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Top 5 Android Games in 2024

Did you know that there are 3.5 billion smartphone users in the world? When you translate that into percentages, then you see that 45.12% of people possess a smartphone.

The rapid growth of mobile users changed a lot of things in the world. First of all, many businesses changed the way of how they reach the audience. Despite that, mobile games have started to become more popular. Not a long time ago, games were usually connected with computer devices. Today, most people play them on their mobile.

Still, these games are complex and it takes time to become expert. That’s why playing games on your mobile can sometimes be complicated. Even if the size of your screen is huge, that doesn’t mean it is big enough to play it properly. Because of that, many people are desperate to find a way to play those android games on their desktop.

Fortunately, the web developers have allowed us to do this as well. You can find so-called Android emulators that will allow you to play Android games on your desktop. If you want to find some emulators online, we suggest you LDPlayer.

Anyway, the number of games is huge. We know that it can be tough to pick only one. Because of that, we would want to highlight some of the best Android games that gained huge popularity.

Let’s get started.

1. Vectronom

Source: APKPure.com

For some reason, indie title games usually do not deserve the attention that they deserve. However, this game does not fall into that category. It gained huge popularity among Android users because of several different reasons.

It is hard to find the right words to describe this game. It offers a psychedelic experience through flashing colors and thumping electronic soundtrack. This soundtrack is designed to entrance you as you play. When you move to the next level, the game starts to change. Despite that, the game grades you on how well your cube’s movement follows the rhythm. Because of these a bit complex moves, the game is a lot better when you play it with a keyboard. That’s why many fans of it were looking for a long time to find a way to play it on their computer.

2. Shadowgun Legends

This game is ideal for people that are fans of shooting action. You will get surprised when you see how many shady characters you will find in this game. All of them can give you different missions. Despite that, the neon-lit central hub is a mix of some amazing activities. The activities you will see are stores, bars, and a casino.

If you plan to complete the missions (of course you do), then you need to collect gear and sell it to buy the new and better one. Thanks to the ungraded gear, you will improve your abilities and reputation in the game.

We need to say that combat is frenetic. You will find many customizations on offer. Despite that, each player has the chance to go on co-op missions with other players.

P.S. Despite shooting game lovers, this is a perfect choice for those that are sci-fi fans.

3. Madden NFL Mobile Football

Source: Madden NFL Mobile Football – Aptoide

Well, this game is a good choice for another type of people. If you are a big fan of sports, then this game is for you. More precisely, the NFL fans will simply love it.

You will be a general manager and a head coach at the same time. Your task will be to organize a team and chase the NFL trophy. Indeed, the controls on a mobile device are easy. Yet, we are sure it would be much easier to play it on your desktop.

Anyway, when we talk about graphics, we believe this is the best NFL game you can find in the Play Store. There is another big advantage of this game. This game features real rosters and NFL legends for years gone by.

Still, there might be one disadvantage of the game. However, we believe that most people would not consider it is a big thing. You have to online while playing this game. This limits you a little because you won’t be able to play it in places without a Wi-Fi connection. Yet, most players usually play this game at home. We are sure that you have Internet there, don’t you?

4. Dragon Ball Legends

Is there a person that has not at least heard about The Dragon Ball series? Fortunately, you can now play it on your mobile and desktop device as well.

Our first impression of this game is entertainment. It will be quite a fan to play it, especially if you a Dragon Ball fan. Your task would be to fight through a series of different levels. While you are going through the missions, you will collect characters and abilities along that way.

There are several different things that you can do. You can tap and swipe to attack, move, or dodge and tap cards for some special attacks. All these things that we mentioned you can accomplish with one finger. Still, it is tough to play games with one finger for a long time. That is one more reason why you should use the Android emulator.

Finally, you should know that there is also a PvP mode for real-time playing. You can fight against people from different parts of the world.

5. Real Racing 3

Source: Gaming Cypher

In this game, you will be able to find more than 300 models or real-world cars. More precisely, there will be vehicles designed by some of the most popular brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Lamborghini, etc. Most of us are not able to afford these expensive cars. However, we can at least drive them in the game, don’t we?

Anyway, there is another thing that you will definitely like. You will have the chance to test your driving skills on world-wide famous tracks like Le Mans, Silverstone, and Hockenheimring.

We believe this is one of the best racing games you can find on the Play store. It has a huge number of events to enter, cross-platform multiplayer, and a lot of customization options.

The main advantage of the game is its graphics. This especially counts if you play it on your desktop device.

Top 10 Digital Marketing Agencies in Singapore in 2024

Although a lot of people do not know this, Singapore is a country that is prospering in the field of digital advertising agencies. There is a wide range of international companies that are keeping their eye on this country, however, there are also some local agencies that are doing a really good job in the digital marketing world.

If you are interested in learning more about these companies situated in Singapore, you might find this article to be quite helpful. The text below will feature a list of 10 top digital marketing agencies that you can find in this lovely country, as well as some of the things you should consider when opting for one. Let’s take a closer look at the article:

1. “The 24K Design Studio”

Source: LinkedIn

This company provides its clients with market-focused and web-based information technology solutions with services such as website designing, E-commerce solutions, content management, SEO, marketing, as well as social media platforms and digital advertising. They have worked with various enterprises that are well-known and respected in Singapore.

2. “RIFF Digital”

Source: riff-digital.com

Now, this company has won several awards for digital advertising. It assists various agencies that want to focus on their online presence. They are experienced in several fields including online marketing, content creation, marketing, site development, as well as social media engagement.

3. “Click TRUE”

Source: Click TRUE

If you are a company owner that needs help with designing, managing and building an online presence, this agency can help you with that. They are experienced in SEO marketing, social media strategies, advertising, as well as analyzing different aspects of the website analytics and click-through rate.

4. “The Conversion Hub”

Source: theconversionhub.co.uk

This agency is one of the few worldwide that has an in-house team and a lab that can be used by focus groups. They provide various solutions in search marketing, SEO, social media platforms, as well as testing products and sites. They have cooperated with some major names including Nexus and Samsung.

5. “Interakt”

Source: Interakt

Now, this is a company that offers something else – they provide optimized digital advertising services by using the right strategies for creating content that fits your needs, hence, by doing so, they can maximize the engagement and reach your website or social media accounts have. They offer a wide range of marketing strategies, campaigns, as well as SMM and SEM.

6. “The First Page Digital”

Source: firstpagedigital.sg

One of the biggest digital marketing agencies in Singapore, it is well-known for its amazing innovative strategies and success in almost all of their digital campaigns. Some of the services they provide include search engine optimization, PPC marketing, and content creation. If you want to see more service that this company offers, visit FirstPage Digital for additional information.

7. “The Webcada”

Source: webcada.com

With over 10 years of experience, this organization offers a wide range of online services for its clients. The services they provide include advertising, managing content, SEO, designing websites and pages, as well as email list advertising. Their goal is to create high-quality content that will allow companies to reap all the benefits of their online presence.

8. “OOm”

Source: oom.com.sg

Now, if you are looking for a business that is the leader in SEO and marketing, you should consider choosing this one. They have more than 15 years of experience and they can provide additional services such as Google Ad campaigns, reputation maintenance & management, as well as social media account management.

9. “The Notion Age”

Source: notionage.sg

The experienced team behind this company are experts in creating the best and smoothest SEO solutions that you can find. They also offer a wide range of SEM and PPC services for brands from all fields. The experts also focus on email marketing, as well as creating email lists.

10. “IH Digital Solutions”

Source: ihdigital.com

This enterprise focuses on making campaigns effective, yet easy to implement and manage – and that is exactly why a lot of people choose this business for completing their needs. They have more than a decade of experience in various fields including SMM, SEM, and social media management.

What to Carefully Consider When Choosing a Company?

Like everything else in life, there are some things that you will need to consider when looking at the business you want to hire. You should know that these specific things are quite important, hence, think about them carefully. The things you should consider and think about include:

1. Is The Company Experienced? – The first thing you will need to check is whether or not the company is experienced. It is relatively easy to figure this out, and all you should do is read the online reviews left by their clients. Of course, the reviews are on the business’ website, however, read the reviews on independent sites as well.

2. What Services Do They Offer? – The services one business offers does not mean that all of them will offer the same ones. That is why it is important to check whether or not that specific agency offers the things you need. Hence, before actually choosing a company, check their services.

Source: Capitol Tech Solutions

3. What Should It Cost? – Now, the most important thing that you should remember is that the prices will vary from one business to the next. However, keep in mind that if it is too low then it is too good to be true. Additionally, if the price is too high, you might want to consider whether you are getting high-quality services for the price you are paying.

4. Do They Offer Customer Support? – Yet another thing that is quite important is whether or not the business offers customer support services. This is quite important, especially if something goes wrong with your website or other things that are crucial for your business operations.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – there is a wide range of digital marketing agencies that you can opt for while in Singapore. And, if you need their services and expertise, you should follow the aforementioned tips that will make the selection process easier and less time-consuming.

Hence, now that you know what services and companies you can choose, do not waste any more time. Instead, start researching, comparing, and analyzing the businesses mentioned above. Hopefully, you will be able to find one that will fit your and your business needs well.

Why Is Cybersecurity Important? 

When it comes to moving forward as a company, the question of cybersecurity is of utmost importance if your company has any presence on the Internet.

The internet can be a very malicious place for your business. Big-time corporations across many industries are frequently targeted by hackers. These hackers try to get lucky with anything from corporate emails to logins. One way to prevent all that is with cybersecurity.

Source: Daily Tribune

What Is Cybersecurity And Why Is It Important?

The best way to protect anything online is with cybersecurity. This goes anything from protecting private and sensitive information to full-proof system break-ins.

Cybersecurity can easily be explained as a service, much like normal security, but for your digital assets. The people that provide this service can be an in-house IT team or outsourced. As a matter of fact, a lot of services out there provide top-notch cybersecurity.

But why is it so important? Well, seeing as our digital assets are more important than ever, having the ability to protect them from malicious attacks should be our top priority as business owners.

As we mentioned, hackers aren’t really selective with their prey; they just initiate the attack and hope to catch something. Furthermore, literary every business owner has personal and sensitive information that should not be made public, nor have someone else obtain them. This goes anything from company records, private data, social security numbers, etc.

Truthfully speaking, as much as 50% of all businesses fail to recover after experiencing a hacker breach in their system. This is why cybersecurity is important, and why you should definitely employ for your business. You can find more information on Keller Lenkner DataBreach.

Source: CIO.com

Cybersecurity Threats Faced By Businesses

As we mentioned yet again, hackers don’t really choose their prey. The unlucky entity could be a business, a person, and even a country. According to Embroker, the cybersecurity threats that businesses mostly deal with are ransomware attacks and intellectual property theft.

These attacks can be targeted to obtain anything from upcoming product blueprints and designs, personal company information, future business plans, and anything else that you might associate a business with.

And yet another unfortunate thing is that these hackers don’t have a preference of size. This means that hackers don’t really care if your business is small, medium, or huge. Truthfully speaking, the smaller your business is the easier for hackers to breach your systems and emails. You can even debate that smaller businesses have a hard time recovering from such attacks, even if nothing of greater value is stolen.

In the case of medium to large businesses, the most daunting headache is the fact that a hacker is into your system through compromised employee accounts, and you have no idea about it.

Unfortunately, though, there is no way to really prevent or prepare for such events if you aren’t familiar with the issue. Those that are familiar, on the other hand, stand a chance against mitigating these threats.

According to Blueclone Networks and expert Milan Baria, businesses that rely on connectivity are the ones that stand the least amount of chance against such events. Since lots of companies are connected through a lot of external services such as their website, VPN, and various other connection systems, taking the necessary precautions to familiarize yourself with this service gives you the best chance of survival.

If we take into consideration the fact that as much as 50% of all companies fail to recover after a ransomware attack, familiarizing sooner than later is your best option.

Let’s give you an example of how devastating the lack of cybersecurity can be. In 2013, a hacker attack called “The Target” targeted Target’s systems (we know, sorry) and managed to obtain 70 million customer records and much as 40 million payment card accounts!

This attack is one of the most notorious up to date. The hackers managed to get in Target’s systems by stealing third-party credentials. The hackers then exposed Target’s lack of security and managed to install malware that copied the entire employee and customer databases.

But that’s not all of it. In 2014, North Korea, the country, was accused of hacking Sony Pictures. They managed to hack Sony and wanted to remove a movie that Sony was making. The movie, conveniently enough, was a satirical flick that revolved around the assassination of North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un.

So, you can see here that not all hacker attacks are about money. Some are about political gain and some about notoriety and others for making a name for yourself.

Source: Satmarin

Why Are Business Most Targeted?

Companies and businesses are the most likely candidate for a hacker attack. While not all hacks are tied to financial gain, most are.

But what happens when a company is breached and data is stolen? Well, to make matters worse for the victim, any data obtained from a hacker attack is then sold on the Dark Web for profit.

As you all know, and for those that don’t, the Dark Web is shady and mysterious places where you can literary do anything. The Dark Web isn’t indexed by Google or any other browser, and can only be accessed through a select few browsers such as Tor.

We won’t get into what exactly the Dark Web is, but think of it as the bottom layers of the internet; the ones that no one wants to hang out to nor even know that exist.

So, one reason is for financial gain. Naturally, this means that the businesses most likely for a target are financial institutions, banks, loan associations, credit unions, and every other business or company that deals with money. A frequent, and quite easy, target for hackers is eCommerce websites and anything of the sort.

Now that you’ve gotten quite familiar with the basics of cybersecurity, will you make an effort to protect your company? If this wasn’t enough to convince you on the matter, we really advise against waiting for the moment to come to react.

The best way to beat a hacker in his game is to think one step ahead, not be reactive.

7 Benefit of Using a Gaming Laptop in 2024

Wouldn’t it be quite frustrating if your computer or laptop could not load high-quality graphics, displays, and sounds? Well, for most people, it would be a problem. Playing video games on a device that can run them will be so much more enjoyable and interesting than playing them on a machine that is unable to process all the fine features.

If you are thinking about purchasing a gaming laptop, you are probably wondering what the benefits of having one are. Well, this is exactly what this article can help you with. The text below will feature a list of the top benefits you can get from purchasing a new and improved device. Additionally, when it comes to selecting your laptop, you can look at resources such as Fancy Appliance to determine which gaming laptop is best for you. Let’s take a closer look at the list:

1. It Will Be Quicker And Extra Efficient

Source: Microsoft News

This is perhaps what most people love about gaming laptops. From the period that you press the power button, it will take approximately 5 to 10 seconds for it to turn on. This is perfect for when you want to play a quick match before heading to work or school.

You should know that it is not only fast when you turn it on and off, but it is also fast when you open programs and video games. Naturally, speed is important because of the processing that games need. They can handle more data coming from the program you are running, meaning that they will not lag or freeze in the middle of a game.

2. It Will Be Easy To Use And Handle

Source: Massage And Fitness Magazine

One of the things that people simply do not realize about these machines is that they do everything, I repeat, everything as the usual ones would. For instance, you can install Google Chrome, Microsoft Word, and Skype without any problems on the gadget. You can also choose whatever OS you want.

What this means is that you won’t have to learn how to use the gaming laptop, meaning that you can invest in it properly, especially since you will already know how to use it and operate it. Also, the fact that they work faster also means that they are easy to use, especially since it will not frustrate you.

3. The Components Are High-Quality And Improved

Source: Mynewsdesk

Since these machines are built for video games, they are manufactured with the components that can support, handle, and run the games you enjoy playing. This means that you will get a high-quality picture, sound, more memory, and the processors will be more efficient.

The battery power also lasts longer, hence, you can play your favorite video games for longer. All of these items will allow you to have a better gaming experience, and since the quality of the components is high, there will be fewer problems with the hardware, software, and processing.

4. They Are Remarkably Versatile And Finding Parts For it is Easily

Source: Iomart

These devices can be upgraded more easily than usual machines. The components need to be changed when necessary. Let’s take changing the tires on your car as an example. If your car needs new tires, this means that the old ones are worn out, hence, they won’t work as well when driving. So, you simply purchase new ones and change them.

It is the same idea with these devices as well. This means that you can simply take your device to a store, ask for the exact or improved components and that’s it. If you want to see what gaming laptops you might want to choose from, check out Razer for more information.

5. Their Lifespan is Higher Than Regular Devices

Source: Windows Central

If you choose to purchase a new device for playing video games now, it is not going to get outdated as quickly as usual computers. Now, you might be wondering – why is that? Well, these devices are built for programs and games that will come out in the future, not the ones we use today.

The gap between regular and portable computers continues to widen. For example, if you ever had to transfer your files from an old device to a new one, you will go through a long and nerve-wracking process, especially since you won’t be sure if all the files were transferred properly. But, with a portable computer for video games, you will be able to finish the process right away.

6. They Are Easier To Transport

Source: SPY

Gaming laptops are less heavy than other laptops – especially the older ones. And, if you want to take your device to work or college, then you will definitely want one that won’t feel heavy. And, as previously mentioned, the components are high in quality, meaning that they won’t weigh as much as they do in other devices. This means that you will not have any problems with carrying and transporting it from one place to another, as well as storing it in your backpack or bag.

7. More Power-Efficient Than Usual Laptops

Source: PCMag

One of the things that concern a lot of gamers is the power consumption when the device is charging. And, although older generation laptops do consume more power, high-quality, new laptops do not. Naturally, the battery life will depend on several factors including its specifications and what you use it for.

If you use the device properly, then the battery life will be longer. Of course, the price and features are also a major factor and the ones that come with a higher price tag will give you more power and battery life. With gaming laptops, there will be no need for you to charge it all the time, you can simply charge it once and enjoy your video games for the rest of the day.

Conclusion

When you are choosing a new gaming laptop, it is important to look at the specifications and features that it has. Since it is a big investment, you will want to get the most out of it. Hence, when you are at the gaming store, you should ask the clerk for some help, especially since they will be able to help you compare the price and quality of the devices.

As you can see, there are various benefits that you can gain from purchasing a gaming laptop. And now that you know what those benefits are, do not waste any more time. Instead, start browsing online and brick-and-mortar businesses in order to find a laptop that will fit your gaming needs.

Vast Range of Options to Secure Your Health Through Medical Insurance

Source: dosomeworks

Health is still the true wealth. If a person is not healthy, he is unable to earn to his full capacity, and the expenses of the household also peak. That is why it is necessary to safeguard you and your family against unexpected health expenses that may arise anytime unexpectedly. Here we have listed out some interesting health insurance plans and how they help to secure your health and future:

Mediclaim Policy

Source: theworldnews

Health total policy covers all aspects of individual and family health in one policy. You can choose between the Vital, Superior, and Premiere plans based on your requirements. The plan covers a vast range of medical expenses such as accidental hospitalization, patient care expenses, emergency medical evacuation, maternity expenses, among others. Child vaccination benefits and medical treatment abroad are also covered in the higher plans. If you plan to buy health insurance to protect your family during a health crisis, this plan is the right choice. The minimum tenure of this plan is one year, and the maximum tenure is three years. The entry age and maximum age may also vary based on the plan you select. The policyholder also enjoys 50% of the cumulative bonus for each claim-free year.

Top-up Plans

Source: financialinsurance

Top-up plans are designed for the convenience of the buyer. The health insurance top-up plan allows you to extend an existing health insurance policy at a much smaller premium. Similarly, top-up plans help you gain cover for various health expenses that may arise such as inpatient expenses, hospitalization expenses, and additional inpatient expenses. The main reason why people go for these medical insurance plans is that they are flexible, affordable, and portable. They come with floater benefits and a 30 days lookup period too. The cashless claims can be made in just 90 minutes, making the turnaround time short. These plans help to cover the additional expenses that were not covered in your health insurance policy.

Critical Illness Policy

Source: ehealth

A critical illness in the family can significantly affect the morale of the family. In such times, proper financial backing alone can help you beat the challenges that are posed. That is why Future Generali’s Critical Illness Cover is an excellent choice to be prepared for the worst. This critical illness cover provides financial cover for severe illnesses like Kidney Failure, Liver Failure, Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, and Primary Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. It also covers the first occurrence of stroke, coma, heart attack, or total blindness. The lumpsum benefit offered by this policy makes it a reliable choice for people with a critical illness. The policy covers 12 significant diseases and also provides tax benefits. The cover available to a person may differ based on the age and health of a person.

Personal Accident Cover

Source: capitalbazzar

Accidents can happen anytime, and there is no way you can predict an accident before it happens. The best thing you can do is to select an excellent personal accident cover to protect yourself and your family from such accidents. Future Generali’s Personal Accident Cover can be used to cover anyone in the age range from 18 to 70 years. The policy can also cover children in the age group of 3 to 25 years as dependents. The policy offers many protections such as temporary total disablement cover, permanent partial disablement cover, permanent total disablement cover, and also accidental death cover. You and your family enjoy a worldwide 24/7 cover against accidents. The policy is extremely flexible and allows you to cover your spouse and children also under the same policy. These health insurance plans for families to protect their families. They are highly flexible, portable, and also offer you a free lookup period of 30 days.

Mosquito Insurance

Source: consumerreports

As the count of diseases that are spread by mosquitos increases, here is a plan to get you covered against these too. Mosquito Insurance will protect your family against vector-borne diseases. The diseases covered under this policy are Dengue, Malaria, Lymphatic Filariasis, Chikungunya, Zika Virus, Kala-azar, and Japanese Encephalitis. When you pay the premium upfront, you also enjoy a 7.5% discount. The policy covers anyone from 1 day old to any age. The maximum age of the person taking the policy needs to be 65 years. It is possible to renew this policy throughout life. The patient gets a lump sum payment if he gets hospitalized for any of the conditions listed above. This is one of the online health insurance plans, and you can request a quote after choosing the cover. You can then fill in the details, agree to the terms and conditions, and make payment. A copy of the policy will be mailed to your email account.

Which is The Best Health Insurance Plans in India

Source: thepost24

Health insurance covers all the medical, hospitalization, treatment, lab costs, and even critical illness costs. Understanding the changing needs of the customers and policy buyers, Future Generali has come up with some very useful health insurance plans to cover you against all sorts of health issues. The top-up plans help to add the sum necessary for additional expenses that are not covered in the original policies. The critical illness policy keeps you covered against the critical illnesses that torment people today. These policies are designed to cover people in different age groups and in need of different health support.

The policy processing, as well as claim processing, is made quickly so that the buyers do not have to struggle. Wait no more! It is time you assess the different health insurance policy options and pick what is best suitable for your family health needs. Invest a small sum now so that your future health and finances are secured. Take time to check what is covered in the given premium. Even if you are not sure, there is a 30 day lookup period for you to make up your mind and select the right health insurance plan for family members and yourself.

Marketing Strategy for Your Cardboard Boxes Business

Source: Encoduo

If you happened to own a cardboard boxes business, then you need to step up your marketing game to stay competitive on the blossoming market.

Source: Magaya

The cardboard boxes industry is a global industry that sees revenues in the hundreds of billions; $500 billion to be precise. Everything you see in the supermarket is being transported via cardboard boxes, and this is only one usage for it.

Every person in the world consumes up to $120 worth of packaging each year. This means that cardboard packaging is very valuable to our society, as its uses are numerous.

But do you feel as if your business is falling short behind its competitors? Do you feel as if you need to refine your marketing strategies? If so, then we have the article just for you.

Marketing Strategies

Source: Amazon.com

1. Pricing

This industry is very sensitive in regards to pricing. To put it briefly, a small increase in pricing can lose you a loyal customer. The product that this industry offers isn’t expensive, but highly sought-after.

Cardboard boxes manufactured by large businesses have the necessary resources and infrastructure to stay competitive on all levels; regardless of the type of product they offer.

This makes it hard for your business to stay competitive if large businesses keep dictating prices. But what has pricing got to do with your marketing strategy?

Well, for example, if you feel as if your products are priced the right way, what you could do is start marketing it. Since this industry is cost-driven, customers will always be looking for products around the dollar mark.

If your potential customers, or existing ones, hear the news that someone else is offering a slightly cheaper product, they will move on from you.

This is why you need the necessary marketing to effectively shut down any noise coming from your competitors. While this might be hard to do, marketing yourself as the industry’s best option and most affordable one will payout in the long run.

2. Be Different

Source: Sustainability Active

Marketing 101 says that the only way to succeed is to offer your customers something better than your competitors.

A superior product will attract the eyes and ears of those that need it, simple as. Being different in the way you approach the issue, and the way you market it will attract a lot of noise.

Although, you might ask yourself, what is there to be different about in the cardboard box industry? Well, there are lots of things, to put it briefly.

For example, you could offer your customers the chance to customize their packaging, offer different types of cardboard boxes, and even choose the material type, to name a few.

If you have no idea what could make you different in your own industry, then chances are you have zero knowledge of your industry.

We will even give you one example for free. Take the growing concern about the environment. What do you think can be done to mitigate the effects of global warming? Do you think that your industry impacts it? For sure it does. A lot of pollution comes in the form of cardboard, so do you think that there is a way to stop that?

Of course, there is. All you need to do is offer your customers an eco-friendly solution to cardboard packaging. It might be something entirely different than what you offer now, but it will put you in a good light.

As much as 70% of global consumers have said they’re willing to pay more for packaging if it’s sustainable in the long run and safe for the environment; this is how you’ll be different.

On another note, customizing your packaging is also a pretty good way to be different. Don’t believe us? Take a look at how experts at IMColorPrint.com make it possible for their customers to customize their packaging.

3. Brand Loyalty

There is no better way to build better relationships with your customers than with brand loyalty.

As we mentioned at the begging, the industry is vast and very competitive. Chances are, you’re being undercut at every chance your competitors can.

That’s why you need to stop thinking about money and start thinking about your image. Even the most boring business in the most boring industry can create a brand image so strong that will drive sales through the roof.

This is one marketing strategy that will guarantee success; if you do it the right way,

To create brand loyalty, on the other hand, takes lots of time, energy, and effort. But, a simple solution can be to offer customers something extra with every purchase.

The options for it are endless. It could be a simple discount on X amount of purchases, extra units after X amount of purchases, and even free products just for being loyal to you. Trust us when we say this, the options are endless.

4. Identify Other Selling Opportunities

Source: Packaging Strategies

The best way to grow your cardboard packaging business is to do your research and identify other selling opportunities. This is nothing else but expanding your businesses and offering more products to your customers.

Let’s do a case study

Let’s say that you sell cardboard boxes to a wide range of businesses. Can you think about what your customers are missing? Do your customers need to tape together the boxes so they can be used? Do your customers buy tape elsewhere?

Well, there is one selling opportunity that you can use. Instead of your customers buying your tape from another seller, you could manufacture that tape and sell it to them along with the boxes.

Source: Dial4trade

But this isn’t the only opportunity to expand; there are dozens if not hundreds. All you need to do is sit down along with your marketing team and start brainstorming ideas that can be paired along with your main product. You could even venture towards the world of tote bags.

The main thing to note here is that it takes time and lots of effort to come up with a brilliant selling opportunity.

Why Should You Use Vanilla Powder Instead of Vanilla Extract?

Source: medicalnewstoday

Many people associate vanilla purely based on its flavor in many foods and confectionery. Vanilla is derived from the orchids of a Mexican species of flat-leaved vanilla, and the word is the diminutive of the Spanish word vaina, which means “little pod”.

The orchids grow from a vine that climbs up an existing tree or other support. This is extracted from the fruit or pods that grow on these vines. Although highly valued for its flavor, it is the second-most expensive spice after saffron.

Beans, powder, extract, what is the difference?

Vanilla beans consist of a brown pod that is almost waxy and contains thousands of little brown flavourful seeds. The powder is the result of grinding down the bean in its entirety into a fine powder. People can easily use beans as is or make their powder from the beans.

Meanwhile, vanilla extract is made when beans are macerated in a mixture of ethanol and water. When purchasing extract, it is always essential to ensure that only pure extract is bought as there are many cheap variations of which the mixture may be too watery.

Beans, powder, and extract can be used for various and unique purposes, but taking a closer look, why would it be better to use instead of the extract?

More flavor when using powder

Seeing that powder consists purely of dried and ground beans, it gives a more concentrated flavor than that of extract, which has been mixed with water and ethanol.

Source: kingarthurflour

The extract contains ethanol

According to the FDA, the extract must contain 35% ethanol. This does not bode well for those who want to avoid ethanol for various reasons. The powder is, therefore, the better ingredient to use in this case as it is purely beans and their seeds that have been ground up.

When cooking it at a high temperature for too long, the extract loses its potency because it evaporates.

In baking, use can make a large difference

Baking is all about chemistry. Every recipe calls for a specific amount of dry ingredients vs. liquids. Using powder instead of extract may very well be the difference between a masterpiece and a disaster.

Although there are numerous products on the market in fact, brown despite that most flavored products are white. Products that claim to be “vanilla-flavored” have synthetic flavoring resembling that of vanilla, but it’s not the “real thing”. Using powder will cancel out this problem as it does not discolor foods.

To ensure that foods and baked goods taste authentically, purely and deliciously “vanilla” there is no substituting, and with using powder, the full flavor can be attained.

The powder is a natural product

Source: foodtasia

There are numerous synthetic flavors, and not all of them are healthy as they are accompanied by sugar, to try and enhance the flavor. The powder can be used in coffee, smoothies, and an array of recipes for food, dessert, and drinks.

This spice is a superfood, and this powder can be used safely in either a Paleo or a Keto lifestyle as it is derived from the vanilla husk and seed. Without any other added sugars, starches, or fillers, as is found with so many other products.

As a natural product, vanilla is exceptionally healthy, and it has a vast array of health benefits, such as:

  • Being an antioxidant – which helps the body fight free radical activity;
  • Promoting healthy skin as it is a natural antibacterial and helps reduce skin problems like acne and pimples, it can soothe burns and even help slow the signs of aging;
  • Being a natural anti-inflammatory
  • Helping to alleviate pain
  • It contains properties that relieve stress
  • Aiding in weight loss when used by a healthy diet

It’s a lot more convenient, with more uses than that of the extract

Source: slofoodgroup

The powder can be used in a lot more ways than the extract, such as making vanilla sugar or salt along with being incorporated in dried mixes such as oatmeal packets, pancake, flapjack, and cake mixes along with protein shakes.

It won’t expire quickly and can be stored more easily for later use. Even with saving it, the powder will not lose its flavor. It can also be used as a garnish on food.

How do I get my hands on powder?

Source: tastessence

The powder can be made in the comfort of your own home. How? By purchasing a batch of beans, cutting them open and scraping the seeds out with the tip of a knife.

This may prove to be tedious work, and the more convenient option would be to visit websites like nativevanilla.com, which not only provides premium products but has detailed information including recipes to incorporate vanilla and tips for cooking.

The powder for the win!

Source: thesourcebulkfoods

When looking at the differences between powder and that of extract, its plain to see that powder is the more convenient, healthier option and has an array of uses. When living a busy lifestyle, people tend to go for what is more comfortable while trying to live sophisticated, balanced, and healthy lifestyles and caters to just that.

Learn to Play Guitar: Things To Do Before Buying Your First Electric

Buying your first electric guitar can be an overwhelming experience if you’re not prepared. You may end up getting something that can cause you a lot of frustration, which can keep you from enjoying learning to play. Before you take out your credit card or surrender your savings to buy a guitar, here are some things you need to do first to make sure you’re making the right decision.

We’ve put together a short guide of what we consider to be the top things you want to be thinking about before you splash your cash. Let’s start by delving in.

Source: Google Sites

Read up on the basics

Buying an electric guitar involves understanding what it can offer you. You will be reading about its specs and features but if you’re not really familiar with guitar anatomy, you won’t be able to understand and appreciate these, much less choose the guitar that’s right for you.

This is why it’s important to begin educating yourself about electric guitar fundamentals. These include the parts of an electric guitar, how pickups work, what kinds of wood are used and how they affect the tone of the guitar, the most popular electric guitar models, the equipment and accessories needed for playing guitar and so on.

Reading about the basics would also introduce you to some terms or guitar jargon you would commonly see in guitar descriptions and reviews, helping you get a better idea of how a guitar would play and perform when you do your research about it. For instance, if you read a review that says a guitar exhibits some buzz on the low E string, you would understand what that means and be able to assess if it’s worthy of consideration or not.

An electric guitar is a little more complicated than your average acoustic (which would personally be a better place to start if this is your first guitar.) You need to think about how you’re going to power the instrument and output the sound. These are things that all need to be factored in before you buy.

Source: VectorStock

Think about a lesson plan

This step is probably the most important if you’re just starting out and have skipped the acoustic guitar stage and moved straight to electric. In this day and age, you have an eclectic mix of options from local group lessons to one-on-one lessons with a local tutor or even a virtual Skype tutor to full on self-learning internet-based courses where you can dip in and out of lessons when you can find the time.

The online learning format seems to be flavor of the month/year at the moment and has come a long way over the past few years. A seemingly viable option that more and more people appear to be pursuing.

That said, even within this area, you could quickly get overwhelmed by the number of options at your disposal. There are tonnes of “free” options being pushed around sites like Youtube plus a number of paid options offered by the likes of Guitartricks, Jamplay and FenderPlay to name a few. To get detailed reviews of some of the paid options, we recommend checking out sites like Know Your Instrument which tend to give somewhat impartial reviews despite possibly earning some side commission for doing so.

Source: Comidoc

Go window shopping

Look around electric guitar marketplaces online and offline so you can get an idea of what’s available and how much guitars cost. Armed with your guitar knowledge, you will be able to determine which shops offer great deals on electric guitars. You may know some local shops offering great deals but the cheapest options still seem to on sites like Amazon and Ebay which offer some truly fantastic deals especially at the lower end.

If you’re looking for an entry-level model in particular, you will find plenty of beginner electric guitars under $200. If you’re serious about learning to play guitar and are willing to invest in a more expensive model that can stay with you until you go pro, then go ahead and check out those in the $500-$1000 range. Going over $1000 as a beginner is really not a wise decision. You want to find out whether you truly have the time and motivation to get the most out of your axe before you take it that far. If you want to learn more tips about this topic, check out this great article on Musical Instru.

Our advice is get something that does the job effectively (not overly cheap) and not too expensive (ie. Gibson territory). Something like an Epiphone Les Paul really strikes a balance here.

Source: MusicRadar

Determine your budget

At this point you may already have an idea of the kind or model of electric guitar you want or at least the specs you want in an electric guitar. You would also already know which models are available and how much they cost. It’s now time to set your budget limit.

When determining your budget, make sure to include the accessories you need to buy, such as a guitar strap, a case or gig bag and picks. Most important of all of course is the electronic equipment – an amp and perhaps a couple of cables of varying lengths. How much are you willing to spend on all of your gear?

It may help you to know that there are shops offering electric guitar starter kits, which come complete with everything a beginner needs to get started. These guitar bundles offer excellent value for money as it would usually cost more to buy a practice amp, instrument cable, gig bag and other accessories individually. If you’re looking to save money on gear, consider getting an all-in-one kit as this is where you can really get bang for your buck and cut out a lot of the hassle of putting it all together yourself piece by piece.

Those are the top four things you absolutely need to do before buying your first axe. It may seem like a lot of work, but your efforts will certainly help you find the best electric guitar that will meet your needs and fit your budget. Have fun!

How to Become an Online English Teacher in 2024

Thanks to the rise of the internet, learning languages has never been easier. The internet is full of different language learning tools and applications, many of which are free of charge.

It’s not just learning languages that the internet has made easier though, it is teaching them as well. Online English teaching has given many teachers the opportunity to ditch the long commutes and the messy classrooms and teach their students from the comfort of their own home.

Teaching English online is still a relatively new concept though and many teachers may struggle or be unsure as to how to make the transition from one teaching environment to the other. Becoming an online teacher couldn’t be easier though, let’s take a look at what you need to do to get started.

Source: Jobs365.co.za

Covid-19 Work From Home Update (April 2024 Update)

According to Forbes Magazine, unemployment rates are now at 4.4% but they also note that the “worst is yet to come”. As the Covid-19 global pandemic continues to spread, self-isolation, social-distancing and even full quarantine measures are becoming increasingly commonplace. The global coronavirus epidemic is changing the way that businesses operate. Working from home is becoming increasingly popular as an option. Given the current global Covid-19 epidemic, is it possible that working from home may soon become a necessity rather than being merely an option. Working from home may soon become mandatory for those that can stay employed during the Covid-19 global pandemic and the upcoming recession due to the current medical crisis. It’ll still be a challenge though, and not everyone is prepared to make the necessary adjustments. With the ongoing global coronavirus outbreak, working from home should be considered a very real possibility.

Sneak a peek here: Coronavirus: 20 Work from Home Tips During the Quarantine

Sooner rather than later, it will become much more challenging to find work online, and becoming an online teacher is one of the easier methods for finding work immediately. Experience as a teacher online can also lead to other job and business opportunities online, including many other jobs for language service providers.

Choose your platform

If you are working independently then you will need to work out which platform is going to be the best one for you. While Skype may be the go-to platform for calling friends and family, you may find that the platform does not necessarily suit your professional needs and the way you like to teach. Whether it’s Google Hangouts, Skype, Zoom or another type of video platform, each one has its pros and cons and depending on how you like to teach, and the number of students you intend to teach.

With the industry growing at a rapid rate, many schools are now beginning to create their own platforms for their lessons. If you are going to work for a language school, then you should make sure your computers and technology will support these classrooms.

Source: LearnCube

What qualifications do I need?

Thankfully, making the switch from classroom teaching to online teaching is not too difficult. Moving to an online teaching position doesn’t require you to take any extra qualifications than normal teaching.

Of course, you should make sure that you have your TEFL qualification and have some classroom experience before beginning to teach online.

Like classroom teaching, the question about whether or not you need a degree is still very murky. Online language schools could be a little more lenient as there is no need to have a degree for visa requirements if you are planning on working remotely. That being said, in some countries, such as China, you may still be required to have a TEFL and a degree for legal reasons.

Of course, if you are going into business for yourself and are planning on working as a self-employed English teacher, then whether or not you have a degree won’t matter. That being said, teachers with a degree may find it easier to find clients and may also be able to charge a little more for their classes.

It is always advisable to be TEFL certified though and the TEFL qualification at Tefl.Org Ireland. It is one of the most recognized and well-respected around the world.

Source: One Fine Wallet

Create a resource library

If you’re an online teacher, especially a freelance one, then you are not going to have access to the wealth of materials that a typical language school can supply you with. This means that you’re going to have become very good at finding or creating your own materials.

While there are some excellent free lesson plans you can download, teaching online provides you with a lot more freedom and you can make the most of any resource you can find. These are four of the best resources:

  • Youtube – Youtube is one of the best resources for teaching on the internet. The site provides a wealth of material that is useful for both young learners and adults.
  • Kahoot/Quizlet – Kahoot and Quizlet have established themselves as staples of the modern-day classroom. Just because you are not in the classroom, however, doesn’t mean that you can’t take advantage of them. Kahoot can still be excellent to play with students online, while screen sharing capabilities mean that sites like Quizlet can make for excellent team tasks.
  • Ted Talks – Ted Talks can be an excellent resource in the online classroom. The site offers videos on a wide range of interesting topics and they can be used as a launchpad for discussions in your lessons. You can watch the videos in class or, depending on the length, send them to your students to watch before the start of the lesson.
  • News websites- The news can be one of the best resources for teaching on the internet. Not only can you use it for discussing topics in class, but you can also pull out any relevant vocabulary and grammar and use it as part of your lesson.
Source: Teach Away

Make your workspace online friendly

Chances are unless you are lucky enough to have a private office, you are probably going to be teaching online from a bedroom, living room, or a kitchen. If this is the case, then you want to make sure that everything in the background looks as professional as possible.

Make sure that there is no visible mess in the background and if you are teaching children, try and place some fun decorations on the wall behind you. Putting up a few flashcards or maybe even the alphabet can go a long way to improving your students’ experience.

Source: iSLCollective

Finding Students

Okay, so you’ve hung up your chalk and markers for the last time and you’re ready to take your English expertise online. The only problem is, you have no idea how to begin getting students.

There are a number of different ways you can build students. Firstly, there are several websites where you can be put directly in touch with students. This can be useful and will perhaps give you the most exposure, however, these websites are likely to take a cut of your hard-earned cash and this can be incredibly frustrating.

If you live abroad, then you may be able to pick up students the old fashioned way. Doing some guerrilla marketing in and around your city can be incredibly effective and using the network and connections you have in other cities is also very useful.

Of course, another excellent resource is social media. Finding social media groups for people looking for English lessons can be incredibly effective. It can also give you an idea of what kind of fees people are charging in different areas.

Source: Markfunkhouser.com

Set your rates and boundaries

When you are teaching online, it is important that you treat it as a business.  As such, you need to make sure that you create clear rules and regulations with your students.

Another tactic that a lot of successful online teachers use is to offer free trial lessons and package deals. This can be a great way of enticing students into joining your classes and you can also offer special discounts for students who want to book lessons in bulk and for couples or group lessons.

Like in the classroom and private teaching, it is important as an online English teacher that you set clear boundaries and terms. Make sure you have a way to ensure that your students pay, or perhaps even get them to pay before the class. While this sounds cynical, it is much easier for students to not pay you when you are teaching them exclusively online.

Conclusion

Teaching online can be an incredibly rewarding venture. The possibilities for travel and the flexibility that it can bring are both very attractive features of the job. The start-up costs are also next to nothing and as long as you have a good internet connection and some quiet place, you can basically teach English from wherever you want in the world.

5 Most Popular Types of Coffee to Try in 2024

Source: theconversation

Drinking coffee is considered to be something so common these days, and it came to a point where if you are not a coffee enthusiast, people will look at you strangely.

You cannot judge coffee-lovers whatsoever, simply because this modern-day ambrosia has way too many benefits to pass on, and it helps people with many things, such as gaining extra energy, concentrating on work, and tons of other things.

As we all know already, there isn’t just one sort of coffee that people consume, so when you ask for one and the other person says “which type?”, you should know what to answer.

In this article, we are going to talk about the five most popular types of coffee that you can try in 2024, so if you are pretty new in this world of magical energy-boosting beans, why not stick around until the end? Let’s take a look.

1. Espresso

Source: belgisch-spoorweg

This is probably the most famous form of coffee that you can find nowadays, and people love it because of many reasons. Firstly, it’s the purest and most concentrated form that you will ever find, so for those who are a bit on the “addicted” side, this is the best possible solution when the crisis hits.

Jokes aside, it’s a great way to get an energy boost if you ever need to get some work done while you are feeling sleepy, and it has a few nice health benefits.

Consuming one espresso per day is something that doctors say has a positive impact on your blood flow, and your heart, but only if you are staying in the recommended dosages. With great power comes great responsibility though, so be careful how much you are consuming, and it’s not very easy to make a cup of espresso either. Creating the perfect brew requires some skill and practice, so either get someone to make it for you or feel free to try the other types that we’ll list below just for you. You can make awesome espresso coffee at home as well, you just need a good espresso machine. If you want to learn more about this, visit flatwhitecafe.com.

2. Cappuccino

Source: starbucks

The connection between coffee and Italy is something that a lot of people find very appealing, and on our number two spot for today’s list, we have Cappuccino, something that is considered to be essential for every Italian breakfast.

Cappuccino is a brew that combines a shot of the previous type, which was espresso, a special type of milk and some foam for décor. The recipe can be quite different depending on who makes it, and the same goes for the strength of the brew.

Cappuccino, in general, is not something that should be stronger than espresso, because espresso is the purest form, but people often consume it when they need an energy boost, although most do it for the taste and the looks. This form of coffee is just way to aesthetic. Feel free to visit JayArrCoffee if you are interested in learning some more about how different brews compare to each other and what the best way to recognize them is.

3. Irish Brew

Source: kirbiecravings

If you’ve ever wondered what the most unique type of a coffee brew is, you have your winner right here. There are various coffee-brewing-methods, as it can be seen at coffee-brewing-methods.com but the Irish brew is something that mixes the wonderful black beans with the flavor of whiskey, alcohol that’s considered to be a top-shelf sort compared to others.

Now, this is something that will confuse a lot of newbies, simply because the effects of whiskey are opposite from the effects of caffeine, but hear us out.

Drinking whiskey is something that can make you feel a bit sleepy and “down”, but that’s only if you drink too much of it. The amounts that Irish people put in this brew are not even close enough to give you the relaxing effects, so everything that you’re getting from an Irish Brew is energy, unnecessary amounts of energy.

Depending on the place that you’re visiting, the recipe may include other types of alcohol as well, such as scotch or rum. It depends on the person making it. Did we mention that sugar and cream are also used in the recipe? We all know what happens when you mix sugar and alcohol, yikes.

4. Café au Lait

Source: nespresso

Another French masterpiece that is heaven-sent for people who enjoy drinking coffee on the regular. This one is often confused with white coffee, but it shouldn’t, because they are quite different. Café au Lait is made with steamed milk, and the white one is made with cold milk, which is something that cannot be mistaken if you consider yourself to be a lover of this modern-day ambrosia.

This sort is probably the one with most varieties and modifications, and across Europe, you can find people serving it in the weirdest possible ways, and they’re all so freaking amazing. It’s quite impressive how the same type of coffee can be served in so many ways and still preserve the original taste and form.  

5. Long Black

Source: homia

If you’ve ever wondered what kind of a brew can be done without milk, your answer is Long Black. Do you know what the most interesting thing about this form of coffee is? Its competitor, the Americano.

They are two entirely different sorts, one being made with water while for the other one people tend to use milk, but they are still being mistaken often for being the same kind, even though a real fan would recognize the difference immediately.

These two are considered to be pretty “casual” drinks, and they are not very strong, but they are not week either. Do not let the looks fool you because the Long Black has a layer of sweet foam on top, but this doesn’t mean that it won’t wake you up completely if you don’t have a high caffeine tolerance.

Conclusion

People need a lot of energy to go through tasks and whatever else the world has to throw at them these days, so they tend to find the easiest way to get it, and the answer is always in coffee. This type of drink is something that people cannot start their day with, and if you consume it smartly, it has a few quite amazing health benefits as well. Across the world, you will find a lot of different types being served, in many unique ways, but nothing beats the classics, although it’s good to sometimes try a completely new and different brew.

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