Tag: Business Model Analysis

  • Inshorts: Exceptional Circulation and Its Rapid News Model

    Data and information are two key concepts in the modern world. Data is raw, unprocessed facts or figures that can be collected from various sources. Information, on the other hand, is data that has been processed and organized into a meaningful form. Both data and information play an important role in decision-making processes across industries as they help organizations make more informed decisions to drive their business forward.

    In today’s society, original news is more important than ever. With the rise of social media and other digital platforms, it can be hard to tell what information is true or not. Fake news has become a major problem in recent years, resulting in confusion and distrust among readers. This makes it even more vital that people are able to access reliable sources of original news and analysis.

    Original news stories provide an unbiased look at current events with accurate facts and reporting. It allows for a greater understanding of the issues being discussed by providing background information on topics and giving both sides of an argument equal coverage. In addition, these stories often feature interviews with experts who can help explain complex concepts in easy-to-understand language. Without original news people and society at large can go directionless.

    This generation can also be more easily distracted by technology, with the average attention span now being 8 seconds. To counter this, it is important to create content that is concise and engaging. This could include using shorter sentences, breaking up long paragraphs into smaller blocks of text, or creating visuals such as infographics or videos to help break up information and keep people engaged.

    Additionally, providing interactive elements such as quizzes or polls can also help maintain attention spans. News in this format can be a game-changing business, and there exists one business that does exactly the same. Inshorts is an Indian news app that does the same. They have been growing with good numbers. Let us see how they are able to do this. This article talks about Inshorts, their rage, and the reason behind the growth.

    About Inshorts
    The Famous Inshorts App
    Technical Facts About Inshorts
    User Psychology
    Reasons Behind Inshorts Success

    About Inshorts

    Inshorts is an Indian news and content discovery platform founded by Azhar Iqubal, Anunay Arunav, and Deepit Purkayastha. Iqubal is all set to be the new judge in Shark Tank India, season 3.

    Inshorts was launched in 2013 with the aim of providing short, crisp, and relevant news to its users. The company, which is based in Noida, serves over 30 million monthly active users and has been backed by investors such as Tiger Global and Sequoia Capital. Inshorts was started in 2013 and was just a Facebook page to provide news in a snakebite format. By the end of their first month, the page had a little over 20K followers. Now their app distills news stories into 60-word summaries.

    It offers a personalized news feed where users can choose topics and sources of news they are interested in. It also offers an AI-powered news feed that provides news stories according to the user’s reading patterns. Inshorts offers news from a range of topics including politics, business, sports, entertainment, and technology. It also provides an in-app video channel, ‘Inshorts TV’, which has news stories from multiple sources.

    Traffic and Engagement in the Last Three Months of 2023
    Traffic and Engagement in the Last Three Months of 2023

    Inshorts is the all-new ultimate news reading experience, delivering users with a quote to spark thought and expand their knowledge. With information on current affairs, politics, business news, and more at their fingertips, Inshorts actively engages with its readers as it summarises long-form stories for convenience. Going beyond mere scanning of articles through catchy video clips and exciting quizzes, this one-of-a-kind platform offers an extraordinary insight into an ever-evolving world – in just 60 words!

    The Famous Inshorts App

    Inshorts has since grown to become India’s largest news platform with over 25 million users. It has been awarded a number of accolades, including being named the best news app by Google Play in 2018. Inshorts has become popular for its unique format which allows users to catch up on the latest news in a matter of minutes. By condensing news stories into 60 words, the app ensures that users can stay informed without having to spend hours reading long articles.

    The app provides users with a range of personalization options, such as selecting their preferred sources and topics, which helps them filter out news stories that do not interest them. In addition to its personalization options, Inshorts also provides a range of features to make it easier to stay informed. These features include a daily digest, which sends users a summary of the top stories of the day, as well as a ‘trending’ section that highlights the most popular stories from the past 24 hours. The app also offers a range of news categories, such as politics, sports, and entertainment, which makes it easier for users to find stories that interest them. Inshorts has become a popular news platform for many users due to its unique format, personalization options, and range of features.

    By providing users with a quick and easy way to stay informed, the app has become a go-to source for news in India. It currently has more than 20 million app downloads. The app wears a crown with a monthly active user base of more than 60 million. Out of them, more than 60% user base is in the age group of 18 to 35.

    Inshorts - Audience Demographics and Age Distribution
    Inshorts – Audience Demographics and Age Distribution

    The Inshorts app is as fun and interactive as it is exciting! Focusing on bite-sized mobile news coverage of current events, Inshorts makes staying informed quick and easily digestible. By serving content in the form of summaries, videos, and infographics, users can quickly swerve from story to story with a few taps of their fingers.

    It can also be used to promote products or services. Examples of news and short-form content include blog posts, tweets, news stories, infographics, and podcast episodes. The advantage of news and short-form content is that it can be more quickly read, watched, or listened to than long-form content. It can also be used to quickly and efficiently convey information or messages to a large audience. Additionally, it can be used to create interest and engagement around a topic or brand. Finally, it can be used to drive traffic to websites and other platforms.

    Technical Facts About Inshorts

    Developing for Inshorts includes working with both Android & iOS integrated languages such as Java & Swift, along with their own back-end APIs for a communication interface between its many components. Plus, implementing real-time analytics provides invaluable metrics to measure user engagement, thus allowing the company to remain prepared and conscious of what’s popular amongst readers of the news.

    The app also has a ‘Share’ feature where users can share stories with their friends and family. In addition to its news offerings, Inshorts also offers features such as ‘Inshorts Picks’ which curates stories from various sources, ‘Top Stories’ which shows trending stories in India, and ‘Today’s Headlines’ which offers a list of the top stories of the day. All these muscles work behind the scenes and make an impact on the lives of many people who stay up-to-date with the latest news through its platform!

    Inshorts App
    Inshorts App 

    The app also has an ‘Explore’ section which allows users to search for and follow topics of their interest. It also has a ‘Bookmark’ feature which allows users to save articles for later reading. Inshorts recently launched a ‘Breaking News’ section which provides breaking news alerts. Inshorts has over 10 million downloads on the Google Play Store and is available in 10 languages. It also has a website where users can access news stories.

    Inshorts was recently in the news for its successful fundraising round. It raised $35 million from Tiger Global Management and other investors, taking its total funding to $100 million. The app has been praised for its simple and intuitive user interface. It has also been lauded for its efforts to make news more accessible to users. Overall, Inshorts is an innovative platform that is changing the way we consume news. It is making news more accessible and is helping users stay informed about the latest developments in India and around the world.


    Inshorts Startup Story – Business Model, Revenue Model, Competitors and more
    Inshorts is an mobile news application that offers news stories summarised in 60 words or less. Lets look at its business model, revenue model and more.


    User Psychology

    User psychology is an important factor in digital products, understanding how their users think and interact with a product. Proper user research helps to create an experience tailored to their needs and ensures customers remain loyal. It broadens the overall user experience by identifying factors, such as perceived functionality, usability, system performance, and aesthetics, which are essential for delivering value. By accounting for these elements designers can create solutions that are not only aesthetically appealing but offer meaningful experiences through meaningful interactions that make sense to use. User psychology should also inform product road maps as it can help in planning out feature development cycles, enabling a better overall user experience.

    A peek into the minds at Inshorts

    Reasons Behind Inshorts Success

    The app has grown tremendously over the past few years and now enjoys a considerable user base across India. In this article, we will discuss some of the key reasons for its success.

    Unique Concept

    One of the primary reasons for Inshorts’ success is its unique concept of providing short news summaries to readers. The idea was revolutionary at a time when most people were used to consuming long articles on their mobile devices or computers. This innovation allowed users to consume news quickly and easily, making it more accessible to a wider audience.

    Effective Distribution Strategy

    Another important factor in Inshorts’ success is its effective distribution strategy. The app is available on both Android and iOS platforms as well as on the web, allowing users to access news summaries anytime, anywhere. In addition, the company has also partnered with several mobile operators to make its content available through their networks.

    Quality Content

    Inshorts also offers high-quality content that is updated regularly by a team of dedicated editors who curate news stories from leading newspapers and magazines. This ensures that readers get only accurate information which helps them stay informed about current affairs without having to read long articles or watch lengthy videos.

    Engaging User Experience

    Inshorts also offers an engaging user experience. The app has a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate and find the news summaries one is interested in. Additionally, users can customize their feeds by selecting topics they are interested in or following specific authors whose work they enjoy reading. This helps make the experience more personalized for each individual user.

    Effective Revenue Model

    Last but not least, Inshorts has implemented an effective revenue model that allows it to generate revenue while providing its services free of cost to users. It does this by displaying ads on its platform as well as through partnerships with other brands and companies who use its content for marketing purposes. These are some of the key reasons for Inshorts’ success. The company has managed to capture a large user base by providing a unique and innovative news summarization service that is easily accessible, offers high-quality content, provides an engaging user experience, and has an effective monetization model in place.


    The Unique Yet Effective Marking Strategies of Inshorts
    Inshorts is a mobile news app that summarizes and presents news in less than 60 words. Here’s a look at its marketing strategies.


    Conclusion

    Inshorts is a popular news app that provides users with short summaries or ‘Inshorts’ of daily news stories. The app has become incredibly popular due to its user-friendly interface, easy navigation, and comprehensive coverage of the latest news from all over the world. Additionally, Inshorts also offers personalized recommendations based on user’s interests and preferences, helping them stay up to date with the latest developments in their areas of interest.

    The future of Inshorts looks bright, as the company continues to focus on delivering concise, easily digestible news content to its users. In the coming years, Inshorts is likely to expand its reach and technology to become a leader in the news aggregation and delivery space.

    FAQ

    What kind of app is Inshorts?

    Inshorts is an aggregator app that summarizes news articles in 60 words and covers a wide range of topics, including tech and business.

    Why is Inshorts successful?

    Inshorts generates revenues as a content aggregator by driving users to publishers’ websites and also through advertising commissions.

    Who is the CEO of Inshorts?

    Azhar Iqubal is the co-founder and CEO of Inshorts. He was named ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ in the media category at the Entrepreneur Awards 2022 organized by Entrepreneur India magazine. Azhar is also all set to be the new judge in the Shark Tank India, season 3.

    Is Inshorts a social media?

    Inshorts is a news aggregation app that lets users summarise news in 60 words. The latest addition to its portfolio – the Public app – is a local social app that provides users with videos about the places they live in.

  • Dropshipping – A New and Viral Business Model

    Starting a business is a very famous idea for earning money. You can meet a salaried person and he/she will tell you about his/her dream of starting a business and earning with no cap. There is no denial to the fact that money is a necessary requirement and everyone works to earn some money, some do a job and others are self-employed. However, in the real world, a business is a very popular way of earning among people. The reason could be watching multi-millionaires online and noticing that they all are businessmen. Also, a job is a fixed and tied-up income stream which makes the business the most lucrative income-generating activity out there.

    Having said that business is popular, it is also to be mentioned that starting a business and sustaining it is not easy. It requires capital, skills and many more qualities. Thus, it is not anyone’s cup of tea. However, there are some people who try to hack systems to create businesses that do not even require them to get off the couch. This sounds imaginary, right? But it is true. The business that we are talking about is Dropshipping. This is a very modern and famous form of business that has grown so much in the past years. One of the reasons for the scope is TikTok trends but this form is really easy and doable business. This article talks about how this new form of business has covered the whole world.

    What Is Dropshipping?
    Dropshipping Business Model
    Why Is Dropshipping So Famous and Viral?
    Side Effects of Dropshipping
    Shopify
    Gymshark: A Case Study

    What Is Dropshipping?

    Dropshipping is nothing but another form of retail business. In a dropshipping business, the seller looks out for customer orders and accepts them as he/she has the stock but does not keep goods sold in stock. Dropshippers take direct orders from customers and then they contact sellers of that product and ask them to ship directly to the customer. Acting as an intermediary, they earn the difference that lies in between the transaction.

    Dropshippers can be seen as an intermediary. The social media advertisements of products that you see on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram are most of these sorts. These ads are run to get the attention of the potential customers who will place the orders. They take advantage of the mindlessness with which people scroll their smartphones and click anywhere and buy mindlessly. Some sellers even make millions of dollars from overseas dropshipping without touching the goods. While others use it as a  scheme of gambling scams that hurt legitimate businesses and humble customers.

    Dropshipping Business Model

    At the inception is a drop shipper who thinks to sell something online to someone without owning that product. He searches the web all over to find products that might be huge in demand and products which people will pay money for. After they figure out a product to sell, then it is time to set up a store just for that product. There are many services available online that can be used to set up online stores for free or with minimal payment. One of them is Shopify, and we will discuss the company a little later. Once a store is set up for a product, it is time to get to the most important part of the business. The most important part of the business, also known as the customers, but how to reach the customers?

    Global Dropshipping Market from 2022 to 2024

    In this technological world where people are more online than they are offline, gives a pretty good reason to reach people online and not offline. Not only are online methods very messy and can reach millions of people but they are cheap too. At this step, when a product is chosen and a shop is set for selling the product, the dropshipper now has to reach online customers who might be interested in the product. This is when advertising the product gets into the picture. This is the time when the dropshipper looks out for good advertising platforms. Most of the dropshippers look up to Instagram as they go to places for their advertisements. Others might also choose other social mediums like Facebook, or YouTube depending on their target audience and the sort of product that they are trying to sell.

    Let us take the example of Instagram. Let’s say a dropshipper chooses IG as their advertisement place and they set up advertisements on social media. The target is to run ads hoping that some person will look out for your product and buy it. Most of the time, these advertisements promotional giveaways are targeted to some specific sorts of people, as we can display and list our preferences according to our product. The hook or the trick here is to make the advertisement as catchy as possible. It can be hard for a person to stop scrolling and look at a specific post (Ad) and click on that and make an impulsive purchase. Thus, the dropshipper has to pay extra attention to this detail and has to set up some really smart hooks for the customers to get. The customer can come through two routes, one is to buy thoughtfully and another route is to buy the product impulsively.

    Once a customer has clicked your link, or ad, and is taken to the online shop page of your product. That online shop that you created should work efficiently with the payment system. It should involve all the famous payment methods because the customer will be needing a speedy cash-out option when buying something online. Plus, the store should be believable so that the customer who is about to buy that product believes that it is authentic. Once they make the payment, you go and order that product from a big wholesaler who will give you a good discount on the deal just enter the address of the customer who purchased it from you. It is noted that most retailers are from China as it is the manufacturing hub of the world, and examples include Alibaba’s online enterprises.

    Why Is Dropshipping So Famous and Viral?

    Dropshipping is one of the most viral business models and has amassed a lot of views and beliefs from audiences of all sorts. Especially on the short video platform, TikTok. People on TikTok use the social media platform to promote a product and then sell it online using an online shop.

    Global Dropshipping Market by Product

    One reason is that we all are always online, which lead to the success of huge social media apps like TikTok and Instagram. This reason, that the internet gets a lot of screen time, makes dropshipping a viable business option. One can operate very easily with this sort of business model. Dropshippers just need a computer with a stable working internet connection and can even work from home everywhere.

    Another reason includes the easy set-up of an online business. It has become increasingly easy for a person to set up an online store and list an item or product to sell it. Interestingly, people can ship their products anywhere in the world now, due to advancements in tech and transport sectors.

    Side Effects of Dropshipping

    Not every online store and product is not true to its customers. There are many cases of counterfeits and fake products being peddled in the market. They must be believable and true to the nature of the products. There are also a lot of fake and counterfeit sellers online that pose to be true but they are fake. Due to the high popularity of this model of business, people often fall prey to such mischief.  

    “What happens is then a whole cascade of different events where you buy fake reviews to distinguish yourself. You buy fake ratings, fake upvotes, a lot of ads, marketing, but all that adds up,” said Saoud Khalifah, founder of consumer protection software company Fakespot.

    Fakespot has a Chrome plug-in that alerts shoppers if a seller on Amazon, Walmart, Ebay, Best Buy or Sephora can’t be trusted. It recently added capabilities to detect untrustworthy stores on Shopify. “They made this a one-stop-shop for you to set up a store, and it’s just super easy for you to start selling online and a lot of these dropshippers know it,” Khalifah said.

    This is a drawback of this model being super famous, there are people all over who try and convince you that online shopping is not authentic. In an analysis of more than 124,000 Shopify stores, the analysis agency, Fakespot found out that about 25,000 shops set up online are involved in counterfeit activity, data leaks and fake reviews mafia. Out of those twenty five thousand online shops and stores, almost about 72% showed traces of bad dropshipping tactics.

    Shopify

    Shopify is an online store creator which helps people to set up online stores for little or no fee. It is easy to sign up and set up an online store for a product. It has all the features enabled for a store, including payments, cart and delivery services. There is also fraud detection and consumer protection in the platform. On Shopify’s Help Center, there’s an entire section devoted to tips and strategies for dropshipping. This helps in regulating the online storage space.

    The company makes money by charging transaction fees on sales made through its platform and offering paid add-ons and services such as custom themes, advanced shipping and payment options. Shopify earns revenue from its app store, where third-party developers can sell their tools and services to Shopify merchants. The platform caters to businesses of all sizes, from small, independent retailers to large enterprises.

    Gymshark: A Case Study

    Gymshark, which is a company dealing in the business of gym wear and athletic apparel, has a great influence. The company initially used influencers to promote their products and it used its power of audience to market its product. The effect of which was that the brand was able to generate a cult-like following all over the place. Be it the internet and offline spaces, the company was successful in creating a stir in the public.

    The story does not end here, in fact, it is the beginning of dropshippers in context. The huge success that gym shark created for itself was also apparently used by dropshipping people all over the states. Yes, dropshippers actually started making that cash and capitalised on the company’s success. Gymshark CCO Niran Chana said he’s seeing more and more copycat drop shippers selling knock-offs.

    “Someone else is acting as the brand at that point. And we put a lot of investment into assets, content, etc. So for someone to come and almost copy that is frustrating,” Chana said.

    “Where we could really do with their help and support is actually when people are abusing those brand rights and running away with a business model that is unsustainable for both themselves and/or Gymshark if they regulate that better. They have the right to be able to say we’re going to pull this site down or you guys are trading sort of uncompetitively,” Chana said.

    Gymshark, for now, is working on building a legal team. The legal team will be at the front of safety and security to protect intellectual property, but Chana also called on Shopify to help.

    This above example of Gym shark proves the fact that dropshipping can take the shape of something really ugly. People can try to tarnish the brand image of a company just by setting up individual shops which operate in an independent form. This is one of the many examples which shed light on the credibility of online shopping of any sort, it has to be hugely regulated nonetheless.

    Conclusion

    Dropshipping is a very famous model of business. It is not a surprising fact, as for a businessman it is easy to just order something that he does not own, and delivering it to the customer is rather easy. Another reason for the business to be a famous model of business is that the product can be marketed easily. It is easy to market products with platforms like TikTok and Instagram. You just have to create a trend or just stick to a trend and market the product that you are selling.

    Stores like Shopify make it really easy to set up online stores for every product and it also comes with all the features of a full-fledged online store. From the payments interface, and cart features to the proper listing of products, everything is listed here and plain. The fact that this business model is easy to carry out, makes it prone to viruses. There are people of all sorts out there who are trying to sell counterfeit products online. They can sell fake products, they can come up with some really mischief tricks to trick customers online. There are however regulations and strict rules that try to minimise fake selling, and the number of originals is expected to go up. On the contrary, the business model has supported many people financially. No one can point out the general profitability but if you stick to a trend and create good marketing, the product will sell, even overseas.

    FAQ

    Is TikTok good for dropshipping?

    TikTok live is a great dropshipping tool for all independent content creators, businesses, and brands, TikTok is a great platform to promote their work, products, personalities, and ideas in creative and entertaining ways to a global audience.

    Is drop shipping still a good business model?

    Yes. If you choose the right niche, implement a proper marketing strategy and constantly improve your customer support, dropshipping will be the most profitable business model to run.

    Which social media is best for drop shipping?

    Instagram is a top-rated social media platform for dropshipping businesses, primarily because it’s so visual. So it’s a great idea to use a few product photos and then mix these up with videos and images that complement what you’re selling.

    What is the weakness of drop shipping?

    Dropshipping isn’t simple. It has challenges like suppliers, order processing, returns, customer support, website maintenance, attracting online traffic, and tracking inventory changes and shipping prices with manufacturers, all requiring time.

  • Product Placement: Marketing Through Shows and Movies

    “We live in a world of advertisements”. This quote is aptly said as it constantly reminds us of advertisements everywhere. They are like gods, Omnipresent. You open a youtube video, an ad appears, you go to social media, an ad appears, you say “F you” to the online world and switch on the television and, yes you are guessing it right, an ad appears.

    They are so omnipresent that we now think that they are the reality. Guess, they’re not. Advertisements are all a marketing technique and the purpose is to make a product look like a blessing. It was cool and all until advertisements were manufactured claiming they were ads. In this digital hyper-connected world, we have arrived at a junction where we don’t know what is advertisement and what is not. This article is about marketing that is diffused within other forms of content, especially movies and TV shows. Let us read and see how cleverly we are made-to-believe products.

    Brand Marketing Over the Years
    Product Placement in Films
    Need for Product Placement
    Benefits of Product Placement
    Problems with Product Placement

    Brand Marketing Over the Years

    There are many forms and types of advertisements. We can see examples of ad print media, broadcast media, Online social media advertisements and many more. As technology evolves we tend to see it everywhere. We can see newspapers filled with advertisements, we can see our dish TV filled with all sorts of advertisements. Now, when the world is online, we can see ads everywhere online. They are on our social media timelines, on our Youtube account, on websites we travel and much much more.

    Except for every other factor, there is always one thing that is sure. We can immediately tell that we are watching an advertisement when we see one, but this surety is vanishing gradually. Now we can’t really be sure if we are watching an advertisement or an actual real thing that we would like to watch…

    Product Placement in Films

    What we are seeing is that brands are trying to diffuse brands even in the content we want to watch. Imagine watching your favourite actor Hrithik Roshan saying “I love coke” in a movie, how weird is that? This is a very common trick that brands apply to our favourite types of content. This feels like getting backstabbed. Whatever you can say about it, we can clearly see signs of it everywhere. However, it is a super-risky thing to do but can do very well wonders if done smoothly.

    Share of Product Placements 

    Welcome to the world of “Product Placement”. Where you cannot tell if something is real or it is an advertisement. Brands and movie directors do it so smoothly that it is often left behind in the scenes and no one notices them. In fact, your brain (That smart little organ) does notice that and subconsciously notes it down for future use. Like you see an actor drink ‘Coke’ in a film, you don’t really notice it but your brain does. You will then most probably and most likely order a coke when you go for lunch after that movie. Tweaks like these, here and there, are supposed to make a lot of difference in the long run. Brands are crazy about this and are paying huge sums of money to make this happen as smoothly as possible.

    Need for Product Placement

    We are going to see some examples to prove the fact that ‘Product placement’ is a real tactic of marketing. The reason for this is that normal people don’t really pay that much attention to these little “stranger things”. Let us see some unnoticed brand placements that only your subconscious mind notices,

    No matter your age, a Bollywood movie that almost everyone knows about is Koi Mil Gaya starring Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta. The movie is famous for the appearance of an alien named ‘Jaadoo’. Apart from this, the movie makes for a great example of the product placement of Bournvita. In this movie, it is shown that the young Rohit (Hritik’s character) loves to drink his milk with Bournvita in it. In some scenes, he even boasts about it to his friends and also offers some Bournvita to a winning kid in a game.

    Koe Mil Gya Movie Scene with Bournvita

    Another example from a movie starring Hritik is the Bollywood film “Yaadein”. It was a hit, like all other movies that star Hrithik Roshan. He is an all-time favourite actor in the business. But could you notice Coke’s ‘Product placement’ throughout the entire running time of the movie? This one rigid frame tells the same story, the “Coke in hand” almost everywhere. You might not remember but your brain must have noticed, “Cool people like Hrithik drink Coke”.

    The popular movie franchise “James Bond” did it all the time. Since the release of Dr No in 1962, the James Bond franchise has been associated with a number of brands. Many brands came in line to pay for promotions in future instalments for the famous cinema piece. The early films featured Pan-am Airlines and smith and Wesson firearms. The early films feature tie-ins with popular companies like Pan-Am Airlines and Smith and Wesson firearms. The iconic cigar that Bond fashioned is also a very popular brand placement. It is reported that Lark Cigarettes paid as much as $350,000 to feature their brand of cigarettes in Licence to Kill. Besides the aforementioned brands, some of the other popular brands to be associated with the franchise are Microsoft, Gillette, Playboy, Toblerone, 7Up, and KFC.

    James Bond with an Aston Martin

    Even after we have talked about so much brand placement in the movie, we can still remember the iconic ride of James Bond. It was the luxury car brand Aston Martin that was honoured with bond’s feet on their product. Aston Martin, the luxury car brand jumped at an opportunity to be associated with the British spy. Starting from Goldfinger in 1964, this partnership has endured the test of time.

    Benefits of Product Placement

    Why does this happen? Why do brands want to create a persona of a famous/popular actor using a brand product as an advertisement in product placement? This is a legit question and it has to be answered.

    Social Proof

    Social proof is a real thing in the marketing world. It is a social and psychological trick that business people use. Social proof means that people tend to believe whatever fellow people are using without a rationale. That clearly means that if you watch a crowd do a certain behaviour with a certain product, then you are most likely to follow the trend without asking for a reason or a why.

    For a quick example, we can take the case of Redbull. Redbull is a carbonated drink maker and the company sells by packaging it as a power drink. The company knew the phenomena of social proof and its drinks were not famous among the masses in India. So what they did was they threw empty cans of Redbull outside every club and pub. This little activity added a lot of value to the brand red bull and made its revenue very high. What the ‘little hack’ did was it took the value proposition of red bull and made it appear “cool” in society. Once it was established that people “who visit clubs and pubs drink red bull”, then everyone started mimicking the behaviour by actually drinking red bull. This small trick can do wonders without even letting people think about what they are actually doing.

    Indirect But Subconsciously Strong

    As we mentioned before in the article, these types of advertisements are silent and much more effective than regular ones. It is quite evident from the society that we live in. We are most probably a collectivist society and we love to have status to show off. If we see a movie star do something, we are most likely to mimic it. This raises questions about whether brands can pay movie makers to make them do certain activities.

    If code is something that scripts machines then it can be clearly said that media is something that scripts human beings. Balaji Srinivasan said in a report that he shared on Twitter that media is what scripts human beings. It is thus, whoever controls the media, controls the mind or can control the mind. Media here is any sort of media, it can be print media, a film, a piece of content on youtube, or anything that can hold attention for a significant amount of time.

    Wayne’s world super product placements.

    Problems with Product Placement

    Imagine being a trusted brand and then losing all the trust that you generated from all the years of hard work. That is so bad but most easy to happen. Imagine cinema and over-the-top content giants selling screen time to brands for product placements. This little rash on the smooth road to great revenues can derail the growth train. People could just boycott anything that feels like backstabbing.

    When we watch a movie we don’t think or expect that we will be interrupted by an advertisement or a brand showcasing their product. We go to theatres carefree as we pay for that sort of entertainment. If moviemakers dilute this excitement for us by including ads in the movie then it can most likely spoil the mood of many cinephiles.

    However, Netflix clearly mentions that it does not allow brands to show anything or any sort of advertisements on their show, there are many unnoticed instances of them being caught with product placement. Well, according to the reports, Netflix one hundred per cent refuses the question of “Product placement”, and they will never cheat the paying user base. As we know that Netflix is a paid or subscription-based platform and if its users find it selling advertisements to them, this can lead to a huge slowdown. The company always says that it supports and protects user rights and works with dignity, no brand has ever paid anything to Netflix for any sort of product placement.

    Conclusion

    We know that product placement is a very bumpy ride and can be a huge interruption for a movie or series fan. Moviemakers know it very well. However, if done smoothly and carefully, it will go unnoticed by the audience and it will also make revenue for the brand. Thus, product placement in movies or series can do wonders for a brand, if done correctly.

    FAQ

    Which TV show has the most product placement?

    A study conducted in early 2022 found that the U.S. version of “The Office” was the TV show with the highest number of product placements worldwide.

    Does Netflix use product placement?

    Since Netflix doesn’t sell advertising, the most common way that brands get into Netflix originals is through product placement. Brands and agencies work directly with the productions to place products in Netflix shows, similar to other streaming shows.

    Does Coca-Cola use product placement?

    Coca-Cola is one of the most visible brands in Movies and TV. Coca-Cola has a relatively long list of product placement appearances. One of its most obvious plugs is in American Idol, one of the most popular shows on American television that hosts a competition to find new solo singing talents.

    What are the 3 types of product placement?

    There are many ways of using product placement on TV: it can be physical, virtual, seen but not used, mentioned, contextual or even unbranded.

  • How to a Build Small Business Operation Area and Reputation in Us

    Small business owners play an important role in the U.S. economy. They provide many of the goods and services that consumers rely on, and they also create jobs. Small businesses are typically defined as having fewer than 500 employees, and they can range from sole proprietorships to large corporations. The benefits of small businesses include flexibility, innovation, and responsiveness to local needs. Small business owners are often more willing to take risks and try new ideas than large corporations, leading to greater innovation. Additionally, small businesses are often more connected to the local community and may provide better customer service than larger firms. Small businesses can help to create a vibrant and diverse economy, and in many cases, they can provide jobs and other economic opportunities for people in underserved communities.

    So it is important that this lifeline of the economy lives on and flourishes in the future. If you see a business, you may notice that there always stands a pillar of risk associated with the business. In these scenarios, it is hard to develop the venture to greater heights. However, with the onset of the internet in every sector and using computers to automate processes, there has been some relief. This article deals with some related issues. Issues and resolutions on how to grow business online to increase customer base and sales.  a positive online reputation can be a key factor in their decision to do business with you.

    The US government has adopted a number of online businesses in recent years, including online payment and banking services, online shopping and e-commerce, telemedicine, online education, and cloud computing. The government has also taken steps to encourage businesses to use and adopt new technologies. The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers various grants and resources to help businesses launch and grow their online operations. Additionally, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has put in place net neutrality rules to ensure that all internet users have access to the same content and services. The US has also made efforts to promote the use of digital currency, such as Bitcoin.

    On the other hand, a negative online reputation can be damaging to a business. It can discourage potential customers from doing business with you and hurt your bottom line. That’s why it’s important to monitor and manage your online reputation and strive to maintain a positive image online.

    The Internet
    Internet and Its Relevancy to Business
    Ways to Use the Internet for Business
    Search Engine – Google
    How to Use Google for Business?
    How to Improve Online Reputation in Us?
    Build an Online Presence

    The Internet

    The Internet is a network of private, public, academic, business, and government networks of local to global scope, linked by a broad array of electronic, wireless, and optical networking technologies. In short, the internet is something that has connected everyone in the world. This is a pretty amazing thing to see in our lifetimes. It makes everything more accessible.

    The internet has changed the way businesses operate on a global scale, allowing companies to reach a much wider audience, create new markets and streamline operations. It has allowed companies to communicate with customers and employees, purchase materials and services, advertise, and access data more quickly and easily.

    Internet and Its Relevancy to Business

    Well, it is the most relevant thing to the business world. There are endless ways how a business can use the internet to reach its customers and increase revenues. The internet has made it easier to do business than ever before. Business owners can now easily communicate with customers, suppliers, and partners, as well as advertise their products and services to a global audience. They can also quickly access customer and market data, allowing them to make informed decisions. Additionally, payment processing is faster and more secure than ever before, allowing for quick and easy transactions. Finally, the internet has opened up new opportunities for businesses, such as e-commerce, social media marketing, and digital advertising. Let us see how the Internet affects businesses.

    Increased Market Reach

    The internet allows businesses to reach a global audience, enabling them to expand their market and customer base. If you have more information or data, you can ride the customer’s tide, which is always beneficial to the overall business.

    Number of Small Businesses in US

    Lower Costs

    An internet business eliminates many of the costs associated with a traditional brick-and-mortar business, such as overhead expenses, rent, utility bills, and staffing. Lower costs help the business to earn more premiums and serve the customer in better places to increase customer loyalty.

    Increased Profits

    The ability to reach a global audience helps internet businesses generate higher profits than traditional businesses since sales can be made around the clock and to a larger customer base with significant margins, profits also rise.

    Increased Efficiency

    With the ability to automate many processes, an internet business can become more efficient and streamline operations, resulting in better customer service and increased profits. The Internet is efficient, even more, efficient than humans. Making the internet a great medium to use and utilise.

    Flexibility

    An internet business can be run from anywhere, allowing entrepreneurs to work from home or while travelling. This makes the physical problem of having a business disappear.

    Ways to Use the Internet for Business

    As mentioned before, there exist endless ways how you can use the Internet for your business. The internet has enabled businesses to collaborate with partners and customers in real-time, regardless of geographical location. Additionally, the internet has allowed companies to use social media platforms to interact with customers, build brand awareness, and increase sales. We are listing some of the most common stuff that you can do to go about it.

    Target Audience

    Before launching any online marketing campaigns, it’s important to understand the target audience and what their online behaviours are. The Internet offers great help to businesses to understand their audience. The reason we are calling this a great help is that once you get more understanding of your audience, you can tailor-make products and offers for them.

    Create a Website

    A website is the foundation of your online presence, and it’s important to create one that accurately reflects your brand and values. A website allows a business to reach a wider audience and increase visibility. It can be used to provide information about a business, such as products or services offered, contact information, and company history. A professional-looking website can help build trust with potential customers.

    Leverage Social Media

    Social media is one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to reach your target audience and build relationships with them. Social media platforms allow businesses to reach a large audience and increase brand awareness. It allows businesses to interact with customers and respond to their questions and concerns in real time. It also can be used to build a community of engaged customers around a brand.

    Utilise Online Advertising

    Online advertising can be an effective way to reach potential customers who may not otherwise find your business. Online advertising is a form of marketing that uses the internet to deliver promotional messages to a target audience. Utilizing online advertising can help increase brand awareness and drive website traffic.

    Invest in SEO

    Search engine optimization (SEO) is an important tool for driving organic traffic to your website. Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of improving the visibility and ranking of a website or a web page in search engine results pages (SERPs) through organic (non-paid) means. Investing in SEO can help increase the visibility of your website and drive more traffic to your site.

    Average Business Owner Salary in US

    Monitor and Analyze Data

    It’s important to keep track of the performance of your online marketing campaigns and adjust your strategies accordingly. Monitoring and analyzing data is an important step in understanding the effectiveness of your marketing efforts and making informed decisions about future strategies.

    Leverage Email Marketing

    Email marketing is a great way to stay in touch with customers and generate leads. It is a cost-effective way to reach and engage with customers and prospects. It involves sending targeted, personalized messages to a list of subscribers via email. Some strategies for leveraging email marketing include

    Leverage Content Marketing

    Content marketing is an effective way to boost brand awareness, build relationships, and drive conversions. Content marketing strategy involves creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and engage a clearly defined audience with the goal of driving profitable customer action

    Search Engine – Google

    It is impossible to not talk about google when talking about the internet. Google is the website that makes all the information in the world accessible to each and every one. The good part is that It also helps businesses grow their online presence.

    Let us see how? Google helps online businesses build their presence, reach new customers, and generate more sales. Businesses can use Google’s suite of products and services to create an online presence, advertise to potential customers, and track their performance. Google Ads gives businesses the ability to create and manage campaigns to reach potential customers searching for the products and services they offer. Google Analytics allows businesses to track how their website performs, so they can make changes to improve their website and increase sales. Google My Business helps businesses create a profile for their business and manage their online presence across Google. Businesses can use Google Search Console to optimise their website for search engine rankings, and Google Tag Manager to track user interactions on their website. Finally, businesses can use Google Reviews to interact with customers and get feedback to improve their products and services.

    How to Use Google for Business?

    This point is not an easy task but it is simple. You should know that Google employs some of the best in class tech to help its business friends. There are many ways you can use to make your business skyrocket with the internet. Here we are listing some of the most thought-out ways of doing so –

    Google Ads is an effective way to reach potential customers in the US. Advertisers can target customers in specific geographic areas, as well as by interests, demographics, and more. Google Ads can be tailored to different budgets, and you can measure the success of your campaigns with detailed reporting.

    Utilise Google My Business

    Google My Business is a free tool that allows businesses to manage their presence on Google Search and Maps. By setting up a profile, you can provide potential customers with information about your business, such as hours, location, and contact information.

    Optimise Your Website for SEO

    Optimising your website for search engine optimization (SEO) can help improve your rankings in Google Search. This includes optimising content and metadata, as well as building backlinks from other websites.

    Google Trends is a great tool to help understand what people are searching for in the US. You can use this information to create content that resonates with customers, as well as to identify emerging trends.

    Use Google Analytics

    Google Analytics is a powerful tool that can help you understand how people interact with your website. You can use this data to optimise your website and improve your sales.

    How to Improve Online Reputation in Us?

    Online reputation refers to the perception of a business or person’s character and trustworthiness based on their online presence. This can include things like their website, social media accounts, and customer reviews. Having a positive online reputation is important for businesses because it can help in lead generation and establish trust and credibility. In today’s digital age, many people turn to the internet to research businesses before making a purchase, and a positive online reputation can be a key factor in their decision to do business with you.

    On the other hand, a negative online reputation can be damaging to a business. It can discourage potential customers from doing business with you and hurt your bottom line. That’s why it’s important to monitor and manage your online reputation and strive to maintain a positive image online. Let us see some suggestions that we can utilise to improve our online business perception in the US and elsewhere.

    1. Monitor your online presence regularly and respond to any negative reviews or comments promptly and professionally. This shows that you care about your customers and are willing to address any issues they may have.
    2. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your website and on popular review websites like Yelp and Google My Business. This can help to balance out any negative reviews and show potential customers that your business is trustworthy.
    3. Make sure that your website is up-to-date and easy to use. This will help to create a good first impression with potential customers and make it easy for them to find the information they need.
    4. Be active on social media and engage with your customers. This can help to build relationships and create a positive brand image.
    5. Create high-quality, engaging content for your website and social media pages to attract potential customers and show off your expertise in your industry.
    6. Provide excellent customer service and go above and beyond to make sure that your customers are happy. This can help to create a positive reputation and encourage customers to spread the word about your business.
    7. Be transparent and honest in your business practices. This can help to build trust and improve your online reputation.

    Build an Online Presence

    With the rising popularity of the internet, businesses are now looking for ways to increase their online presence. This is because having an online presence can help a business reach a wider audience, increase brand recognition, and generate more leads. Here are some effective strategies for increasing your business’s online presence.

    Develop a Strong Social Media Presence

    Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are some of the best places to start building your online presence. With millions of users, these platforms offer businesses a great opportunity to reach a large audience. You can use them to engage with potential customers, post content, advertise your products and services, and build relationships with your followers.

    SEO Strategies

    Search engine optimization (SEO) is an effective way to make your website more visible on search engine results pages. SEO involves optimising your website’s content and structure to make it more visible to search engines. You can also use various SEO tools to optimise your website for specific keywords and phrases that your target audience is likely to search for.

    Online Advertising

    Online advertising is a great way to reach a large audience quickly and cost-effectively. With platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads, you can create targeted campaigns to reach potential customers who are likely to be interested in your products and services.

    Publish Useful Content

    Content marketing is a great way to build brand recognition and attract potential customers to your business. You can use content to provide useful information about your products and services, as well as build relationships with potential customers. You can publish content on your website, as well as on other platforms like social media, blogs, and online publications.

    Participating in Online Communities

    Online communities are a great way to engage with potential customers and build relationships. You can join forums, discussion groups, and other online communities related to your industry, and participate in conversations. This is also a great way to build relationships with influencers in your industry, as well as to learn more about your target audience. By following these strategies, you can effectively increase your business’s online presence. However, it’s important to remember that it takes time and effort to build an effective online presence. It’s also important to be consistent and to monitor your progress regularly to ensure that your efforts are producing the desired results.

    Conclusion

    Online Business has many advantages for both buyers and sellers. It is a cost-effective way for businesses to reach a larger audience, as there are no expensive storefronts or physical locations that need to be maintained. Additionally, online stores are open 24/7 and can handle a large volume of transactions at any given time, making it easier for businesses to meet customer demands. For customers, e-commerce offers convenience, as they can shop at any time of the day or night, from the comfort of their own homes. Furthermore, customers can compare prices and shop around for the best deals, as well as read reviews and check out ratings of products and services before making a purchase. So shifting to an online medium is both effective and efficient.

    FAQ

    What are the 5 key elements for building a successful business?

    At the core, every business is fundamentally a collection of five Interdependent processes, each of which flows into the next such as

    • Value-Creation
    • Marketing
    • Sales
    • Value-Delivery
    • Finance

    What is the biggest key to success for a small business?

    To succeed in business today, you need to be flexible and have good planning and organizational skills. Many people start a business thinking that they’ll turn on their computers or open their doors and start making money, only to find that making money in a business is much more difficult than they thought.

    What are the 7 pillars of business?

    The 7 Strategic Pillars Of Your Business

    • Financial Growth & Stability
    • Marketing & Visibility
    • Product Offers & Innovation
    • Operations & Efficiencies
    • Scaling & Team Growth
    • Personal & Professional Care & Development
    • Customer & Client Experience

    What are the 4 strategic pillars?

    The 4 pillars of the strategy are Vision, Analysis, Target & Plan. A strategy needs to build on the foundation of an overarching vision that it is meant to achieve. In this sense, it is important to acquire guidance on the vision from the supervisory authorities of the strategy.

  • A Non-technical Guide for Investing in a SaaS Startup

    Investing in a software-as-a-service (SaaS) startup can be a lucrative opportunity for those looking to diversify their portfolio and support innovative companies. SaaS businesses provide subscription-based access to software over the internet, rather than traditional one-time purchases or licensing. This business model allows for recurring revenue streams and the potential for long-term growth. However, it’s important to thoroughly research and evaluate the potential risks and rewards before making any investment decisions.

    Investing in a SaaS startup can be risky, but it can also be very rewarding. By choosing a strong, well-established company, you can set yourself up for long-term success and potentially earn a significant return on your investment.

    In this article, we will explore some key considerations for investing in a SaaS startup, including the market landscape, financial performance, and management team. This article is exactly about that. We will go top to bottom about everything that one needs to know before investing in a SaaS startup.

    What Is a SaaS Startup?
    Things to Know Before Investing in SaaS
    How SaaS Is Different From Other Startups
    The Business Model of a SaaS Startup
    Growth and Potential
    Best Practices Before Investing

    What Is a SaaS Startup?

    A SaaS (Software as a Service) startup is a company that offers a software application on a subscription basis. Instead of purchasing the software outright and installing it on their own computers or servers, customers pay a recurring fee to access the software over the internet. This business model allows customers to use the software on a pay-as-you-go basis, without having to make a large upfront investment in hardware or IT infrastructure. SaaS companies typically host the software on their own servers and provide access to it through a web browser or other means. Some examples of SaaS startups include cloud-based productivity tools, customer relationship management platforms, and e-commerce platforms.

    Things to Know Before Investing in SaaS

    If you are considering investing in a SaaS (Software as a Service) startup, it’s important to understand some key aspects of the business model and the industry. Here are some things to consider

    Business model: SaaS companies typically sell subscriptions to their software, rather than selling it as a one-time purchase. This means that the company’s revenue is generated from ongoing customer payments, rather than from upfront sales.

    Target market: It’s important to understand who the company’s target market is and whether there is a large enough demand for the product.

    Competition: It’s also important to understand the competitive landscape and how the company’s product compares to its competitors.

    Growth Potential: Look for signs that the company is growing quickly and sustainably, such as a growing customer base and increasing revenue.

    Team: Consider the quality and experience of the company’s management team and its ability to execute its plans.

    Financials: Review the company’s financial statements to get a sense of its financial health and future potential.

    Risk: As with any investment, it’s important to consider the potential risks involved. These may include technological risks, competitive risks, and regulatory risks, among others.

    It’s also a good idea to seek the advice of a financial advisor or professional before making any investment decisions.

    How SaaS Is Different From Other Startups

    Even though these sorts of startups are also startups and they too become unicorns, there are some inherited differences between these. There are several factors that make SaaS startups different from regular startups

    Business Model

    SaaS startups typically operate on a subscription-based business model, where customers pay a recurring fee to access the product or service. This is different from traditional startups, which may sell products or services on a one-time basis.

    Email marketing Revenue Worldwide from 2020 to 2027

    Customer Acquisition

    SaaS startups often rely on digital marketing and sales tactics to acquire customers, while traditional startups may rely more on traditional marketing and sales methods.

    Customer Retention

    SaaS startups typically have a higher customer retention rate due to the recurring nature of their subscription model. Traditional startups may have more fluctuation in customer retention due to one-time purchases.

    Revenue streams

    SaaS startups often have steadier revenue streams due to their recurring subscription model, while traditional startups may have more unpredictable revenue streams.

    Scalability

    SaaS startups are often more scalable than traditional startups due to their ability to easily add new customers through their subscription model.

    Overall, SaaS startups differ from traditional startups in their business model, customer acquisition and retention tactics, revenue streams, and scalability.

    The Business Model of a SaaS Startup

    A business model is a way a company generates revenue and profits by selling products or services to its customers. It outlines the different elements of the company’s operations, including its target market, marketing and sales strategies, and financial projections. Business models can vary widely depending on the type of industry and the specific needs of the company. Some common business models include subscription-based models, pay-per-use models, and freemium models.
    There are several factors that you can consider when evaluating the business model of a SaaS (Software as a Service) startup

    Revenue Streams

    A SaaS startup typically generates revenue through subscription-based pricing models, where customers pay a recurring fee to access the software. Look for a startup with multiple revenue streams, such as upsells and cross-sells, as this can increase the overall stability of the business.

    Customer acquisition costs

    It is important to consider the costs associated with acquiring new customers, as these costs can impact the profitability of the business. Look for a startup with a high lifetime value (LTV) to customer acquisition cost (CAC) ratio, as this indicates that the company is generating a high return on investment for each customer it acquires.

    Global Human Resource Management Market

    Churn rate

    The churn rate is the percentage of customers who cancel their subscriptions over a given period of time. A high churn rate can be a red flag, as it indicates that the startup is having difficulty retaining customers.

    Scalability

    Look for a SaaS startup with a scalable business model, meaning that the company can easily expand its customer base and increase revenue without incurring significant additional costs.

    Market demand

    Consider the size and growth potential of the market in which the startup operates. A startup with a product or service that meets strong demand in a growing market is more likely to be successful.

    Competitors

    It is also important to consider the competitive landscape in which the startup operates. A startup with a unique value proposition and a competitive advantage over its competitors is more likely to succeed.

    Growth and Potential

    The growth and potential of a SaaS startup are determined by a variety of factors, including market demand, competitive advantage, customer acquisition and retention, financial stability, and scalability. Companies that are able to effectively address these factors are more likely to experience growth and success. For example, a SaaS startup with a unique product that addresses a specific need in the market and has a strong customer acquisition and retention strategy is more likely to experience growth than a company with a generic product and poor customer service. Similarly, a SaaS startup with a strong financial foundation and the ability to scale its operations is more likely to experience growth than a company with weak financials and limited scalability. Overall, the growth potential of a SaaS startup is largely dependent on its ability to effectively address the key factors that drive growth in the industry.

    There are several factors that can be considered when evaluating the growth potential of a SaaS Startup

    Market Size

    A large and growing market can provide a strong foundation for the company’s growth. Look for a market that is large enough to sustain the company’s growth over the long term.

    Product-market Fit

    Does the company’s product or service solve a real problem for its target market? A product that meets a strong customer need is more likely to experience growth.

    Competitors

    Analyse the competitive landscape to understand the company’s position in the market. A company with a unique value proposition and minimal competition is more likely to experience growth.

    Pricing

    Consider the company’s pricing strategy and whether it is sustainable over the long term. A company that charges a higher price for its product or service may have more room for growth than one that charges a lower price.

    Customer Acquisition Cost

    Look at how much it costs the company to acquire new customers. A company with a low customer acquisition cost is more likely to be able to scale its business.

    Customer Retention

    High customer retention rates can be a sign of a strong product or service. A company with a high retention rate is more likely to experience growth.

    Revenue Growth

    Look at the company’s past revenue growth to get a sense of its potential for future growth. A company with a history of strong revenue growth is more likely to continue growing in the future.

    Overall, it is important to consider a variety of factors when evaluating the growth potential of a SaaS startup.

    Best Practices Before Investing

    While the best practices that you can follow before choosing a SaaS startup to invest in can be a lot easier than it looks. As a rule of thumb, you can look for these check pointers in any Startup that uses software as a service.

    Financial Stability: Look for a company with a strong financial track record, including steady revenue growth and profitability.

    Customer Base: Look for a company with a diverse and growing customer base, as this can indicate a strong demand for the company’s products or services.

    Product Differentiation: Consider whether the company’s products or services stand out from the competition, as this can be a key factor in attracting and retaining customers.

    Management Team: Look for a company with a strong and experienced management team that is capable of executing the company’s business plan and driving growth.

    Scalability: Consider whether the company’s products or services can be easily scaled to meet the needs of a growing customer base.

    Market Opportunity: Consider whether the company operates in a growing market, as this can provide a strong foundation for long-term growth.

    Intellectual Property: Look for a company that has strong intellectual property protections, such as patents or trademarks, to help protect its products or services from competitors.

    Exit Strategy: Consider whether the company has a clear exit strategy, such as an IPO or acquisition, as this can help you maximize your investment returns.

    Conclusion

    Investing in a SaaS startup can be a lucrative opportunity, but it also carries its own set of risks. It is important to thoroughly research the company and its business model before committing any funds. Look for a company with a clear mission and vision, a solid customer base, and a track record of success. Additionally, be sure to consider the financial stability of the company and its ability to generate steady revenue streams.

    Just remember to do your due diligence and weigh the pros and cons before committing any funds. With the right approach, investing in a SaaS startup can be a smart move that pays off in the long run.

    FAQ

    How do I fund a SaaS startup?

    The four types of SaaS funding are as follows

    • Venture capital
    • Angel investment
    • Incubators/Accelerator
    • Revenue-based financing & MRR Lines

    Why SaaS is a good investment?

    SaaS software lives online and there is no physical product to manage, ship, store, and manufacture. That significantly reduces the time, cost, and manpower required. That allows SaaS businesses to launch with less capital and increases their profit margins.

    Why is SaaS so profitable?

    SaaS companies tend to have low churn and high renewal rates, resulting in high customer lifetime values with a good sales team selling a product that works should be able to generate customer retention rates above 90% and revenue retention at or above 100%.

    What percentage of SaaS startups succeed?

    Over 90% of SaaS startups fail, only 35% get past the 10-year mark, and only 40% of these ever become profitable. To avoid product failure a good product positioning helps achieve customer fit and reduces customer dissatisfaction.

  • How to Analyze Your Competitor’s Business Model?

    Every business thrives by offering value to its customers and earning profits to sustain the industry. A business model tries to reflect this essence in a clearly defined structure. A business model highlights how a company creates, delivers, and captures value for its customers. It acts as a framework to decode the firm’s profit strategy. It includes the USP, key resources, key processes, and the profit formula of a business.

    A business model is a real competitive advantage for any business. A business model that helps and sustains a business gives it an edge over its competitors. Hence, companies study business models while doing competitive analysis.

    Today we will understand what business model competitive analysis is, why it is important, and how to leverage it for business success.

    What Is Competitive Analysis?
    Why Do Competitive Analysis?
    How Do You Analyze Your Competitor’s Business Model?

    9 Steps to Create a Successful Business Model

    What Is Competitive Analysis?

    A competitive analysis is in-depth research and examination of your business competitors. It aims to bring forth:

    • Main players or companies in the specific industry
    • Profit strategies
    • Key resources and processes

    These three factors are crucial to business success. Firstly, you need to know who you are competing against. Then, you need to know their profit strategy. Do they earn by cost minimization or focus on a niche market to offer a premium-quality product? A business’s profit strategy is what matters the most when it comes to competitive industries because the resources and processes can be replicated. However, strategy implementation is subjective and can have different results for companies.

    A business strategy comprises internal, external, and dynamic factors, which, in a nutshell, give a competitive advantage and define a firm’s performance. Internal factors include firm resources and policies. External factors include the USP and the company’s position in the industry. Contrarily, dynamic factors include creating unique resources to disrupt the market. One needs to analyze all the factors to get a comprehensive view of an industry. It is advisable to conduct such an analysis every year to stay updated on competitors and avoid sudden shocks. But what could be the benefit of studying your competitors so closely?

    The Extent of Leadership Pursuing Different Operational Business Strategies Worldwide
    The Extent of Leadership Pursuing Different Operational Business Strategies Worldwide

    Why Do Competitive Analysis?

    Competitive analysis has been part of running businesses. It is one of the crucial elements of the planning stage. It gives a head start to many firms by giving an overview of what others are doing and what can be replicated. In addition to this, a firm runs a competitive analysis to:

    1. Identify USP: “USP” stands for “unique selling proposition.” What sets you apart from your competitors? What is your market positioning? Why would customers choose you over your competitors? You need to know the USP of your competitors to understand why customers prefer your product. It will give you an understanding of customer needs and help you define a USP for your business.
    2. Estimate Entry Barrier: Not every industry makes it easy for firms to start their businesses. For instance, as easy as it is to get into the food industry, it is difficult to get into the oil and gas industry. You need to identify the level of entry barrier and barrier also. You need to know why the industry you are dealing with is easy or difficult to get into. This will help you to choose your USP and pick resources that cannot be replicated.
    3. Customer Expectations: What do other businesses offer that brings in more customers and loyalty? What are some of the most talked-about product features of your competitors? Why do people prefer other brands to yours? All these questions help you identify the customer expectations that help you enhance customer satisfaction.
    4. Find Market Gaps and Opportunities: What is your strength that brings in customers for you? What are some untapped potential/ resources in the market that not many competitors are using? Why are some or more companies failing or succeeding in the industry? You need to find the strengths, gaps, and opportunities to sustain yourself in the industry. Similarly, you could look for risks in the market and your weaknesses that competitors can leverage on.

    Overall, the competitive analysis makes businesses proactive by preparing them for any shocks and giving them a window to increase their profits. Anyways, a reactive business finds it much more difficult to analyze and prepare a strategy due to a lack of time and resources in the end moment.

    For instance, what if you discover a new subsidiary of your competitors that will increase their profits by 8% during the competitive analysis? This will give you enough time to prepare and execute protection measures.

    But now that we have discussed what and why, let us look at how to conduct a business model competitive analysis. It is a simple 4-step process, which might take a few weeks or months of deep research depending on its extensiveness, that gives you an edge and a head start in the industry.


    What is a Business Model? | Types of Business Models | StartupTalky
    Ever wonder how businesses work? What goes on behind-the-scenes? How Google makes money? Every business follows a certain style of business model. Read on.


    How Do You Analyze Your Competitor’s Business Model?

    A business model study is a small part of competitive analysis. Competitive analysis is a broader study. Here is a simple 4-step process to analyze your competitor’s business model. It revolves around studying your competitors’ USPs, processes, resources, and strategies.

    Identify Competitors

    You start by identifying the competitors in your business. This includes direct, indirect, and substitute competitors.

    For instance, a direct competitor of Apple would be HP, Samsung, or Xiaomi, while its indirect competitor would be Google, Microsoft, or Amazon.

    These will be companies or firms that you will closely study to understand their business model. Opt for both the top and bottom firms to identify success and failure. We need to identify what leads to a company’s profits and losses.

    Examine Subsidiaries

    The next step is to look into the subsidiaries if any. These give a wider scope of competitors to study. Companies like Tata and Reliance have many subsidiaries. It is their multiple subsidiaries that sustain their business. Here again, look for subsidiaries that make a profit and those that serve no purpose. Identify the existence of each one and the role that they play for the business firm.

    For instance, Parle-G is one of the most popular products under its product line by Parle. However, it is not a profit-making product for the firm. Yet the company continues to sell it in the market to cater to market demand and build its brand image. It makes money and recovers the costs with other product lines.

    Analyze the Competitor’s Technology Stack

    Just like a business strategy, technology in itself can be replicated, but its derivatives cannot. Technology is just an enabler, and it totally depends on the business and how they use and leverage it.

    So, look into the tech stack and other technology adoptions of the business that save them money. Understand the costs and implications of these in your business. The vital part of the technology is its implementation, not the technology itself.

    Study Competitor Resources

    The last step is to analyze competitors’ resources using the VRINE model. It stands for value, rarity, imitability, non-substitutability, and exploitability and is used to understand the competitive advantage of resources. It simply requires you to answer four questions:

    1. Is the resource valuable? It should help meet market demand and protect against market uncertainties.
    2. Is the resource rare? It should be neither scarce nor widely available to competitors.
    3. Is the resource inimitable or substitutable? It should be difficult to replicate and yield similar benefits.
    4. Is the resource exploitable? If all the above criteria add up to a positive result for the firm, then look to see if it is exploitable.

    Be it tangible or intangible, you should run a VRINE test on all the resources to understand their performance and competitive implications.

    Strategic leadership can be acquired only by combining the right resources and capabilities. One must develop a strategy while keeping resources in mind and defining a business positioning. This acts as a competitive advantage to boost the firm’s performance.

    Conclusion

    Every company analyzes its competitors in order to stay current and ahead of the competition. The three core factors to get an edge over a competitor are defining strategy, resources, and firm positioning that can not be replicated. Strategy and positioning are hard to copy due to various factors, including each firm’s subjective implementation and policy differences. The resources and processes need to be disruptive in nature so that competitors cannot imitate them.

    FAQs

    What is competitive analysis?

    A competitive analysis is in-depth research and examination of your business competitors. It aims to bring forth the main players or companies in the specific industry, profit strategies, and key resources and processes.

    How do I analyze a competitor’s business model?

    There is a simple 4-step process to analyze your competitor’s business model:

    • Identify Competitors
    • Examine Subsidiaries
    • Analyze the Competitor’s Technology Stack
    • Study Competitor Resources

    What is the VRINE model?

    The VRINE model stands for value, rarity, imitability, non-substitutability, and exploitability and is used to understand the competitive advantage of resources.