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If you’re a freelancer, marketplaces like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr might be all too common to you.

Upwork had a golden star reputation in the past, known for providing freelancers with steady, high-paying, and quality gigs.

However, after its acquisition and rebrand in 2015, many freelancers have wondered if the platform still has any potential or if it’s just another mill for low-quality, highly competitive work.

On that note, let’s dive in and:

1. Understand some of the pros and cons of Upwork in 2024.
2. Find insights from actual freelancers who have operated from the platform.
3. Learn some practical tips and tricks to succeed on Upwork.

How Upworks Works

Upwork operates as a marketplace where social media freelancers, agencies, consultants, etc., can provide services to global clients from the comfort of their homes.

The platform stays viable by charging freelancers and clients a service fee to operate on it (the fee is much larger for the freelancers than the clients). In return, the platform handles all the finances, invoices, verification, and job satisfaction.

If you need to apply for any jobs as a freelancer, you need to pay for “Connects” to send your proposals. If your job proposal is accepted, the client must invest initially (which Upwork protects until the job is completed).

Pros of Upwork

A majority of freelancers who we spoke to said the biggest pro of Upwork is that it’s easy to get started on the platform. You don’t need to pay any registration fees—all you need to do is fill in your profile details and get verified.

Says Raquel Gonzalez, a freelance SEO consultant and translator, “Upwork is great if you are starting as a freelancer and find it challenging to reach potential clients. You can apply to many job opportunities, and your payment is protected through them.”

Aside from this, some of the other pros of the platform are:

• You can pick and choose projects to your convenience, cadence, and liking; there are no specific limits to anything.
• You’re also not restricted to any particular area. Upwork allows remote freelancers to connect with clients and work on projects from around the globe.
•  It supports plenty of services, so regardless of whether you specialize in writing, SEO consultancy, designing, marketing, web development, etc., there are plenty of readily available gigs for everyone.
• It’s extremely easy to navigate and added features like work tracking tools, talent badges, customer ratings, job search filters, etc., can improve your efficiency and portfolio.
• They’ve also got a thriving community wherein you can get help from Upwork professionals and other freelancers and agencies operating on Upwork.

Cons of Upwork

Unfortunately, these days, the cons of Upwork far precede the pros.

Amongst the list of cons, one of the major complaints most freelancers have is that the platform now has way too many low-paying gigs, which is creating a race-to-the-bottom situation for many.

In addition, they charge a hefty service fee (5-20% of the project value).

Peace Akinwale, a freelance writer who used to operate from Upwork, says, “Before I deleted my account in 2022, I noticed that most of the jobs on my Upwork feeds are always low-paying jobs (with jobs paying as less as $15 for 1500 words for technical writing).

They also charge a flat 10% service fee on all new contracts regardless of my lifetime billing with a client. If my client ends a copywriting contract and opens a B2B case study writing contract with me, I’ll still be billed 10% of my income.

I rejoined Upwork recently and found that the service fee for hourly projects and fixed-price projects is now 20% of total earnings. 

Aside from the service fee, withdrawal to payment platforms like PayPal/Payoneer attracts significant charges, with Payoneer incurring extra bills from my local bank, too.”

Raquel also agrees with Peace’s opinion by saying, “It’s hard to find a decent-paying job on Upwork (at least at the beginning when you don’t have much portfolio to show your experience), and sometimes the job can be scammy.”

She adds to this point by stating, “The other con is that as a Spanish citizen, we must include essential information on each invoice according to our client’s country, like the Business Registration Number or the TAX percentage. But Upwork automatically creates an invoice in your name and doesn’t add those things, resulting in burdensome bureaucracy.”

These are not the only cons of Upwork, however. Here are a few more cons of the platform according to seasoned users:

• Upwork is extremely competitive and doesn’t have enough great gigs to fulfill the requirements of all freelancers on the platform. Due to the increased competition, it’s also more difficult to get noticed.
• You need to purchase “Connects” to connect with a potential lead. These Connects are paid and cost 15 cents to purchase every Connect. The kicker is that the number of Connects you need to use varies depending on the gig you’re applying to, and you may very well end up using 8-10 Connects per job.
• Upwork is more favorable to clients than users and always considers their side of the story before providing a solution.

Tips for Succeeding on Upwork

Use these four simple tips to get the most out of Upwork. 

1. Be crystal clear in your offer

The best way to stand out on Upwork is to be as specific as possible about your offer and what makes you qualified enough to be trusted with the job.

For example, the top freelancers increase trust in their profile by using professional images, highlighting reviews and testimonials, offering a sustainable rate that works for them, using a strategic offer that hits on customer pain points, etc.

As a reference, an ideal freelancer profile (a boosted profile) on the platform looks like this:

2. Keep track of all your expenses

Another tip would be to create separate accounts as a freelancer to segregate all your business and personal expenses.

For example, you could consider opening a business account and using your business credit card for all your freelance-related expenses to earn extra rewards, cashback, and other perks that would otherwise not be possible.

3. Manage your freelance finances

Adding to our previous point, it’s important to keep track of all the finances associated with Upwork and not just money going out of your business (aka expenses).

As your freelance career grows on Upwork, you might consider opening a joint checking account with a partner or spouse. This can help you manage your increasing income more effectively. 

You can use it to set aside money for taxes, track business expenses, and give your loved one visibility into your freelance success. It’s a great way to organize your finances as you build your business on the platform.

4. Enhance your service offering

A freelancer’s rule for providing exceptional client service is to always go above and beyond when it comes to the simplest of assignments.

On a platform like Upwork, where you can access a worldwide network of peers, leads, and clients, you need to set yourself apart by using tools to improve your service offering.

For example, you can use project management tools to keep track of deadlines, AI translators to converse with leads who use a different language, time-tracking tools to increase productivity, etc.

Next Steps

In this guide, we discussed some of Upwork’s pros and cons and a few tips for making a maximum impact as a freelancer, boosting your hourly rate, and landing prospective clients.

If you wish to gain more such insights, especially as a designer or developer, the Noupe blog has tons of them and expert-led articles for you. Head to the Noupe blog to get access to this information! It’s time to stand out from the millions of freelancers out there.

Featured image by Iris Wang on Unsplash

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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

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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

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Customer interactions are best addressed by mobile-first design. In the last ten years, mobility has become the core of many people’s digital worlds. The statistics show that mobile devices account for about 54% of the internet traffic, which makes mobile-first solutions crucial. 

Most of them rely on their smartphones for internet access as these devices are generally cheaper and more widespread than computers. Indeed, a third of low-income adults rely solely on smartphones for all their internet usage.

Mobile first or responsive websites, which are designed to work across devices are fundamental for both consumers and businesses alike. It makes sure that each user is going through a good experience regardless of which device he or she is using.

In this guide, we’ll define what is meant by mobile-first design and the general strategies for designing digital experiences that center on mobile users, with a particular emphasis on the principles of responsive design.

What’s Meant By Mobile-First Design?

Mobile-first design is an effective strategy where an organization designs its website, software or any other digital solution primarily for mobile devices. 

Instead of first choosing the layout for the sizes of the screens, such as desktops, and then moving down to the smaller ones, it is the complete reverse. 

This is due to the realization that a large amount of web traffic originates from handheld devices. Thus, focusing on mobile users helps designers and developers create products that are intuitive, perceived as entertaining, and ultimately efficient, no matter which devices they are being used on.

In its purest sense, the mobile-first design represents an attempt to develop effective experiences across a spectrum of screen sizes. This involves correct planning of the structure, the flow, and the content to ensure that it is good for smaller devices before translating it to the larger ones. 

This leads to a clean and self-explanatory UI that caters to the current mobile-oriented audience.

Why Is Mobile-First Design Important?

There are several reasons why the “Mobile First” principle is so important in product design: 

1. Devices are the primary means of accessing the internet. Smartphones and tablets are reported to be the main way through which people connect to the internet. For instance, given that 50% of internet usage is through mobile devices, caring for mobile first guarantees that products meet the most frequently used views.

2. Users have unique needs and constraints: Larger displays, haptic touch interfaces, and reduced computing capabilities are some of the limitations of mobile devices in metrology. Being able to successfully design for applications on mobile devices means that the end product of the designs is manageable as well as easy to understand even when viewed on small screens.

3. Mobile-first design leads to simpler, more streamlined products: Mobile-first design, however, results in lean, tall articulated designs that eliminate unnecessary content and actions for a hassle-free customer experience.

4. It improves SEO performance: When it comes to design, mobile internet users should be taken into consideration, as websites built with this kind of device in mind receive higher ranking within search engines and attract more organic visitors.

5. Mobile-first design enables responsive design: A consideration of responsiveness means that products can be used effectively on one device or another and can be tailored for the specific screen size.

In other words, with the consideration of the revised approach to designing with mobile devices in mind, businesses are likely to increase the levels of engagement of their audiences, leading to better conversion rates and competitive advantage. 

It also ensures that each product that is being developed serves the needs of the current user, and it is flexible to adapt to new developments in technology and behavior.

How Did The Mobile First Design Strategy Come To Be?

When designing websites in the early ages of the internet, it was often preconditioned that people would mostly use the large screen of desktop computers. 

When cell and tablet devices emerged, the developers attempted to introduce these, originally desktop-oriented websites, in the mobile environment more effectively. 

These are called graceful degradation or the desktop-first approach, where some aspect of the site was stripped down or omitted to enhance the feel of the site when viewed on mobile phones.

However, this approach had the disadvantage of using up a huge amount of AI analysts’ time and producing a disproportionately low amount of meaningful results. Most of the items on the web did not translate well to the smaller screen, and this led to the site’s aesthetically unappealing and, furthermore, unsavory appearance in portable devices. 

To address this issue, a new procedure known as Progressive Advancement or Mobile-First Design was developed by developers.

This means that mobile users are the primary target where interface designers work on the website layout, starting from the smallest available devices. They concern themselves with the efficiency and use of the site on a small-screen device. 

After the mobile version is improved, additional features and additional improvements for the interface on tablets and desktops are gradually added. This brings a consistent experience across devices and a better usage of websites across different gadgets, ensuring that the overall experience is improved regardless of the type of gadget that one is using.

Mobile-First Vs. Mobile-Friendly Design: What Is It?

When discussing website design, you might come across two terms that sound similar: “mobile-first” and “mobile-friendly. They appear similar, though they refer to two different strategies of constructing web pages.

Mobile-Friendly: Originally Made for Large Screens and Then Shrunk

Originally, there was a concept of “mobile-friendly,”  which was actually made based on a desktop-oriented website. This implies that initially, the designs of the layout and the features of the site are normally developed with reference to the large screens. 

Following that, modifications are made to ensure that the site functions well on smaller screens, specifically on the mobile phone interface.

Here’s how it works: 

Given that, the design elements and containers are first developed with large screen sizes in mind. Mobile websites, in this regard, alter these features so that they can be situated properly on the smaller mobile device screen. 

This commonly entails transforming aspects that are placed side by side in the horizontal manner to those that are grouped vertically, one on top of another, depending on the CSS breakpoints.

Even when a website is converted to work on mobile devices, it largely remains a fixed model created for desktop use but then adapted for use on mobile devices. The sense that it’s still built for desktops may still be present when it comes to the experience on mobile.

Mobile-First: Initially Designed for Phone Use Then Scaled.

The term ‘mobile first’, on the other hand, refers to a process of design that begins with the mobile platform. This implies that the design process starts with the consideration of the appearance and the operation of the site on the smallest devices, specifically, on mobile phones. 

After the mobile version is fully optimized, the design of a site is adapted for its extension for tablets and desktop structures.

Mobile first involves a cascade of designs, which ensures that the first adaptation is that of mobile foremost. This is somewhat more difficult to accomplish, but it guarantees that the site is very practical and easy to utilize on portable devices. 

The initial step is to design for the mobile-first and then follow the layout and features of the design to provide utilization of the more space and features offered by the huge screen devices.

However, it is important to understand that which of these approaches to take depends on the objectives as well as the target market. The mobile-first design provides a good experience. 

For the mobile user the development is initiated with the mobile user in mind, while the mobile-friendly design is the adaptation of a design that is initially developed for the desktop user and then made responsive for the mobile user.

How to Build Apps with Mobile-First Design

The idea of developing apps that place importance and focus on its mobile layout is the point of leading the design of the program towards an importance on the mobile user. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you create apps using this method: 

1. Establish the customer and their objectives. One should begin with the identification of the specific users and the purpose for which they would be using the particular app. Develop specific user profiles in order to describe the target population. Identify the interests and usage plans of your targeted users in relation to your application. This knowledge will be useful in your designing the ASP.NET application and assisting you to meet the customer’s needs fully.

2. Identify the key features. The final aspect of essential features includes a list with all the features that seem to be most valuable for your users. It is advisable to first focus on the above-mentioned features so that unnecessary features are not added to the design. This aids in keeping the app interface neat and efficient while not burdening the users with numerous choices.

3. Create a mobile wireframe. Create the wireframe of the mobile rendition of your application. A wireframe can be defined as the preliminary sketch of the app, which includes the general design and functionality of the application. As for the interface organization, it is necessary to put the most important components in those areas of the screen that are the most conspicuous and accessible. More elements in the design must be avoided so that the design does not become cluttered at any cost.

4. Design the visual interface. When designing the wireframe, proceed to the Visual Design to design the look and feel part of it. A mobile-first strategy can help verify that it looks good as well as works properly on a cell phone. Consider the location of the main information based on the idea of the position of the priority on the top of the screen. Ensure the font sizes used are easily readable, buttons are clear to see, and icons are clear and intuitively placed. Ensure that your design looks good with different resolutions and interfaces of different screen sizes.

5. Use responsive design techniques. To ensure that your app runs well on different devices, use the methods that are related to responsive design. This can be achieved through the use of fluid grids for the layout of a web page so that it can be flexible to the different displays, flexible images that are also flexible to the display of a particular device, and media queries that enable the layout of the web page to change to the type of device used.

6. Content hierarchy. Categorize the content in a manner that makes it easy for the users to access and in accordance with the urgency of the content. Concentrate on the items that must be shared initially, and make sure that the design is relevant to the content and appealing to the viewers. Do not deliver a large amount of information at a time to users.

7. Test and iterate. A suitable strategy to apply once the preliminary design has been done is to use the app with actual users. Solicit information on how they engage with the application and what they find wrong or that could be changed. Feedback collected from them should be used to improve the design and the layout. The importance of iteration is stressed as the main ingredient to develop an app that would address people’s needs.

8. Launch and monitor. Finally, finalize the design of the app; then, deploy it and watch its reaction in the market. Employ analytics to know the users‘ interactions and their frequency, as well as their level of transformation. Reference this data on a regular basis to make appropriate modifications and additions, so the project will remain relevant to the users’ needs.

If you adhere to the said guidelines, it will be possible to derive a spectacular mobile application that is optimally suitable for the users of mobile phones.

Final Thoughts

Today’s Internet users are more often accessing sites from mobile devices, so the concept of ‘mobile-first’ design is essential. This is where the mobile user approach can prove to be a long-term winner for businesses as they can design services around mobile users that inherently lead to better interactivity and conversion.

To sum up, understanding the guidelines presented above will assist you with producing a proper design that will not only satisfy the goals of your business but also the users. Begin employing these practices and tools to improve your designs and stand above the crowd in the current challenging market.

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Customer service is the assistance provided to customers at every stage of their interaction with your brand, from pre-purchase to post-purchase. It aims to ensure a smooth, positive experience and extends beyond just resolving issues. This includes offering proactive, high-quality support through multiple channels such as phone, email, text, chat, and social media, often supported by advanced software.

The seven pillars of great customer service

To master customer service and foster customer loyalty, service leaders should focus on these seven best practices:

1. Integrate customer service with the organization

   Consistent customer interactions are key. Whether using self-service or speaking with a rep, continuity is expected. Integrating customer service with a CRM system gives agents access to vital customer details. This holistic view enables more informed and effective support, reducing redundant information requests and ensuring smooth service.

2. Provide support across all channels

   Today’s customers expect support through various channels. Here’s how to manage each effectively:

   – Voice: Modern voice support integrates with cloud telephony and CRM systems, allowing real-time data access and interaction transcription, so agents can focus on providing support.

   – Mobile: Mobile apps and messaging platforms enable asynchronous communication, allowing customers and agents to interact over time while keeping a record of interactions.

   – Social Media: Integrate social media data with customer service and marketing platforms to offer a unified view of customer interactions and address issues effectively.

   – Email: Automated workflows can convert emails into cases and route them to the right team members, ensuring efficient handling of support requests.

– Self-Service Channels: Help centers and customer portals offer immediate solutions to frequently asked questions, minimizing the need for more resource-demanding support options.

– Chatbots: AI-driven chatbots or conversational AI bots handle routine queries and escalate more complicated issues to human agents, boosting efficiency and customer satisfaction.

– Video: Video support provides real-time visual assistance for troubleshooting and guidance, enhancing the customer experience with face-to-face interaction.

3. Balance quality and speed

   Finding the right balance between speed and quality in support is essential. Omni-channel routing directs cases to skilled agents, and automation boosts efficiency by streamlining processes. Automated workflows help agents, and self-service options let customers resolve issues themselves.

4. Train agents in both soft and hard skills

   Effective training is key for improving interpersonal and technical skills. Agents should master empathy, active listening, and product knowledge. Deliver regular training sessions on the latest products and technologies to ensure staff remain current. Additionally, offer comprehensive contact center training to keep team members well-informed and proficient in their roles.

5. Foster team collaboration

   Collaboration among team members is vital, especially in remote work settings. Promote regular communication and case swarming, where agents and experts work together to tackle complex issues. This approach encourages knowledge sharing and skill development.

6. Revise success metrics

   Traditional metrics like handle time are important but don’t provide a complete picture. Use a variety of metrics to evaluate service effectiveness:

  – Customer Satisfaction (CSAT): Gauge customer satisfaction with service through surveys and feedback.

 – Revenue: Assess whether high-quality service correlates with increased sales and transactions.

– Customer retention: Track customer behavior after interactions to assess whether the quality of service affects their loyalty.

– Customer effort: Assess how easily customers can resolve their issues and identify opportunities to make the process less burdensome.

– SLA performance: Measure actual performance against service-level agreements (SLAs) to identify areas needing improvement.

Handling difficult customer situations

Dealing with challenging customer situations effectively is crucial for maintaining positive relationships. Here are strategies for addressing common difficult customer sentiments:

1. Angry customers

   – Remain calm and apologize sincerely.

   – Use a soft and even tone.

   – Acknowledge their frustration and work towards a resolution.

2. Indecisive customers

   – Identify their specific concerns and provide clear, confident recommendations.

   – Offer useful information to help them make a decision.

3. Demanding customers

   – Reassure them of your willingness to help and find a reasonable compromise.

   – If necessary, escalate to a higher authority for resolution.

4. Dissatisfied customers

   – Listen attentively and acknowledge their feedback.

   – Offer solutions or improvements based on their input.

Best practices for effective customer service

1. Keep communication professional: Maintain a respectful and friendly tone. Avoid taking customer behavior personally and ensure that your communication reflects your organization’s values.

2. Remain calm: Manage your emotions and avoid escalating the situation. Practice mindfulness to stay composed.

3. Speak softly: In tense situations, a softer tone can help de-escalate the conversation and maintain control.

4. Practice active listening: Focus on understanding the customer’s perspective and respond thoughtfully. Use verbal affirmations to show engagement.

5. Give them time to talk: Allow customers to fully express their concerns before responding. This demonstrates empathy and understanding.

6. Understand the customer’s point of view: Practice empathy by considering their feelings and viewpoints. Reflect on their concerns and show a genuine desire to resolve their issues.

7. Assess their needs: Determine specific customer needs to provide targeted solutions. Communicate your efforts to address their concerns.

8. Seek a solution: Ask customers for their ideal resolution if you’re unsure how to proceed. Focus on finding a satisfactory outcome.

9. Ask for support: Involve colleagues or managers when necessary to address complex issues or provide additional assistance.

10. Maintain a positive relationship: After resolving the issue, check if there are any other concerns. This reinforces your commitment to customer satisfaction.

Conclusion 

Customer service shapes your brand’s identity and success by building trust and loyalty. The seven pillars of outstanding service—integration with your organization, multi-channel support, quality and speed balance, effective agent training, team collaboration, refined success metrics, and careful handling of tough situations—create a framework for excellence.

By adopting these practices, your team will exceed expectations, turning challenges into opportunities for stronger relationships. Focus on professional, empathetic communication and advanced tools to enhance satisfaction, drive retention, and contribute to your business’s success.

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