BlogmyQuery – BMQ

There’s more to streamlining e-commerce stores than web hosting and smart marketing. If you aren’t already using edge computing in your e-commerce business, you might be behind! Here’s why you should consider it for boosting your business website’s speed and performance. 

What is Edge Computing? 

Edge computing is a distributed computing framework that brings computation and data storage closer to the location where it’s generated rather than relying on a central data center or cloud. This means processing data on or near the device itself, like a smartphone, local server, or IoT device. 

Benefits of Edge Computing for E-commerce 

Edge computing plays an important role in modern technology. It boosts the speed, performance, and efficiency across various applications. Here’s how: 

1. Real-Time Processing 

Edge computing allows for immediate data processing at the source. In today’s tech world, this is a big help for applications that use real-time analytics. Everything from email marketing to choosing appropriate specials can benefit from real-time data, as you can make more informed decisions about what to offer and how to offer it to your buyers. 

2. Reduced Latency 

By minimizing the distance data has to travel, edge computing cuts down on latency by quite a lot. Your users can enjoy faster response times and improved experiences, especially if your e-commerce store contains how-to-use videos or other data-heavy applications. 

3. Bandwidth Optimization 

Processing data locally reduces the volume of data sent to central servers or the cloud. This ultimately leads to more efficient use of network resources and lowers operational costs, which means you can save money in the long run or put it towards other important parts of your business. 

4. Enhanced Security and Privacy 

Edge computing can improve data security by processing sensitive information locally rather than transmitting it over long distances. The shorter distance data has to travel, the less chance there is for hackers to intercept it and use it. 

5. Scalability and Flexibility 

Edge computing supports scalable and flexible infrastructure, as it distributes computing power across multiple devices. This setup is ideal for e-commerce businesses looking to expand their operations without investing heavily in centralized data centers. 

6. Improved Reliability

Local data processing makes sure that applications continue to function even when there’s intermittent connectivity to the central server. This means your store won’t be down for long even if the central server is having issues, keeping you up and running for your customers. 

How is Edge Computing Transforming the E-commerce Industry? 

Edge computing makes both online and in-store shopping faster and more efficient. And what customer doesn’t want a speedy, seamless experience? Here are some ways it’s transforming the industry: 

High-Speed, Low-Latency Internet 

Edge computing reduces delays and speeds up processing times. For e-commerce platforms, faster load times lead to better user experiences and in the end, higher conversion rates. Customers are more likely to stay on your website and make purchases when the pages load quickly?. Edge computing takes this a step further than just choosing a fast web host. 

Virtual Try-On Experiences 

Edge computing more easily enables interactive features like virtual try-ons for clothing, accessories, and cosmetics, or real-time viewing of other products. By processing data locally, these features become more responsive and realistic. Customers can see how products will look on them in real time, which could be a catalyst for conversions! 

Enhanced Personalization

With edge computing, e-commerce sites can deliver personalized recommendations and offers in real-time by processing customer data faster locally. This helps e-commerce businesses analyze browsing habits, past purchases, and preferences instantly, tailoring the shopping experience to each individual customer, which can boost sales and customer loyalty?. 

Reliable and Secure Connectivity

Data transmission is more reliable and secure with edge computing. There’s much less chance of data breaches and it can boost your customers’ trust in you as their sensitive info is well-protected. 

Storage and Bandwidth Savings

By processing data locally, edge computing reduces the amount of data that needs to be sent to centralized cloud servers. This translates to lower bandwidth requirements and, in turn, lower transmission costs, especially for apps or platforms generating large amounts of data. 

Dynamic Content 

Edge computing enables e-commerce platforms to deliver dynamic content that adapts to user behavior in real time. This includes things like personalized product listings, targeted advertisements, and special promotions, making the shopping experience even more relevant and engaging. 

Image Optimization and Deployment 

High-quality product images are important for e-commerce, but they can slow down website performance. Edge computing allows on-the-fly image optimization, making sure they load quickly without sacrificing quality. 

Service Automation to Reduce Wait Times and Developer Workload

Edge computing can automate various e-commerce services, like chatbots for customer support or inventory management systems. This reduces wait times for customers and frees developers up to focus on more strategic tasks. 

Best Practices for Efficient Data Management in E-commerce

Efficient data management in e-commerce businesses helps to optimize operations, improve customer experiences, and keep data safe. And it’s not as hard as you might think. 

By effectively collecting, storing, analyzing, and using data, e-commerce businesses can gain valuable insights into customer behavior, ultimately leading to serving your customers better (and making more sales). Here’s how: 

Data Categorization and Organization 

• Product Information: Maintain accurate and detailed product data, including descriptions, images, prices, and specifications. This makes sure customers have all the information they need to make informed purchasing decisions?. 
• Customer Data: Securely store and manage customer information like names, addresses, purchase history, and preferences. This data can be used to personalize customer interactions and make your shoppers feel heard and understood. 
• Sales Data: Track and analyze sales transactions, revenue, and trends. Use this data to make informed decisions about inventory management, marketing strategies, and overall business operations?. 

Invest in Data Analytics Tools 

• Use powerful analytics tools to pull actionable insights from your e-commerce data about customer behavior, buying patterns, popular products, and peak shopping times. 
• Leverage this knowledge to personalize product recommendations, marketing campaigns, and promotions, improving the overall customer experience and increasing sales?. 

Use Edge Computing for Real-time Personalization

• Implement machine learning models to analyze customer interactions in real time to deliver smartly-timed personalized product suggestions, tailored offers, and dynamic content based on user preferences and browsing history?. 
• Enhancing the shopping experience in real-time can make a big difference to engagement, and increase conversion rates and customer satisfaction?. 

Prioritize Data Security and Compliance

• Implement robust security measures to protect sensitive customer data. This includes encryption, authentication, and regular security audits?. 
• Make sure you’re compliant with data protection regulations like GDPR or CCPA. Regularly update security protocols to stay ahead of evolving threats?. 

Optimize Website Performance 

• Use edge caching to store frequently accessed content closer to your users, reducing page load times and improving responsiveness?. This is a big pro and will keep users on your page longer and make them more likely to buy. 
• Implement a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to distribute content across multiple servers, increasing both the speed and reliability of your e-commerce platform?. 

Monitor and Optimize Inventory

• Use edge computing to track inventory levels in real time. This helps avoid stockouts, keeping your customers happy all the time. 
• Automatically update product availability information on your website to manage customer expectations and improve the shopping experience?. 

Gather and Use Customer Feedback

• Collect customer feedback through surveys, user reviews, and social media. Use this real-person feedback to identify pain points, improve the user experience, and refine your product offerings? to suit your audience. 
• Analyze feedback at the edge to quickly identify trends and make data-driven decisions?. Real-time information streamlines the process when used correctly. 

Stay Updated with Industry Trends

• Keep up with the latest e-commerce and edge computing technologies. Explore emerging trends like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and voice commerce, seeing how they could fit into your e-commerce experience. 

Implementing Edge Computing in E-Commerce 

1. Define Objectives and Use Cases 

• Identify Pain Points: What are the current challenges your e-commerce platform faces? Are there issues with website speed, personalization, inventory management, or data analysis? 
• Prioritize Goals: Figure out which areas would benefit most from edge computing. Do you want to focus on improving website performance, enhancing personalization, or optimizing inventory management? 
• Choose Use Cases: Select specific use cases that align with your goals. For example:
  • Real-time product recommendations 
  • Personalized content delivery 
  • Dynamic pricing based on demand 
  • Inventory updates across multiple locations 
  • A/B testing of website features 

2. Assess Your Infrastructure 

• Evaluate Current Setup: Analyze your existing e-commerce platform, hosting infrastructure, and data management systems to look for weak spots. 
• Identify Bottlenecks: Find out where latency, data processing, or storage limitations are reducing your store’s performance. 
• Compatibility: Make sure your e-commerce platform and other systems can integrate with edge computing solutions before deciding to go for it. 

3. Choose the Right Edge Computing Platform

• Research Providers: Explore different edge computing providers and compare their offerings. Don’t just choose the first one you come across! 
• Consider Your Needs: Look for a platform that aligns with your use cases, scalability requirements, and budget. 
• Key Features: Prioritize features like:
  • Global Network: A widespread network of edge servers to keep latency low for users worldwide.
  • Developer Tools: SDKs and APIs for easy integration with your e-commerce platform. 
  • Security: Robust security measures to protect sensitive data.
  • Analytics: Tools to monitor performance and gain insights from edge data.

4. Deploy Edge Nodes

• Strategic Placement: Determine the best locations for edge nodes based on user demographics and traffic patterns. 
• Configuration: Configure your edge nodes to cache frequently accessed content, process data locally, and execute relevant applications. 
• Scalability: Make sure your edge infrastructure can scale with your business. If you want to expand at any point, this is a must. 

5. Develop Edge Applications

• Tailor to Use Cases: Develop or adapt applications specifically for the edge environment if you’re in the position to. 
• Lightweight and Efficient: Optimize applications for low latency and minimal resource consumption. This will save you money in the long run. 

6. Integrate with E-Commerce Platform

• Seamless Integration: Make sure there’s smooth communication between your e-commerce platform and edge applications. 
• Data Synchronization: Establish mechanisms to synchronize data between edge nodes and central databases. 
• API Integration: Use APIs to connect edge apps with your e-commerce platform’s functionalities. 

7. Test and Monitor 

• Thorough Testing: Rigorously test your edge applications in a staging environment before deploying them to production. It’s worth the extra time to make sure they work as they should. 
• Performance Monitoring: Monitor the performance of edge nodes, applications, and your overall e-commerce platform over time. 
• Data Analysis: Use analytics tools to gain insights from edge data. Figure out what you could improve based on the data. 

8. Iterate and Optimize

• Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and refine your edge computing based on performance data and user feedback.
• Experimentation: Test new use cases and features whenever possible to further enhance the customer experience. 
• Stay Updated: Keep up with the latest advancements in edge computing technology to maintain a competitive edge in the e-commerce industry. 

Conclusion 

Edge computing for e-commerce will one day be the norm. Those who get in on it now should be able to use its features to boost their customer experience and ultimately, make more sales. If you’re an e-commerce company, consider it—it could make a the difference between surviving and thriving in the industry!

Featured Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik

The post Edge Computing for E-Commerce: Improving Speed and Performance  appeared first on noupe.

The last 3-4 years have seen a remarkable surge in the number of people working in a remote setting. This has made online video conferencing apps such as Zoom very popular. In 2023, Zoom has locked in 300 million daily users. It also generated a revenue of $4.5 billion.

So, entrepreneurs and business owners of all sizes are using video chat apps. This is because it lets them save cash and get opportunities. However, building one can be tough. In this blog, let us look at the process of building a video-conferencing application. We will also take a look at the features and steps along with the back-end technology. Let us begin.

How Do Video Conferencing Apps Work?

First, let us understand, in short, what video chat apps –

Imagine meeting face-to-face without leaving your seat! Apps for video conferencing make this possible. It allows people in different locations to connect virtually using a computer, internet, microphone, and webcam. It captures video and audio. It then shrinks the data size for efficient transmission over the internet. After this, it expands it back to the other end for smooth viewing and listening.

Let us look at some of the essential features that video communication apps like Zoom offer-

1. Screen Sharing

Screen sharing is an essential feature in a video meeting app like Zoom. It allows the participant to show their computer screen to other members in the meeting. This can help the speaker convey their ideas better.

2. Chat

Zoom wouldn’t be complete without the built-in chat and video calling API function. This seemingly simple feature is very important. It enhances communication during virtual meetings. Participants can use the chat to send messages or have private conversations without interrupting the flow of the video call. It can be mainly beneficial for people who can’t use their microphones.

3. Virtual Hand-Raising                

Meetings in a group video conference app can get noisy as many individuals are on the call. Zoom offers a feature called virtual hand raising. When a user presses this button, all the other members get notified. This ensures that people get a chance to voice out their opinions without getting disturbed.

4. Polls

Polls allow the members to vote in a video conference web app. The poll results are automatically mailed to the host after the session is over.

5. Mute Participants

In a group online conference app, the “mute participants” feature allows attendees to join a meeting without a microphone. This helps to lower background sounds during the call. It also ensures a smoother and more attentive meeting for every member.

6. Record Meetings

A video conferencing Android app like Zoom offers a record meeting function. This feature allows the host to capture the entire conversation. These recordings can then be utilized for multiple purposes. It can also allow attendees to revisit key points later or create a record of important decisions or discussions.

7. Encryption

Security is very important for video conferencing apps. Encryption plays a critical role. If you are creating a video application, you need to implement 128-bit encryption. This utilizes a 128-bit key to scramble and unscramble video calls between participants. This encryption helps safeguard your messages sent by video conferencing API, making them indecipherable to anyone without the proper key.

The Important Elements of Making a Conferencing App

Developing a video conferencing app like Zoom can be a challenge. Many factors have to be considered when you build a video chat app. Let us see some of the basic ones.

1. Back-end Development

The back end of a conference video app is the core. If you are hiring developers, you need to bring in experts who are skilled in building the server from scratch.

2. UI Design

The UI design is the face of your application. So, it must be made to attract users. This can create a good impression for your video conference app for Android.

3. iOS and Android Compatibility

You need to make a video conferencing app that is open to both Android and iOS devices. This expands the target market significantly. Fortunately, developing for both platforms is becoming increasingly simple. You can leverage Swift to create iOS apps. Meanwhile, WebRTC provides a framework for building an Android video conferencing app.

The Cloud Network

A cloud conference video call app eliminates the need for expensive setups. This makes it a friendly and affordable solution. The technology also allows users to conduct live video calls with anyone possessing an internet connection.

A cloud group conference app like Zoom relies on data centers. They are strategically placed around the world. These interconnected centers are managed by cloud computing systems. This ensures smooth global connectivity.

The Video Architecture

While making a video conference app, you need to ensure that it can handle the video’s requirements. Let us look at 4 features that differentiate the cloud-native and back-end technology in Zoom.

1. Application Layer Quality of Service

One of Zoom’s key advantages is its ability to fine-tune the quality of video for each individual device and network connection. This is achieved through a clever technology called Application Layer QoS. It analyzes factors like bandwidth limitations and device capabilities. This allows Zoom to optimize the data streams for each participant.

2. Multimedia Routing

Zoom’s magic behind managing audio and content sharing during calls lies in its multimedia routing system. These servers act as traffic controllers. They ensure that the audio and any shared content streams are efficiently delivered to all participants during a meeting in a multiple video conference app.

3. Distributed Architecture

A video conferencing SDK like Zoom does not rely on a single central location for its servers. Instead, they have data centers scattered around the world. This clever design is called a distributed architecture. The main benefit is reduced delays in communication. This means no matter where you are in the world, you can experience good video quality during your Zoom meetings.

4. Multi-Bitrate Encoding

A web conference app like Zoom utilizes a technique called multi-bitrate encoding. This essentially means the video stream is compressed into numerous versions with various resolutions. During a call, Zoom automatically delivers the most suitable version to each participant. However, it is based on their internet connection speed. This eliminates the necessity to constantly encode and decode the video stream.

To Conclude

Video conferencing apps like Zoom have changed the way we communicate. Apart from Zoom, there are a lot of best video conferencing apps for Android that offer these services, like Google Meet and Microsoft Teams. If you are looking to build the best video conference app, you need to integrate essential audio and video features. Apart from that, you also need to encrypt your app and design the UI. This can leave your users satisfied with your services.

Featured Image by freepik

The post A Complete Guide to Build a Video Conferencing App Like Zoom appeared first on noupe.

E-invoicing or electronic invoicing is the process of generating, sending, receiving, and storing invoices digitally. In contrast with traditional invoicing, which eliminates the need for sending paper invoices or PDF files via email, e-invoicing employs structured data formats such as XML (Extensible Markup Language) to streamline and automate the invoicing process.

Traditional invoicing methods typically involve creating an invoice in a word processor or accounting software, converting it to a PDF, and emailing it to the recipient. While this approach, is more efficient than paper-based invoicing, it still requires manual data entry and processing at the receiving end. 

However, with an e-invoicing solution that leverages structured data formats, the recipient’s accounting systems can seamlessly integrate, eliminating the need for manual data entry, reducing errors, and accelerating the overall invoicing process

How Does E-invoicing Work? 

E-invoicing works by transmitting invoices as XML files that contain structured data, which can be directly received and processed by the recipient’s accounting software. Often, these XML files have embedded PDFs to provide a human-readable version of the invoice for reference. The process typically involves the following steps:

1. Invoice Generation: The supplier creates an invoice using their e-invoicing software. This software generates an XML file with all the necessary invoice details, like line items, prices, tax information, and payment terms. A PDF version of the invoice is also embedded within the XML file for easy viewing.
2. Sending the Invoice: The XML file is sent to the recipient’s e-invoicing mailbox. This can be done through various secure transmission methods, such as EDI (Electronic Data Interchange), API (Application Programming Interface), or other e-invoicing networks.
3. Receiving the Invoice: Upon receiving the invoice, the XML file is automatically processed by the recipient’s e-invoicing system. The structured data within the XML file is extracted and integrated into the recipient’s accounting software, updating accounts payable records instantly.
4. Instant Availability: Because the invoice data is sent in a structured format, it is immediately available for processing upon receipt. There is no need for manual data entry, which significantly reduces the risk of errors and speeds up the payment cycle.

The instant availability of invoice data is one of the key advantages of e-invoicing. It enables businesses to automate their invoicing workflows, improve accuracy, and ensure timely payments. Additionally, e-invoicing provides greater visibility into the invoicing process, allowing both suppliers and buyers to track the status of invoices in real time. This enhanced transparency fosters better financial management and stronger business relationships.

Key Benefits of Switching to E-invoicing

Improved Efficiency

Switching to e-invoicing significantly enhances efficiency by automating workflows like invoice processing, eliminating the need for manual data entry, which is not only time-consuming but also prone to errors. With e-invoicing, invoices are generated, sent, received, and processed electronically, allowing for quicker and more accurate handling of invoice data.

Cost Savings

E-invoicing offers substantial cost savings compared to traditional paper or email/PDF invoicing methods. The expenses related to printing, postage, and physical storage of paper invoices are removed. Additionally, the reduced need for manual processing translates to lower labor costs. Businesses can reinvest these savings into other critical areas of their operations.

Enhanced Accuracy and Compliance

One of the key advantages of e-invoicing is the minimization of human errors. Since data is transmitted in a structured, electronic format, the likelihood of errors during data entry is greatly reduced. Furthermore, e-invoicing helps ensure compliance with various tax regulations and industry standards by automating the application of the correct tax codes and maintaining accurate records.

Faster Payment Cycles

E-invoicing accelerates the entire invoicing process, from invoice generation to payment. Automating invoice approval workflows allows for quicker approval times, leading to faster payments. This improved speed not only enhances cash flow management but also strengthens supplier relationships by ensuring timely payments.

Better Data Management

With e-invoicing, businesses can access invoice data in real time, facilitating better data management and analytics. This immediate access to accurate and up-to-date information enables more informed decision-making and improves financial reporting. Enhanced data management capabilities also support more effective audit processes and compliance monitoring.

Environmental Benefits

E-invoicing contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing paper usage and waste. By transitioning to electronic invoices, businesses can support their corporate sustainability goals and demonstrate their commitment to environmentally responsible practices. This reduction in paper consumption also aligns with broader efforts to reduce the carbon footprint and promote greener business operations.

What Challenges Come with Implementing E-invoicing?

While the benefits of e-invoicing are clear, transitioning to this system can present several challenges including initial setup costs and system integration are common concerns. Businesses may need to invest in new software or upgrade their existing systems to accommodate e-invoicing capabilities.

Additionally, integrating e-invoicing with current accounting and ERP systems can be complex and may require technical expertise. However, some best practices can be implemented to ease the transition. 

E-invoicing Best Practices

Implementing e-invoicing can significantly streamline business operations, improve cash flow, and reduce errors. Here are some best practices for e-invoicing:

Adopt a Standard Format

• Standardization: Use a standardized invoice format such as UBL (Universal Business Language) or PEPPOL BIS. This ensures compatibility with various accounting and ERP systems.
• Compliance: Ensure that the format complies with regional and international regulations.

Ensure Data Accuracy

• Validation: Implement data validation checks to ensure accuracy before sending invoices. This includes verifying customer details, invoice amounts, and item descriptions.
• Automated Checks: Use automated systems to cross-check invoices against purchase orders and delivery receipts.

Integrate with ERP and Accounting Systems

• Seamless Integration: Integrate an e-invoicing solution with your ERP or accounting systems to streamline the invoicing process.
• Real-time Updates: Ensure that the systems provide real-time updates to maintain accurate financial records.

Secure Transmission

• Encryption: Use encryption to protect invoice data during transmission.
• Authentication: Implement authentication mechanisms such as digital signatures to verify the sender’s identity and ensure data integrity.

Compliance with Legal and Tax Requirements

• Legal Framework: Adhere to local and international e-invoicing regulations, including tax reporting requirements.
• Audit Trails: Maintain detailed audit trails to provide transparency and support compliance audits.

Conclusion

Switching to e-invoicing offers numerous advantages, including improved efficiency, cost savings, enhanced accuracy and compliance, faster payment cycles, better data management, and environmental benefits. Adopting best practices can help you successfully implement e-invoicing and unlock its full potential.

Featured image by Cytonn Photography on Unsplash

The post From Paper to Digital: The Benefits of Switching to E-invoicing appeared first on noupe.

Any business that operates online is competing in a very crowded market. With the eCommerce market forecasted to reach a value of $9.3 trillion by 2027, everyone wants a slice of that lucrative pie. If you have quality products (or services), then the onus is on your marketing team to attract real customers and move them through your sales funnel and customer journey to the point of purchase decisions. 

Modern marketing has many approaches, from an omnichannel strategy to segmentation and personalization for your target audiences. One useful tactic is using UGC (user-generated content) to appeal to potential customers. Knowing how to leverage user-generated content can lead to increased conversions for your business. 

But what is UGC, and how should you approach leveraging it? 

What is user-generated content?

Image sourced from searchlogistics.com

As the name suggests, UGC is content created by your customers and users. It can refer to any type of content, including videos, text, images, or even audio. 

Branded content, paid ads and even AI social media generated posts are all valid ways of creating content. And when done well, they can certainly increase brand visibility and reach. But UGC, although amateur in nature, has enormous appeal to people as they see it as being ‘free’ of fancy marketing messages and as more honest. 

In fact, around 85% of consumers think that user-generated content is more persuasive than traditional marketing content. Creators of UGC post their content in a variety of places, from their social media channels to independent blogs. Online reviews are also considered a form of user-generated content.                               

How to leverage user-generated content to improve awareness and conversions

Image sourced from embedsocial.com

At the end of the day, you want people to buy your products or services. While conversion rates can vary from industry to industry, you should consider that the average global eCommerce site conversion rate is 2.58% and in the US, it’s 2.57%. Those figures can provide benchmarks for your conversion expectations, but you should also research what the average conversion rate is for your particular area of eCommerce. 

There can be many reasons for lower-than-average conversion rates, and you should ensure that none of the usual problems are responsible for yours (if you are low). These problems can range from unoptimized websites (or not optimized for mobile devices) to poor website navigation. Looking at the ‘usual suspects’ behind low conversion rates should be your first port of call. 

If you’re sure all pain points have been addressed, then it’s time to look at how you can incorporate UGC into your marketing efforts and, more importantly, how you can leverage relevant content to improve your conversion rates.

Establish a brand 

You may already have established a strong brand identity that is recognizable across all your marketing content. 

It is something that communicates to potential customers factors such as quality and reliability, and should also communicate your organizational values. Extending that to UGC can involve a deep understanding of what you want to say and what you think people want to hear. 

For example, a company selling home entertainment systems may look at UGC videos of a family gathered together and enjoying a film. Combined with positive online reviews, this is communicating to consumers that your brand is high quality and your products bring families together. A strong brand strategy is as important as a digital contact center strategy. 

Make voices heard 

UGC is all about using the voices of your customers. So, you need to encourage them to ‘speak’ up, whether you want them to share their experiences of using your project time tracking software or how they style dresses bought from your eCommerce store. 

The most common type of voice is leaving reviews or even, with long-term loyal customers or brand ambassadors, recommending your brand to friends and family. Asking people to leave reviews can be done via emails (follow-up or marketing) or through your website or social media posts. 

If you’re unsure how to do this, look at these business website examples for inspiration. Do your research and find a format that aligns with your brand and will allow UGC to truly shine.

You can choose to incentivize this tactic with discounts or other offers. This is an area where visual content can be useful too. While a written product review is great, a video demonstrating the product (or how to use it) can be very persuasive for potential customers. For example, if you are selling cloud call center software, then video demonstrations of how it works could be a deciding factor when it comes to a purchasing decision. 

Use social listening tools 

How do you discover all the UGC that discusses or promotes your brand? A fantastic video that extols the benefits of your product will only have a limited audience unless you bring the creator and brand together. The main answer to this problem is to use a social listening tool. By using certain keywords, phrases, or hashtags, you can see what people are saying about you. 

With modern technology, many of these listening tools are AI-powered and will not only identify UGC but also analyze relevant data and provide valuable insights into the content posted. The thing to always remember is that you need the consent of the creator to leverage user-generated content in your marketing campaigns. 

Use hashtags 

Another way to curate content from users is through hashtags. Some social media platforms, such as Instagram, use hashtags as a primary marketing tool. If you’re looking to include UGC in your marketing strategy, consider the following steps:

• Have themes that people, both creators and consumers, will recognize. 
• Use your social media accounts to promote the use of hashtags, both for the brand as a whole and for individual campaigns.
• Incentivize campaigns with competitions offering free products or discounts.
• Showcase the best hashtag-related UGC on your website or social media platforms (remember to get permission to share). 
• Analyze the metrics and data from any UGC content just as you would with your own marketing content. 

Maintain quality 

Using user-generated content marketing does not mean compromising on quality. Your images and videos represent your brand and products, and the same quality levels need to be standardized for UGC, too. 

When images and videos (from any source) are consistently high-quality content, it helps engender a sense of trust in consumers. If written content, you also want to be sure it’s SEO-optimised. 

Given the technological advances in mobile technology, quality is not difficult to maintain. The editing and other aspects may be less than professional, but even that is something people will understand. In fact, a slight lack of professionalism may appeal even more than something that is ‘too polished’.

6. Build an online community 

You may already have a strong social media presence, but creating a separate online community can be a beneficial tactic if you want to leverage user-generated content. It can lead to higher levels of engagement and be the catalyst that drives your customers to create their own UGC, even if that just consists of online customer reviews or endorsements. 

You want your community to be as effective as possible and also to be a way to elevate loyal customers to ambassador status. To that end, here are some things to think about:

Selecting your platform 

Where will you host your community? There are specialist platforms such as Mighty Networks or Wild Apricot, or you may decide to build your own using a platform such as WordPress combined with the membership plugins they offer. A small to medium-sized business may even consider setting up a dedicated group on a site like Facebook. Some of the content that is posted in your community can be an ideal addition to any marketing brochure you produce. 

Enable UGC 

Your community is designed for the sharing of user-generated content. If a customer posts something that stands out, it can become UGC that you can use (with consent). 

You can also focus on the type of UGC you most want to highlight, and even incentivize sharing. For example, ‘If we use your video, we’ll give you a 10% discount on future purchases.’

Forums 

Think of your community as being like the forums from the early days of the internet. Have discussion areas (or threads) where members can engage with each other and discuss your virtues as a brand or focus on individual products or services. This can also provide members with opportunities to ask questions that can be answered by the staff you have assigned as admins/moderators. 

Consider an FAQ/knowledge base section

You probably already have this on your website, but your community should also have one. Peers can share knowledge or ask questions directly to you. It can also be a great place to share your guidelines on user-generated content. These sections can be a great resource for accurate product information. 

Host live events 

Free to use image sourced from Pixabay

Your community is also a great place to host live events for the members. This can focus (though not exclusively) on UGC. You could hold a webinar where your in-house experts can teach the basics of producing and editing any UGC. It can also allow you to have customers host (or co-host) an event and discuss their experiences. 

Bring people together 

Community is about bringing people together, and your online community can be a great way to nurture collaboration. Just as soccer talks about the crowd being the ‘12th man’, your community can act as an extra employee. Get your members engaged and working with each other to grow a sense of community. You may also find that they can act as unofficial customer support on your platforms. 

Get involved 

Don’t let your community exist in a vacuum. Have a team assigned to not only moderating the community but actively getting involved too. This demonstrates that you care about what people say and think. It can also help to establish clear guidelines as to the community’s purpose and what’s acceptable. 

Reward and promote

You want your community to grow, so promote it across your other platforms, especially when using UGC. You should also look at some form of reward scheme similar to a loyalty program if you have one. Give rewards to regular or outstanding contributors so that others may follow suit. 

The takeaway 

Image source

Knowing how to leverage user-generated content as part of your content marketing strategy can be a crucial step on the path to success and better conversion rates. Whether positive reviews or product demonstration videos, it’s content from peers that is more trusted than normal marketing materials and can be a powerful tool. 

As with other marketing content, you should analyze metrics and other data to see what content resonates best with potential buyers. It’s also worth remembering that UGC comes at no cost to your organization, so ROI can be very high.

Featured Image by Taras Shypka on Unsplash

The post How to Leverage User-Generated Content   appeared first on noupe.

The advantages of cloud computing are numerous such as; scalability, cost, and flexibility. Nevertheless, these advantages are accompanied by numerous security threats that organizations have to mitigate in order to safeguard their information and networks. 

This blog post will focus on identifying the most significant security threats of cloud computing and ways to address them.

1. Data Breaches

Security breaches are still one of the main issues with organizations that rely on cloud solutions. Any data that is stored in the cloud is vulnerable to threats and includes PII, financial records, and intellectual property, which are valuable assets. This information is sensitive and requires protection through encryption, access control and through auditing the system frequently.

The controls can be breached because of misconfigurations, insufficient security policies, or even insiders. For instance, a single misconfigured cloud storage bucket can lead to the exposure of large volumes of confidential information to the public domain, thus increasing the risk of their exposure to the internet.

2. Misconfiguration and Inadequate Change Management

Cloud environments are not simple; there are many services and settings that require ongoing attention. Screw-ups are one of the major sources of cloud security breaches because such mistakes lead to the exposure of data and systems to intruders.

Common Misconfiguration Issues:

• Publicly accessible storage buckets
• Insecure default settings
• Proper network segmentation was not carried out

Mitigation Strategies:

• Automated Tools: Employ automated solutions to ensure compliance with the security settings on a constant basis.
• Security Training: IT staff should be trained on cloud security best practices and the security settings of the cloud provider on a frequent basis.
• Regular Reviews: Security should be reviewed periodically to check whether the settings and configurations are in line with the organizational security standards.

Most of the misconfigurations are as a result of human activities or the lack of adequate knowledge in cloud computing. These problems can be avoided through training and the incorporation of automated tools. It is crucial to guarantee that all settings are examined periodically and changed if necessary for the cloud infrastructure protection.

3. Insecure Interfaces and APIs

APIs are widely used in cloud services for both as a means of communication and as a method of executing tasks. The insecurity of some APIs makes it possible for the attacker to access the cloud resources, alter data or even perform command operations. Some of the key requirements include strong authentication, input validation, and rate limiting in APIs.

There should be methods of user identification and access control to ensure only the right people can access the system. Also, to enhance security, it is recommended to validate all the inputs to APIs because they are vulnerable to injection attacks.

4. Account Hijacking

Account hijacking is a form of cybercrime whereby the attacker gets unauthorized access to a user account. Once the attackers have a hold of an account, they can alter data, eavesdrop on the communication, and conduct malicious actions.

The use of MFA is one of the most effective preventive measures that can be applied to minimize the possibility of account compromise. The other measures include the use of strong passwords and auditing for suspicious activities or changes in the login pattern.

5. Insider Threats

Insider threats, which may involve current or former employees, contractors, or business partners may be hard to identify and prevent. This is because insiders have legal access to the systems and data, and thus their activities are difficult to distinguish from criminal ones.

Mitigation Measures:

• Access Controls: Follow the principle of least privilege where an employee is only given the access that is essential for his/her duties.
• Monitoring: User activities should be monitored for any suspicious activity to be conducted.
• Training: Offer refresher courses on security consciousness and the threats of insider threats.

Insider threats are a major risk because insiders are trusted personnel. Access controls should be put in place and users activities should be closely monitored to detect any suspicious activity. It also can help in avoiding insider threats by increasing the employees’ awareness through security training.

6. Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks

DoS attacks are designed to deny access to cloud services by flooding them with traffic and/or resource-consuming requests. These attacks can result in large amounts of downtime and monetary damages. The threat of DoS attacks can be minimized if rate limiting, redundancy, and load balancing are put in place.

Traffic patterns can be monitored and suspicious traffic can be set up for an alert to be raised when such a traffic is detected. It is important to make sure that the systems are backed up and capable of distributing the traffic loads in order to keep services running during an attack.

7. Insecure Cloud Services and APIs

Most cloud services have pre-set default security that may not be adequate for any organization security policies. If these settings are not fine-tuned, then the systems are open to attack. Another level of protection can be achieved through the periodic review of the security settings and the use of virtual private networks for the connections.

It is important to configure the default parameters to the organization security requirements. Schedules audits can assist in maintaining compliance with the security policies and identify possible weaknesses. Using tools such as VPN can enhance the connection between the on-premises systems and the cloud services to ensure that they are safe and secure. However, it’s essential to understand VPN pros and cons to make informed decisions about its implementation.

8. Compliance and Legal Risks

It is crucial to note that organizations have to adhere to different regulatory standards when it comes to cloud services. Failure to adhere to the laws attracts legal consequences, tarnishing of organizations’ image, and loss of money. Some of the compliance measures include; comprehending the rules and regulations, undertaking compliance audits frequently, and keeping records comprehensively.

It is important to know about the regulations that are related to the business such as GDPR and HIPAA. Compliance audits on a regular basis can help in the detection of any shortcomings in regard to security measures. Compliance documentation can be a valuable tool in the organization as it demonstrates the company’s commitment to following the rules set out by the regulators.

9. Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)

APTs are long-term and specific cyber attacks designed to acquire information or sabotage systems for an extended period. These attacks are normally complex and have a tendency of being executed in a very organized manner. The best strategies against APTs are constant surveillance, threat intelligence, and an effective incident response plan.

In essence, the monitoring process can identify activities that are considered as indicators of an APT. Threat intelligence assists organizations in being aware of new threats and techniques that are being used by the attackers. An incident response plan that is well thought out and updated periodically will help in quick and efficient handling of any possible breaches.

Featured image by Alin Gavriliuc on Unsplash

The post Top Security Risks of Cloud Computing appeared first on noupe.