It was in the 1990s that the word ādigital marketingā was coined as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) applications grew significantly adding to marketing technology with the rise in computer usage and the internet. At the turn of the century the iPhone was born, and the number of internet users was rising exponentially as people began to make use of the virtual world to make their decisions about their needs. This paved the way for the world of marketing to begin integrating technology into its development.
The ever-evolving marketing climate gave birth to marketing automation in 2007 using software to automate conventional marketing processes. This helped the world of commerce to segment its customers, launch multichannel campaigns, and personalize information for the end consumers based on their specific activities. Ā With the advent of social media, the growth of digital marketing became more sophisticated as the consumersā dependence on digital electronics increased and deepened.
In 2022, global digital marketing was valued at USD 321 billion which is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.1% between 2023 and 2028 to reach a total valuation of USD 671.86 billion.
A vital component of overall marketing strategy, digital marketing allows businesses to send tailor-made messages to a specific audience, thereby, directly reaching their target customers. There are many ways in which this can be accomplished. The many forms of digital marketing include Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Pay-per-Click, Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing, Email Marketing, Mobile Marketing, Marketing Analytics, and Affiliate Marketing.
A new and emerging trend of marketing that forward-thinking businesses are now employing is WhatsApp Marketing. This is the most recent way for businesses to engage with their customers and get their undivided attention.
Through WhatsApp marketing, companies engage in conversational commerce by sending out WhatsApp newsletters.
A WhatsApp newsletter is like any other digital send-out with one major difference. It is more personal and targeted to a specific audience. Like a traditional email newsletter, a WhatsApp newsletter can contain a special offer, an exclusive discount, a new product announcement, or even a picture or video message. The difference is that, unlike an email newsletter, it will contain only one of these messages.
WhatsApp Newsletter
With a 98% open rate, the WhatsApp newsletter allows businesses to stay in close touch with their customers while also gaining their trust easily due to the ease of reach.
Elements of WhatsApp Newsletters
WhatsApp has the potential to become the next end-to-end relationship channel. However, it cannot replace the email marketing efforts. Rather, it can be an extremely useful and harmonious co-channel of email marketing, being used for lower frequency and highly relevant communication.
A few key elements of WhatsApp newsletters to maximize engagement are ā
Newsletters to not exceed the 150-word limit
āQuick Replyā buttons can be programmed into the newsletters
A CTA (Call to Action) button can immediately lead the recipient to the business website
Keeping in mind these few key elements, a business can ensure consumer engagement as well as promote sales through call-to-action initiatives.
WhatsApp Newsletters, Explained.
Benefits of WhatsApp Newsletters
WhatsAppās global popularity makes it an effective tool for conversational commerce. Although the app can facilitate number blocking, the many benefits of using this tool for marketing make it a highly preferable medium.
The engagement rate is high ā almost 100% as recipients open and read newsletters
Allows businesses to accurately measure audience responses
Templates are highly attractive ensuring receiver engagement with minimal effort
There are no spam or junk folders on the app in which such newsletters can automatically disappear
Marketing costs are considerably lower
Businesses must be careful and sensitive to the number of messages being sent through WhatsApp broadcasts to keep it interesting, engaging, and effective.
The nature of the business or service determines how a WhatsApp newsletter can be utilized for optimal benefits. Commonly, this broadcasting channel is used to announce new product launches, sales promotion campaigns, engagement, and/or research.
Keeping customers updated in real-time about the status of their orders
Celebrate special occasions of customers like birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, etc. with personalized messages or customized offers
Highly personalized, specialized, and improved customer service and retention
Sending messages and receiving responses in real-time from customers allowing to resolve queries or complaints quickly
Considerable reduction in abandoned carts
Conclusion
WhatsApp, currently, is the most popular global messenger app with more than 2 billion users. These statistics easily make it the most popular choice for businesses to deliver relevant information to their customers faster as well as close sales. Digital Marketing is ever-evolving as technology grows. How the world of marketing evolves with technology remains to be seen.
FAQs
Name a few forms of Digital Marketing.
Below are a few forms of Digital Marketing-
WhatsApp Marketing
Search Engine Optimisation
Pay-per-Click
Social Media Marketing
Content Marketing
Email Marketing
Mobile Marketing
Affiliate Marketing
What is WhatsApp Newsletter?
A WhatsApp newsletter is like any other digital send-out with one major difference. It is more personal and targeted to a specific audience. Like a traditional email newsletter, a WhatsApp newsletter can contain a special offer, an exclusive discount, a new product announcement, or even a picture or video message. The difference is that, unlike an email newsletter, it will contain only one of these messages.
āāThough ChatGPT 3ā arguably the most helpful version of Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot developed by OpenAI until nowā launched in 2020, it hasnāt been long since people got the hang of it. People are using this generative AI for all sorts of questioning, blog writing, paper writing, and others. The popularity of ChatGPT has spread like wildfire. It wouldnāt be wrong to compare its popularity to the popularity of sugar in Europe in the 19th century. Ironically, until 1850, only wealthy people in society could afford sugar, and then, thanks to Napoleon, beet sugar became available in the British market and became affordable. People were hooked on this cheap yet tasty pick-me-up and couldnāt get enough. The same goes for GPT-4 and ChatGPT Plus. Like sugar in 1850, only people who have subscribed to the ChatGPT Plus can use GPT-4 features, which are more enhanced than its predecessor.
ChatGPT, GPT-4, and ChatGPT Plus
For the uninitiated, ChatGPT is a large language model (LLM) -based AI Chatbot trained on human dialogues in the form of text. It can produce texts and responses in the form of human-like output when prompted. It can generate poems, make up conversations and stories and help you write blogs and reports. On the other hand, GPT, short for generative pre-trained transfer, is an LLM. It uses a larger dataset of texts and codes for training than the AI chatbot. And OpenAI, the official company behind this transforming technology, has just released its newest version GPT-4.
GPT-4 is presently unavailable for everyone as it costs a USD 20 subscription, but you can join the API waitlist.
āWeāre making GPT-4 available as an API for developers to build applications and servicesā, says OpenAI on its website.
There is another way to get inexpensive access as a researcher. If youāre into research and want to research, say on the societal impact of AI, or write papers on OpenAIās GPT-4, you can fill out a form and hit submit to get subsidized access through their research access program.
Anyway, if youāre a ChatGPT user and youāve been using it to feed your curiosity or simply write blogs or articles, you might have noticed that it doesnāt always produce the desired result. To put it more straightforwardly, its features are basic and limited. GPT-4 offers an upgradation of those features and more.
ChatGPT was bound by limited text (3000-word limit) as input which restricted its response to more conceptual and contextual queries, but GPT-4 can offer a massive 25000-word intake for asking your questions with context. Not only that, you can give it a website URL and it will summarize or give you a brief idea about the content of the webpage.
Regarding visuals, GPT-4 can take images as input and provide you with analytical responses as well. If you enter an image of balloons tied to ropes, it will inform you that the balloons will fly away when you sever the thread. It is unclear whether it can do the same with videos, but this is a significant enhancement.
GPT-4 is more logical, analytical, and creative with its response than its predecessor. And thatās the thing about technology, constant improvement. GPT-4 is performing better than ChatGPT when it comes to human-made tests. In Uniform Bar Exams, a test conducted by NCBE (National Conference of Bar Examiners) for law aspirants in 26 US states, GPT-4 was amongst the 90th percentiles outperforming ChatGPT (10th).
OpenAI is currently offering a 20 USD subscription for ChatGPT Plus. ChatGPT Plus is an upgrade over the previous ChatGPT. It can respond to dialogue-based conversations like ChatGPT but with more creative and contextual responses. It utilizes GPT-4ās longer context feature to come with longer content for its users, which is useful for people writing survey reports and research papers. Itās a great tool to have while writing.
How to use GPT-4 on ChatGPT right now?
It is natural for people to be curious about things, but curiosity about the latest technologies is what I appreciate even more. People who have been using ChatGPT are now interested in using GPT-4. So, how can you use GPT-4, and more importantly, how can you use GPT-4 on the same ChatGPT platform?
OpenAI says that you have to take the 20 USD subscription plan to use ChatGPT Plus, and by doing so, you access the features of GPT-4 over the ChatGPT platform. And if you donāt you can still use ChatGPT like before. So, if you havenāt taken the subscription and you open GPT-4 from the OpenAI website, youāll be redirected to ChatGPT, and if you do decide to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus, here is how you can do that:
Step 1 – Open the OpenAI website
OpenAI Website
Step 2 – Go to ChatGPT under the āProductā section and log in
Click ChatGPT under Product
Step 3 – Click the “Upgrade to Plus” button in the left navigation bar
Click Upgrade to Plus
Step 4 – Click the “Upgrade plan” button on the following page
Click Upgrade Plan
Step 5 – Enter your payment information and click the “Pay” button
Enter Your Payment Information
Voila, now you have access to the most powerful generative AIā as of now.
How can I use GPT-4 for free?
So, all hope is not lost if you do not have 20 bucks. There are still some ways you can benefit from some features of GPT-4.
For one, as I mentioned earlier, you can join the API waitlist through Open AI. OpenAI is offering GPT-4 to developers for creating tools using GPT-4 features and API integrations. So, if you are a developer, that is a good option.
Join API Waitlist
Secondly, OpenAI also offers GPT-4 limited access to researchers who want to research GPT-4 (AI LLM) and its social and economic impacts. So, if you are an academician and want to use GPT-4, you can fill out the OpenAI Research Access Program form.
OpenAI Research Access Program Form
Thirdly, use Bing Chat. Microsoft Inc. hinted that its Bing Search engine uses GPT-4 on its Bing Chat feature, which is integrated with Bing. You can open the Microsoft Edge browser on any Windows laptop and simply type your query into the Bing search bar and click the “Chat” button. You will then be able to interact with a chatbot powered by GPT-4. The range of features available with Bing Chat is still unknown, but you can certainly use and explore it.
How to Get and Use the New Bing Ai – Use ChatGPT 4 for Free
So GPT-4 is here, and if you are curious about trying out its capabilities, you can follow the above-said ways to do so but keep in mind that GPT-4 is still under development, so it may not always be perfect. However, it is a powerful tool that can be used for various kinds of purposes. If you are interested in trying it out, I encourage you to sign up for ChatGPT Plus or use Bing.
FAQs
What are the major differences between GPT-4 and its predecessors?
Here are the 5 key differences between GPT-4 and its predecessors –
GPT-4 is more creative
GPT-4 made visual input possible
GPT-4 accepts a longer context
GPT-4 has advanced reasoning capabilities
GPT-4 is more safe and accurate
How can GPT-4 be used for free?
GPT-4 can be used for free in the following 3 ways –
Having a thorough understanding of white-hat strategies and carefully utilizing them can have a big impact on the SEO success of your website, bringing in more organic traffic and enhancing its authority in the eyes of search engines like Google.
Stronger backlinks are the key to greater rankings on Google. But finding the strong links and using them correctly can be tricky. So if you too have been struggling with getting your website to the top of the search results, you have landed in the right place.
In this blog, we will share with you incredible white hat techniques that will level up your link-building strategy in 2023.
The process of obtaining hyperlinks to your website from other authentic, reliable, and relevant websites is known as link building. A hyperlink, also simply referred to as a link, is the route through which an internet user can navigate directly from one webpage to another.
The history of hyperlinks dates back to the time when Larry Page, one of the founders of Google, invented PageRank. This method has been used by Google as part of their ranking algorithm ever since then as it helped them display more relevant search results by stipulating the quality of a webpage.
Using links from other authoritative websites is kind of a way to let Google treat your website as a responsible and trustworthy source of information.
The anatomy of a hyperlink is as follows:
āStart text Ė Link referral location Ė Anchor text Ė Closure textā
Why Is Link Building Important for Your Website?
A search engine uses hyperlinks for two purposes. The first is to display a particular page in the search result, and the second is to determine the ranking of a page in the search result.
Basically, these pages are analyzed for the quality of content i.e. whether they have sufficient relevant keywords to be ranked well for a particular search result. Also, a search engine like Google would look for the number of authentic external websites pointing to that page i.e. using it as a hyperlink.
More authoritative websites pointing to your website will help you rank higher in Google search results. Hence, strong link building is an organic way to drive more traffic to your website by ranking well in the SERPs.
Link building can also help you develop and nurture relationships with the key influencers of your field. Also, a good link used by an authoritative website will help you receive plenty of traffic.
Furthermore, quality link-building is a great way to establish yourself as an authority in the field and increase your brand value.
But, how do you decide which links are of high quality?
How Much of an Impact Do Backlinks Have on Search Engine Rankings?
How Do You Choose Strong Links for Your Website?
Not all links are equal hence, you should choose wisely. A strong link will help you improve your SEO several folds. Here are a few tips for choosing a quality link:
Choose an Authoritative Website
This is the ground rule to follow while choosing a link. A link from a well-recognized and trusted website will always impact your SEO better than any other lesser-known website.
You can easily understand this by the following example. If you have to validate certain news which one would you prefer, an unknown local newspaper or New York Times?
The answer is obviously clear and the reason is also simple, you know who has greater stakes and would not risk providing false information to its readers.
The same is the case with quality websites that have established themselves as an authority in a particular niche by providing relevant and authentic information and maintaining quality standards for a long time.
Therefore, using a link from a high authority page would make Google trust your page and thus, improve your ranking.
A number of tools are also available that will help you check the domain authority and domain rating of a particular page. They provide and compare the domain authority score for several leading websites and help you choose quality links.
Is It Relevant?
Asking this before you use a link is very important. Choose a webpage that is not just authoritative but relevant to your niche.
Remember, Google also checks the quality of your content. So, if you are using a Harvard link for your makeup tutorial page, it might not work well.
The key is to acquire links that are both authentic and fitting for your page.
Where Do You Place It?
This is also a major question posed by many people as it greatly impacts your SERPs. Where do you place your links?
Well, it has been observed that the links placed in the main text are read better by the search engines in comparison to those placed at other positions like in the footer, data source, or sidebars.
Hence, the contextual links i.e. the links embedded in the main body or text of your content will bring more traffic to your website while improving your Google rankings.
Anchor Text
These are also known as link texts or link labels. Basically, these are the clickable texts of your link. Usually, blue, underlined anchor texts are considered compliant with web standards.
The text used in your link label would help determine the ranking received by that page by search engines. This is why a relevant anchor text should be chosen that matches the content of your website.
Also, the sentence or phrase in which the anchor text is used should also be relevant to your content.
However, an anchor text too rich with keywords is not a good choice and is regarded as spammy by search engines.
Dofollow vs. Nofollow Links
These are the two ways in which a website can be linked to another. Although both types of hyperlinks are meant to link the origin site with the destination site they convey an entirely different meaning to the search engine.
A ādofollowā link is meant to pass the authority, also known as the ālink juiceā, of the origin site to the destination site. The more dofollow links a website acquires, the more its domain authority increases.
On the other hand, a ānofollowā link is not meant to pass the link juice. Hence, these links do not help in improving your SERPs.
Obviously, a higher number of dofollow links help you build a solid link profile as they pass the trust and authenticity of the original website to yours.
In this section, we will tell you about the incredible white hat link-building techniques that will help you improve your search engine ranking. So letās dig in:
Great Content
Some things never grow out of fashion and great content is essentially one of those. If you are looking forward to earning high-quality backlinks good content will definitely help you with that.
It might sound easier said than done so let us share with you a few secrets that will help make your content share-worthy.
Statistics always form a part of most authentic blogs and articles. The reason is obvious they help support what the author is trying to explain. This is why data curation is one of the best ways to earn backlinks.
There are a number of websites that are doing this, for example, Statista, Mediakix, etc. They publish reliable and authentic industry reports, surveys, and statistics that are useful for both author and the reader.
Creating your own visual assets such as infographics, charts, etc. is another way to get quoted. These help as aid and make it easier to understand complicated topics.
Therefore, these are mostly directly published by other websites thus, earning you several backlinks. You can also enclose an embed code along with the infographic making it easier for other publishers to share it on their websites.
If you are good with technology you may also earn backlinks easily by developing tools that may be useful for your industry. This is how websites like Ubersuggest, Ahrefs, Semrush, etc. are earning them.
Providing these tools for free makes them even more attractive to users. If it is not possible to make the tool absolutely free you can provide a trial version or a few free features to attract their attention.
Another way is publishing listicles and in-depth guides. These are more appealing to the users as they make the information consumable.
The reader does not get overwhelmed by the great amount of information contained in an article rather the information is divided into small pieces for better understanding.
These are the long form of content that is capable of establishing you as an authority in the field. They help make your website a more reliable and trustworthy source of information.
Which Matters the Most for Link Building? Quality or Quantity
Guest Blogging
It has always been a part of the SEO process however the strategy has changed a lot. Earlier the guest post published on any website may have helped you rank on the search engine but not anymore.
Today, it is important to choose what to write and where to write. If you are writing an okayish post on some unrelated website or maybe after paying the publisher, trust me this is not taking you anywhere.
The key to a successful guest post is finding a website much related to your niche that has high domain authority. Thereafter you will have to select a unique and interesting topic that is relevant to your audience. Make the guest post as informative and factual as possible by including original data and case studies.
When done strategically guest posting is one of the most effective white hat link-building techniques. It can help you earn high-quality backlinks and also increase organic traffic on your website.
Develop Contacts
There are several bloggers and publishers who are well-recognized and well-established in your niche. You can reach out to them through emails telling them you would like to connect and how your work is useful to them.
Developing a symbiotic relationship with these people will help you earn more quality backlinks thereby promoting your search engine rankings.
There are majorly two ways to find these authorities in your field. You can either use link-building tools to analyze the SERPs. These will help you find the linkers most suitable for your website.
Another way is to search for your relevant target keywords on Google and out of the top ranking sites search for the URLs in any link analysis tool finding the websites that are linking back to most of them.
Once you have found these sites reach out to their publishers telling them how much you enjoy reading their posts and how you can contribute by adding another great post to their site. This is a great white hat link-building technique.
Stay Active on Social Media
Social media is a great platform to boost engagement with your audience and enhance your visibility. Frequently posting relevant posts through your social media accounts such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc. can help you improve your link profile several folds.
However, being active on social media does not just mean posting stuff on your account. You must also interact with other people in your niche, leave comments on their posts, reply to their stories, and also respond to their comments.
You can also share your infographics and other visual assets providing their links on your social media accounts. This will help draw more traffic to your original content.
Other than social media you must also interact with other writers by leaving comments on their websites. You can help them by adding meaningful insight, just appreciating their blog, or maybe asking a few relevant questions.
However, this interaction must not appear to be forced. Exchange a genuine gesture if you really look forward to developing contacts and building links.
Reach Out to Research Pages
Research pages are the most relied-on and authentic sources of information available across the web. They serve as the original information source and act as valuable pieces of content for their readers. More importantly, they contain several useful links, which is why they are often referred to as āPillar pagesā.
Find the research pages that are relevant to your niche and simultaneously act as an authority in the field. You can reach out to them requesting to add links to a few of your posts that may add more value to their content.
Later, if the publishers like your link you can also request them to publish some of your articles on their page. This can really take your link building game to next level.
Reclaim Lost Links
If you are too overwhelmed with the entire process of writing, publishing, link building, etc. you may want to reclaim some lost or broken links. Basically, these are the links that were added earlier but the page no longer exists.
Look for the websites under your niche that carry old, broken, or lost links and suggest to their publishers a few links from your website that can add value to their page. If they like your work they may replace the old and broken links with yours.
This way you are also kind of helping that page by fixing its non-reachable links. That is why it is considered a great technique for link-building as well as contact development.
For this purpose, you can screen the backlinks of your competitors while searching for broken links. If you find a broken link you can easily contact the editor or publisher of that website and recommend a suitable link from your website.
However, just like your competitors you too must have a few or maybe more broken or lost links. Act to reclaim those links before your competitors take advantage of the situation.
Find Unlinked Mentions
Many people mention a webpage without creating a backlink. This is quite common and it is very easy to use these pages for building links as they already rely on your content.
You can easily trace these pages using brand monitoring tools that notify you whenever any site mentions you in their post without linking.
Once you know about them you can politely request them to include a link. This may not always work as many people avoid such requests but even if you earn a few links, it is one of the easiest ways to do that.
Similarly, there can be a number of websites using the infographics created and published by you but not providing the link. You can conduct a reverse image search to find these websites on Google.
These are gaining huge popularity nowadays. They are available on almost every topic you can think of and a lot of people listen to them religiously. Getting an interview on a popular podcast is one of the easiest techniques for link-building.
Creating a great piece of content may take days or sometimes weeks. This requires a lot of time, energy, and effort. A podcast interview can save you from this strain while earning a quality backlink.
You can just create an outline about a topic while you already have the information in your head and contact a relevant and popular podcast host. During the interview, you get to explain a lot of things from different angles and also build your links.
There are a lot of websites that create expert roundup posts. You must have also come across a few posts under the headings like ā10 experts share their opinion on XYZ topicā. These are known as expert roundup posts.
The idea is to understand and bring forward the views of different experts from a particular industry, on a certain topic. These are quite informative posts and are liked by people for their in-depth knowledge.
The website not only publishes the opinions of these experts in their post but also provide a backlink to each of them. Further, it also establishes you as an authority in the field.
In addition, this also helps you build contacts with other experts from your niche as well as interact with your target audience on a different level.
You can search for the roundup posts published by relevant websites on the topics of your expertise and approach the publishers to add your opinion as part of it. If you really have informative insights most publishers will agree to it.
Look for the questions that match your expertise and provide an authentic and informative answer for them. Add a link to the relevant source from your website within the answer.
This helps you diversify your audience and boost organic traffic on your website.
Another great platform for link building is HARO (Help A Reporter Out). This is a great link-building technique as you can actually help a reporter or journalist proceed with their story by answering their questions from your field of expertise.
These journalists usually include your answers in their stories and also provide valuable backlinks.
What to Avoid to Prevent Penalties
Till now, we have discussed a lot of techniques that help you build quality links for your page. However, we find it equally relevant to inform you about the links that must be avoided in order to prevent penalties.
Similar to white hat link-building techniques there are black hat link-building techniques that are strictly prohibited to use. If Google finds you using these techniques, be ready for severe penalties.
These include the following:
Excessive sidebar links
Extreme exchange of links
Paid links
Keyword-rich anchor texts
Absolute match anchor text
Private blog network
Hacked website links
Automated service-derived links
Link farms
Other than these, there can be several other black hat techniques that will drop your ranking multiple places and thus, should be avoided. It is better to follow Google webmaster guidelines to have a clean page.
Important KPIs That Marketers and SEOs Consider When Determining Link-Building Success
At last, when you have used all the techniques required for link building and have also refrained from links that might result in a penalty, here comes another important question. How do you know your link-building campaign is working well?
Well, one way is to look at your rankings if they are going up but that takes a lot of time. You might have to wait for a year to see the results this way.
However, there are other ways that can help you evaluate the effectiveness of your link-building strategies. You can perform backlink analysis and also check for the social shares and brand mentions that you have acquired recently. Moreover, you can also look for organic as well as referral traffic coming to your website.
Although when used correctly the above-mentioned techniques will certainly help you level up the link-building strategies you also have the option to automate them for yourself.
There are a number of tools available that would make it help you with the link-building process making it more effective and time efficient. Tools such as Backlink analysis tools, Content syndication tools, and Email marketing automation tools will make your strategy stronger as well as easier.
Conclusion
Link building is one of the most effective SEO aspects, which, when used strategically, will help you drive more organic traffic and rank your website much higher in the search results.
In this blog, we have listed for you the most incredible white hat techniques to level up your link-building strategy in 2023. If used consistently and efficiently, these techniques will build a strong link profile and bring maximum results.
FAQs
What is link building?
The process of obtaining hyperlinks to your website from other authentic, reliable, and relevant websites is known as link building.
What should you avoid when link building?
You should avoid using the following techniques when link building:
Excessive sidebar links
Extreme exchange of links
Paid links
Keyword-rich anchor texts
Hacked website links
Automated service-derived links
Link farms
How do you measure a link-building campaign?
You can perform backlink analysis and also check for the social shares and brand mentions that you have acquired recently. Moreover, you can also look for organic as well as referral traffic coming to your website.
Graphic design is an incredible career option because it is a creative field that allows designers to use their imagination and skills to create visually appealing designs. Graphic designers can work in a variety of industries, including advertising, publishing, web design, and more. With the right training and portfolio, graphic designers can find employment in many settings.
Graphic design is a good career to choose if you like creating art, have out-of-the-box ideas, can communicate effectively, and are up-to-date with technology. In this digital era where every business has a presence online, graphic design is a good option for your future, as with advancing technology there is a rise in the demand for graphic designers.
You know about different design theories, color psychology, and typography.
Types of Graphic Designers
Product Designer
To be a product designer or retail product designer, you need to have a bachelorās degree in industrial design, architecture, or engineering, which is usually required for entry-level industrial design jobs. As a product designer, you have to work with your clients, and while doing so, you have to make sure that you:
Prepare a budget and adhere to it.
Develop product design specifications.
Confirm the design specifications.
Create a sketch for the design specifications.
Set a schedule for the completion of the design project and look for any design problems that might come up during the process of designing.
Product graphic design also includes researching your market for the industry you are working in. Make changes to the existing design of the products or create new designs from scratch that appear to the target audience.
Brand Designer
A brand graphic designer is a type of graphic designer who specializes in creating visual identities for companies and organizations. This often includes designing logos, branding guidelines, and other elements that help establish a consistent look and feel for the brand.
A brand graphic designer’s work is important because it helps to communicate the values, mission, and personality of the brand to its audience and can play a significant role in how the brand is perceived.
In addition to creating visual assets, a brand graphic designer may also be involved in strategy and planning, working with other members of the design team to develop a comprehensive brand strategy. Brand designers help create a new brand and its message and also help an existing brand renew its brand image and message.
Website Designer
A website designer is a professional who specializes in the creation and maintenance of websites. They are responsible for designing, coding, and modifying websites to meet the needs of their clients. Website designers must have an understanding of user experience (UX) design principles as well as web development technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Additionally, they should be able to create visually appealing designs that will engage users while also ensuring functionality across multiple platforms, including mobile devices.
Most Common Web Design Mistakes Among Small Businesses
UI Designer
A UI designer is a professional who is responsible for the design of user interfaces for software, websites, and mobile applications. They work closely with user experience (UX) designers and developers to create intuitive, user-friendly designs that meet the needs of the people who will be using the software.
UI designers need to have both creative and technical skills. They must be able to come up with original, innovative designs that are also functional and user-friendly. They also need to be able to translate their designs into code using programs like CSS and HTML.
The role of a UI designer is to create designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly. They work closely with UX designers and developers to ensure that the final product meets the needs of the people who will be using it.
A motion graphic designer is a creative professional who specializes in designing and animating graphics for use in film, television, and digital media. They use a variety of software programs, such as Adobe After Effects and Photoshop, to create visual effects, title sequences, and other motion graphics elements.
These elements can be used to enhance the storytelling in a film or television show or to convey information in a more engaging and visually appealing way in a digital media context.
Motion graphic designers typically work with a team of other creative professionals, such as editors, directors, and producers, to bring their designs to life. They may also work with clients to understand their needs and create custom graphics that meet their specific requirements.
Some motion graphic designers may be more focused on creating visual effects for film and television, while others may be more focused on creating interactive graphics for websites or digital media.
The specific responsibilities of a motion graphic designer will depend on the specific needs of your employer or client, as well as your own skills and interests.
Environmental Graphic Designer
Environmental graphic designers are those who apply their design skills to create branding, wayfinding, art, and other experimental designs in both the physical and digital worlds. In simple terms, they help people navigate and interact with their surroundings.
Environmental graphic designers use their skills to improve the overall experience of a space, whether it is an exhibit at a museum or a public park. Their objective is to create designs that are safe, accessible, and visually appealing.
Some common elements that environmental graphic designers might work with include signage, pavement markings, landscape features, and architectural features. By working with these elements, they can help people navigate their surroundings and positively interact with their environment.
Exhibition Graphic Designer
An exhibition designer is somebody who designs exhibitions and displays. They are responsible for the overall look and feel of the exhibition and for creating an engaging and enjoyable experience for visitors.
Exhibition designers work closely with museum staff, architects, and other designers to make sure that the exhibition meets its objectives and is safe and accessible for visitors.
As an exhibition designer, you will be responsible for the planning, design, and construction of exhibitions and displays. You will work closely with museum staff, architects, and other designers to make sure that the exhibition meets its objectives and is safe and accessible for visitors. Besides, you will be responsible for creating an engaging and enjoyable experience for visitors.
Print Graphic Designer
A print designer is a professional who specializes in creating artwork for printed materials. Print designers are responsible for designing and producing visual communications, such as magazines, newspapers, books, brochures, and posters. They use various software programs to create layouts that can be used by printers to produce the final product.
Print designers must have an eye for detail and creativity when it comes to layout design. They need to know how to best utilize the space of each page or spread while also making sure all elements are organized correctly according to their client’s wishes.
A print designer needs strong technical skills related to graphic design tools likeAdobe InDesign or QuarkXPress to create high-quality visuals that will meet their clientsā expectations regarding style and content accuracy.
In addition to being creative problem solvers with excellent technical skills related to graphic design tools, successful print designers must also possess good communication abilities since most projects involve working closely together with other professionals such as copywriters, photographers, and illustrators throughout its development stages, from concept creation until delivery of a finished product ready for publication.
They should stay up-to-date on new trends in printing technology, so they can provide accurate advice on what kind of printing process would work best depending on the project at hand (offset lithography vs. digital printing).
Advertising Designer
Advertising designers are responsible for creating visually appealing advertisements that capture the attention of potential customers. They work closely with marketing and advertising teams to develop concepts, create layouts, and design visuals for print media, television commercials, radio spots, web banners, and other forms of digital media. A successful advertising designer must have a comprehensive understanding of the target audience to effectively communicate a message through their designs.
The primary responsibility of an advertising designer is to create effective visual campaigns that will attract attention from consumers while also conveying key product or service messages engagingly.
This requires them to be knowledgeable about current trends in graphic design as well as how different colors can evoke certain emotions among viewers. All while staying within the brand guidelines set by their employer or client company.
Advertising designers are often expected to manage multiple projects simultaneously, which means having excellent organizational skills is essential if you want to succeed in this field.
To excel as a graphic designer, it is crucial to focus on the following aspects:
Learn design theory
Knowledge of typography
Familiarity with designing software like Adobe Suite
Understanding art and technology
Be creative and understand aesthetics
Graphic design requires an understanding of art, technology, and the ability to think creatively to create effective visuals. To pursue a career in graphic design, there are several key elements you need to know.
A graphic designer with a good understanding of design theory can be an asset to any company. A graphic designer who understands the principles of design can create designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and effective. Design theory is important for graphic designers because it teaches them how to think critically about their work and how to produce designs that meet the needs of their clients.
Additionally, knowledge of typography, the art of arranging type, is essential so that text looks visually appealing when incorporated into graphics. Furthermore, having experience with digital media platforms such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator will give you a leg up on the competition, since many employers require familiarity with these programs before hiring someone for this role.
Finally, having good communication skills allows designers to express their ideas clearly during client meetings or team collaboration sessions. Being organized helps too because it ensures deadlines are met while maintaining quality standards throughout each project from start to finish.
Many designers also choose to become certified through professional organizations such as the International Association of Designers or the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA). Additionally, it is important for graphic designers to stay up-to-date on the latest design software and trends in order to remain competitive in the field.
Visual Assets Most Frequently Used by Graphic Designers
Key Takeaways:
Brand graphic designers create visual elements that represent a company or product.
User interface (UI) designers design the user interface for websites and software applications.
Advertising designers create visual materials for advertising campaigns.
Print designers design printed materials such as brochures, flyers, and posters.
Web designers design and develop websites.
Motion graphics designers create animation and video content for websites, television, and other media.
Environmental graphic designers design signage and wayfinding systems for public spaces.
Exhibition designers design and create exhibits for museums, galleries, and other public spaces.
Information designers design visual representations of data and information.
Is Graphic Design a Good Career Choice?
In 2023, there will be a wide range of prospects in graphic design, so those who want to pursue this field should think about a number of things. To begin with, individuals can complete a checklist to assess their suitability for a career in graphic design. Second, knowing the many categories of graphic designers and their responsibilities might help you pinpoint your area of interest. Third, success depends on possessing the required abilities, including knowledge of design theory, typography, and design software.
Furthermore, it’s necessary to take into account any potential obstacles, such as the necessity to establish a portfolio, compete in the industry, and effectively sell oneself. However, graphic design can be a gratifying and lucrative career choice in 2023 and beyond with commitment, patience, and ongoing study.
Last but not least, staying up-to-date with fashion, technological, and aesthetic developments can improve your chances of success. These elements can assist aspiring graphic designers in making an informed choice and beginning a rewarding career.
Conclusion
In order to work as a professional graphic designer, it is typically necessary to have a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field, as well as a strong portfolio of work. Graphic design also calls upon problem-solving abilities that help identify issues quickly so they can be addressed efficiently without disrupting workflow timelines either internally or externally with clients and customers alike.
Overall, if you possess all these qualities along with passion, determination, discipline, and dedication, then your chances of becoming successful within this competitive industry will significantly increase over time!
FAQs
What do you need to excel as a graphic designer?
To excel as a graphic designer, it is crucial to focus on the following aspects:
Learn design theory
Knowledge of typography
Familiarity with designing software like Adobe Suite
Understanding art and technology
Be creative and understand aesthetics
What does a brand designer do?
A brand designer specializes in creating visual identities for companies and organizations. This includes designing logos, branding guidelines, and other elements that help establish a consistent look and feel for the brand.
Who is a motion graphic designer?
A motion graphic designer is a creative professional who specializes in designing and animating graphics for use in film, television, and digital media.
Ecosystem, a word that looks fancy and grand to many but holds a lot of significance among those who understand the gravity of it. As we talk about startups, the ecosystem and the network become important, as those define the overall growth. India and China, thus, are no different, as the ecosystem continues to play an important role in the growth stories of both nations. While China has always been the flying horse of the startup world with steadfast innovations, India holds the key to unprecedented growth, led by our young workforce and skill set on the world stage. We looked at various key aspects of this one-on-one tussle. Here’s what we found out:
Despite the much-talked-about funding winter, the Indian Startup Ecosystem seems like a force on steroids, as the nation and its ecosystem continue to churn out unicorns at will. The 3rd largest startup ecosystem in the world, after US & China ā gone are the days when the world used to sleep upon India’s importance in the startup arena. India is producing unicorns faster than ever, with 60% of the total 108 unicorns being produced in the last 20 months. That’s some progress right there!
The ‘State of Indian Startup Ecosystem Report 2022’ laid emphasis on the fact that India’s ecosystem is blessed with the availability of raw talent, resources, and a young workforce, with an expected 250+ unicorns by 2025, second only to the United States. This is quite impressive as it showcases a whopping 140% increase to the present number over the course of the next three years. This turbo mode for startups has been made possible owing to the emergence of a connected and self-sustaining ecosystem, with government initiatives playing an equally important role.
China has around 174 unicorns, but the growth of startups in China has been tainted by the coronavirus and the authoritative norms of the government. India, on the other hand, is on a growth spree, with three-fifths of the world’s unicorns originating from India in the last 20 months. The unicorns have raised close to $95 billion in capital over the last 20 years, valued at in excess of $341 billion, which automatically gives weightage to India’s love letter to the global startup scene. India is here to stay. India is important. India matters!
The Rise of Indian Startups, Firms, and Businesses – Turbo Mode On!
Growth in the Number of Investment Deals in Startups Across India from 2015 to 2021
If you weren’t living under a rock all this while, you would know that back in 2008-2009, post the fall of Lehman Brothers and the ‘Great Recession’, the opportunities were ripe, but the growth was tough. Who would’ve imagined that Indian startups would get to unicorn status almost half the time when compared to the 2010 scenario?
As far as the cities are concerned, Bengaluru continues to be among the top 30 cities globally for startups and unicorns, graciously placed at the 22nd spot, whereas Mumbai and Delhi made their entry into the Top 40. This comes across as a huge feat for the Indian Startup scene, however, there is still a long way to go, as the numbers are still pretty considerate when it comes to China. Beijing is still the fifth-largest global startup hub on the planet.
However, things are different when it comes to the turnaround time for a startup to be a unicorn. India is churning out unicorns in the span of less than a year, with Mensa Brands achieving the coveted status in six months. On the other hand, GlobalBees, took eight months to bag the prestigious tag. BYJU’S, the most valuable Indian unicorn startup and also one of the most valuable edtech companies in the world, is leading the wave with a whopping $22 billion valuation, followed by the food delivery company Swiggy ($11 billion) and fantasy sports platform Dream11 ($8 billion).
ByteDance, the parent company of Tiktok is the most valuable startup on the planet valued at a jaw-dropping $300 billion! And that is when the actual valuation plummeted by a whopping 100 billion dollars. China’s incredible industrial setup coupled with the technological edge and availability of cheaper manpower has led to China occupying the center stage when it comes to frugal innovation.
Also, with the emergence of new-age startups like Pinduoduo, a group-buying eCommerce platform, and DiDi Global, a cab-hailing solution, the Chinese juggernaut continues to thrive.
Right Reforms Bring in the Right Transformations
Investment Value of Chinese Investors in Indian Startups (2019-2021)
What’s behind this unprecedented rally of growth in investor funding, quick turnarounds, and sky-rocketing valuations?
The answer is ā The Government.
China has been consistently pulled down by zero COVID policies, an extra conservative approach in battling the problems, the continuous onslaught of sanctions upon growing businesses, and an all-powerful ruling party that pretends to know it all and listens to none. The lack of founder-friendly reforms has started backfiring in the recent past, and as a result, one can ascertain a decline in the pace at which startups are being produced in the country.
On the other hand, India continued to produce impeccable results on top of the government’s support and reforms that favor startups and founders, overall. Even the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, applauded India’s undisputed rise in the startup scene.
With concise frameworks and the noble ‘Startup India’ schemes, the sun continues to rise upon Indian startups as they continue to be the icing on the cake when it comes to growth stories from a developing nation. E-commerce, Fintech, and Healthcare continue to prevail in the Indian markets, with 3 out of every 7 unicorns in the country coming from the E-commerce and Fintech industries. The supportive legal framework has helped protect the interests of the consumer and helped India lead the wave of sustainable growth in the startup ecosystem.
Future of the Nationsā Startups – What Lies Ahead!
China’s growth, which was doomed by COVID and other adjoining factors, is expected to be back on track by the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023. With the availability of raw materials, technology, infrastructure, and two of the most powerful tech hubs on the planetāShenzhen and Beijing, the Indian neighbor is expected to catch up with India’s pace of unicorn creation in the coming times.
However, when it comes to India, the growth has been interconnected, largely due to the vision that was planted back in 2018-19 when a number of Indian startups attained public status with their IPOs, including the likes of Paytm, Zomato, and Freshworks, being catalysts for the change. Since then, Indian startups have continued to grow by leaps and bounds, pushing the limits of how businesses work in India. The momentum was carried on to 2021 and then continued on to 2022, with $11.7 billion raised during the first half of the year itself. A total of 14 unicorns were already created by the first half, and the number has gone up to 22 by November 2022.
Conclusion
The Indian story is different, as it is about the realization of founders about their work, reimagining their limits, and thus unlocking greater growth opportunities in the Indian startup scene, one that deserves a lot of praise for the way India has continued to grow despite the pandemic and the funding winter.
FAQs
How many unicorn startups are there in India?
As of November 2022, there are a total of 108 unicorn startups in India.
Which are the most powerful tech hubs in the world?
Shenzhen and Beijing are known to be the most powerful tech hubs in the world.
Which Indian cities are among the top 40 startup cities in the world?
Bengaluru continues to be among the top 30 cities globally for startups and unicorns, graciously placed at the 22nd spot, whereas Mumbai and Delhi made their entry into the top 40.
In the 21st century, a car wash business is one of the most productive businesses anyone can own. Having your own car wash business is fun, interesting, and highly profitable if you have the perseverance and business skills for it.
Thanks to the tremendous improvements in innovation and technology, we now have a significantly higher volume of cars and car stores. Adapting to market dynamics, modern-day car washes now offer additional services besides just washing, such as cleaning, coatings, rebuilding, and more.
Similar to every other business, starting your car wash business will need you to go through a few initial steps. In addition to the investment, each phase will require your attention in the future, followed by a clear business plan, attention to detail, and other factors if your business is to flourish and earn profit.
Highly Profitable Business Ideas in the Automobile Industry
Steps to Starting Your Own Car Wash Business
As mentioned earlier, starting your own car wash business can be fun and profitable if you are someone determined to put the time, effort, willingness, and perseverance to the test. However, in addition to your investment, a car wash business requires extreme attention to detail and knowledge about aspects relevant to the car wash industry.
You arenāt the only one who has ever started thinking of owning a car wash business. While you lay out the pros and cons and take into account the financial considerations required, you are still far from starting your business.
However, if you take detailed steps and the math adds up, you can turn this aspiration into an amazing business venture and be your boss. Hereās how you can get started with your car wash business in 2023.
Car Wash and Auto Detailing Market Size in the US (2014-2022)
Craft a Detailed Business Plan
Irrespective of the kind of work you do, a strong, detailed, and thorough business plan is the base of every foundation. And starting your car wash business needs a business plan that outlines all your inspirations, plans, marketing strategy, financial projections, associated costs, and every other related aspect.
Before embarking on your car washing venture, take into consideration your expected financial performance, profit percentage, and probability over the next three years. Having a solid business plan will not only help get your business off the ground but will also simultaneously pave a roadmap going forward.
Finally, you need a business plan for financial purposes, such as small business loan applications. Before lending you the money, lenders will need to see what your business is and get an overall vision of your enterprise. In such scenarios, business plans act as a guide that will serve as a compelling argument when you are seeking investment.
To sum it up, your business plan must address the following in a detailed yet accessible manner:
Anyone who has ever owned or run one knows that location is key to starting a car wash business. The majority of the studies have shown that every car wash business gets its customers within a 15-km radius of its location. Therefore, it is a given that you select an area that has residential complexes in its vicinity.
The larger the population, the higher the number of cars present in that locality. Alternatively, people tend to have a car wash business located directly on the service road exit of any main road. This will make passersby notice your business while making it easy for them to access it by using the exit provided.
When scouting for a location, you must completely avoid narrow roads as they are prone to causing problems, resulting in the loss of both existing and potential customers.
Finally, ensure that your location is in line with the size of the plot you require for your business. An average-sized car wash generally needs around 1500 square feet of space to fit multiple sections, a workshop, and a waiting area.
Speaking of locations, it can be beneficial to work alongside a real estate agent, city planner, lawyer, or accountant to get the best deal on your scouted location.
When selecting a location for your car wash, ensure that it has the following characteristics:
Ease of Access
Highly Travelled Road
Ample Space
Zoning Laws and Relevant Jurisdictions
Visit a Few Car Washes
If youāre getting into the car wash business, you not only need to know the basics but also need to keep up with the latest trends and technologies in a highly dynamic market. The best way to stay on top of all this is by visiting a few car washes before you start your own business.
A few visits to different car washes will give you an idea of the type of car wash business you wish to have, such as self-service, automatic, waterless, or full detailing. Talking to car wash owners, suppliers, and equipment manufacturers will help you understand the entire business from all sides.
Not only will these visits help you with the business, but they will also help you considerably with shortlisting a location, vendors, suppliers, manufacturers, and so on.
Irrespective of the kind of work you do, you need to be aware of the constant competition prevailing in a highly dynamic modern-day market. Banking on the exact principle, you need to first investigate and review all the car wash competitors in your area.
Once you have fixed a location, the next step for you is to visit every car wash in a 15-km radius. This will require you to visit a few car washes to help you get an idea of the kinds of services offered, the pricing, customer statistics, and their business marketing strategy.
Every car wash will have a different volume of customers. Some car wash businesses will have a low customer volume, whereas others will have a high volume. In such cases, ensure that you figure out the factors that are contributing to this.
Following a thorough competitor investigation, you can then conduct a thorough competitor review and assess the entire competition. All this information will help you gain insight into whether it is beneficial to start a car wash business in your selected locality.
Obtain the Required Licenses and Permits
Before you can start your car wash business, you will need to get your paperwork in order. Sloppy paperwork will only delay the start. Similar to other businesses, a car wash business requires you to obtain a set of permits and licenses based on the type of your business, location, regulations, and zoning laws put forth by the relevant jurisdiction.
You must obtain every last piece of documentation required, as failure to obtain the right licenses and permits can result in your business being shut down. Moreover, your car wash business needs to comply with the state and local governmentās laws regarding mitigation and water contamination.
These rules are designed explicitly to help tackle water pollution, reduce harmful carbon emissions, grit-trap waste disposal, and regulate both wastewater and fuel tank storage.
To know about the exact permits and licenses required to open your business, you can check with your countryās relevant SBA (Small Business Administration) website.
Not only are you required to obtain the mandates, but you also will need to keep track of all the renewal dates and have a spare copy of every permit and license for your business records. Furthermore, you will need to put a copy of your car wash license in your car wash for customers to see it.
Consider Small Business Loans
Starting your own car wash is expensive. Even if you acquire a hefty chunk of investment early on, the majority of it will be spent primarily on acquiring machinery. Whether you choose to buy or rent, you will need to set aside a certain amount to keep your business running regularly.
All this can leave you with little to nothing while your business is getting off the ground. But thanks to small finance companies, it neednāt be expensive but affordable as your business gets up and running.
Whether you need to secure a large loan, rollover credit, or require money for incremental purchases, you can secure small business loans for all your business-related expenses. Furthermore, these small financing companies also tend to offer you additional incentives such as cash back, travel rewards, and more.
Finally, having put all that money into your business, the next thing you need is rock-solid business insurance. Get yourself a small, solid, and comprehensive small business insurance policy based on the size and type of your business.
When it comes to car washes, the frequency of unforeseen accidents and damages is relatively high. This is when you need your policy to cover the majority of that bill. Not only do you need an insurance policy, but you will also have to ensure that your car wash business has good general liability followed by workers’ compensation insurance.
To get yourself the best policy, it is fruitful to consult with either a business insurance agent or a business lawyer, who will be able to dish out more specific information and give you the policy that fits your business best.
Company Registration
After youāve taken care of all the key factors, youāre left with just one remaining yet vital step. Having gone through all the above-mentioned steps, you are just one step away from having your own car wash business.
Before you launch your operations, you must get your company registered to convert it into a legal business. Setting up a legal business includes deciding on a name for it and trademarking it. Once you have a trademarked business name, the next step is getting your company registered and forming a legal business structure.
Ensure that you scout through several business names to make your business unique and avoid legal disputes in the future. A trademark name will not only keep legal issues at bay but will also open doors to new investors and lead to brand building.
Following the name, you will then need to get your Employer Identification Number (EIN) for your business. Also known as the Federal Tax Identification Number (FTIN), having the same is crucial for registering your business and acquiring bank loans.
Conclusion
Owning a car wash business can reap great benefits when managed with the utmost decency and professionalism. However, before one starts making profits off the car wash, there are plenty of boxes that need to be ticked off when starting the car wash business.
When starting a car wash business, you have to make sure you take your time and do it right. If you do it right the first time, you save on a considerable amount of paperwork that may arise and interfere with your day-to-day operations.
With the steps and strategies mentioned in our article, not only will you be able to start on a stronger foot, but you will also prime yourself for success down the road. Once you have mapped out your intentions, business operations, and financial needs, you ultimately put yourself and your business at a distinct advantage.
FAQs
What can a small business loan be used for?
You can secure small business loans for all your business-related expenses, whether you need to secure a large loan, rollover credit, or require money for incremental purchases.
Which location would be ideal for a car wash business?
A car wash business located directly on the service road exit of any main road will be beneficial. This will make passersby notice your business while making it easy for them to access it by using the exit provided.
What factors should be considered while selecting a location for a car wash?
When selecting a location for your car wash, ensure that it has the following characteristics:
People confuse passive income with the money earned just by sitting around idly. While a part of it is true, it is a misleading definition. Passive income is a source of income that is not directly tied to your time. For example, an employee earns money by putting in 40 hours a week in an office. Every day that they decide not to work leads to a deduction from their salary. What if you could earn without putting in fixed hours continuously? Something like growing a tree requires initial work to ensure that it is healthy and bears fruit in the end.
So, passive income is a form of income source where, once you set up everything, you can leave the source on autopilot with minimal interruptions. So, what are some ways to earn passive income? Let’s look at the most popular passive income sources that you can start working on today and potentially earn a handsome amount of money with dedicated efforts. Does that make sense?
Investing means putting your money into various financial instruments to earn an income due to interest or value appreciation. You start by picking the alternative to invest in crypto, FDs, mutual funds, stocks, etc. Depending on your income and risk appetite, you can select a channel to invest and earn a passive income. The biggest issue with this option is that you need money to get started. Also, there is a chance to lose all your funds in case of loss or a market crash. The safest investing option with moderate income potential is SIP, where you invest your money into a bunch of top companies to generate assured income. Certain channels as stocks require constant monitoring and juggling around them. You can pick a channel based on your convenience factor and how much time you are willing to invest.
Content Creation
Breakdown of Time Taken by Creators for Creating New Content
Content creation is one of the most booming income stream options. People use it as a proper and only source of income as well. However, if you don’t have time, with restricted hours, you can build a content library to earn without having to keep creating content. There are multiple platforms on which you can create content and aim at various content formats- videos, audio, texts, etc.
YouTube
YouTube involves creating video-based content. You could pick a niche and start creating content. However, the money doesnāt come instantly. It takes about 1000 subscribers and 4000 watch hours to start getting paid. But, once your channel picks up the traffic, you could earn even with reduced time allocation. The income starts from as low as $100 (ā¹8000) and can up to lakhs as your channel grows. It takes 3-4 years for some people to start earning, while some channels boom within a few months. The core idea is to offer valuable content that either educates or entertains the audience.
Content creation on social media could include both video and image formats. You start by picking a desired social media platform to build an audience. You do this again by offering valuable content. Once you build the audience, you can monetize them in multiple ways. It could be by selling digital products, sponsorships, etc. Each platform has a dedicated content format and algorithms. You need to understand the audience, their needs, and their algorithms to survive in the competitive content creation industry.
Blogs
Blogs have been a great way to earn passive income for ages. If you think you can write about a particular niche, then you should opt for blogging. You will need to buy a domain and build a website. It would not cost you a lot. But if you want cheaper alternatives, you could start on platforms like Medium, where getting started is easier. However, you will be dependent on a third-party website for user information and also income potential reduces. With a proper website, you can leverage Google Adsense to earn. Also, collaborations or paid sponsorships act as a great income source for blogging.
Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is promoting someoneās product in exchange for earning a commission. Now, this one requires audience building in the form of a community or group of people who purchase from your recommendation. You earn a small percentage, depending on the product and terms, for each purchase. Now, some companies pay for each referral, while others pay for each purchase. For products with a subscription model, one might earn a consistent commission as long as the consumer stays with the company. If you have a great network to sell affiliate products, you could start earning quickly.
Podcasts
The podcast is an audio-based content creation channel. Here, you create audio-based content to entertain or educate your audience. Start by picking the platform to upload and start your podcast, which can be Apple, Spotify, Google, or any other desired one. Again, the main aim is to build an audience, that can be monetized with time to earn a passive income. Like other content creation channels, it takes time to monetize your podcasts. You need to build a strong and loyal audience base.
How to Create a Podcast for Beginners
Sell Digital Products
Selling digital products is a way to earn a passive income as well as the most popular way to monetize your audience. Often many content creators create some digital product to earn a passive income on the side. It requires a one-time effort and gets paid for each sale. For instance, if you write an ebook in a niche in which you have expertise. Then every time the book sells, you earn without having to actively sell. You might need continuous promotion to create demand and awareness, but nonetheless, it is a great way to earn without having to toil yourself all the time. Now, you could deal with four major categories:
Info Products: Info products include ebooks or other resource material in digital format to educate the audience. You will need to start by deciding the core topics of the info product- what will you talk about? Then, after the completion of info product creation, you decide on a platform to sell your info product. It is advisable to set up a website and sell products to avoid commission cuts.
Courses: You can sell courses on many platforms such as Udemy. Look for niches where you can add value for the audience and create a course. Decide pricing for your course that people will be willing to pay. Finally, promote your product, which is crucial for each digital product to inform and motivate the target audience.
Templates: You can create and sell templates on Gumroad and other platforms to earn income. For instance, there are templates for budget allocation, preschool shopping, dairy writing, and much more. You simply need to analyze the need of the customers/ audience and create a product. One thing to notice, third-party apps like Gumroad cut commission fees for each sale.
Resell Retail Products
Reselling or flipping products with a profit margin is a great way to earn a passive income. You will start by deciding the market and target audience, to whom you will sell. After this, you finalize the products and vendors for procuring and selling these goods. Now, this is an active income source. If you wish to convert it to passive income, you can create a dedicated website for easy ordering and sell effortlessly. This way you will set systems in place and can earn passive income.
Teaching
Another option that a lot of students and married or unmarried housewives opt for is teaching or tutoring. You could teach the children in the locality depending upon your educational qualification. It requires a limited 4ā5 hours a day and pays really well. However, this requires a direct time investment. You earn only as long as you teach, which keeps you hooked on the job and doesn’t give much flexibility. So, instead, you could opt for platforms that allow you to record and deliver lectures.
Sell Pictures
You can get paid to click, upload, and sell your pictures. Some websites pay you to upload and help you sell your pictures like stock images. So, if you click good-quality pictures, you can earn a side income by selling pictures. You don’t need to continuously keep updating and uploading pictures. Instead, once you put it on the respective website, you can earn it every time someone buys and uses the image.
You could sell pictures (animated or not) on many websites, like Canva, Adobe Stock, Crestock, Fotolia, Freepik, etc. You earn about 40% royalties on the photos, depending on the platform. Some platforms offer a flat rate of, say, $2.5 per download of the image. These numbers are evolving, and the income potential is variable. Depending on the platform and the kind of pictures you upload, it can vary.
Google AdSense
Google Adsense is the ads you see on Google and YouTube. For each click, the content creator of that page earns an income. Now, you can earn an income from Google AdSense by creating content on YouTube, writing blogs, or running a website. Google Adsense displays ads along with your content. If people click on it or make purchases via that ad, you earn for each view or purchase.
Selling notes is one of the easiest ways to earn money, especially as a college or high school student. If you already have your notes, all you need to do is merge and compile them into a comprehensive and useful resource. However, you need to keep a decent price point for these and find students who buy these notes. Generally, it is easier in colleges due to an identical syllabus across universities. This way, you can earn passive income by creating notes once and selling them year after year.
So, with all these sources, you can start early to earn money on the side and gradually make enough money to sustain basic needs. Many people rely on these as their source of living. If you are starting early or on the side, it can be great to try out multiple things to pursue them later in the future.
Conclusion
So, of all these, which one should you pick? Of course, interest in a particular field matters a lot. Apart from that, look at these three factors to decide which field to go into: income potential, entry barrier, and maintenance. Does the field give you enough money to sustain your needs and your income goals? Is it easier to get started? Will I be able to continue this in the long run in the future? If the answer to all these is yes, then you can pick an income source to get started. One thing to remember is that you can only earn money by providing value. No matter how easy or hard it is to start or how much you earn, if you don’t provide value, you will not sustain for long.
FAQs
What is the best passive income source?
The best passive income sources include:
Investing
Content Creation
YouTube
Blogs
Podcasts
Google AdSense
What is affiliate marketing?
Affiliate marketing is promoting someoneās product in exchange for earning a commission. You earn a small percentage, depending on the product and terms, for each purchase.
Where can I sell pictures online?
You could sell pictures (animated or not) on many websites, like Canva, Adobe Stock, Crestock, Fotolia, Freepik, etc.
It comes as no surprise that for decades most of us have always striven for success. But gone are those days when people didn’t see success as the ultimate goal of their lives. Having a high-paid job isn’t the definition of success anymore. Rather, valuing the work-life balance and being as flexible as possible are the new norms of success and thriving.
Today, most millennials are either employed or seeking better job opportunities. Most young professionals do a lot of research to understand certain factors about the company before they decide to join it. These factors usually include the work culture, company values, and other perks and benefits.
In this article, we have listed the key features and priorities young professionals often seek when they are hunting for jobs.
In today’s competitive job market, job seeking has evolved beyond simply applying for a job, undergoing assessments, and being done with it. Young professionals are now placing greater emphasis on various factors that play a crucial role in their career success. Below are the key priorities and features that Millennials and Gen Z look for when searching for a job:
Work-Life Harmony
Many jobs today are demanding and require commitment. In this quest, young professionals have the urge to prove to their supervisors their hard work and sincerity, but at the same time, they expect them to understand their integrity. While it can be essential to stay true to your duties, young professionals seek a role that allows them to take care of themselves and have quality time with their family and friends. It is not just about their career but it is their life, thus, they want seamless positions that can give them peace of mind by having a good work-life balance.
Company Values
Another feature that most young job seekers look for in a job is company values. The foremost step before working with any organization is to know what kind of organization they are. For young professionals, when their professional goals match those of the desired company, employment no longer seems like a job for them. They research thoroughly to compare their values to the company’s mission statement, fundamental principles, and business model.
Remote or Flexible Work Options
A FlexJobs poll of more than 4000 respondents found that 24% of workers would accept a pay cut of 10% to 20% in exchange for the freedom to work remotely whenever they choose. This comes after the pandemic, where many people have become accustomed to working from home or remotely. As a result, the concept of a hybrid work culture seems to have taken a top spot as the most preferred work culture among today’s youth.
In the case of a hybrid work arrangement, where young professionals got to spend a part of the week in the office and the rest of the week at home, it made them more productive than ever before.
Growth Opportunities
Millennials are considered to be very growth-oriented in whatever role they pursue in their lives. They want to join those companies that provide them with the chance to grow, especially if they are in the initial days of their career. Companies that make their employees feel trapped can never have a skilled employee because that will not give them the liberty to change or develop new skills throughout their lives. Therefore, this generation is motivated by a career that lets them nurture and improve their skill set.
Biggest Challenges Faced by Job Seekers
Happening Work Culture
Some studies have shown that young professionals prefer working in an environment that is more enjoyable and happening. As working people, they spend most of their time at work, so this is one of the reasons millennials want to have fun while they are at work. They opt for a workspace that excites them and increases their job satisfaction. They want to enjoy the work they do, which further increases their overall happiness.
Healthy Relationships in the Workspace
The majority of young professionals want to develop a better relationship with their supervisors and team in general. Millennials and Gen Z like their employers to be helpful and developing rather than taskmasters. Companies have to be mindful when dealing with their young employees. The managers of the company have to behave like mentors, as young professionals look to them for inspiration. Supervisors and even teammates need to be aware of how they allocate duties and provide feedback. They need to keep in mind that their millennial employees are an ever-changing asset to the company.
Health Benefits and Mental Health Support
These days, healthcare is an enormous expenditure. But if a company offers excellent health insurance, then young professionals are most likely to work in that company. Besides, physical health, mental health too has become an important matter. Taking care of your mental health has become equally essential as taking care of your body. Companies that offer mental health leave to their employees seem to have attracted a majority of young workers.
The present generation is very precise about recognition and being rewarded. Since these millennials are regarded as hard workers, they expect their company to appreciate their efforts. It is not only about young professionals, in fact, everyone values compliments and acknowledgment for a job well done. Millennials, or Gen Z, in particular, prefer companies that support their growth and reward their hard work. They tend to look for jobs that provide bonuses, yearly vacations, and prizes as common performance rewards. In the end, young employees will join a company where they feel valued and respected.
Conclusion
There can be many features a young professional will scrutinize before joining a company. However, one of the top priority features for young employees these days is having better learning opportunities, where they have the scope to develop and fundamentally grow to become the best version of themselves.
FAQs
What do millennials and Gen Z look for in a job?
Millennials and Gen Z look for the following while job searching:
Work-Life Harmony
Company Values
Remote or Flexible Work Options
Growth Opportunities
Positive Work Culture
Healthy Relationships in the Workspace
Health Benefits and Mental Health Support
Recognition and Appreciation
How can managers create healthy relationships in the workplace?
The managers can create healthy relationships in the workplace by behaving like mentors, as young professionals look to them for inspiration. Supervisors and teammates should also be aware of how they allocate duties and provide feedback.
A job interview is a two-way discussion between a company representative and a candidate to determine if the applicant is a suitable fit for the role. Depending on the description of the job, interviews can vary in structure from a free-wheeling conversation to a predetermined questionnaire listed in a specific order. Whatever the structure of the interview, it is designed to understand applicant attributes that are specifically aligned with the job.
An interview is an initial peek into the company for job seekers. It is their moment to showcase their suitability for the job being applied for and highlight their knowledge, experience, and ability to add value to the position.
An interview is by far one of the most effective ways to gauge a candidateās suitability for a particular job. Hence, to effectively choose the best candidate, it is a multi-level process that examines various traits of a candidate through several processes. The interview process can include a preliminary in-person interview with HR, a second-tier interview with the hiring manager, and depending on the job position can also include a meeting with the stakeholders of the company. The interview process can also include a psychometric test that measures cognitive abilities, knowledge of the candidate, and a personality assessment.
The importance of how a candidate conducts themself and communicates with the interviewer during the interview can mean the difference between getting hired or rejected. However, how the candidate ends a particular interview can heavily affect the impression created in the mind of the interviewer.
Most interviews end with a question from the interviewer ā āHave you got any questions for us ?ā Although seemingly innocuous, it is a valuable opportunity for the candidate to leave a lasting impression in the interviewerās mind. This is the time to ask some relevant questions and dig deeper into the companyās performance and work culture.
Asking Relevant Questions
This is an impressive way to showcase active involvement during the entire interview as well as reaffirm interest in the job role. It also shows that the candidate has conducted in-depth research about the company and the industry as a whole. Some examples of effective questions are ā
How does the company stay ahead in the sales curve in comparison to competitors?
Would the candidate be expected to work in other areas within the business in an effort to reach the end goal?
What efforts does the company take to continually improve the work culture?
What are the different available opportunities for professional growth and development?
Addressing Missing Experience
This is an affirmation to the hiring manager that the candidate acknowledges the gaps and is willing to work through the challenges and grow. This also showcases a solutions-based outlook which plays an important role in the hiring decision.
Reiterating Skill-Set
The closing statement of the interview could emphasize the candidateās strongest skill set. The candidate can give a brief explanation of how the skill set can add value to the job, leaving a positive impact on the interviewing panel.
Emphasizing Personal Passion for the Job Position
Notwithstanding that the candidate covets the job, it is important to show commitment and passion for the position. This can be done by highlighting what is the best aspect of the job that the candidate enjoys. It can also be achieved by stressing the candidateās contribution to the growth of the company.
Asking About the Next Steps
Clarity of communication along with to-the-point questions about the next steps in the application and interviewing process conveys interest in the role as well as the candidateās confidence in their ability to excel in that position. Some ways to ask this question are ā
By when would the next steps in the hiring process be communicated?
What is the time frame in which the position needs to be filled?
Asking if any Additional Information is Needed
This is another chance to demonstrate my skill set. Offering the interviewer a copy of the work portfolio showcases the candidateās confidence in the relevancy of the job application. A few statements or questions to ask could be ā
Is there any other information required to check candidacy suitability?
Is there a requirement for references and contact details?
Would the panel like to check the work portfolio and case studies of previous clients? (if applicable)
This can be done in multiple ways. One is to offer a positive outlook for the company mentioning the value-add the candidate can offer to the problems currently being faced by the company. Another way is to also mention the specific plan for a particular problem. This showcases the candidateās involvement, passion, and commitment. It also shows the interviewer that the candidate is job-ready.
Importance Of Closing Statements
Even though it is the tail end of the interview, its importance remains the same as the rest of the conversation. This is the part that creates a lasting impression and sustains it, making it one of the most important deciding factors.
Expresses and Reiterates Interest in the Job
The way a candidate closes an interview reveals their enthusiasm for the job. It might be to the candidateās advantage to take the opportunity to once again highlight the key reasons why he or she is the right fit for the company and the position.
Highlights Skills & Qualifications
The candidate can give a couple of examples of how well his or her skills and experience can contribute to the companyās success. It is all about selling their suitability to the interviewer.
Answer Questions Clearly & Concisely
An interviewer may ask a follow-up question at the end of the interview. This could be to understand more about the previous job or the new skills learned by the candidate. The quality of the answer could pre-empt more questions while at the same time re-emphasizing the candidateās suitability.
Conclusion
Concluding a job interview on a strong note is vital to increasing the chances of receiving a job offer. Closing statements in a job interview leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager and can separate a particular candidate from the other applicants.
The process of developing new skills, attitudes, or actions that have a positive impact and improve an individual’s overall well-being is called self-growth or personal development. This is an intrinsic process of developing and expanding personal abilities to achieve oneās full potential, which, in turn, pays rich dividends in personal and professional life.
Personal growth, by definition, means it is individual and affects a full spectrum of human attributes differently in different individuals. This spectrum includes self-esteem, coping skills, learning to control emotions, developing a mindset of growth, learning resilience, learning acceptance, out-growing procrastination, improving emotional intelligence, and defining success.
Affecting intellectual, physical, and physiological development, personal growth helps in improving personal and professional relationships and contributes greatly towards a life of peace and prosperity.
1. Ā Ā Ā Develops a Mindset of Growth
What this essentially means is that it broadens possibilities of developing intelligence, skills, and talents driving the individual towards progress and prosperity. Research shows that people with a growth mindset achieve more than the rest.
2. Ā Ā Ā Stepping Out of Comfort Zone
The work towards growth begins the minute individual steps out of his or her comfort zone. This is the new space in which to set new goals and find a new purpose to reach your full potential.
3. Ā Ā Ā Self-Actualization
The theory of Human Motivation from Abraham Maslow argues that once basic and psychological needs are satisfied, the requirement emerges for personal growth and fulfillment. This is a basic human need as the alternative is to fall into a state of passivity later in life.
There are many ways through which self-growth can be achieved in various ways. Some require a long-term commitment while others are easily accessible. An important point to note is that most of these are self-motivated steps to be taken by an individual to achieve personal growth. A few important ways in which this can be accomplished are ā
Meditation
Meditation
An ancient practice that encourages an individual to look into the self in a quiet and relaxed environment has numerous documented benefits on physical and mental health. An important skill that is developed through meditation is self-awareness. This skill can further help on the path of personal growth.
Reading
Reading
This requires very little explanation. This is a habit that needs to be cultivated as a must-have. Reading builds and broadens understanding and perspective. Books are the unchallenged source of knowledge, inspiration, and wonder. They teach various life skills and techniques all the while building an intelligent and inclusive life and worldview.
Cultivating a New Hobby
Cultivating a New Hobby
Learning a new hobby is not only recreational but a constructive way to extend personal boundaries in different ways ā be it physically, mentally, or emotionally. It also ensures the learning of a new skill and gaining new expertise. It can also be extended into a career if one so chooses.
Regular Exercise
Regular Exercise
The journey to a better self begins with being in better shape physically. A minimum level of exercise includes a jog or a brisk walk for 30 minutes at least 3 times a week. This activity level can be increased and different forms of exercise can be included in the daily regime.
Penning down thoughts and feelings helps in clarifying the mental state and clearing the white noise that surrounds clarity. It helps in identifying goals, purposes, and values. It can also highlight areas that need improvement.
Quitting a Questionable Habit
Quitting a Questionable Habit
Any habit that does not add value to a routine like oversleeping, smoking, drinking or even procrastinating needs to be eliminated. Working on quitting such a habit goes a long way toward contributing to personal growth.
Avoiding Negativity
A quote by Jim Rohn says ā āYou are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.ā
It is extremely beneficial to avoid people who drain personal energy leaving one exhausted. Instead, engage with people who add value in terms of knowledge and perspective.
Reducing Screen Time
This is one of the most damaging deterrents to personal growth. Be it the television or the phone including various messaging apps, time spent on this is precious time wasted. Instead, this time would be better used on other self-improvement activities.
Networking With Various Experts
Networking With Various Experts
These are the people who have reached their success pinnacle through the right attitude, skill set, and consistent learning mindset. These experts hold the ability to inspire others to come up to their level. Networking with them can prove extremely beneficial in various aspects of personal and professional life.
Developing a Futuristic Outlook
Holding on to past grudges or grievances hinders the ability to move forward or develop a futuristic and progressive outlook. As part of personal growth and development, it is important to break away from such a damaging cycle of grievances, forgive oneself and others, and move on.
Developing Kindness & Empathy
Developing Kindness & Empathy
Being kind helps to cultivate compassion and patience. It also emphasizes the feelings of optimism and gratefulness within oneself. Kindness elevates peopleās responses and generates feelings of camaraderie and friendship.
The 7 Essential Pillars of Personal Development | Brian Tracy
Conclusion
The responsibility for personal growth and development lies within the self. It takes a firm commitment to walk the path and make the necessary changes to see the desired result. All it takes is identifying a starting point. Begin with the step that is the most comfortable and slowly move on to take on the difficult challenges to see the positive changes in your personal life.
FAQs
What is Personal Development?
The process of developing new skills, attitudes, or actions that have a positive impact and improve an individual’s overall well-being is called self-growth or personal development.
What is the importance of doing Personal Development?
Personal Development helps in:
Developing a Mindset of Growth
Stepping Out of Comfort Zone
Self-Actualization
What one needs to do for Self-Growth?
A few important ways in which Self-Growth can be accomplished are:
Abira Dutta
Damini Bhandary
