domain with hosting plans.
Pricing Plans
InMotion Hosting has below pricing plans:
Plans
Pricing
Self Managed
$4.17/month
Fully Managed
$200/month
Enterprise
$600/month
IONOS
Ecommerce Hosting Provider
IONOS
Rank
3.6 out of 5
Starting Plan
$4 per month
IONOS – Best Ecommerce Hosting Provider
IONOS offers an eCommerce website builder tailored for small and medium-sized businesses, providing tools to create and manage online stores with features such as website generation assistance, customizable templates, and integrated marketing and sales solutions. Founded in 1998 through the merger of 1&1 and Schlund + Partner, IONOS quickly became a global web hosting leader, launching the first full-service hosting packages in the United States in 2004. The company rebranded to IONOS in 2018 to unify its web hosting, applications, and server products and went public on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in February 2023. Key features include product catalog management, mobile-responsive designs, multiple payment options, shipping tools, multi-channel selling, and SEO enhancements.
Pros
Beginner-friendly interface with AI content generation to save time.
Scalable plans, no transaction fees, and built-in marketing tools.
Dedicated personal consultant support and affordable starting prices.
Cons
Limited advanced features compared to dedicated e-commerce platforms.
Fewer payment gateway options than some competitors.
The hosting you choose for your eCommerce site will significantly impact how long the business lasts. Hosting has various effects on an eCommerce site, including performance, security, and customer service.
The attention time of visitors is relatively short, hence, website loading time is vitally important. You will lose viewers and annoy your consumers if your website takes a long time to load. Customers will be unable to access your products and services if your site is regularly unavailable. So, before choosing an eCommerce hosting provider make sure you consider all of such possible things.
FAQs
What is Ecommerce web hosting?
It refers to the business that serves electronic commerce websites to companies enabling them to sell their products and services conveniently over the internet.
Which hosting is best for eCommerce?
The best eCommerce hosting providers include:
Shopify
Bluehost
Hostinger
SiteGround
Hostgator
Is cloud hosting good for eCommerce?
Cloud hosting is great for eCommerce websites, especially for businesses that have unstable bandwidth requirements.
Mother Teresa, Kalpana Chawla, Sarojini Naidu, and many other women have been the epitome of inspiration to Indian society. Today women have uplifted society and their contribution to our nation has been inseparable from the history of our success. There is one such woman whose contribution to the people of our country has been remarkable. She is Sudha Murty
A prolific writer who is known for her simplicity. Sudha has been greatly revered for her writings, her philanthropy, and her impact on society. She has been dynamic, revolutionary, strong, and obedient.
In this StartupTalky story, let us learn about Sudha Murty’s success story, early life and childhood, life history, personal life, education, philanthropy, achievements, writings and books, and more.
Sudha Murty Biography
Name
Sudha Murty
Birthplace
Shiggaon, India
Born
19 August 1950
Nationality
Indian
Education
BE in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, B. V. B. College of Engineering and Technology ME in Computer Science, Indian Institute of Science
Sudha Murty was born in Shiggaon, Karnataka to her parents Dr. R. H. Kulkarni and Vimla Kulkarni. Her father was a surgeon and his brother Srinivas Kulkarni is a renowned astronomer. He also received the Dan David Prize in the year 2017.
Sudha’s mother always supported her children to achieve high endeavors. It was the family of Sudha Murty who instilled in her the passion to make enormous achievements and achieve extraordinary things in life.
Sudha Murty – Education
She completed her graduation from B.V.B College of Engineering and Technology. She opted for a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering and obtained the first rank for which she got a gold medal from Sri Devaraj Urs, former Chief Minister of Karnataka. After completing graduation she joined the Indian Institute of Science to pursue a Masters in Engineering in Computer Science.
Sudha Murty – Career
It was after Sudha completed her studies, that she was hired at Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO) which is now known as Tata Motors. Sudha Murty was the first female engineer in India who was hired by India’s largest auto manufacturer. She had written to the chairman of TELCO and complained that there were gender biases in the company. Hearing about this, she was called for a special interview.
Sudha has also worked as a senior system analyst in Walchand Group of Industries in Pune where she lived for seven years (1974 – 1981). Her husband, Narayan Murty was a Research Assistant when he started his career.
While they planned to move to Mumbai in 1981, Narayan shared his dream of creating a software company that could be the biggest venture in the country in the technology industry.
Sudha supported Narayan Murty in every possible way and also shared Rs. 10,000 which was her sole savings. She was the strongest pillar of Infosys and the career of Narayan Murty in those days.
For a few years, both Sudha Murty and Narayan Murty worked together for Infosys, but they were compromising on their family life. That is when Sudha decided to continue her role as a homemaker.
Sudha also started Infosys Foundation in the year 1996 and continued to be the trustee of the company. She has built 2300 houses with the help of this foundation in the areas which were affected by floods. Also, she helps the society where there are problems of poverty, public hygiene, healthcare, education, and art and culture. Her foundation has built more than 70,000 libraries in schools and 16,000 toilets.
While Sudha was working in TELCO, Pune, she met Mr. Narayana Murty and got married to him. Rohan and Akshata are their kids. She is known for her social and philanthropic contribution and also her excellent service to literature in English and Kannada language.
Sudha Murty was also fond of acting. Based on her novel Rhun, she made her debut in a Marathi Film named Pitruroon. She is very fond of movies and says that she watches 265 movies in a year. She also mentioned in one of the interviews that if she had not chosen Engineering she would have opted for the profession of a Film Journalist.
In a recent TV Show, Sudha Murthy shared how she met Narayana Murthy.
They met through a mutual friend, Prasanna, who was Narayana’s roommate. After knowing each other for four years, they got married in 1978. Over the years, they have supported each other’s work and values. Sudha said Narayana’s dedication and punctuality inspired her to become more focused and disciplined. They share a story of friendship, partnership, and mutual respect.
Sudha Murthy, prefers traveling in economy class, even though her husband, Narayana Murthy, asks her to travel in business class.
“I spend all money on philanthropy. He’ll tell me to buy business class tickets, but I say, ‘Why? I will reach the same destination, at the same time with an economy ticket too,” she said.
While Sudha Murthy admits to not being a great cook, she is a celebrated author and an inspiring philanthropist.
Sudha is known for her philanthropic work. She has helped society in enormous ways. From public hygiene, and poverty alleviation to spreading awareness about rural education and women empowerment; she has worked for all. She aims and dreams about a clean India hence she works on building toilets for the public. She has also been very passionate about aiding the people with all necessary resources who suffer due to floods.
Sudha has been working with the Gates Foundation for many years now. She thinks that education is the key to the nation’s well-being. She has helped many orphans by building orphanages, and kids with computers at schools too.
Sudha Murty – Writings and Books
Sudha Murty is a wonderful and well-renowned author. Her writings revolve around her life experiences, her realizing views, hospitality, and charity. Many of her Kannada Books were translated into English books and television series.
When she was 29, she had her first book published for which she visited the USA, and dedicated her first book to her husband Narayana Murty. It was at the age of 50 when she started writing books in the English language. To date, she has scribbled many short stories, children’s books, fiction, novels, and a lot more.
At the launch of her 300th book in September 2024, Grandpa’s Bag of Stories (Puffin), Sudha Murty shared a message for her younger self: “Writing is about the passion to express yourself, not borders or degrees. If you have that passion, you will write.”
The book features 19 stories about four children traveling to Mayawati in Uttarakhand with their grandparents. Along the way, their grandfather shares tales of kings, princesses, and mermaids, teaching lessons of wisdom and kindness.
Sudha Murty Books
Here are a few famous books written by Sudha Murty:
Books in the Kannada language:
Dollar Sose
Runa
Kaveri inda Mekaangige
Hakkiya Teradalli
Athirikthe
Guttondu Heluve
Mahashweta
Tumla
Nooniya Sahasagalu
Samanyralli Asamanyaru
Compuer lokadalli
Books in the English language:
The Mother I Never Knew
Three Thousand Stitches
The Man from the Egg
Here, There, Everywhere
Magic of the Lost Temple
How I Taught My Grandmother to Read and Other Stories
The Old Man And His God
Dollar Bahu
Wise and Otherwise
Mahashweta
Sudha Murty – Awards and Achievements
Sudha Murty has received many recognitions in her long career. She has been an inspiration to many and is the epitome of voluntary service.
Sudha Murty won Padma Shri in the year 2006, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor.
Cash Prize for securing the highest marks in SSLC. Sri Devaraj Urs, Chief Minister of Karnataka then honored her with a Gold Medal since Sudha secured the highest marks in the state in B.E.
Indian Institute of Engineers honored Sudha Murty with a gold medal for having secured the 1st Rank in MTech.
Sudha was honored with R.K. Narayana’s Award of Literature.
In the year 2000, she was awarded the ‘Ojaswini’ award for her excellent social work.
In the year 1995, she was awarded the Millenium Mahila Shiromani Award.
The Rotary Club of Karnataka gave her the award of Best Teacher.
At the Crossword-Raymond Books Awards, Sudha got the Lifetime Achievement Award.
She was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science by IIT Kanpur.
¨Life is an exam where the syllabus is unknown and question papers are not set. Nor are there model answer papers.¨
💡
Money is one thing that rarely unites and mostly divides people.
Conclusion
Sudha Murty is a person who has worked towards her vision, as no one else. She has been consistent and determined in her work to change society for the greater good. Her writings and her philanthropic work have impacted many in society and inspired people to do good for others. Sudha Murthy’s life is an inspirational story for all of us!
FAQ
Who is Sudha Murthy?
Sudha Murthy is an Indian author, philanthropist, and chairperson of the Infosys Foundation. She is known for her contributions to education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment, as well as her books in English and Kannada. She is married to Infosys co-founder N. R. Narayana Murthy.
What is the net worth of Sudha Murthy?
The net worth of Sudha Murty is approximately INR 775 crore.
What is the age of Sudha Murthy?
Sudha Murty was born on 19 August 1950 and is 73 years old.
What is Sudha Murty education?
Sudha Murty completed a B.Eng. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the B.V.B. College of Engineering & Technology.
Company Profile is an initiative by StartupTalky to publish verified information on different startups and organizations.
Human activities need furniture. For example, for sleeping, we need a bed; for our food intake, we need a dining table, and so on. However, our stays and their duration vary with time and place. Therefore, buying furniture, which is expensive too, is definitely not the solution. However, we can always rent them, just like any other item!
Movable furniture dominates the space today. What has truly transformed the furniture space with the emergence of the internet and the spread of eCommerce websites and apps is the shopping for our home and office furniture, which has now taken the online route.
Be it antique or modern, furniture is central to our lives today. However, transportation was really an issue because furniture is bulky, and transporting them without a mess is hard, if not impossible. To straighten up all such issues, online furniture companies were born.
Furlenco is one such online furniture rental platform. Living and desiring better is easier now with Furlenco. Award-winning furniture is available here as well. Read the Furlenco success story here and learn more about the Furlenco company, Furlenco Founders, Owners, Furlenco Competitors, Furlenco’s Business Model, Revenue, Logo, Funding and more.
Furlenco is an online furniture company, which is driven by a different set of ideas, thereby enabling people to start living better than today. Furlenco makes living better by giving consumers home decor and award-winning furniture on rent. All the furniture of Furlenco is designed by experts. Designs are inspired by the urban living citizens of India. The lifestyle and the requirements both are changing every day. That is why new designs are coming.
Furlenco – Startup Story
In the year 2010, Ajith Mohan Karimpana came back to Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, from New Jersey, USA. When he used to stay in the USA, he wanted to sell his furniture there. After selling it, he got 10% back of what he paid for it. He bought the furniture around two years ago. That was the time when he felt the pain of both buying and selling furniture. From that day on, he was determined. He wanted to provide everyone with beautiful furniture. He made this idea his life’s mission. Because everybody desires beautiful things at a cheaper price. This way, Furlenco was born.
Ajith Mohan Karimpana, Founder and CEO of Furlenco
Ajith Mohan Karimpana is the CEO and the founder of Furlenco. He began his career as a Senior Consultant at Morgan Stanley. After that, he joined Goldman Sachs. There he worked for 5 years and 10 months as a Senior Analyst and Vice President. He completed his schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya. He pursued a BTech degree in Industrial Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar.
Ashwin Venkatraman is the Chief Operating Officer at Furlenco. He began his career as an Industry and Development Manager at Google. He was also the Director and the Product Head at InMobi.
Furlenco – Logo
Furlenco New Logo
Furlenco – Business Model
The business model of Furlenco is very simple. The company provides furniture, home appliances, and home decor on rent to its consumers. It enables people to lease tables, chairs, beds, couches etc on a monthly basis. People usually after losing a high value by selling furniture need furniture again. Furlenco is established for such kinds. The company brings the furniture to the customer’s doorstep. In 2023, Furlenco introduced a bold new brand identity, featuring a refreshed logo and mint blue color that reflects vibrancy, freshness, and adaptability for future growth.
The revenue of the company is generated from the rental income. From decorations to home appliances, all are recognized on the basis of the terms of the contract of hiring. Delivery charges are also included in the list. The company is providing a 15% discount on rent for orders worth INR 1000 per month or above. For their UNLMTD plan, the company has a few deals in its backpack.
Plans
Number of Items
Per Item Price
Total Price
Essentials
4
INR 874
INR 3499/Month
Basic
6
INR 699
INR 4199/Month
Lite
9
INR 588
INR 5299/Month
Premium
12
INR 491
INR 5899/Month
Luxury
15
INR 459
INR 6899/Month
Furlenco – Shareholding
Below is the Furlenco shareholding pattern as of March 2024 (source: Tracxn):
Shareholder
Percentage
Ajith Mohan Karimpana
2.6%
Lightbox
10.6%
House of Korea
56.1%
Sheela Group
18.2%
Angels
1.7%
ESOP Pool
1.9%
Others
8.9%
Furlenco Shareholding as of March 2024
Furlenco – Funding and Investors
Furlenco has raised $265.2 million so far. Furlenco is funded by 21 investors, as per the latest records.
Date
Transaction Name
Money Raised
Lead Investor
July 17, 2023
Corporate Round
$36.5 million
Sheela Foam
February 23, 2022
Debt Financing
$10 million
Klub
August 24, 2021
Debt Financing
$15 million
TradeCred
July 5, 2021
Series D Round
$140 million
Zinnia Global Fund
January 21, 2021
Debt Round
Rs 20 crore
Black Soil Capital and Crescent Enterprises Limited
November 9, 2020
Debt Financing
Rs 53 crore
Aditya Burman, Rangoli Resorts
April 2, 2020
Venture Round
$10 million
–
February 11, 2020
Series C
Rs. 16 crore
–
August 23, 2019
Debt Financing
Rs 9 crore
Chowdry Associates
Furlenco – Growth
UNLMTD
Furlenco introduced the UNLMTD annual subscription service on July 15, 2021, which allows users to purchase the appliances and furniture they desire all at once and for a single price.
Offline Store
On September 6, 2023, Furlenco announced the opening of two physical locations in Bengaluru as part of an omnichannel growth plan.
Furlenco Financials
Furlenco reported operating revenue of INR 139.56 crore in FY24, which used to be a higher amount in the previous year at INR 155.78 crore in FY23. The company also saw a marginal increase in total expenses at INR 282.12 crore in FY24, which is a slight increase of around 1.3% from INR285.9 crore in FY23. Furthermore, Furlenco saw a slight increase in their losses that reached INR130.22 crore in FY24 as opposed to the lesser INR128.38 crore in FY23.
Furlenco Financials
FY21
FY22
FY23
FY24
Operating Revenue
INR 84.31 crore
INR 129.24 crore
INR 155.78 crore
INR 139.56 crore
Total Expenses
INR 175.55 crore
INR 288.1 crore
INR 285.9 crore
INR 282.12 crore
Profit/Loss
Loss of INR 87.58 crore
Loss of INR 151.47 crore
Loss of INR 128.38 crore
Loss of INR 130.22 crore
Furlenco Financials
EBITDA
During the changeover of the fiscal year from FY23 to FY24, Furlenco experienced a significant decline in its financial measures. From -20.31% in FY23 to -41.61% in FY24, the EBITDA margin fell sharply, suggesting a substantial drop in earnings in comparison to total revenue. The company incurred INR 2.02 in expenses for every rupee earned in operating revenue during the previous fiscal year. Its total current assets amounted to INR 89.58 crore, which included INR 35.37 crore held as cash and bank balances.
Furlenco FY23-FY24
FY23
FY24
EBITDA Margin
-20.31%
-41.61%
Expense/Rs of Op Revenue
INR 1.84
INR 2.02
Furlenco – Partnership
Airbnb
Furlenco and Airbnb have partnered in December 22,2016 to provide customized interior design services for homes. Through the agreement, hosts on the homesharing platform can choose from a variety of distinctive furnishings selections.
Cashfree
In January 2022, Cashfree Payments announced a partnership with Furlenco, and with this partnership, it is helping the subscription-based furniture rental company Furlenco to provide its clients with the quickest possible security deposit refund experience.
Furlenco – Challenges
Being a player operating in one such industry like furniture rental and home decor, which is experiencing a growth spurt and is seeing a lot of competition lately, Furlenco is always put to the test. Scaling its business and making it profitable is a real challenge for Furlenco as of June 2022.
Furlenco Layoffs
Furlenco was in the news on March 26, 2022, as the company laid off around 180-200 employees because of the restructuring process that it was then going through. These layoffs came at the back of the scale-down of the operations of Furlenco, whcih was previously available across numerous metro and non-metro cities like Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and more.
Furlenco Scale Down of Operations
The online furniture rental company has temporarily suspended operations in Kolkata and other cities including Mysore, Chandigarh, and Jaipur.
Furlenco – Competitors
The top competitors of the company are RentoMojo, Rentickle and GrabOnRent.
RentoMojo is the #1 competitor of Furlenco. It is a rental platform that provided appliances, electronics, and furniture for rent. It was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Bengaluru.
Rentickle is one of the top rivals of Furlenco. The company offers furniture, appliance, and home furnishing essentials for rent. It was founded in the year 2015.
GrabOnRent is the 3rd competitor of Furlenco. It used to provide fitness related equipment, furniture, an air cooler, and a laptop. It was founded in the year 2015. The company had to shut down in 2020.
Furlenco – Future Plans
The goal of the company is to elevate the standards of urban living consumers. The company has launched its operations in Mumbai because they feel that Mumbaikars are super enthusiastic about the new concepts. Furlenco is aiming to expand its business towards Tier 2 cities soon. It aims to open offline stores in major cities by 2026 as part of its omnichannel growth plan. It seeks to blend online and offline shopping for a better customer experience.
In 2021, Furlenco announced plans to invest INR 2,300-2,500 crore over five years. It aims to generate INR 650 crore ($90 million) in free cash annually by FY26. In the next 10 years, the company wants to see itself as the “Pioneers” of the sharing economy.
Starting from furniture to vehicles and everything, the company wants to offer its users everything in rent, which is generally seen as a financial burden if bought new.
Ajith Mohan Karimpana is the founder and CEO of Furlenco.
Who are the competitors of Furlenco?
RentoMojo, Cityfurnish & Rentickle are some of the competitors of Furlenco.
How does Furlenco work?
Furlenco rents furniture and appliances to its consumers on a monthly basis.
Is Furlenco profitable?
No, the furniture rental company reported an operating revenue of INR 139.56 crores in 2024. Furlenco saw an increase in their losses that reached INR 130.22 crore in FY24 as opposed to the lesser INR 128.38crore in FY23. The company aims to become fully profitable in the next 12 to 18 months.
Can we buy furniture from Furlenco?
Furlenco offers furniture designed in-house. It’s present in Pune, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR. Rentomojo offers both individual products and affordable packages.
An Indian-born business tycoon, Lakshmi Mittal, turned the steel industry into a global empire. Mittal was born on July 15, 1950, in Sadulpur, Rajasthan, where his father made his fortune in steel.
Mittal was born into a modest family background, but his visionary leadership and strategic acquisitions made him one of the world’s richest men. With a network covering many continents, he founded ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steelmaking company.
In this StartupTalky article, we’ll explore the fascinating history of Lakshmi Mittal, the obstacles he overcame, and what his legacy in the steel industry is today.
Lakshmi Mittal – Biography
Name
Lakshmi Mittal
Born
July 15, 1950
Birth Place
Sadulpur, Rajasthan
Nationality
Indian
Education
Daulatram Nopany Vidyalaya, Calcutta Graduated from St. Xavier’s College (B.Com.)
Profession
Executive Chairman of ArcelorMittal
Net Worth
$16 Billion
Spouse
Usha Mittal
Children
Aditya Mittal (Son) and Vanisha Mittal (Daughter)
Parents
Mohanlal Mittal (Father) and Geeta Mittal (Mother)
Siblings
Pramod Mittal (Brother), Vinod Mittal (Brother) and Seema Lohia (Sister)
Lakshmi Mittal – Executive Chairman at ArcelorMittal
Lakshmi Mittal, the son of a prominent Marwari businessman named Mohanlal Mittal, was born on July 15, 1950, in Sadulpur, Rajasthan. His father, Mohanlal Mittal, was a well-known businessman in India who ran a small steel company, Nippon Denro Ispat. Lakshmi had grown up in a family that had strong ties to the steel industry and already knew something about business, which would come to shape his career.
Mittal studied at Shri Daulatram Nopany Vidyalaya in Calcutta (now Kolkata) from 1957 to 1964, where he passed his primary and secondary education. After completing his schooling there, Mittal went on to earn a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) degree at St. Xavier’s College in Kolkata, one of India’s premier institutions.
Mittal’s ambitions always extended beyond India’s borders, and in the 1970s, when the Indian steel industry was heavily regulated, he sought growth opportunities overseas. ‘PT Ispat Indo’ was his first independent steel plant in Indonesia, marking the beginning of the Mittal Steel empire, showcasing Mittal’s willingness to take risks and make a bold move. Mittal didn’t only expand his business into the Indonesian market but also set the firm foundation for future acquisitions.
In the following years, Mittal was driven by an insatiable appetite for growth and started to buy up distressed steel mills around the globe. ‘Ispat International’ was a rapidly growing company, and Mittal meticulously scouted for opportunities in Trinidad, Mexico, and Romania, integrating these entities into his company. These acquisitions were a strategic move by Mittal to combine the strengths of each mill and optimise the efficiencies in the enterprise. Mittal knew the market inside out, and every acquisition was a reflection of his understanding of market dynamics and ability to make struggling operations profitable.
In 2004, Lakshmi Mittal brought his empire together by merging ‘Ispat International’ with ‘LNM Holdings’ and the ‘U.S.-based International Steel Group’. The well-thought move led to the creation of ‘Mittal Steel Company’, which became a leader in steelmaking, becoming the world’s leading steelmaker in a short time. Mittal’s ambition kept growing, and he eyed the European market. In 2006, he engineered an audacious merger with Arcelor, a giant European steel company, which became ArcelorMittal. This merger made him a dominant force in the industry, with ArcelorMittal possessing a large share of global steel production.
Mittal’s mastery of mergers and acquisitions is only part of the reason behind his success; he is also steadfast in his commitment to innovation. ‘ArcelorMittal’ invested heavily under his guidance in advanced technologies and sustainable practices. The company’s product line was diversified to include hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel, galvanized steel, and welted pipes, among other products.
The financial resilience of the company is reflected in its ‘ArcelorMittal’s’ financial result by the third quarter of 2023, with EBITDA of $1.9 billion and net income of $1.2 billion. The company’s financial prowess was based on a net debt reduction of $4.3 billion, a result of the company’s strategic financial management and optimized portfolio.
Beyond corporate successes, Mittal has been leading ArcelorMittal in developing future leadership. His son, Aditya Mittal, has taken over as CEO, making sure that there is a smooth transition and continuity in leadership.
Lakshmi Mittal is a man who has a very close family commitment and exclusivity. Mittal is married to Usha Mittal, and the couple have two children, a son named Aditya and a daughter named Vanisha.
Mittal has two brothers, Pramod Mittal and Vinod Mittal, and a sister, Seema Lohia, married to prominent Indonesian businessman Sri Prakash Lohia. The family bond has bridged both the personal and professional spheres, forming a support system that spans across continents.
Mittal is also famous for his luxurious lifestyle, having made headlines for high-profile expenditures, including a $128 million London home and a $60 million Paris wedding for his daughter.
Lakshmi Mittal – Investments
Lakshmi Mittal’s investments mirror his strategic vision: an unrelenting dedication to exclusivity, luxury, and legacy. Among Mittal’s notable acquisitions is the grand mansion at 18-19 Kensington Palace Gardens in London. This residence was the world’s most expensive home acquisition of 2004, purchased for £67 million from former Formula One executive Bernie Ecclestone. Taj Mittal, as it is known, is decorated with marble from the same quarry as the Taj Mahal, a reference to Mittal’s determination to have the best of the best. As a powerful symbol of his success, the property has twelve bedrooms, a luxurious indoor pool and Turkish baths, and parking for twenty vehicles.
In 2008, Mittal brought No. 9A Palace Greens in Kensington Gardens at £70 million as a wedding present for his daughter, Vanisha Mittal, which was formerly the Philippines Embassy. The acquisition was very much in line with Mittal’s emphasis to both build a financial and a family legacy, as seen in the company’s preference for securing prestigious real estate in London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods.
Mittal has also invested in India’s prestigious real estate market, in addition to his London holdings. He bought a colonial bungalow at $30 million on Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Road in New Delhi, which was comprehensively renovated to meet Mittal’s refined tastes among the high-profile residents, diplomats, and billionaire estates.
Mittal’s legacy goes beyond his accomplishments in the steel industry, as he established the LNM Foundation, a platform for social responsibility that aims to improve education, healthcare, and the development of the community.
Mittal’s philanthropic efforts include a lot of social causes through the LNM Foundation. It shows his belief in the role of corporate responsibility in the fight against societal challenges and his dedication to giving back.
Under the LNM Foundation, Mittal awarded Abhinav Bindra for winning the first Olympic gold medal for India with INR 1.5 crore to support Indian athletes on a global level. He has also opened educational institutes in India like LNMIIT in Jaipur and the Usha Mittal Institute of Management in New Delhi.
In January 2018, Mittal donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital to open Mittal Children’s Medical Center to treat underprivileged children and kids with chronic illnesses. Apart from this, they have made substantial donations to UNICEF, Harvard University, and the PM Modi Care Fund during COVID-19.
Lakshmi Mittal – Controversies
Although regarded as one of the most respected entrepreneurs to have transformed the global steel industry, Lakshmi Mittal has been embroiled in several controversies over the years. A lot of these controversies are around political donations, environmental issues, labour practices, and business practices that have been in the spotlight.
Influence in the UK
A billionaire steel magnate and top donor to Harvard, Lakshmi Mittal has a complex and controversial reputation. But ArcelorMittal, his global enterprise, has been in the spotlight for a series of high-profile controversies. In 2001, Mittal tried to buy a state-owned steel plant in Romania, which caused one major incident. Then UK Prime Minister Tony Blair allegedly sent a letter of support to the Romanian government, which many believe was instrumental in getting the deal for Mittal. The financial backing of Blair’s Labour Party by Mittal prompted scrutiny and allegations of political favouritism.
Poor Labour Practices
In Kazakhstan alone, Mittal’s operations have come under further controversies for poor labour practices. Over a hundred workers died between 2004 and 2010 in Mittal’s Kazakh facilities, according to critics who say substandard safety conditions were to blame. Environmental issues have also been a problem, especially in the city of Temirtau, where a large ArcelorMittal plant is accused of pollution so bad that in 2018, residents complained of black snow clogging with pollutants.
Political Donations
Critics of Mittal’s philanthropy have pointed to his generous donation to Harvard’s Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute as inconsistent with the alleged ethical problems associated with his business practices. Mittal’s donations are used to support academic initiatives, but critics say such acts of philanthropy are always employed to muddy or cover up questions about his business record. It’s a broader public that is still worried about Mittal’s far-reaching links to political and economic circles, the ethical aspects of his wealth, and his membership in prestigious institutions like Harvard.
Criticism Over Layoffs and Closure
In 2006, ArcelorMittal’s CEO, Lakshmi Mittal, was a controversial figure in France after buying European steel giant Arcelor. Even though Mittal’s company had a lot of European operations, ArcelorMittal was constantly criticized as being ‘the Indian group’, often taking the fall for layoffs and economic troubles. That controversy reached its peak when ArcelorMittal decided to close two furnaces in Florange, putting 629 workers out of a job. Mittal was a ‘predator’ during a period of rising unemployment and falling steel demand; Industrial Recovery Minister Arnaud Montebourg even threatened to nationalize. The shutdown was economic, but the tone of the criticism was personal and xenophobic, adding to the debate over foreign ownership in French industries.
Business Practices
During his career, Lakshmi Mittal has been embroiled in a number of controversies. In 2003, he hired consultant Marek Dochnal to influence Polish officials during the privatization of the PHS steel group, which was later scrutinized and led to a 2007 renegotiation attempt by the Polish government. Mittal’s company has also been accused of ‘slave labour,’ and has been severely criticized for the conditions of its labour force.
Lakshmi Mittal – Awards and Recognition
Padma Vibhushan in the year 2008
Forbes Lifetime Achievement 2008
2007 Fellowship Award by King’s College London
Bessemer Gold Medal in 2007
2004 European Businessman of the Year
2004 Entrepreneur of the Year by The Wall Street Journal
8th honorary Willy Korf Steel Vision Award 2004
1996 Steel Maker of the Year
Ranked 15th on Forbes list of India’s 100 richest tycoons in October 2024
Lakshmi Mittal was born in the village of Sadulpur, where there was no electricity until the 1960s.
In a house with 25 people, he grew up in a modest household and slept on the floor on mattresses.
Mittal bought a government-owned steel plant in Trinidad and Tobago, which was losing $1 million a day in 1989. Even international experts had failed to achieve this; it became a profitable enterprise under his leadership.
He also brought his business overseas, buying several steel companies in Canada, Ireland, Germany, and other countries, including the country’s third-largest steel producer, Sicartsa, for $220 million in 1992.
In 1995, Mittal also acquired the state-owned blast furnace steel plant in Kazakhstan, which, renamed Ispat Karmet, solidified his global steel empire even further.
In 1996, Mittal was given the title of “Steel Maker of the Year” by New Steel Magazine.
In 1998, he received the prestigious Willy Korf Steel Vision Award for his outstanding contributions to the steel industry.
According to Forbes, Mittal was the third richest person in the world in 2005.
In 2007, he was named one of Time magazine’s ‘100 Most Influential People.’
In 2008, Mittal was awarded the Forbes Lifetime Achievement Award for his great contribution.
FAQ
Who is the CEO of ArcelorMittal?
Aditya Mittal is the CEO of ArcelorMittal. Lakshmi Mittal, his father, serves as the Executive Chairman.
Who is ArcelorMittal owned by?
ArcelorMittal is primarily owned by the Mittal family, with Lakshmi Mittal and his family holding a significant share of the company.
Who is the steel king of the world?
Lakshmi Mittal is often referred to as the “Steel King of the World” due to his leadership in the global steel industry and his role in building ArcelorMittal into the world’s largest steel-producing company.
Well, how does it feel like to sift through a never-ending list of keywords to finalise on the ones that actually work? It can be tough, very tough. We exist in a timeline where everything is digital-first, and in this arena – finding the right keywords can make or break your search engine optimisation efforts. That’s where AI tools come into play, completely changing the way we approach keyword research and content creation. In this cute but exhaustive piece of content, we’ll put some lights on how these tools can help you uncover hidden gem keywords, analyse search trends, and craft content that resonates with your audience. Whether you’re a seasoned SEO pro or an aspiring article writer, these AI-powered tools are sure to give your keyword strategy a serious boost. Let’s get started!
We’re kicking off our list with a game-changer in the world of AI tools – ChatGPT. Launched by OpenAI in November 2022, this large language model-based chatbot has taken the digital world by storm, amassing over 180 million users in record time. But what makes it so special for keyword research? Let’s dive in!
ChatGPT Features
ChatGPT stands out as a user-friendly, cost-effective solution for keyword research. Unlike complex paid SEO tools, it’s accessible to everyone, even those with limited SEO knowledge. All you need to do is enter your prompts, and voila! You’re on your way to generating keyword suggestions.
One of the best things about ChatGPT? It’s unrestricted. There are no limitations on the number of keyword queries you can make, so you can generate as many keywords as your heart desires. Plus, it’s particularly adept at uncovering those valuable long-tail keywords that often lead to higher conversion rates.
We love how ChatGPT allows for real-time interaction. You can experiment with different prompts, get immediate feedback, and adjust your queries on the fly. It’s like having a brainstorming session with an AI expert. Not hyping it up. Okay?
ChatGPT Pricing
Now, here’s the kicker – ChatGPT offers a free version that’s perfect for budget-conscious users. You can access AI-powered keyword insights without breaking the bank. For those looking for more advanced features, there’s also a paid option available at a fraction of the cost compared to many other SEO tools.
ChatGPT for Keyword Research
So, how can we use ChatGPT to supercharge our keyword research? Here are some nifty tricks:
Generate long-tail keywords: Just enter your prompt and watch as ChatGPT churns out hundreds of keyword ideas in seconds.
Competitor keyword analysis: Use it to get an idea of your competitors’ keywords in their content.
Keyword clustering: Categorize interconnected keywords to refine your strategy when you’re overwhelmed with ideas.
Alphabet Soup method: Generate heaps of keyword ideas using this SEO pro-endorsed technique.
Pattern-based keyword generation: Add words like “best” or “cheapest” to your keyword lists.
Question-based keywords: Generate keywords that include who, what, where, why, and how.
Comparison keywords: Create lists with words like “better”, “faster”, “cheaper”, “alternatives”, etc.
While ChatGPT is a powerful tool, it’s important to remember that it has its limitations. It relies on prompts, so the quality of your keywords depends on the accuracy of your input. It may struggle with complex queries and doesn’t provide insights into keyword difficulty or competition levels. Also, its knowledge cutoff is April 2023, which although is a major upgrade from the previous cutoff of September 2021, is still fairly outdated – so it might not have the most up-to-date information.
Despite these drawbacks, we find ChatGPT to be an invaluable addition to our keyword research toolkit. It’s a great starting point for topic ideation and inspiration. Just remember to verify the data with traditional keyword research tools for the most comprehensive strategy. Happy keyword hunting!
When it comes to keyword research powerhouses, Semrush is a name that often tops the list. We’ve found it to be an invaluable tool in our SEO arsenal, offering a comprehensive suite of features that go beyond just keyword analysis.
Semrush Features
Semrush boasts an impressive array of tools designed to supercharge your digital marketing efforts. With over 55 tools and reports at your fingertips, you’re well-equipped to tackle any marketing challenge head-on. Here’s what we love about it:
Keyword Magic Tool: This is where the magic happens! It’s powered by the largest keyword database on the market, with over 25.7 billion keywords. Talk about comprehensive!
Competitor Analysis: Want to know what your rivals are up to? Semrush lets you peek behind the curtain of your competitors’ strategies, from their organic keywords to their paid ads.
Site Audit: Keep your website in tip-top shape with Semrush’s site health checker. It’s like a doctor for your website!
Content Marketing Platform: From topic research to content optimization, Semrush has got you covered.
Local SEO: For businesses targeting local customers, Semrush offers tools to optimize your site for local searches.
Semrush Pricing
Each tier offers increasing limits and advanced features. The good news? You can save up to 17% by opting for annual billing. Plus, there’s an Enterprise solution for those needing custom limits and features.
Semrush for Keyword Research
We’ve found Semrush to be a goldmine for keyword research. Here’s how we use it:
Keyword Overview: It’s our go-to for quick keyword analysis, providing all the key metrics in one place.
Keyword Magic Tool: This is where we dive deep, exploring niche-specific long-tail keywords and grouping them into topic-specific clusters.
Keyword Difficulty: It helps us gauge how hard it’ll be to outrank competitors for specific keywords.
Search Intent Filter: This nifty feature helps us categorize keywords based on user intent – informational, navigational, commercial, or transactional.
SERP Analysis: We can check out the top-ranking pages for any keyword, giving us insights into what’s working in our niche.
Look, look. We don’t do promotions – but SEMRUSH is actually good, no kidding! Try it yourself and then decide. If you don’t like it or didn’t find the right fit – read along. We have more of ’em.
Plans
Pricing
Pro
$139.95/Month
Guru
$249.95/Month
Enterprise
Starts at $5000/Month
Ahrefs
Website
ahrefs.com
Rating
4.5
Free Trial
Yes
Platforms Supported
Web
Ahrefs – Best AI Tools For Keyword Research
We’re diving into another heavyweight in the SEO world – Ahrefs. This powerful tool has been making waves in the industry, and for good reason. Let’s explore what makes Ahrefs a go-to choice for SEO professionals and content creators alike.
Ahrefs Features
Ahrefs is like a Swiss Army knife for SEO. It’s packed with features that can help boost your website’s visibility in search engines. Here’s what we love about it:
Keyword Explorer: This tool is a goldmine for keyword research, offering data on search volume, keyword difficulty, and related keywords.
Site Explorer: Want to peek behind the curtain of your competitors’ strategies? This feature’s got you covered.
Content Explorer: Find top-performing content in your niche and get inspired for your next piece.
Site Audit: Keep your website in tip-top shape with this handy health checker.
Rank Tracker: Monitor your rankings and track your progress over time.
Ahrefs Pricing
The good news? You can save some cash by opting for annual billing. Plus, there’s a Starter plan at $29 per month for those just dipping their toes into the SEO waters.
Ahrefs for Keyword Research
We’ve found Ahrefs to be a powerhouse when it comes to keyword research. Here’s how we use it to uncover those golden keyword opportunities:
Keyword Ideas: Ahrefs generates thousands of keyword ideas in seconds. It’s like having a brainstorming session with an AI. Cool, very cool!
Search Volume and Difficulty: Get detailed data on monthly search volumes and keyword difficulty scores. This helps us identify high-potential keywords that are worth targeting.
Parent Topics: Ahrefs groups keywords into parent topics, making it easy to find long-tail variations and subtopics. It’s a great way to structure your content strategy.
SERP Analysis: Check out the top-ranking pages for any keyword. It gives us insights into what’s working in our niche and what we’re up against.
Filters and Metrics: We love using Ahrefs’ filters to find untapped keywords with high traffic potential and low difficulty scores. It’s like finding hidden treasures!
Multi-Platform Research: Ahrefs doesn’t just stop at Google. We can research keywords across eight other search engines, including YouTube, Bing, and Amazon.
In a nutshell, Ahrefs is a robust tool that’s become an essential part of our SEO toolkit. Its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface make it a top choice for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, Ahrefs has something to offer in your quest for SEO success.
Google Keyword Planner – Best AI Tools For Keyword Research
We’ve all heard of Google, right? Well, they’ve got a nifty little tool tucked away in their Google Ads platform that’s a real gem for keyword research. It’s called Google Keyword Planner, and it’s a free tool that’s been helping marketers and SEO enthusiasts for years. Let’s dive in and see what makes this tool so special.
Google Keyword Planner Features
Google Keyword Planner is like the bible for keyword research. Here’s what we love about it:
Keyword Discovery: It’s like having a brainstorming session with Google itself! You can discover new keywords related to your products, services, or website.
Search Volume Insights: Want to know how popular a keyword is? This tool gives you estimates on the number of searches a keyword gets each month.
Cost Estimation: If you’re thinking about running ads, it’ll show you the average cost for your ad to show up for a specific keyword.
Keyword Organization: It helps you see how your keywords fit into different categories related to your brand. It’s like having a personal keyword librarian!
Campaign Creation: You can use your keyword plan to create new campaigns centred around in-depth keyword research.
Google Keyword Planner Pricing
Now, here’s the best part – it’s free! Yes, you heard that right. Google Keyword Planner is a free tool that comes as part of the Google Ads platform. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
You need a Google Ads account to use it, but you don’t necessarily need to be running active ad campaigns.
There are some limitations. For example, you’ll only see search volume data in broad ranges rather than exact numbers unless you’re spending enough on Google Ads.
To access Keyword Planner, your account must be using Expert Mode. If you’re in Smart Mode, you won’t be able to access it.
You’ll need to complete your account setup by entering your billing information and creating a campaign. Don’t worry though – if you’re not ready to spend money, you can always pause your campaigns.
Google Keyword Planner for Keyword Research
So, how can we use this tool to supercharge our keyword research? Here’s our approach:
Create a Keyword Plan: When you open Keyword Planner, you have two options. You can either search for new keywords by clicking “Discover new keywords” or upload existing keywords by clicking “Get search volume and forecasts”.
Analyse the Forecast: Once you’ve got your keywords, the tool provides a forecast showing you how many conversions, clicks, or impressions you’re likely to get based on your spending.
Organize Keywords: For our English-speaking friends, you can organize keywords into ad groups. This feature is super helpful for structuring your content strategy.
Historical Data: We love that Keyword Planner provides historical search volumes from as far back as 2014. It’s like having a time machine for keyword trends!
Mobile Insights: In this mobile-first world, it’s crucial to know how your keywords perform on mobile devices. Keyword Planner’s got you covered with mobile search volumes.
Remember, while Google Keyword Planner is primarily a PPC tool, we often use it for SEO purposes too. It’s a great starting point for any keyword research project. Just keep in mind that some of the data, like the “Competition” metric, refers to PPC competition, not organic search competition.
Plans
Pricing
Free
$0/Month
KWFinder
Website
mangools.com
Rating
4.8
Free Trial
Yes
Platforms Supported
Web
KWFinder – Best AI Tools For Keyword Research
We’ve stumbled upon a real gem in the world of keyword research tools – KWFinder. This nifty tool, developed by Mangools, has caught our eye with its simplicity and powerful features. Let’s dive in and see what makes KWFinder stand out from the crowd.
KWFinder Features
KWFinder boasts an array of features that make keyword research a breeze:
Long-tail keyword discovery: We love how it uncovers hidden long-tail keywords, perfect for targeting niche audiences.
Competitor keyword analysis: It’s like having an X-ray vision of your competitors’ strategies!
Google Suggest integration: This feature taps into Google’s own suggestions, giving us fresh keyword ideas.
Keyword organisation: We can easily keep our research tidy with keyword lists.
Bulk keyword import: Time-saver alert! Import keywords in bulk and get cracking.
Local keyword research: For our friends targeting specific locations, KWFinder offers precise local search results across 50,000+ locations.
What really sets KWFinder apart is its user-friendly interface. It’s probably the most intuitive UI we’ve seen in a keyword research tool. Even if you’re just starting out, you’ll find it a breeze to use.
KWFinder Pricing
Each plan comes with increasing limits on keyword suggestions, competitor keywords, and SERP lookups. The best part? Even their most expensive plan is considerably cheaper than some other popular tools on the market.
KWFinder for Keyword Research
Here’s how we use KWFinder to supercharge our keyword research:
Start with a seed keyword: We plug in our initial idea and let KWFinder work its magic.
Analyse metrics: We look at search volume, keyword difficulty, and even SERP analysis to gauge our ranking potential.
Filter results: KWFinder lets us narrow down our search to find the most profitable keywords.
Create keyword lists: We organize our findings into lists for easy reference.
Import and export: We can bring in our own keyword lists and export our findings for further analysis.
What we love most about KWFinder is its balance of simplicity and depth. It’s perfect for beginners, but even experienced users will find value in its straightforward approach and accurate data.
AnswerThePublic – Best AI Tools For Keyword Research
We’ve stumbled upon a real gem in the world of keyword research – AnswerThePublic. This nifty tool is a search listening software that’s got us excited about its potential to supercharge our content strategy. Let’s dive in and see what makes it stand out from the crowd!
AnswerThePublic Features
AnswerThePublic is like having a crystal ball for consumer insights. Here’s what we love about it:
Search Engine Autocomplete Analysis: It taps into the power of search engine data to give us raw insights about market trends and customer behaviour.
Visual Data Presentation: The tool presents data in a visually appealing way, making it a breeze to understand and interpret.
Comprehensive Question Lists: It generates a list of questions people are searching for on a particular topic. No more guesswork!
Multiple Search Options: We can input keywords, select search engines, and choose a country to tailor our research.
Content Idea Generator: It’s a goldmine for content creators, helping us come up with fresh and unique ideas based on real search data.
AnswerThePublic Pricing
Now, here’s the kicker – AnswerThePublic offers both free and paid options. The free version is perfect for dipping your toes in the water, while the paid version unlocks more advanced features. It’s like having a budget-friendly and a premium option all rolled into one!
AnswerThePublic for Keyword Research
We’ve found AnswerThePublic to be a game-changer for our keyword research. Here’s how we use it:
Start with a broad topic: We input one or two words related to our niche.
Explore the data: We scroll through the questions, prepositions, comparisons, alphabeticals, and related terms.
Switch to data view: For easier analysis, we switch from the visual ‘tree’ to the data view.
Export results: We can quickly export or screen grab the results for presentations.
Try similar keywords: We experiment with related terms to broaden our research.
Use the ‘for’ hack: By adding ‘for’ after our main keyword, we unlock even more ideas.
What we love most about AnswerThePublic is its simplicity and depth. It’s perfect for beginners, but even seasoned pros will find value in its straightforward approach and accurate data. Whether we’re looking to create relevant content, make data-driven decisions, or keep up with emerging trends, AnswerThePublic has become our go-to tool for tapping into the minds of our audience.
Plans
Pricing
Individual
$5/Month
Pro
$49/Month
Expert
$99/Month
Custom Plan
Custom
Final Remarks
We’ve taken a deep dive into the world of AI-powered keyword research tools, and what an exciting journey it’s been! From industry giants like Semrush and Ahrefs to innovative ones like AnswerThePublic, we’ve covered a range of tools that can boost your SEO game. These tools have a massive impact on how we uncover hidden gem keywords, analyse search trends, and craft content that resonates with our audience.
As we wrap up, it’s clear that the right keyword research tool can make all the difference in your digital marketing strategy. No matter who you are – a seasoned pro or just starting out, there’s a tool out there to suit your needs and budget. So why not give some of these a try and see how they can transform your approach to keyword research? And hey, if you’re hungry for more incredible content presented in a fun way, head on over to StartupTalky’s Instagram page! We are doing some crazy stuff with our socials. Do visit us!
FAQ
Can AI do keyword research?
Yes, AI can assist with keyword research by analyzing search trends, suggesting relevant keywords, and identifying gaps in content.
Which AI tools are the best for keyword research?
Here are the best AI tools for keyword research:
Semrush
ChatGPT
Ahrefs
Google Keyword Planner
KWFinder
AnswerThePublic
Is AI text bad for SEO?
AI-generated text is not inherently bad for SEO, but it must be high-quality, relevant, and optimized to avoid penalties from search engines.
According to a senior official on November 14, the government has chosen the logistics aggregator Shiprocket and the air cargo handling company Cargo Service Centre (CSC) to establish e-commerce export hubs in the nation on a pilot basis.
Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Santosh Kumar Sarangi informed reporters that the e-commerce export hubs (EECH) will arrive in and around Delhi airport and start operations in February of next year. The CSC is based in Mumbai, whereas Shiprocket has its headquarters in Gurugram. According to Sarangi, two agencies have been given permission by Foreign Trade to establish experimental e-commerce export hubs in Delhi.
Hubs Will be Equipped with State-Of-The-Art Facilities
The hubs will be equipped with internal expedited customs and security clearing services. They will also have space for certification and quality assurance organisations. He noted that it will also feature an easy-to-implement re-import policy. This policy will allow e-commerce consignments and rejects to be returned without incurring import duties.
Sarangi went on to say that the government will release comprehensive guidelines to establish additional of these hubs throughout the nation depending on the input these companies provide on how these pilots are operating. Different departments will need to make adjustments to their policies or regulations in order to comply with these principles. According to Sarangi, Trade anticipates that many of these centres will be operational throughout the nation following the pilot’s successful launch and subsequent scaling up.
E-Commerce Exports are Expected to Reach $100 Billion
According to Sarangi, e-commerce exports could reach over $100 billion by 2030 and then $200–250 billion in the years to follow. Global e-commerce exports are currently valued at $800 billion, but forecasts indicate that they may reach $2 trillion by 2030. China sells $250 billion a year through this channel, while India barely exports $5 billion.
China is a leader in e-commerce exports and a pioneer in e-commerce export hubs. In 2023, this route accounted for 6.4% of China’s total merchandise exports. ECEH will play a crucial role in increasing the nation’s exports and enabling exporters from the countryside to ship a wide range of commodities. Pharmaceuticals, textiles, home textiles, clothing, jewellery, Ayush items, and cosmetics might all be included. Thus, the DGFT elaborated, there is a wide variety of possible outcomes.
The purpose of establishing e-commerce export hubs was described in the Foreign Trade Policy of 2023, along with a road map for their establishment. Late in the month of August, the applications for establishing these hubs for the purpose of running pilots were called.
On November 15, Nazara Technologies and Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath’s WTFund promised to invest a total of INR 2 crore in two gaming firms, Xigma Games and Norian Games. In order to improve India’s reputation in the international gaming industry, they are investing in the next generation of domestic gaming companies. According to a joint announcement from the companies, Norian Games and Xigma Games will receive financial support as well as access to mentorship and strategic direction as a result of this investment.
According to Kamath, this fund is a first step towards helping businesses that have established themselves with their inventive games, and he said that he is very excited to watch them continue to push their boundaries.
WTFund was Launched to Nurture Young Entrepreneurs
The establishment of the WTFund, a non-dilutive grant-agnostic fund aimed at fostering young entrepreneurs under 25, was announced by Kamath in April. By investing in entrepreneurs in a variety of industries, the fund helps them grow. Nitish Mittersain, the founder of Nazara Technologies, added that the multifaceted gaming and sports media company is dedicated to developing India’s future gaming talent. “Aldian of Ancients,” a dinosaur survival simulation game for PC and console, is being developed by Norian Games, a startup based in Kerala.
In the meantime, the Bengaluru-based game development company Xigma Games has published games like “The Bonfire: Forsaken Lands” and “The Bonfire 2: Uncharted Shores,” which together have received over 10 million downloads. The games are presently accessible on Steam, the Apple App Store, and the Google Play Store. “Metal Haven,” the studio’s most recent release, is a sci-fi action-strategy game that can be played for free.
India’s Gaming Market
According to Niko Partners, a market research and consultancy organisation that focuses on video games, e-sports, and streaming in Asia, India is the fastest-growing gaming market in the region in terms of both revenue and players.
In 2024, it is anticipated that the combined revenue from mobile, PC, and console gaming will reach $943 million, an increase of 13.6% from the year before. According to the report, the market is anticipated to generate more than $1 billion in sales by 2025 and $1.4 billion in 2028, representing a compound annual growth rate of 11.1% over the next five years. These numbers exclude export and real-money gaming income.
The online gaming industry is having problems because of the regulatory ambiguity under the IT Amendment Rules, 2023, according to Aruna Sharma, a Practitioner Development Economist and former secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). This is because the establishment of self-regulatory bodies (SRB) was only partially completed, and there is no central regulatory authority to address the industry’s concerns. Furthermore, it is challenging for respectable domestic and foreign gaming businesses to run efficiently because of the absence of distinction between games of skill and games of chance.
The industry has been severely impacted financially by the GST hike from 18% to 28% as well as punitive tax applications. Taxation has been a major issue for the sector, according to Parth Chadha, co-founder and CEO of STAN. Owing to this, numerous online gaming businesses were forced to close their doors and lay off employees.
While reorganising its operations last week, 80–100 workers were let off by Mumbai-based audiobook platform Kuku FM. Additionally, contracted staff were affected by the exercise. According to the reports, 300 workers, both on and off the roll, lost their jobs overall. The exercise had the biggest effect on the content team, which consists of authors and producers.
According to the sources, there may have been even more workers laid off throughout the exercise. Repots said that Kuku FM implemented the layoffs in order to save expenses. For content creation, the startup will probably use artificial intelligence (AI).
Financial Dynamics of Kuku FM
In the fiscal year 2023-2024 (FY24), Kuku FM’s income more than doubled to INR 88 Cr from INR 41.1 Cr in the prior fiscal year. From INR 116 Cr in FY23, its loss decreased by 18% to INR 96 Cr. While its content development costs more than tripled to INR 11.2 Cr, its marketing expenditures increased 37% year over year to INR 48 Cr. Kuku FM, which was founded in 2018 by Bisu, Vikas Goyal, and Vinod Kumar Meena, provides audio programming in a variety of categories, including news, education, entertainment, self-help, personal finance, mythology, spirituality, and inspiration.
At the moment, it asserts that its platform hosts over 150K hours of content in a variety of formats. The startup provides audiobooks in a number of regional languages, including Tamil, Hindi, Bengali, and Marathi. It contains English-language information as well.
Funding Raised
Nearly a year has passed since the business raised $25 million in its Series C fundraising round, which was co-led by International Finance Corporation and The Fundamentum Partnership and included Vertex Ventures. To date, it has raised $72 million in investment. Among its investors are Krafton and Shunwei Capital. It should be noted that the reorganisation process was carried out about a month after Pocket FM, a rival of Kuku FM, announced layoffs. According to reports, Pocket FM fired about 50 workers worldwide in a variety of roles. Earlier this year, Pocket FM had let go of almost 200 journalists working in the United States.
Layoffs a Common Scenario in Indian Startup Sector
In the first half of 2024, Indian startups laid off fewer workers than they did in the same period last year, suggesting that the industry may be nearing the end of its worst layoffs, albeit it is still far from done.
According to data from executive search agency Longhouse Consulting, startups reduced employment by approximately 11,250 between January and June of this year, compared to 21,000 in the first half of 2023 and 15,000 in the second half.
While layoffs may have decreased from their 2023 highs, industry executives and hiring experts warned that they are still happening as startups face a tight funding environment and an emphasis on cost-cutting, particularly for those getting ready for an IPO.
Vidhi Punamiya
