Use Cloud Storage to Help Make Money

There are high chances that you have lots of personal documents and precious memories stored on your computer. There are also chances that those copies are the only ones that you have. You need to question what will happen if your computer crashes and you lose everything. This happens more than people think and it means searching for ways to backup everything. Cloud storage software is available to help with this.

Back Up Everything on Your PC

Using Cloud storage is beneficial since it means that everything on your computer is backed up. You do not need to worry about what will happen if you lose your budget information or the precious home movies of your children. It does not take long to back everything up and even if nothing happens to your computer, it is better being safe than sorry.

Avoid Problems that Affect the Whole Home

Another benefit is that you will keep the backups away from your home. If you do have backups of everything, there are chances that they are on disks and memory sticks, which either sit next to your computer or somewhere close by. If there is a fire, you need to consider what will happen to everything. Your computer and the backups will be destroyed and you will still lose everything. By having it online, the backups are in another place, so you will not lose out.

Managed and Unmanaged Services

There are managed storage services for those who have no technical knowledge and need help. Managed costs more but it does mean that everything is done for you or you gain more assistance when it comes to uploading and maintaining your documents. However, there are unmanaged services available for those who do not need the technical assistance.

Give Access to Others

Your family and friends will benefit because they will be able to access a copy of everything. You can keep all your photos and videos on one server and give usernames and passwords to everyone who would like to access it. This makes it much easier to share memories. You will also be able to access them whenever you want, wherever you are. There is no need to be at your home computer.

All you need is an internet connection to be able to access everything on the storage, which you can gain most places – such as free Wi-Fi connections or a friend’s broadband. This means that it is possible to access the documents absolutely anywhere and show everything off that you want.

Low Cost for All Uses

The cost is also low, depending on the type of Cloud storage service you opt for. There are also some companies that offer free storage, which makes it reasonable for personal users to use and backup their information. There really is something for everyone.

Easy to Use Without Knowledge

The Cloud storage software is also easy to use, even for those who are not technical. Everything that you need to do is detailed and there is a help section when required. At the same time, it is secure, which means even personal and confidential documents can be stored, such as credit card details and any invoices for those who are self employed.

There are a number of reasons why Cloud storage software is worth the money for home users. However, there are some disadvantages and you should always look into them before you make a decision. Shop around for the best rates on the storage and always check reviews to make sure the company is worth your time.

Is a Role in SEO Right for You?

Getting content perfect for search engines. Image by Search Engine People Blog

As people start looking for a change in career or a new job, many start turning to looking at the online world. The benefit of the online world is that there are plenty of businesses using it and you can gain work in helping them. Search engine optimization marketing is a popular role as it helps businesses do better and you could even work for yourself.

Could You Work from Home?

Working from home and for yourself is not the best thing to start with. Working for other companies will give you experience in your field and will help you show off why someone should hire you for their work. You would also need to determine whether working from home is something for you.

What Is SEO?

SEO is the way that websites are able to improve in their search result rankings. It is the use of keywords to climb up the ladder. However, that does not mean that that is all you will need to do. When it comes to the marketing, you also need to know about website design and how to use other marketing techniques, such as the use of social media. You will also need to go into some details about the scripting languages that are needed to make websites.

Courses for Internet Marketing

If you are looking for a course to take, Internet Marketing is a great option. This bachelor’s degree will tell you everything that you need to know and will go through all of the different forms of marketing for the online world. The course can be difficult for some people because it will also go into website design, but it is worth the hard work.

You do not need to go to college to do the degree. You could also look into the different online degrees that are available. While the disadvantages are that you will need to work in your own time, the advantages involve the chance of working while you are getting your Internet Marketing qualification. You could teach yourself everything without gaining a qualification but you will need to remember that you will not be as desirable for work.

Build Up Your Work Experience

You need to build your work experience up so that people will hire you. This does not mean that you need to find the best job to start gaining experience. You should look at taking internships. The pay will be low, if anything at all, but it will show your seriousness for wanting to learn more about the work and do well.

Now it is time to start applying for the jobs in SEO marketing. Take your time to make sure that your resume and cover letter are high standards because the field of work is extremely competitive. You will need to show on your resume just why you should get the job and how your work experience has helped you. You will also need to make it clear on your cover letter about why you are perfect for the job and how you fit each of the requirements. Show your initiative too by including blogs that you have written and work that you have done.

Interviews for Jobs

When you are offered the chance of an interview for the search engine optimization marketing role, you will need to prepare. Research into the company and be ready for any questions that they ask. The employer will want to know that you know what the company does and not just about the role that you will be doing. You should also have a list of questions ready to ask the interviewer about the role and the company that you will be working for. You will be nervous for the interview because there is only so much that you can do to prepare. Just make sure that you are ready to boost about your talents and always link them to how they can help the company grow.

Take the time to do everything you can to gain a role in search engine optimization marketing. You will need to build up experience as well as qualifications. Once you know more and have built the contacts, you may find that it is possible to start working from home.

Why You Need an Exit Strategy

Whenever you start your own business or come up with a way of earning money online, you will need to have an exit strategy in mind. The type will depend on the reason behind creating your business. An exit strategy is just as important as having a business plan, a financial plan and a marketing plan for many reasons.

Determine the Way You Run Your Business

First of all, it will determine your business strategy. It will help you set out the number of employees you will have, whether you enter the stock market and the type of products that you will sell. If you plan on handing the business to a family member at the end, you will be able to offer products or services for that buyer’s lifetime. However, if you plan on closing the business when you have had enough, you will need to think about your employees and your customers or clients.

Determine What You Do With Profit

How will you handle the profit that your business makes every year? Will it go back into the business or spent on yourself? This will depend on the type of exit strategy that you have. If you are in the business purely for the lifestyle, you will want the majority of the profit. However, if you want the business to grow and succeed, you will need to put as much profit back into it as possible. This is especially the case if you want to sell the business afterwards. A business that is doing well will be worth more in the end.

Determine Who to Train

Do you want to hand off the business to a family member or a specific member of the team? If this is the case, you will need to make sure that they are fully trained in the company. You also need to make sure that they want to do this afterwards. You may find that you have no family members who want to continue on with your business and will need to look at employees that you trust.

Above are just three reasons why you need to develop an exit strategy now. This is extremely important and there are many options available. Take your time to look through the different types of exit strategies and find something that works for your needs.

How to Become a Successful eBay Seller

Becoming an eBay seller means that you can make money selling your own things that you no longer want or need. You could also create a small shop and start selling your own product. There are many people who have benefited by becoming an eBay seller and here are ways to start up your business.

Offer Products that People Want

Before you start selling, think about the type of products people are buying at the moment. Some of this will come down to seasonal times. For example, ball gowns sell well during the Spring and Autumn for summer proms, Christmas dinners and New Year parties. Search the website to find out about the type of products that sell on a regular basis and constantly look at different times of the year.

Buy Cheap and Sell High

Buy cheaper products that you know will sell well and put a minimum bid on them – the amount that you bought them for. This will mean that you stand the chance of making your money back. If they don’t sell the first time, you can always put them on a second time but without the minimum bid to see how well they do. If you want them to go for a specific price, you can always use the Buy It Now function.

Should You Opt for Buy It Now?

The Buy It Now means that you set the exact price and people will pay that exact amount. You can set the number of products that you have so the listing stays up until all items have been sold. This is the way that some shops operate if they know that they will be able to get items back in stock quickly. The Buy It Now function is great if you want a specific amount but some items may sell for much higher, which is where the bidding is more beneficial.

Avoid putting Buy It Now and the bid option on the same items at the same time. Coming from an eBay buyer, if I see a product that is higher on the bid than on the Buy It Now and I want it, I will always opt for Buy It Now. This has only happened on rare occasions but it is still possible and you end up out of pocket.

Think About Postage and Packaging

Will you sell to overseas buyers? Will you offer a collection service? Should you set your Postage and Packaging for free? These are all questions that you will need to ask yourself. A collection service is great if you have larger items, such as coffee tables, furniture etc that is easier for someone to collect. However, smaller items are usually best sent via the post. Free P&P charges may entice some buyers but it all depends on the price of the item. This is a case of trial and error to find out what works for your store. Remember, if you offer free P&P then you will incur the charges and may work at a loss.

Sending overseas does increase the potential for sales but there is also the risk of incurring high P&P charges. If I am going to sell something on eBay, I usually opt for the UK only unless someone specifically asks if I am willing to send overseas, which has happened on rare occasions. Remaining in the mainland has always worked out easier and cheaper so there is less chance that I will incur a loss.

Look for Free Insertion Days

It costs money to sell products on eBay. You will need to pay a 10% commission for the website allowing you to sell products and then pay to list your items. However, eBay runs free insertion days on regular occasions – I think I’ve seen at least one weekend a month with free insertion since March 2012. This is the best time to sell your items as it means you spend less.

Market Your Products

You will need to do a lot of marketing to let people know about your items. This will mean promoting through social media and even though other forms of internet marketing, including article and email marketing. It will take time but, if you are a serious eBayer, it will pay off in the long term.

Think About Your Product Descriptions

It is easy to fall into the trap of writing the same product description as the merchant. The problem is that your description will not be unique. Write your own and experiment with colours and styles. This is a great way to add personality to your eBay store and attract more potential buyers. It will take time but, like marketing, you will benefit in the long run.

Create a Website

As your eBay store becomes more popular, think about creating a website for your products. You may find that you can also sell your products on your own, without the need of eBay. The benefit of this is that you can link to your website through your eBay listings so people can find something that matches their exact needs instead of making do with anything they find on the auction website.

It is possible to run your own eBay business and become a successfully seller. There are many people who do this as a full-time business and make thousands in a month. Take the time to follow the above tips and be prepared to put the work in. This will give you more chance of becoming successful.

Is It Worth Signing Up for Paid Surveys?

There are many ways to make money online and today I will be talking about paid surveys. This is something that I do from time to time but have neglected for many reasons over the last year or so. It is important to look into the terms and conditions and research each website before you sign up.

Make Money for Taking Surveys

The benefit is that you can make money online by giving your own opinions. Retailers all over the world are constantly looking into market research to find out the best ways to promote their products and services and to find out anything specific that consumers benefit from. They set up surveys, which third-parties send to the people who have signed up to make money with paid surveys.

Make a Small Amount of Money

There is no way that you will get rich quick from paid surveys – in fact, you are unlikely to get rich at all. You only earn a small amount of money per survey – usually between 50p and £2 depending on the length. However, it is an option for a small side income if you want to save up for a treat.

Some companies reward in points instead of cash. These points can be redeemed through certain companies online or converted into cash at a later date. The most points you are likely to earn are about 250, which translates to about £2.50 depending on the company.

Won’t Always be Eligible

The problem is that these paid survey companies send out the same invitations to thousands of users and you will not always be eligible. They try to work off the details that you put in but that is not always possible. There are also times when they will have met their quota on certain age groups, locations etc so the survey will be closed to you. The biggest problem is getting half way through a survey and finding out that you are no longer eligible as you will not earn the reward points. It is a major flaw in the system and one reason why I have stopped doing them – especially the longer surveys that can take 30 minutes.

Don’t Pay Upfront!

You will never be asked to pay upfront to make money online with paid surveys. The companies earn their money through those looking for market research so you can earn money. Those that have a fee will not be legitimate so walk away quickly. There are plenty of free survey websites to sign up to including:

• Chooze
• Valued Opinions
• Word of Mum
• Emma’s Diary

You don’t need to do a survey if you are sent one via email. The option is just there if you fancy filling one out. I tend to delete them as soon as they come in, unless they’ll take me about 5 minutes. You will not be told that you have to leave and there is no minimum requirement. It means that you can make money online easily without having to worry about other things getting in the way.

It is possible to make money online with paid surveys. Take your time to do research into the companies to find out how often you will be sent surveys and the likelihood of completing them. This will help you determine whether they are worth your time or not.